Monday, May 30, 2011

Stranger 10 - Zuri



May 30, 2011
Yesterday I got my first rejection from a stranger. I knew it was coming sooner or later, but I knew I had to keep my head up and try again the next day.



Today, began with a early afternoon bike ride up to the college end of town. My starting point began at the bottom of the hill, all the way to the top where I finally reached the College of Wooster. I was exhausted from the extreme 90 degree weather heat and excess peddling, but it was all worth it. They have a great campus for students with plenty to do & photograph (thats if you don't get caught by security).

As I layed on the ground catching my breath, I saw this young woman walking towards my direction. She passed me and sat behind me near a bench to relax. At this point, I was too gased out to do anything, but as soon as I built up enough strength, I rode my bike towards her. She smiled as I closed in, so I knew I had a good chance she might let me take her photo.

I told her if she could help me out on a photograph project. I went through and told her all about it and she happily accepted my offer.

Everyone, I would like you to meet Zuri.

Zuri had a great name to start off with, let alone her great hair and personality. She's currently a junior majoring in political science. As we talked more about photography and the "100 Stranger" project, I found out that her sister is a photographer in the Chicago area.

Zuri was extremely kind and generous throughout our little conversation. Since she stays updated online, I gave her my card incase she wanted to dive deeper into the strangers project on Flickr.


Thank you so much Zuri for the chat and photograph. Best wishes to your studies and career. May you make a difference in the world.

This picture is #10 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/250th sec
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Stranger 9 - Anonymous



May 28, 2011
Memorial Day weekend should be a awesome weekend to get some great stranger photos for my project. As it happened, I found a great indivdual as I was walking down towards the rural development area of town.

When I approached her, she was sitting on a bench with her dog. I asked her if I could take a photo of her for my 100 Strangers project. She happily accepted as long as it wasn't going to cost her anything. She was a little concerned since she still had her curlers in her hair. Told her I actually loved them and would be great addition to my photo. I don't know how they put all those curlers so neatly in their hair. It looks like a nightmare trying to individually place each one.

As I was firing off shots, I wasn't much paying attention to the background and noticed I had a kick-ass brick wall behind her. After I was done snapping off photos of her, she demanded I take a few shots of her pet dog, which I did to be polite.

She refused to give me her name, which was understandable, so I gave her a fake name to go with her personality. Emma is what I'll call her. Emma was sitting in the sun enjoying her afternoon with her dog. As we closed our talk, I asked her if she has a computer or surfs the web, but she actually gave away her computer to her grand-daughter. With that, she kindly refused my card. Thanked her for her time and departed to quench my throat.

Thanks for the photo opportunity, Emma. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

This picture is #9 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/500th sec
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 400
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Starbucks



I don't know what it is with women and Starbucks. Seems like it's in their DNA to crave it. I for sure am not a fan of coffee, let alone walking inside of one. The feeling leaves me feeling nauseous. But I do love their branding as a company, so I thought it would be nice to display my girlfriend's cup of "delightfulness" to the world of Flickr.

BLAH!

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/1250th sec
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 400

How I Got This Shot:
This was shot in natural light at the local Starbucks cafe. Prime 50mm 1.8 lens to be precise. Fudged with it in Adobe Lightroom and headed on over to Photoshop to beef it up. Topaz adjust was incorporated to add detail in the coffee. My secret color filter was topped off at the end.
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Monday, May 23, 2011

Stranger 8 - Patrick



May 22, 2011
I thought to myself, maybe if I travel down to the town square on a sunny Sunday mid afternoon, I would find a bunch of great people to choose from for my stranger project. I walked down and sat on the bench to wait for my choosings.

...And waited. I felt like this wasn't going to be my day. While I was baking in the sun and watching all the people in their air conditioned cars drive by, I decided to pack it up and head home. Walked around the corner of the cafe shop and look and behold a gentleman was out reading on his labtop. I passed him thinking to myself how I should approach him. I got fed up with myself trying to rationalize the process and manned the hell up. Turned back around and walked right up to him.

"Excuse sir, I was wondering if I could take your photo?"

Without any hesitation or question why, he simply looked up at me with a big smile and said,

"SURE!"

Everyone, I would like you to meet Patrick. Patrick had an awesome camo hat and great facial features.

Told him it was my 100 Stranger project and he seem thrilled to be part of it. Patrick was out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon catching up on some reading on his labtop. Said it was a relief to have a sunny day to go out and relax.

