Neat candid. You're right.. a little dark...but nice expressions.

This is a strange phenomenon amongst visitors to Blackpool, the desire to have ones photograph taken by a complete stranger just because he is sporting a big black camera. I had 3 requests only a few nights earlier and the image I posted last night was of a bunch of kids who where only too delighted to have their photograph taken.

This shot is a bit heavy but I agree with your reasons for posting it. There is a sort of cuddly feel about it and the expressions are great.

I'm not a huge fan of this one - I do like the expressions also, but it just seems a bit like a quick snapshot.

It's not a great shot (the shadows are too dark and can't really be rescued convincingly)

I rather like the simplifying effect of the limited tonal range. The whole focus is on their faces, which is just as it should be.

Hey, that is a very cool shot. Three interesting but different faces. nice to have it in black and white.

I also think the tonal range of this is fantastic; it really focuses on the faces and the subtle white stripe on the middle childs clothing provides for a curve that directs the eye around the picture. Nicely done.

It has good expressions. I find this all the time as well. If I am walking around with the 200mm lens on I get this a lot. Who are you with? and Will you take my picture. I actually have one of a couple in my stack now. I do have to tell you. Pictures like this are what helped me get the nerve to start taking pictures of complete strangers. I am to the point where it's not real hard any more.

i don't like the shot.....but actually reading your post makes it a lot better....just the fact they had no idea 'a lot' of people would be viewing the photo.....

I appreciate straightforward portraits sometimes, especially of complete strangers. Yes, it's more like a 'snapshot,' but it's a sweet moment.

The girl in the centre looks really familiar - but i'm guessing you didn't catch their names? :)

Nice shot - like you say, not your best. But it's candid and cheerful :)

Haha as a teenage girl myself I know what they were thinking. They saw you with your professional camera and knew they would look gorgeous in your image!

NIce natural photography :)

Nothing wrong with it all David makes a refreshing change sometimes to take / work on a shot like this...

p.s. You have email.

yup, those shadows are way too heavy :(
There are a couple of things that may have helped (PS I have no idea if you did this or not :S):
C1 Pro: Changing film Type to "Extra Shadow"
Photoshop CS2: Shadow/Highlight

the latter can really transform an image (pretty much saving it), and its something that people forget about

Thanks everyone, and despite this being my least commented image in ages, I still like it. Yes, it's a snapshot, but their expressions make up for that.

Hooray people it is ;-)
Not as good as that widescreen one you did a while ago but fab nonetheless.

Yeahp, it's a situation that sometimes happends. I love to go out with the camera to the city center or parks and take unknown people portraits. More than one time somebody ask me to take a photo for them. It's a funny situation but it's nice. It's easier to me to portrait unknown people than known people.

Good expressions and great blog (I not use to comment here but it's a long while that I follow it by feeds)

They look very happy and relaxed. Obviously they had a great time there.

I actually think the general darkness give the photo lots of impact and energy.