50 portraits in 50 days with a 50mm lens - part 1: 1/50-10/50

A week ago I decided to set myself a challenge: 50 portraits of 50 people in 50 days with my 50mm lens. This is not a new project, it has been done by many people before. But for a good reason as there is a lot to be learnt from this challenge. Not to let it slip but take a photo each day. To approach strangers and ask them to take the picture of them. To deal with varying lighting situations. I am not expecting every picture to be technically brilliant but this is not the point of this challenge! It's about being social, spontanuous and creative.

Here are the first 10 of 50 images. Some of the people I know well, some I know a little and some are complete strangers to me.

1/50 Mark, DHI stall Green Park
Once a week I pick up a mixed veg box from Mark. He is always very chirpy.

2/50 Katie, Bradford on Avon
Katie is my sister-in-laws best friend and my new friend here in Bath. I have seen her quite a lot recently which I have enjoyed lots.

3/50 Derek, The Globe Pub
Derek is my brother-in-laws uncle and also our next door neighbour. He is a very generous man and this portrait was taken in one of our local pubs.

4/50 Claire & Isaac, Bath
A week ago I did a newborn shoot with then 16 days old Isaac and this is an outtake which I like a lot.

5/50 Bella & Opi, Bath
My parents came over from Germany to visit us, here is one of the grandfather (German: Opi) and our daughter.

6/50 The Baking Queen
My mother is well known for her excellent cooking skills. We were lucky that she made us one of her infamous cakes.

7/50 Julian, postman in Bath
I first met Julian when our daughter was just days old and we received a huge amount of post and parcels. Once I opened the door to Julian wearing PJs, holding a sleeping newborn in my arms, looking extremely tired and like I have just come out of bed. He just looked at me and said: It'll get better. 

8/50 Claire, mobile hairdresser in Bath
Claire is an excellent hairdresser and when I first saw her I thought: I want your hair!

9/50 Laura-Anne, waitress in the Hop Pole Pub
This is one of my favourite portraits in this series and it was such an unexpected success. It was late, we were in a pub, it was dark. I just approached her and the result is fabulous.

10/50 Tom, butcher at Thomas's in Corsham
Tom is holding tomorrow's roast beef in his hand which we picked up after a day out in the sunshine.