After spending some time secretly photographing people on the streets, I decided that I wanted to interact with my subjects and learn something about them before taking more intimate photos. I have also often been curious about what it would be like to work on a 365 Project. The combination of these factors led me to the idea of “365 Street Portraits” - taking a street portrait every day for a year.
It is far too easy for people in today’s world, particularly in cities, to get caught up in the fast pace of life. Many people increasingly spare less time to interact with one another face-to-face. This leads to more of us feeling isolated from those around us and seeking comfort hiding behind our smartphone screens, avoiding eye-contact with people who cross our paths every day. I wanted to change that for myself and use photography as a vehicle to achieve it. To date, I have been drawn to the plethora of vibrant colours evident in numerous of the portraits I have taken.
Once the project comes to an end I envisage publishing a book and would love to exhibiting some of the more striking portraits from it in a gallery.
More info: iwonapinkowicz.com
On 8 January 2016 I decided to go for a walk around my local neighbourhood and start a new project (taking one street portrait every day for a year). I met this student in Granary Square. He was rushing to get some lunch but was kind enough to spare some time for a quick chat with me before allowing me to photograph him. This was the first photo I took for the new project.
I met Irina in Holborn back in February 2016. She moved to London from Uzbekistan to study Fashion Design.
I was on my way home from work when I spotted Amy outside St. Pancras International station. She studies Fashion Communicaton at Central Saint Martins and is originally from Lincoln.
This photo was taken in Shoreditch. The subject was standing on Brick Lane holding a signpost for a vintage clothing shop.
This is Emily. She is a British Designer specialising in graphic illustration and luxury silk scarves. I met her in Shoreditch back in February 2016.
After a client meeting on a business trip in Geneva I was walking along a street trying to get a cab back to my hotel. I then spotted Marwa in her car smoking a cigarette. The scene reminded me of a movie with great light and raindrops on the car's windows. I shared the photo with Marwa when I got back to London and we've been in contact ever since.
I was out for a walk in Hyde Park and spotted Felicity from a distance. Her pink hair and red coat caught my eye. She is originally from Japan and works as a model.
I met Eri at St Pancras International station. She is a part of "The Paparazzi City" band from Tokyo, who are currently on tour in London.
I spotted Bella at Granary Square, King's Cross. Her colourful coat and hair style caught my eye.
This is Zarina. She studies at Central Saint Martins and writes about art at The White Pube.
I met Nick on Oxford Street. He is founder and owner of Main Tramp Records and designer/owner of Viscious XYZ Clothes. He is based in Belgium but would love to move to London.
