The Solitude of Strangers

There’s something poignant and beautiful about a person in a world of their own.

I like to take pictures. When looking through my Instagram, I realize that some of my favorite pictures are of strangers. Is it okay to take photographs of strangers? I’m not sure. But it’s something I like to do from time to time, when I spot a good moment. I do try to be ‘respectful’, deleting pictures that seem too intimate or intrusive.

Here are some of my favorites, in (roughly) reverse chronological order.

solo dreamer boy

smoke break

Man on train Facetime-ing a loved one

lovers in the rain

boy meets puddle

smoker at bus interchange, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu

founder/CEO takes a phone call

a man and his bird

child in playground, 2017

provision shop uncle enjoying his afternoon nap

solitary uncle resting on his scooter

cigarettes and conversation

boy in his own world

cat at rest in busy train station

strangers drunk in love and laughter

couple capturing a moment (Cebu, Phillippines)

Solitary bricklayer working all day (Cebu, Philippines)

uncle enjoying the scenery

a woman overlooking a block of flats

A couple taking #OOTD photos on Hari Raya

I’m at a payphone / trying to call home / all of my change I spent on you

person enjoying the view from an infinity pool in Krabi, Thailand

A migrant worker building the sky

Proposal at Star Vista (she said yes!)

CBD on the weekend

Workers sleeping in the back of a truck (Bangkok, Thailand)

Solitary artist at work

It’s raining men (Red Lions at Sembawang Air Base)

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