Shooting 'the streets/candids' - all the tips!

[vwjoe76]

Oh, and what I meant about being "nervous" of our public transportation wasn't that I'm scared to get on a bus or jet b/c someone will blow it up. Rather, I was speaking towards being "nervous" of photographing public transportation. Whether inside or outside of a bus is an example. It seems that a lot of buildings and transportation systems seem to be off limits in a lot of ways as far as photography goes. --joe

[airfrogusmc]

One word for good street and candid photography.
Timing. The only way to refine it is to practice it.

I usually have two bodies (5Ds) and a 35 1.4L and a 85 1.2L. I don't have a longer lens than 85 and really don't need one and I only shoot in the single mode. Its all in the timing "The Decisive Moment" in my opinion.

Heres are a couple of great photographers whose work can be inspirational and to current topic Bruce Davidson did a book called Subway where he road the New York subway at all hours and shot whatever he saw. Check it out. Click on subway... Also he shot most of the images with wide angle lenses.
http://www.art-dept.com/artists/davidson/ (http://www.art-dept.com/artists/davidson/)
He was inspired by Walker Evans who did a series on the subway late 30s I think.
Heres a couple more photographers in case you're interested.

Danny Lyon

Walker Evans

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Lee Friedlander

Gary Winogrand

[Miyagi-san]

wow, that 'subway' series was pretty damn good!

I really like street photography....good street photography like that subway series makes me stare at a shot and just wonder what the person/people in the photo are doing right now. if they are still alive, what have they been up to since that day their picture was taken, etc.......a good street shot just sort of instantly connects you to that person/those people....

[mulga bill]

Fit in with area and work fast. If someone see you maybe you dont fit in or you not fast.

Hi all and thought i'd re-post this one.Including the signiture it's the most economically funny post out there..thanks Bu:0)

[deci]

I'm new to this forum and just itching to try out a few candids, only thing is I'm slightly disabled and not naturally a very confident person, so I found the tips, especially 'witkedpix's' useful......... Esp, the being 'covertly obvious' stuff..... going to try that out tomorrow :) Can't wait, make a nice change from my cats - Thanks

[condyk]

We miss Bu Yao ... he was always an interesting street shooter and a funny, direct guy.

Deci ... did you get any shots that day ;-)

[deci]

Sadly not, was taken into hospital and I've been in and out ever since (long running complaint), so I've been stuck with nothing but the cats and whatevers in a couple yards range of our front door.
I'm planning on getting a hi-vis waistcoat for when I'm a bit fitter though and go really undercover :lol:

[shadowkipper]

I'm interested im trying out some candid street shots. My only fear is getting seen.

Where abouts should i take the picture from? Body wise. Like should i just hold dow the shutter button and hope it focuses when i have it round my chest? Or should i actually bring the viewfinder up to my eye and risk the shot?

Im confused. Im 16 and a look about 14 and walking round my local town centre with a DSLR and a zoom lens maxxed out at 200mm isnt the most conspicuos(sp?) way of going about.


Thanks

[gkuenning]

There are multiple approaches, some linked to from this discussion. One way is to be very open about it. Use a shorter lens, even maybe a 50mm prime, and hold the camera up to your eye. If people see you, smile. If they hassle you, apologize and offer to delete the pictures.

Another approach is my favorite: I dangle the camera from my wrist at waist level. Usually, I hold it vertically because it's looks more like I'm just carrying it. I use a slightly wide focal length, and I've practiced a lot so I can point it at what I want to get. You can get pretty accurate. Hit the button, trust your autofocus (or prefocus at 5 feet or so, which is a good distance for this sort of thing) and you've got the shot.

To practice, stand in your house with a random target at human height (a bookshelf is pretty good). Take a shot, chimp, and see where you were off. lather, rinse, repeat until you can reliably nail it. Then try it with subjects in different places (e.g., sitting height), different angles to your body, while you're walking by, etc. Go out on the street, take some shots, see where you screw up, analyze the mistake, and set that situation up at home again until you get really good.

[shadowkipper]

Thanks a lot for the help. When you say 'dangle' the camera, what do you mean? I only have the neckstrap attached, how could that work as it has at least 30cm of slack and thats huge. Depending on how close i am will depend on which focal level i use.

I reckon for headshots from afar i'll use it at 200mm and if im a tad closer i'll try 80mm.

Im gonna try out your tutorial tommorow after work when i have time.

[gkuenning]

Thanks a lot for the help. When you say 'dangle' the camera, what do you mean? I only have the neckstrap attached, how could that work as it has at least 30cm of slack and thats huge. Depending on how close i am will depend on which focal level i use.

A hand strap is always a good approach. I used to have one that attached to the tripod socket; I would hold the camera in my right hand and let the wrist strap take most of the weight, using my hand just to position it.

Without a hand strap, you can still get the effect by wrapping the neck strap around the arm. Stick your right arm up through the neck strap from below. Arrange things so the arm is to the left side of the strap, so most of the slack is on the right. Now move your arm in a clockwise circle: over the slack part, then down, back under the slack part, and up again through the loop. This will wrap the strap around your right arm one time. Repeat the motion several times until the neck strap is wrapped around your arm. With a bit of practice, you can wind up so that the strap does all the supporting and you have complete control with your hand.

Our college photographer taught me this technique. He seems to spend most of the day with his neck strap wrapped in this fashion.

[canonloader]

I worked construction most of my working life in NYC and Washington DC, Miami, San Diego, L.A. I would set my tripod up in the middle of the sidewalk, use a radio controlled shutter release and probably a 70-200/4. I'd stand in front of it, looking at the lens like I was fixing something, while the camera shot over my shoulder or past me. Wearing a hard hat might help and an orange cone would go a long way to making you totally invisible.

I'm telling you, if you look like you belong, people will just zone you out of their world entirely. ;)

Now I live in a small town and I can just stand on the street, lean against a building and take a shot whenever I want, nobody cares, or worse, they look right at the camera and smile. :)

[shadowkipper]

A hand strap is always a good approach. I used to have one that attached to the tripod socket; I would hold the camera in my right hand and let the wrist strap take most of the weight, using my hand just to position it.

Without a hand strap, you can still get the effect by wrapping the neck strap around the arm. Stick your right arm up through the neck strap from below. Arrange things so the arm is to the left side of the strap, so most of the slack is on the right. Now move your arm in a clockwise circle: over the slack part, then down, back under the slack part, and up again through the loop. This will wrap the strap around your right arm one time. Repeat the motion several times until the neck strap is wrapped around your arm. With a bit of practice, you can wind up so that the strap does all the supporting and you have complete control with your hand.

Our college photographer taught me this technique. He seems to spend most of the day with his neck strap wrapped in this fashion.


Hmm im trying but im not getting it. Actions would speak louder than words in a tutorial. Im just confused but i'll keep trying

[shadowkipper]

Also i own a A650IS P+S. Would this benefit me at all, its small, silver and it has 6x optical zoom. Oh and a flip out screen so i could hold it at my waist couldnt I!?

[canonloader]

Hmm im trying but im not getting it. Actions would speak louder than words in a tutorial. Im just confused but i'll keep trying
Here is some quick and dirty shots of my 40D with a Nikon hand strap I got from B&H [ $60] that fits the Canon very well. I bought it for my 1D, which it fits like it was made for it, one mount to the tripod hole on the bottom, the other goes into the neck strap thing at the top, it also allows the neck strap end to fit there too, although, I mount the neck strap from the other side top slot and the bottom mount for the hand strap. So it's all on the left side. Works out well

Now as you can see, it's on my 40D with grip and fits very well also. You stick your hand up through the bottom and then pull that little tab circled in red to tighten it. At that point, you can let go of the camera grip, wave your arm around, pick your nose, and the camera stays securely attached to your hand. It's a very nice feeling and be assured, nobody is going to snatch your camera and run without first cutting off your arm.

It costs more than the Canon E1, but hey, it's nicer. ;)

http://www.picturelacrosse.com/test/DB3B9523-060408.jpg

http://www.picturelacrosse.com/test/DB3B9526-060408.jpg

[gkuenning]

Hmm im trying but im not getting it. Actions would speak louder than words in a tutorial. Im just confused but i'll keep trying

Maybe it's just bad writing on my part. :-) Rereading what I wrote, I can see a point of confusion. When I said "arrange things so the arm is on the left side of the strap" I really meant "put most of the slack on the right side." Your arm still goes through the strap.

Here's another attempt: suppose you tied a rope to a post a couple of meters from you at shoulder height, then backed up until the rope was almost tight. Now, let's say you want to wrap that rope around your arm a bit. One way would be to hold the end of the rope in your left hand, under your armpit, and then swing your right arm around the rope several times. Since the rope flexes and your arm doesn't, the result is rope wrapped around arm.

That's what you do with the strap. The important thing is to start with your arm sticking up through the strap. Once you figure out the wrapping (it took me several tries), then it's easy to learn how to adjust the positioning on the strap.

[gkuenning]

Also i own a A650IS P+S. Would this benefit me at all, its small, silver and it has 6x optical zoom. Oh and a flip out screen so i could hold it at my waist couldnt I!?

I've gotten some great candids with my G3's flip-out screen. Some of my best have been sitting at a table, where I can pretend I'm reviewing shots.

For waist-level shooting, though, the flip-out screen will be a dead giveaway because people will wonder what you're looking down at and then see how you're moving the camera to follow them.

Another advantage of the P&S is the power zoom, which sits nicely under your finger. And if you turn off all the noises, the shutter is almost completely silent. I've gotten a lot of surreptitious shots in quiet environments with that setting.

[shadowkipper]

Thans for the help Canonloader and Gkuenning

Much appreciated.

[gkuenning]

I worked construction most of my working life in NYC and Washington DC, Miami, San Diego, L.A. I would set my tripod up in the middle of the sidewalk, use a radio controlled shutter release and probably a 70-200/4. I'd stand in front of it, looking at the lens like I was fixing something, while the camera shot over my shoulder or past me. Wearing a hard hat might help and an orange cone would go a long way to making you totally invisible.

Oh, that is so sneaky! My hat's off to you!

[canonloader]

If you want some great shots from a different angle, get a stepladder and set it up right in the middle of a busy sidewalk, get up a few steps off the bottom and shoot over the top, resting the camera on the top step. The 40D would work great for this as it has the live preview on the back. I once did this exact thing but with a surveyors stick and got no looks whatever in Downtown Washington DC. I had to stand on the ladder to see the guy doing the shooting with his transit. ;)

I really believe people are psychic and just don't know it. If you don't stare, focus on an individual, and act like your ignoring them, they invariably ignore you. It's just built into us I think. :lol:

[shadowkipper]

Ok, i'll try out both the P+S and my D-SLR for candids etc etc.

For each camera, which settings should i opt for? Lets say its a grey and dull day like it is at the moment in the UK where i Live.

thanks.

[gkuenning]

shadowkipper, grey and dull are fantastic because you don't get lighting variations. Sunny days are problematic.

If you're shooting eye-level or in any other situation where you can stabilize the camera a bit, I'd suggest 1/60th; for waist level 1/125th would probably be better. Then balance your f-stop and ISO depending on the overall light level. If it's bright, use a low ISO, but you don't want to get your f-number down below perhaps f/4, because you'd like good depth of field. (This is a place where a P&S helps out, because the DOF is better with a smaller sensor.)

If your autofocus is fast (e.g., DSLR with USM lens), I'd let the autofocus help me out. If it's slow like on my G3, prefocus on something at about the distance you expect to shoot at, and then count on DOF to make up for minor errors.

On the DSLR I'd suggest using your 35-80, with the kit lens in a pocket in case you decide you need something wider after shooting for a while. When shooting waist-level, I tend to shoot a bit wide to make up for aiming errors.

Good luck!

[shadowkipper]

Hmm i tried some Street today and it didnt go so well. Just simply having a DSLR round my neck seemed to give me away, everyone stared at me. I then moved it to my hand but then people looked at that area too. I then switched to the P/S and the same, i got dodgy looks from passerbys.

Any tips? I got a good shot of a pidgeon though :-)

[gkuenning]

How big is your town? If you're getting looks in a town of over about 10,000 people, then either (a) you're unconsciously drawing attention to yourself, or (b) you're being oversensitive to people who are just casually looking at your camera.

Regarding (b), if they look directly at the camera, push the dang button and get a nice full-on shot! Look them square in the eye while you do it, and see how they react. If they seem to notice, that's one thing, but there's a good chance they'll walk right on by.

Regarding (a), I make it a point not to show interest in the person I'm photographing. I'll stare straight ahead while shooting off to the side. I have a pretty nice shot that I captured behind me as I walked by a couple who were kissing on the street.

Camera? What camera? Oh, this thing? Heck, I'm just carrying it around. Gonna take it in to the shop, y'know. Dropped it last week and it doesn't seem to work any more. *click*. Grin.

[shadowkipper]

How big is your town? If you're getting looks in a town of over about 10,000 people, then either (a) you're unconsciously drawing attention to yourself, or (b) you're being oversensitive to people who are just casually looking at your camera.

Regarding (b), if they look directly at the camera, push the dang button and get a nice full-on shot! Look them square in the eye while you do it, and see how they react. If they seem to notice, that's one thing, but there's a good chance they'll walk right on by.

Regarding (a), I make it a point not to show interest in the person I'm photographing. I'll stare straight ahead while shooting off to the side. I have a pretty nice shot that I captured behind me as I walked by a couple who were kissing on the street.

Camera? What camera? Oh, this thing? Heck, I'm just carrying it around. Gonna take it in to the shop, y'know. Dropped it last week and it doesn't seem to work any more. *click*. Grin.



OK, thanks for the tips. I'll try it after work. If anyone looks at me i'll just smile and take the shot. If they object then i'll delete it.


I'll post my findings

[airfrogusmc]

I'm interested im trying out some candid street shots. My only fear is getting seen.

Where abouts should i take the picture from? Body wise. Like should i just hold dow the shutter button and hope it focuses when i have it round my chest? Or should i actually bring the viewfinder up to my eye and risk the shot?

Im confused. Im 16 and a look about 14 and walking round my local town centre with a DSLR and a zoom lens maxxed out at 200mm isnt the most conspicuos(sp?) way of going about.


Thanks

Read how the greats did it. Allot of them use Leica range finders and 35-24mm lenses. Small quiet and unassuming. The shots from long telephoto lenses never look intimate. They all looked compressed and flat. Very 2 dimensional. My advice get wide and get down in it.

[canonloader]

The shots from long telephoto lenses never look intimate. They all looked compressed and flat.
You need to spend more time in the Bird forum. Yes, some can look flat and compressed, but not from someone who knows how to set the aperture. The further away you are, the more the depth of field, and that can be used to amazing affect, producing some fantastic 3D looking images. Plus, all long lenses have a different angle of coverage on them that produces a look you simply can't get from a short lens. Kenko tubes and or teleconverters give you even more options. :)

There aren't many images of people on the streets taken with these lenses, and I would hate to think it's from fear of what people would think. I would love to see some work done with a 500/4, 1.4x TC on a MkIII. Any takers? If I had the equipment, I'd do it. You could get some true candids of people where you could see each hair on their face from so far away, you and your camera and lens wouldn't even register to them. ;)

[airfrogusmc]

You need to spend more time in the Bird forum. Yes, some can look flat and compressed, but not from someone who knows how to set the aperture. The further away you are, the more the depth of field, and that can be used to amazing affect, producing some fantastic 3D looking images. Plus, all long lenses have a different angle of coverage on them that produces a look you simply can't get from a short lens. Kenko tubes and or teleconverters give you even more options. :)

There aren't many images of people on the streets taken with these lenses, and I would hate to think it's from fear of what people would think. I would love to see some work done with a 500/4, 1.4x TC on a MkIII. Any takers? If I had the equipment, I'd do it. You could get some true candids of people where you could see each hair on their face from so far away, you and your camera and lens wouldn't even register to them. ;)

Birds are much different than folks on the street. There always seem like a detachment from the subjects when there shot from a block away. The interesting images are usually shot with lots of DEPTH and multiple layers that all get compressed when using a long lens. Theres a reason the greats almost always use shot wide-normal F/L for this kind of work . Look up the work of photographers like
Robert Frank
Harry Callahans street photographs from Chicago
Lee Friedlander
Joel Myerowitz
Helen Levitt
Margret Bourk-White
The king Henry Cratier-Bresson
Gary Winogrand
Bruce Davidson

This will keep ya busy for a while...
and there stuff is 1000% more visually interesting than sitting across the street with a 400MM lens. Get right down in it and do it for a while until you get comfortable with it and work on your timing (The Decisive Moment) and depth (not DoF but that kinda too).

[canonloader]

To each his own. I have always perked up when I see shots in a movie from a block away that I know were taken with extremely long lenses. Foreground and background going progrssively out of focus while the subject is in sharp detail. Look at your own list, everybody is doing the same thing. I like something different now and then. I also don't like shoulder rubbing crowds, so maybe that's why I like the long shot. ;)

Birds are much different than folks on the street.
That may be, but shooting them isn't.

