Man In The Hat's photostream  

I like taking photos of my home town (Brighton & Hove), my friends and of random strangers wearing my hat. ;-)

With the exception of The Hat photos (which I do primarily for my own entertainment by stopping random passersby and asking them if they'll pose), I prefer taking unposed pictures of things as they are happening. I'll happily stand in one place for twenty minutes watching some people and waiting for that one magic moment as opposed to asking them to hold a pose. I accept that I won't get pictures as good as I otherwise could do by adopting this approach, but for me part of the enjoyment of my photography is looking back at them later and remembering the moment. An artificial moment just isn't as good, as far as I'm concerned. It can be more artisitc to look at but most of the time I consider that a secondary concern when it comes to my own personal work.

Apart from The Hat photos, the only real exception to this is portraits of people I know. Because then for me the photo is about them, not about some model I have hired. Not all my friends are as photogenic as professional models but for me it's about the intimacy of the moment and the representation of them as a person. It's possible to get some amazing shots with professional models but I never find them as interesting or passionate or personal as when the photographer knows the subject.

Finally, be aware that if you Favourite one of my photos I will look through your other Favourites and if I find anything hardcore or offensive then I will block you.