ARPS Statement and Panel

Strangers

This is a panel of character portraits of strangers. The work was influenced by the style of the photographer, Jane Bown, and was inspired by a verse from a song written by the contemporary singer, Tim Wood. The song is about the human connection between people and the particular verse reads:

“... You know sail boats go riding
but I think I’ll stay
and be kind to strangers
they’re not so far away”.

Using this idea of common ground between people, I have tried to engage with strangers on the street in the City of York and take their photograph.

I have tried to create a realistic portrayal of the people I photographed using natural light and a street setting. I did not try to pose people, but accepted how they wanted to look, whether serious or smiling. However, I did ask each one to look directly into the camera as I felt this eye contact was a vital part of the connection I was trying to achieve.

Essentially, I wanted to show that it is possible to use photography to connect with strangers in a gentle and positive way and in those few moments of contact, capture some aspect of their character in the resulting portraits.

: