#136 Cycle Chic

I noticed this lady as she was leaving her house with her bike. I liked her style.

#135 Bike Girl

I was almost gone. Packing my camera away when this girl lined up waiting to take my bike spot. I liked her sleek look so I thought why not?! Putting my bike aside, I asked if I could snap a quick portrait before I gave my spot away and she kindly agreed. Thank you!

#60 Cycling chic

One of my many passions is cycling and I like nothing better than a sight of stylish and yet casual looking cyclist, maybe because I can never quite pull that look off. I saw this lovely lady cycling down Columbia Road and stopped her on her cute little fold-up bike. I really enjoyed photographing her. I really liked the fact that she took initiative and thought about poses and chose not to look directly into the camera.

#57 Cyclist

I saw this beautiful girl walk her bike down Brick Lane while munching on her popsicle, which was matching the colour of her bike. She kindly agreed to block the road with her bike for a moment for me. I had to help her with setting up her bike since manoeuvring it with one hand was a little difficult. 

Despite being initially attracted to the matching colours, I decided to process the shot in B&W. It simply worked better for me. Fewer distractions.

#13 Two for the price of one

Top tip: 'Want to boost your street confidence? Bring a friend.'

I headed out for the streets with the lovely Lady Velo today. After delicious dinner at our favourite dim sum place, we strolled down the Carnaby Street. I stopped this lovely lady below then encouraged Lady Velo to pick someone to go up to. First there was a gentleman with a hat but she was a little shy about asking someone who wasn't alone. Then we spotted the second lady battling with her bike and I suggested she asks her for a photo for her blog and she did! The lady said 'yes' and you can see her picture below. I fixed her bike so really at the end of it everyone was very happy. I hope Lady Velo uses the picture for her blog as I took the shot but she was the one who asked. 

Stopping strangers is so easy when you are not alone.

Lady #1

Lady #2

#9 "Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet."

Absolutely fantastic day out yesterday. Despite the rain, I managed to get a few really fab street portraits and plenty of 'yes' responses. Rejection blues truly over and forgotten.

This is Gemma from South Africa. She has now lived in London for 11 years. She was standing by Truman Brewery waiting for her friend. I really liked her look. Stylish girls on bikes rate highly in my books.

I spent the afternoon wandering around Brick Lane with Emil, who as always was kind enough to share his expertise. I mentioned a couple of entries before that when I am faced with a stranger, I simply forget what I know about photography and rush into snapping. 'You need a method', said Emil. 'I need a list.', I replied.

Here it is then written down so I don't forget:

1. Set the camera exposure to match the ambient light.

2. Take a test shot.

3. Review the test shot and direct the strobe (choose the ideal angle, power and distance from the subject)

4. Take another test shot and adjust the strobe not the camera settings.

5. Take three or four photographs varying the angles and composition each time.

6. Remember to breathe!

Thank you Emil.