Street Portrait Photography: Europe
Here's a selection of posed street portraits from my travels outside of China, mostly in the UK (my home country) and continental Europe, where I often visit during the summer holidays. Although China and Europe are very different, the experience of approaching strangers and asking for a photo is surprisingly similar. People are sometimes skeptical or suspicious in the beginning, but once I'm able to put them at ease, it's usually an enjoyable interaction for both of us.
There were kids playing in the water fountain in the background on a hot day in August and this gentleman was sitting on a bench eating a snack. Rolleiflex 2.8 E2, Fountain Square, Folkstone, Kent, August 2023.
Topless
Camille & Son
They were on a family holiday from Toulouse and Camille approached me asking about my camera, which is always a great opportunity for me to ask for a photo. Rolleiflex 2.8 E2, Saint Jean de Luz, France, August 2023.
This cheerful couple seem to be enjoying their retirement in Folkestone, Kent. I bumped into them while visiting my university lecturer who also moved to Folkestone after retiring. Rolleiflex 2.8 E2, Kentmere 400 film, August 2023.
Terry & Janis
The Family
This family were sitting on a bench and it just looked like a great photo. Muhammed, the father, was initially reluctant for me to take a photo, but after I explained that I am a street photographer and showed him some examples of my work, he asked his kids to sit up straight for the camera. One of the kids even tried to stand up and not be in the photo, but he quickly ordered her to sit down. Rolleiflex 2.8 E2, Ilford HP5 B&W Film, Ealing, London, August 2023.
38 Days Old
I saw this man in the street with his baby of 38 days and had to ask for a photo. He had this new parent look about him that reminded me of my own experiences during the first few days of being a father. Rolleiflex 2.8 E2, Kentmere Pan 400, Ealing, London, July 2023.
Donna
Donna is a hair stylist in west London, originally from Ireland. She was sitting on the steps taking a break and kindly agreed to let me photograph her. Rolleiflex 2.8 E2, Kentmere Pan 400, Springbridge Road, Ealing, London, August 2023.
Clinton
Saw this gentleman sitting outside his front door in Notting Hill, London. I was too afraid to ask for a photo so I walked past, but after a few minutes, I doubled back to ask him. He told me he's half Irish, half Guyanese. Maybe that's why I found his look to be quite distinctive. The porch was small and it wasn't possible to frame him using the Rolleiflex, so this is one of just a few portraits taken with my Leica Q2 digital camera with a 28mm lens, allowing me to (just about) include his beer can in the frame. Notting Hill, London, June 2024.
Click here to view my portraits of friends and family
