500 Faces
500 Faces is an attempt to take portraits of five hundred people between January 2026 and December 2027 asking each to write (or dictate) 100 words about being alive today. This will form a future archive of our challenging times. All opinions are relevant. All people are relevant. Sexual orientation, skin colour, religion, nationality, disability do not matter. Your thoughts do. I am extremely grateful to those who have already taken part.
So, you won't be paid but you will get a digital copy of your portrait which you will be free to use. You will also have to sign an agreement that allows me to use the photograph and any agreed words in relation to this project (but not beyond it). It is a simple, standard agreement to protect us both legally. Whilst I will invite everyone to be portrayed in my studio at The Ropewalk, Barton-on-Humber I will respond to other needs if I have to, for instance if you cannot travel there. You must also be 18 or over.
Finally a portrait is usually head and shoulders. There may be some people who, for good reason, do not want to be seen in this way, in which case we will agree another way that represents you. So don't let it put you off taking part. This community of 500 Faces is diverse, important and representative. You can find out more by contacting me at nigelwalkerphoto@gmail.com and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
The first one hundred people who have taken part are slowly being turned into 500 Faces - Volume One which will appear as a magazine style publication. As well as that I am now working, with my web designer, Indigo Tangerine, on the development of a website that will appear at the same time and be added to weekly. Both will be launched during the Open Studios weekend on 26/27th September 2026 at The Ropewalk, Barton on Humber where I will be in my studio between 10.00 and 16.00 each day with the website on display and copies of Volume One. Volume Two is being started even as I write this 🙂
If you'd like to take part and become part of this community then email me (see above) and I'll send full details and dates of availability.
Happy to take part, Nigel
I’d like to take part Nigel!
Hi
I would love to help with your project
Having been part of your gallery and Art in Beverley
Many happy memories for me
I am working in the monadadtic style now
Sounds interesting. I'd like to be involved.
Cheers Martin. I have emailed you.
Hi Ann. We have been in touch via email and I look forward to seeing you after your holiday 🙂
Hi Nancy. Yep who could forget that lovely angel! I will send full details later today. Take care Nigel
Hi John. Many thanks for your interest. I will send full details later today. Look forward to meeting you in due course. Nigel
This sounds fun to me as I want to do different things in my 70th year!
Great Sue. I'll do my best! You will receive further information in a few minutes via your email.
Count me in !!
Hi Jacqueline. I have sent you a separate email with more details, a copy of the model release form so you can see what you are signing up to and some dates which you can book in for your shoot with me. Any questions, just ask! Thanks
Happy to be a part of this Nigel / obvious have space.
Hi Jane, I assume you got my email and details. Thanks for wanting to be part of it. If you look at the email it has available dates and times for when I am in the studio up until the end of March. If it didn't arrive let me know and I'll send the details again....I guess it could be in spam? Cheers, Nigel
Hi Sue. Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow (10th) and confirm I will be in the cafe at The Ropewalk at 13.45 so that we can walk down to my studio and take your portrait. I will have a model release form for you to sign in the studio. Cheers, Nigel
Hi Nigel. Id be interested if there is a date you have and im free. Thanks
Thanks Naomi. I have sent you a separate email with dates and times up until the end of April. Looking forward to meeting you if possibe.
Happy to take part but not available until April .
Thanks Julia. That is not a problem. I have sent a separate email with dates and times.
Hi Philip. Thanks. Not too late at all. Separate email sent with full details and dates. Cheers
I would be quite interested in taking part.
Hey, would love to take part.
Thanks. Detailed email sent. Look forward to meeting you.
Hello Nigel,
Saw this being posted in a performer’s grouo on Facebook and would love to take part and get to know more!
Hello, if you need any more volunteers I would be happy to take part.
Hi Lisa. Great. I have sent an email. Thanks for wanting to take part !
Delighted to be included in this fascinating project. It was lovely to meet you and hear about your work on the photography day. It will be a really interesting project to revisit in years to come. Great vision, Nigel!
Hi - my name is Ayşe and am interested in taking part if it’s not too late
Hi Nigel. Are you still looking for volunteers? I’d love to take part.
Hi Lisa. I am. I'll send a follow up email with full details. Check your spam if you don't see it! 🙂 Thanks in advance
A Scottish person living in East Yorkshire who likes a trip o er the bridge to visit the Ropewalk. Any good?
Brilliant. Thanks. An email will be with you in the morning! Check spam if you don't see it! Look forward to meeting you soon 🙂
Hi , this is such a fantastic idea and I'm really interested in taking part .
Please let me know more .
Thank you
Hi Katy. Thanks!! You will get a separate email about the 500 Faces Project with available dates and times from me so please check your spam if it doesn't arrive. Cheers, Nigel