100 Strangers

The idea: The 100 Strangers project is a learning group intended for those wishing to improve both their social and technical skills needed for taking portraits of strangers and telling their stories. The method is to learn by doing. Your participation will require you to share your experiences with the other members of the group. By providing this invaluable knowledge, everyone, beginners and experienced alike will benefit.

The challenge: Take at least 100 photographs of 100 people you don't know. Approach anyone or a group of people, ask for permission to both take a photo of them and to post it to this group. Get to know your stranger/s. Who are they? What is their life like?

Step out of your comfort zone and into a new level of portrait photography. Start by taking 100 portraits of people you don't know, total strangers. We welcome both beginner and advanced photographers. You may be new to photographing strangers or already have experience with this type of photography. Regardless, everyone is encouraged to take up the challenge.

The project is quite enjoyable and will definitely improve your photojournalistic skills. During the process you might just gain a new appreciation for those around you and enrich your everyday experience . You may even gain a few new friends along the way.

As you progress with the project it will be critical to share your experiences with the other members. This may be a story about the stranger you just met or how you felt making the approach. You may have, for example, tried a new approach, used a new photographic technique or equipment. You are learning by doing, so share with us what you’ve learned while taking on the 100 Stranger project.



THE RULES:

1a) NUMBER AND LINK.

The title should contain a number indicating how many strangers you have photographed for the challenge, for example, Stranger 37/100. The description of each photo published in the group pool must indicate that it's a photo taken for this challenge and must contain a link to the 100 strangers group. Why? See the discussion we had on the topic.

You can formulate your own tagline or simply copy the code below and add the correct number:

A link for the group page;

This picture is #XX in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/">100 Strangers Flickr Group page</a>

1b) BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I REACH 100?

This has been a subject debated on more than one occasion and previously the rules stated that there was a strict 100 posting limit on the group. However we are pleased to say this rule has now been changed and photographers who have completed their first 100 Strangers project can continue contributing to the group!

In order that the ethos of the group remains the same, we ask that 100 Stranger veterans commit to another full set of 100 strangers. Taking on the challenge to reach 100 more, setting themselves new challenges and goals and importantly (see rule 2) add a description about the encounter, and what they have learned. The photographs beyond the first 100 may be placed in a new 100 Strangers set, or the established system of numbering may be continued.

2) PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION

When you submit your photo it must contain a description of the encounter. Your participation in the group will require you to share your experiences with the other members of the project. It is strongly recommended that this include things such as, but not limited to:

* What's the name of the person in the picture?
* Who is he/she?
* How did you meet?
* What did you talk about?
* New photography technique?
* Your approach style...
* An observation...

3) NO CANDID SHOTS, NO ARCHIVE SHOTS, NO KIDS and THE OBVIOUS...

Where for the purposes of this group, candid refers specifically to photographs taken of people without their permission. Photographs may appear candid in nature or unposed but the story you post along with the photograph should explain and support the reason for the candid appearance. For example, I was attracted to this person because of what they were doing. After asking for permission, I asked them to continue the activity so I could capture them naturally, rather than asking them to pose. Want to know more? See the discussion board.

Submit only photos that are taken specifically for the project. Do not submit archive pictures taken before starting the 100 strangers project. Submit only pictures of people you do not have prior knowledge of, aka “Strangers” . See the guidelines.

No shots of kids / minors without one of their parents. You wonder why? Learn more here.

And, obviously, no shots of friends, relatives, pets or houseplants.

4) YOU CAN ONLY SUBMIT 1 PHOTO/DAY and 1 PHOTO/STRANGER

The idea of the 100 Strangers project is to challenge you, to learn over time and develop your own style in approaching strangers and taking portraits of them. It is intended that you take the time, patience and effort to develop the skills required. The challenge is in no way considered a race to photograph 100 strangers.

Only one photo per stranger can be submitted. If you wish, you may attach supplemental photos in the comment section of your photo... not in the pool..

The 1 post/day limit is to discourage people from simply setting up a photo booth and shooting 100 strangers in 1 day. An admirable challenge in its own right but not what this project is about. See the discussion for further details.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1) Create a set for your strangers. It makes it easier for you and other to see your progression in the project.

2) Participate in the project discussion. Take a look at what others have done and comment on their photos. There is no rule saying you have to comment, but we like to think we're a community of people who like to help and encourage each other. Check out our discussions - you'll find a lot of helpful information there.

3) Place your photos on the map. It's great to see all the stranger photographs from around the world.


WHAT THE 100 STRANGERS GROUP IS NOT

The one hundred strangers group is NOT meant for showing off or promoting pictures of strangers. The 100 Strangers project is a learning group intended for those wishing to improve both their social and technical skills needed for taking portraits of strangers and telling their stories. The method is to learn by doing. The admins and moderators harvest the pool to remove pictures not taken for the challenge and/or not in the spirit group, no matter how wonderful they might be technically or artistically. Please do not post pictures to the group if you are not intending to take up the challenge of photographing 100 Strangers.



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From time to time, we interview some of our members. All of them provide fascinating insights in various forms and they're as different as our members are. We highly recommend you check them out:


Andi H.
Neil Winch
Peter McConnochie
Al Fed
Mark McConnochie
Chris Arnade
Xavier
Pete Zelewski
evansrobinson
gtpete63
emeL
Poupetta


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Veterans Icon Gallery - Perfect 100 by the numbers.

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/teppo/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrchard/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/studiodxavier/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dk_m/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronlicht/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffcam/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonne1985/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/maureenbond/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/timelessriver/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/steffe/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/leo_of_berwyn/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/garris/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/i5prof/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahat/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilwinch/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ant-o-rama/with/5989915013/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tim_albert/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/luke_reynolds/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/32292539@N04] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/foole/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/colinlogan/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/38554370@N03/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/al-stan/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/green-dinosaur/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobs-kid-erik/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougliz/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bendyhaze/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tedwardphoto/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/drmaccon/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/stretch1000/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyerionp/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/16489083@N05/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ogrady2001/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/strainz/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/40084825@N07] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/66944468@N05/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/gtpete/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/micahheatwole/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ant-o-rama/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/44506883@N04/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/25876811@N07] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/boygriv/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/random_shootings/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtarsy/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/milleleter/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/steffen-hillenbrand/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/aadnan613/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/carmelaj_07/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rojwhitelock/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/kasprouse/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajax8055/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikonsnapper/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/evansrobinson/]

Veterans Icon Gallery - 50 to 99, also, some count 2 or more per picture

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxslaughter/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/afunkydamsel/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jim_darling/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/artsyt/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/josephinaphoto81/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixxel_dust/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/zollo/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/pyogenes_gruffer/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjmixer/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakari/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/friendlyjoe/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/t_13/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/7565780@N08/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/canaltowntraveler/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/clarkwestfield/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmiehomeschoolmom/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/vm1757/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmechinita/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwilder/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/abellemare/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/fannybunda/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffrey_lee/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/25228175@N08/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/awkwardboyhero/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/pfffft/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/joycespics/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertbaxter/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/alastairmaw/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mark_k_nj/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/galfriday/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclist451/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/36244940@N07/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/orbitgal/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/n3ll_s/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/schallkoerper/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/31851850@N00/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bitingmidge/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/saintbridge/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/simongman/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/themacinator/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/pmcd9/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmurphpix/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankie14850/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamiempics/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/b-image357/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/27954157@N05/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/harpazo_hope/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/keidong/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/lo-l-a/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/portlandbirch/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/elycefeliz/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/donariel/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/praisecheeses/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/30662817@N05/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/kloppervok/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/pawm/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsukayama/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mugzy555/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/nycandre/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/gigielmes/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/teacherdudebbq2/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/14841234@N02/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucibraga/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/zwieselchen/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/62691427@N08] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/86182676@N00/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/timbo8184/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdolls68dcw/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/fcoarreola/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/osyr16/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/28817028@N06/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theodoreprysziii/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/graceyhearts/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobdeinphoto/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/giuliana20/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/flavianopassarelli/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/zubrow/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/juanmoreshot/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/16059306@N08/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/50142111@N05] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/thermop/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/sara-e-nilsson/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mathiasbarra/] [http://www.flickr.com/photos/plasticfantastic/]


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