Photographing people

This is a complete departure from my ‘comfort zones’ of architecture, seascapes and occasional landscapes.

I started taking portraits to support the 12 Big Things project. I really enjoyed doing that and decided to try out ‘Street Portraits’. It’s quite nerve-wracking to take on the responsibility of recording how someone will look.  But it’s also hugely enjoyable. It can also be be a very collaborative process. And most importantly it’s a new venture for me, and I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of learning new things.

Broadly there are two types of street photography: candid shots, where people are unaware that they’re being photographed; and portraits, where the subject agrees to be photographed. I’m still a bit uncomfortable taking candids. But asking strangers for a portrait is quite daunting too. Not impossible, however, and the interactions that follow can be great fun. 

Here are some of the portraits I’ve taken in Glasgow, Dumfries, Drymen and Edinburgh. Some were taken on a photo-walk with Paul Reid. Click on images to open a bigger file