Thunder: Stranger number three

Well it's about time I put up another stranger photo for my 100 Strangers project. This one has been hanging out on my computer for three weeks now!(uhm, try three months... man this has been in my queue a while.)

Meet Thunder. That's his given name. Seriously, I asked. Short for Thunderstorm, if I remember correctly, which would be a most awesome name considering thunderstorms are one of my favorite things in the world.

Thunder works a stand at our local farmer's market on Tuesdays. I have to say, the Renton Farmer's Market, despite its short season is one of my favorites and I look forward to it all year. I was wandering around the market on my own (child-free time is a rare event for me!), just taking it all in and Thunder truly stood out in the crowd. I should have included more of his apron, because it was that pattern that struck me at first, and then his smile outshone it all when he greeted me. He truly has the most genuine and amazing smile.

Thanks, for being my third stranger, Thunder! I hope the off-season treats you well.

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Not so strange(r)

I met Maggie two whole weeks ago and it's taken me this long to get her picture up! She's a friend of a friend - MJ (oh yes, of awesome Thomas fame!) is teaching her to knit. She has started coming to our knit group and I look forward to seeing her again. So far I have two strangers who are people I will see regularly. Kinda fun to expand your world in this way.

Anyhow, she is superb! When I walked into the yogurt shop where we meet to knit, I immediately hoped she was the stranger that MJ was pushing on me. Dressed in bright colors, just sort of emanating awesomeness.

The yogurt shop has a fantastic pink wall, and I hurried her over there to beat the fading light and increasing crowd. I realized that I rarely shoot one on one with people who are taller than me, so I had to really think about where to stand. Maggie did great for being rushed into pictures with a stranger. We should have chatted more first, but we got to that in the end. Did you know her kids have the same birthday on different years? How cool is that!

For more strangers, take a peek at my strangers posts, or visit the 100 Strangers Project website!

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A new project

So I've joined the 100 Strangers Project. Pretty simple premise - learn about and photograph 100 strangers. What better way to get comfortable meeting people and practice telling their stories through photography!

Today I popped in to the soft open of Urbia Fresh Cafe and met the owner, Lori. She's fantastic! I'm really looking forward to the Grand Opening this week. We have so many drive through coffee shops in Seattle that it's nice to finally have a local place where you can sit down.

It's obvious she cares about her employees and her customers. The best part is that every aspect of her cafe supports local businesses. Everything from her coffee to her food to the sign on the street - all local. I'll definitely be frequenting this place!

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