Beyond the obvious

Three holiday makers on a bench in Ostend in Belgium. The couple on the right didn't know the gentleman on the left. I love taking spontaneous portraits of people on the street. The couple didn't know this other chap on the left but by asking to take a portrait of them I brought this little group together for a few minutes. It was great fun. Several hours later I passed the couple in the street and we waved a cheery greeting to each other like old friends. One of the wonderful things about being a photographer is that it enables you to meet all sorts of people, not only the famous but also folk like you and me and the people in this picture. Cheers, Paul

Met this chap in the street in Leeds. We talked about the trials and tribulations of the local football team and he agreed to pose for me. This image is part of my 'street portraits' project. I'm thoroughly enjoying this project. It's great to meet people and learn new things. Most are very friendly and open to chat and have their picture taken. Now you know I don't like advertising stuff and this is not a commercial blog, but I have to say that I think Lightroom is a brilliant piece of software and in combination with Photoshop it gives me the workflow options and speed I need to get through loads of images. Speaking of which, I'd better get on with it. Someone asked me if the tattoos on the chap are real. The answer is yes, absolutely. I'll upload other images from the series in the coming weeks. Till soon, Paul

James and a friend in fancy dress for a 21st birthday party on the street in Bournemouth. I'm working on a series of street portraits and thoroughly enjoying it. These two were part of a whole group and they were having great fun, a bit boisterous but certainly not being destructive or anything. However, when they tried to buy an ice-cream from a stall they were refused service. I can't stand these small minded people who follow a strict policy, applying it to everyone without looking past clothing and style at the actual individual. Granted if you're dealing with real trouble makers you've got to put your foot down but if you can see that no harm is meant then why be a 'jobs worth' and totally inflexible? The following day I went into a pub to enquire about the menu and was told to take my cap off. It surprised me. I certainly don't think that I look like a trouble maker. Well maybe I do look a bit dangerous LOL . In my experience as a photographer dealin...

Portrait of Magda Indigo, out enjoying the landscape in Flanders, Belgium. Yesterday I was looking through my library of photography books. Being a bit of a collector I've got quite a lot. The book that caught my attention for a relaxing browse on the sofa was Annie Leibovitz's Woman. It's a magnificent celebration of woman and includes portraits of the famous, of high achievers and of ordinary woman. The thing that all of the images have in common is an honesty and an authenticity. She uses a variety of techniques and styles; black and white, colour, grainy, smooth, candid, posed - it doesn't matter. Each image speaks to the viewer. She often breaks the photographic rule's of composition, but each image works. You never get the feeling that technical considerations get in the way of making a good image. It's all about the subject and the honesty of the photograhers eye. No wonder she is ranked as one of the world's top portrait photographers. In her tribut...