American photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt famously said “It is more important to click with people than with the shutter”. I agree with him. For me, a photograph is the culmination of a longer exchange with a stranger who initially interests me because of their face, clothing or activity. This exchange may be short or can develop into a more sustained connection. There are people in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi that I clicked on my first visit who I now seek out each time I return.

This could be because I am a lover of stories. Some of my best pictures have been taken after or while hearing about the lives of others. People will often reveal quite intimate details about themselves if someone shows interest, even a complete stranger. In return the photographer may be asked to share their story and when traveling I am often questioned about my family, work, financial and marital status.

My curiosity has led to some unexpected experiences. I’ve been asked to sing in Hindi in a barber shop in Lucknow and also by a group of sweepers in a Mumbai street. I’ve been quizzed on Premier League football and the British Royal Family by tipsy agricultural workers in a remote part of Myanmar. In a Kolkata street quite a crowd gathered when a vendor refused to believe that I don’t have a car. His parting shot was “If you don’t have a car then you are not from London”.

I continue to enjoy “clicking” with people I meet when traveling and hope visitors to my website will “click” with the people in the pictures and be curious to know more about the stories behind them.