Told him to keep doing what he was doing while I snap a few shots. I thanked him for his time and gave him my art card. He was more than eager to check it out.

Thanks so much, Patrick! You've been a tremendous help to this project. Please enjoy this photo and the readings.

This picture is #8 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Recently just got Adobe Lightroom, so this is my first processed photo and I absolutely can't recommend anymore. It's the bomb!

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/250th sec
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 200
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Stranger 7 - Christine & Josh






May 21, 2011
According to the false prophet, Harold Camping, the world was to end at 6pm today. One last photo before we're all zombies. Needed one more stranger for the day.

After exiting a local art store, Saw this young couple across the street sitting on some steps. I wanted to get their photo, but too many people lingering around. I waited a bit and they eventually crossed the street over to some empty benches. I had to get a photo of them for my strangers project since they reminded me of my girlfriend and I when we first started dating.

Meet Christine and Josh.

"Excuse, I was wondering if you two could help me out with a photography project?"

The woman said "sure!"

Told them I was working on a project called 100 Strangers and wanted to know if they would like to be photographed. They both looked at each other making sure if they should go through it.

"How should we pose?" She asked.

"Whatever your most comfortable with. They both posed in front of me together as a couple. I wished I stuck around longer to chat with them, but I had other obligations to attend. Gave them my art card and told them to check out my work sometime. 

I did see them both the following day and found out the guy skateboards. Come to think of it, I need to get back onto my board


Thanks Christine & Josh on being part of the project. Good luck together in the future.

This picture is #7 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/640th sec
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 500
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Stranger 6 - Chrissa





May 21, 2011
What can I say? It's been a weird day. Doomsday was spreading through the nation and today was going to be our Judgement Day.

The day started when I was walking into town to find a subject for my stranger project. I heard a loud voice from afar. I decided to move in closer to see where it was coming from. Some preacher was yelling at the top of his lungs that the Apocalypse is near and ranting off Biblical verses to the crowd. Just great.

I decided to take a seat outside at a local cafe shop to listen in. I found this young woman by herself. Perhaps she was waiting for someone or just enjoying the sunny day.

Please meet Chrissa (I hope this is how it's spelled).

I told her if she believed the whole "end of the world" spiel and didn't here about it til that day (Good for her, because it's been driving me up the wall). She smiled at the sound of it. Anyway, I thought her hair was awesome looking and asked her if she would let me shoot a few shots for my project. She had this puzzled look on her face, but eventually agreed. Told her thanks for the time and excused myself.

BTW, I gave her my art card so she could keep updated with my photos and portfolio pieces.

Thank Chrissa for helping me out on this project and hope you love the photo!

This picture is #6 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/200th sec
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 200
____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Stranger 5 - Gregory





May 14, 2011
I knew before starting this project, there were going to be a few strangers that are a little more memorable than the others. Well, this time it happened. Instead of me going to the stranger, the stranger approached me. Let's dig a little deeper into the story, shall we?

Right before I met Jan (Stranger 4) at the church gathering, a very particular gentleman approached me. His name is Gregory.

"What kind of lens you have on?" He said to me while I was talking to my girlfriend.

I told him it was a 105mm Macro lens. Since he seemed interested in my camera, I went ahead and asked him if I could snap his photo for a project that I was working on. He hesitated for a moment and decided it was ok. I showed him his photo and introduced myself as Matt while holding my hand out for a handshake. Flip it 180 degrees and he opens his arms for a hug. WOW (You know those hugs you give to relatives that you haven't seen for some time, such as a aunt or uncle? I'm talking about the half-ass hugs where it's a hug but you desperately try not to touch the person as much as possible? That was my hug.)! I couldn't be rude.

He seemed like a nice guy. He talked about how he just got his haircut and wanted to show off his new flair.  Gregory is a Indepenent Mayor Candidate for the city and is hoping to get elected. As we closed our talk about his running for mayor and a 14-mile bike ride, he excused himself to explore the party. I thanked him for his time and I certainly won't forget the experience.

Thanks Gregory for the photo and unexpected "hello". Haha!

This picture is #5 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/2500th sec
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 640
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

New Contact Cards


Yesterday I received my contact/business cards in the mail. I am very impressed. GotPrint.com printed for me. I think I may use this company in the future. Well nothing new now, so I will end this post short.

