On the 20th February 2011 I kicked off my own 100 Strangers project where I approached complete strangers in the street and asked to take their photograph. The project was inspired by the Flickr "100 Strangers" group which can be found at www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers.



I tried to stay quite true to a simple portrait shot as I wanted to maintain consistency throughout the project. Starting off asking complete strangers to have their photograph taken, is as one can imagine, not an easy thing to do.



I think for the first dozen or so people I approached, I was probably more nervous than they were. However I soon learned to overcome that nervousness and embarked on a very rewarding journey, both photographic and personal.



As for rejections I didn't take them in a negative way at all. I've had some great conversations with people that have made them and myself feel good, but they still haven't agreed to the shot.



One time I approached two stunning looking older women and tried my hardest to convince them to let me take their shots - but in the end they explained they were frightened as if their husbands found out "they would beat them".



Was I sad I didn't get the shot - of course. But not half as sad as I was thinking about those women's lives having such horrible husbands.



It was also frustrating thinking of all the missed opportunities I had every day. That's just the way it goes but it didn't make me feel any less frustrated if I spotted a really interesting looking person.



If I go anywhere without my camera it's a missed opportunity, as there is always someone or something to photograph.



This book is a record of my 100 Strangers project. Shot entirely around the inner city streets of Melbourne - except #48 taken in sunny Perth. I hope that you enjoy it and can be inspired to venture out and maybe try your own.



Cheers Neil