Pale Blue Wave, an Instagram profile with more than 80,000 followers, highlights impromptu photos and video portraits of strangers around Portland, mainly taken in downtown. The photographer who created the Pale Blue Wave account says he appreciates the style of the residents he sees walking around. In the videos, some Portlanders appear surprised and flattered to be noticed on their commutes going about their day. The interactions and on-the-spot photo shoots take place quickly, typically lasting 10 minutes or less. We hear more from Ryan, the photographer behind Pale Blue Wave, about his project.

Editor's note: We are only using Ryan's first name to protect his privacy.