-Matt

Monday, May 16, 2011

Stranger 4 - Jan



May 14, 2011
The mailman dropped off an invitation to the house that the local church group were going up and down the streets cleaning out flower beds, racking up old fall leaves and trimming up yards. Afterwards, they would hold a mini party for the locals to come and gather, eat and enjoy one's company. I'm so glad I went because I would of never met this caring individual. 

Everyone, please meet Jan.

As I was finished my hotdog, she approached me to say hello. We talked for a few about the event the church were holding. She's a fellow church goer who dedicated her Saturday morning & afternoon cleaning up yards around town.

After we made small talk, she asked me if I was somekind of local photographer. I said "yes" with a slight smile, and she explained how she got a new point and shoot camera and is still working out the bugs on how it works. She loves photography, which led me to ask her about the current project I'm working on, 100 Strangers. She humbly accepted.

Thank you very much Jan! You have such a great heart and spirit. May I find you again to say "hello" in the near future.

This picture is #4 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/2500th sec
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 640
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Stranger 3 - Harrison



May 13, 2011
The weather forecast for the weekend was calling for nothing but crummy showers, so I had to make use of my Friday the 13th and try to find a subject for my stranger project.

The sun was setting fast and I was loosing available light. I had to find somebody. Then bam! I found these college buddies hanging out enjoying ice cream cones. I was actually pretty nervous since this was going to be my first actually asking for someone's photo. The last two were expected on the current situation. As soon as I saw them sitting on the bench, I told my girlfriend to wait for a moment while I ask these guys.

"Excuse gentlemen? I was wondering if anyone of you could help me out?"

They looked at me particular with my 105mm Nikkor Micro.

"Ummm, sure."

I told them I was working on a new personal photography project and wanted to see if any of them would mind if I took their photos. They all hesitated for a moment and then said, "sure" (Well I kinda had to push it a bit.)!

I took all their photos chowing down on their ice cream cones, until I came to this individual. His name is Harrison. He seemed a little camera shy when I asked him, but his buddies egged him on and eventually, peer pressure won. I told him I wasn't looking for anything spectatular, so he licked his cone while his buddies were trying to make him laugh.

Thanks Harrison! I hope the photo wasn't too bad for you. Enjoy your photo and cone, man!

This picture is #3 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/200th sec
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 640
_______________________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Stranger 2 - Jimmy


May 7, 2011
Upon first arrival to the Civil War Encampment, this gentleman was the first I spoke to. His name is Jimmy. Jimmy also travels around teaching us great American History. Today I learned what the soldiers brought to their campsite, what kind of different foods they ate and how a tent was pitched. From looking at the plain white sheet, didn't look like rocket science.

Anyway, after a brief history lesson on living standards during and between battles, I ask Jimmy if he would be so kind to let me snap of photo of him. He didn't mind at all.


Thanks Jimmy on soldier life during the war. Now I know I don't have to pitch a tent while figuring out if what I'm eating, is going to do me more harm than good. I truly hope you enjoy this photo. Cheers!

This picture is #2 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/800th sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 250
______________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Stranger 1 - Jerry


May 7, 2011
I was on my drive home from a softball game I was shooting for my little sister and came across the Civil War Encampment at my local historical society. This place was great, so I whipped the car around and found a parking spot. The event was setup like a mini camp site during a battle during the war. Camping gear to standard firearms were displayed. They even had a section where wounded soldiers would get their limbs whacked off if injured during battle. OUCH!

As I was walking around the campsite, I came across a gentleman who was dressed up as our 16th President, Abe Lincoln. From the gecko, I had to stop him and have a quick chat. His name is Jerry and he travels around with his soldier friends teaching us about the Civil War. After we talked about the site, I asked for his photo. You cannot pass up shooting a great look-alike President. He said "sure", but warned me he may break my camera. He posed for me in a standard pose Lincoln would of stood in the 1800s. Straight upright, shoulders back and one arm by his chest. Very cool!

Thanks Jerry for the opportunity and quick history lesson. I hope you enjoy this photo.

This picture is #1 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com
___________________________________________________________________

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/400th sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 400

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

About Me

My photo
North Canton, Ohio, United States
Currently my profession is graphic design, but photography is my long devoted hobby. Photography has open new doors to my creativity and helps my overall designs. Eventually I plan on offer my services to the local community. Stay tuned!

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