Crossing Paths - photographs by Niall McDiarmid

I've written about Niall McDiarmid's Crossing Paths project before. In early 2011, he began taking portraits of people he met as he travelled across Britain. In three years he photographed more than 800 people, travelled over 50,000 miles and stopped at more than 120 towns across England, Scotland and Wales. He has now published his book of the project, available through his Crossing Paths website.

As a sourcebook of early 21st century style and character in an increasingly diverse UK, it's invaluable. Read more about Niall McDiarmid here.

Grey Fox photographed by Niall McDiarmid

Some weeks ago I wrote about Niall McDiarmid and his Crossing Paths project, in which he travels the UK photographing people he meets in a way that sensitively and colourfully captures their personalities. Here is my original story.

I was lucky enough to be photographed by Niall recently. I was anxious about this, as I'm not happy in front of a camera but Niall was a delight to work with and I enjoyed meeting him and seeing him work.

Here is one of the shots he took, taken by the river in Richmond upon Thames on the sort of grey, damp day we are now used to in London. Despite the unseasonal weather I was slightly too warm in my thick vintage Harris tweed jacket!

For more on Niall's work see the Crossing Paths project, his website and Tumblr.

Photo courtesy of Niall McDiarmid

Crossing Paths - Niall McDiarmid, showing personality through street photography

One of the major influences in my search for style has been street photography - the best of which shows how clothes can reflect the wearer's personality. I first came across Niall McDiarmid when he followed me on Twitter and I found his website, Crossing Paths. This is a photographic record of Niall's journeys across the UK and the people he meets. Niall tells me that,

"The portrait project is ongoing and is basically my view on who I meet as I travel around the UK. From the eccentric, to the fashionably dressed, from the colourful to those who simply fit with their surroundings...whoever crosses my path".

Much street photography records what people are wearing, but gives little clue as to the subject's personality. Niall's photos are different, each one recording clearly the whole person in front of the camera. This is enhanced by a very special sense of colour and humour which make these pictures exceptional.

Many thanks, Niall, for allowing me to reproduce these portraits and I look forward to seeing the project develop. Visit Crossing Paths for more.