Asking strangers for a portrait

I say who I am, what I’m working on and how long it will take. Usually that is two minutes, sometimes five.

I always show them the camera and tell them they can say no. About half say yes.

After a yes

I ask them to choose where to stand. People pick places they feel at home, and it shows in the picture.

The portrait is a favour. Treat it like one.

I take their email and send them a print. Several have become regular sitters since.