Nammo's photostream  

I've jumped into a flickr project of photographing 100 Strangers. You can read all about it and see the works at 100 Strangers Flickr Group page. Sometimes I chicken out or end up catching up with friends instead of hunting strangers, so I have started a series of portraits of people I know. So as they aren't strangers, I have simply called them strange! Why? Cos we are all odd in our own ways!

So let me introduce Matty. Matt is a bit of a computer nerd AND the athletic type all rolled into one! After a racing injury he became a BMX guru. He started BMX to teach his twin sons about bikes, but has taken to it in a big way... as have the boys. He wasn't keen on having his picture taken, I had to take 3 shots! In daylight hours he wears a suit! Hard working family man. What Monica would call "one of the good people"

You can see more of my strange friends here www.flickr.com/photos/nammo/sets/72157627397557911/

Messing about with the light tent, 2 flashes and some coloured pencils tonight. Just for fun.

It's been over a months since my last stranger! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone and how much of my confidence has dwindled in that time.

Today was my Rostered Day Off. I had a list of things to do today and high on that list was "find a stranger". I drove into Newcastle and drove thru the Mall area which drew a nil response. Everyone seemed so "Vanilla" . No-one really stuck me as being an interesting stranger. After a while I found myself in the back streets running along next to the rail line and I was heading for one spot in particular. I was heading for Tuff 'n Up Boxing Gym. I'd driven past the other night with a mate and said I wanted to go back.....so today I did.

I met Chris at the door. I walked up and introduced myself to him . We shook hands and I jumped straight into "I'm working on a project...." He agreed without hesitation. I went back to the car and got my trusty 5d with the 135mm lens on and we both walked back inside the gym. Conversation flowed very easily and I took my shot.

We natted on like old buddies for over half an hour. At one stage the conversation turned to the Great Wall of China. Chris had a wonderful image on the gym wall of the Great Wall of China and strangely it was the second time I had seen an image of the Great Wall today! Before I headed out I watched Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Catto's "What About Me" program and in one segment Duncan is on the Great Wall of China. Chris knew a lot more about its construction and success as a fortification than I did so it was really fascinating to talk to him.

He was such a lovely gent. He invited me back to the gym anytime and offered me access to take photos of anything and everything inside. I promised him I would be back. He came across as very honest and genuine. He was fascinating to talk to and he wished me well with my project.

This is my 38th Stranger for the 100 Strangers Project, details of which can be seen on the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.

I tried this shot a few times but it failed miserably as I was using acrylic paint which doesn't hold its form as it is much more fluid.

This is another light tent job. 2 flashes bounce a stack of light around and bing bang bong, this is the result.

Messing about with a light tent, two flashes and some sweet treats.