Hello, I'm Molly.

So, if they said yes, or sure or shruged and put on a smile. I am only allowed to take one photo. This is because I need to think about placement more, and because I want to capture their first expression. No practising. And no 1-2-3 SNAP. The didn’t get that much warning.

The goal is 10 photos.

More stats. As I said in the last blog – there was 17 attempts. 11 yes, 5 no, 1 Spanish speaking only.

The Pitch; “Hi there guys, sorry to bother you, my name is Teresa. I’m working on a project. (lifts camera) I was wondering if you would mind if I took a photo of you. (smile)”

6 people out of 16 asked what the project was. Yes’s and no’s. I explained it was as simple as it seemed. Go up to strangers and ask to take their photo. Notice I didn’t say it was for school, I didn’t intend to lie. But most assumed it was for school and said my “class” or “school”.

4 of 11 asked what I wanted them to do. Or how I wanted them to stand. I said, however you are comfortable. The others seemed to either already have a patented pose or never taken a photo together before. After each shot, I showed them the picture (2 said “that will be fine”) and said “Thank you” sincerely and with eye contact.

Every couple did two things.

Said thank you and walked away with a smile on their face. This may be is a testament to politeness or reflex. (“enjoy your movie” “you to”) but I want to think that there was a human connection. I had made their day more interesting. I wonder how many have already told someone about this random encounter.

While looking through the pictures, which are in order of shooting, you can see who is comfortable with each other, who may be new in a relationship, and who wasn’t so sure. There were small stories with each nervous chatter in the 30 or so seconds we spoke.

After two nos I found…

Adorable and instantly warm to me. They seemed to want to hang out and talk.

Then….

They looked at each other and seemed hesitant to get close, until the boy on the left grabbed the other and said “oh c’mon we’re brothers now”

They at first were put off until they heard photo and right away smiled. The girl on the left said she would come find me when they meet up with their friends so I could get another.

This was mother, daughters and granddaughter. The mom quickly moved away from my lens but encouraged her daughters.

These two had known each other for a very long time. They instantly embraced.

She said “what are you gonna do with the picture?!” and when I tried to answer she laughed nervously and waived the comment away.

These two had obviously been fighting in the store and she turned around to storm off and saw me. She put this smile on very easily but you can see confusion in his face.

My favorite. They were both flattered and unsure of me. But more unsure of how close to get to each other.

These two didn’t care what my agenda was. Cool guys.

“OMG thank you so much!” Very cute. I liked that they looked a little opposite.

And the bonus – Playing “Magic”

and my tally