A while back I mentioned a cool photography project I'd come across called 100 Strangers. The idea is to shoot portraits of 100 strangers, to engage them, and learn a bit about them. In theory I am very gung-ho for this project. But I found myself reluctant to begin. I've been pulling in a bit, retreating into my little world, and I didn't quite feel ready to bum rush strangers and be all chatty.
But as I was working on another project I ran into these nice fellows. We struck up a conversation about photography and nature (two of my very favorite things) and after a bit I asked to take their photographs.
My very first of my 100 Strangers is Park Ranger Raul. Isn't his smile infectious? I was shooting with the Lensbaby with which I still have random good results. I like the photo overall. It's a bit stretched with the focus more than I would strive for as it's still a learning process with this lens. But I like it with his Park Ranger truck over his shoulder. Works for the story.
And this is my second portrait. This is Rob. He was here shooting for the project I had come out to work on. It sounds like he is an avid photographer. He was also shooting a Canon but had a whopping big lens.
Rob took this photo of me as I was shooting macro shots of the tiny plants and sticks. So it looks like I am his first of 100 Strangers. 'Wonder if he is going to join in?
It was a pleasure to meet these two lovely people on such a beautiful day. And now that I have two portraits under my belt, I'm hoping it won't be so difficult to grab a few more.