There always seem like a detachment from the subjects when there shot from a block away.
Is that not the definition of "candid shot"?

[TheHoff]

You could get some true candids of people where you could see each hair on their face from so far away, you and your camera and lens wouldn't even register to them. ;)

I shoot street candids with a gripped 5D and 24 -- I think I get true candids. I shoot from the hip so I'm rarely noticed. And at 1.4 to 1.8 I can drop out the background as well.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2396529814_2887db6618.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexfirmani/2396529814/)



^^^ not a clue... see my Flickr for more examples

[sjones]

I agree that there are no limits on what tools to use for street photography, but generally, the best I've seen were done with a wide to standard lens. By the way, the highly instructive list of photographers that airfrogusmc offered hardly demonstrates a consortium of conformity just because of the similar systems used; after all, don't the majority of wildlife photographers use telephotos? (I would also like to add Elliot Erwitt to the list)

For portrait style candids with lovely but context killing bokeh, a telephoto is most appropriate, and I've seen some fine shots using this technique. Still, for overall atmosphere and compelling perspective, wides and standards are preferable, and as TheHoff demonstrates, bokeh-induced three-dimensionality is possible even with wides.

I would also point out that pointing a camera at a person is much different than pointing a camera at a bird, at least as far as my nerves go. Still, I enjoy the challenge of getting close, and, as I've pointed out in other related threads, it gives my subject a fair chance to take a swing if he or she doesn't appreciate my 'artistic' endeavors---should I get caught, I feel that I owe them that, given the inherently rude nature of taking candid shots.

At first, the greatest hurdle for me was sticking a camera in a stranger's face, and there are still days when my introversion precludes such activity. Now, however, I'm focusing more on the broader aspects of composition, lighting, and complementary shapes, lines, and angles; admittedly fairly fundamental stuff, but a challenge when trying to integrate all aspects within what is often just a couple seconds.

I recently picked up a Bessa rangefinder (the poor man's Leica), and it is an excellent camera for street shots. However, I still use an SLR, and at some point, I hope to take a medium format to the streets---a Mamiya 7 or even Mamiya 330 TLR. So yes, choose whatever lens you want and explore. Once again, I am with airfrogusmc regarding the use of short lenses, but for newcomers, the best way to define your style is to try all methods available (and affordable).

[canonloader]

don't the majority of wildlife photographers use telephotos?
Yes, I am pretty sure the majority does. But I will go further by saying, since they do, and they have the experience with them to get the shot and edeit it afterwards, I also think they would know if it would work on people too. ;)

Hoff showed us an excellent shot, and to be fair, the same final image could be shown on your monitor, but after cropping from the full image taken from half a block away with a long lens. The angle is low and to duplicate that, you would have to lay in the gutter and shoot along the curb, but I know people who wouldn't be phased by that at all. :)

I have used my 300 with a 1.4x to shoot people, and I thought it did an excellent job. Unfortunately, winter came to middle Wisconsin before I got a lot of practice with it. But, winter is gone and I will be out there again with the same setup, with the 40d and maybe the 1D Classic also, shooting people again.

So, does anyone have any urban people candids taken with a long lens to post? If so, I'd like to see some.

[TheHoff]

I have exactly one telephoto street shot I like (200/2.8 )... This probably wouldn't have happened and wouldn't be the same if done with a wide angle. People that have street smarts are very observant and even though I was stealthy, dressed in black, and sitting in the shadows across the street, this guy noticed me and left after a few frames.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2177/2239464405_d01473f22e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexfirmani/2239464405/)

[canonloader]

This probably wouldn't have happened and wouldn't be the same if done with a wide angle.
I have no hands on experience with full frame digital cameras. Using a 1.3 or 1.6 crop body will also have a huge effect on the final image. I can see a difference in the 1.3 and 1.6, easily obvious when you can mount the lens and switch bodies behind it to get the same shot for comparison. So I imagine a 1.0 will be twice as different. All three have their place.

My interests also lean away from the big picture aspect of street photography and lean much more towards extreme closeups of faces, eyes or heads, parts of people. Luckily, there is room for all of it. :)

[shadowkipper]

Hmm i tried some more today but i'm still failing. It's a confidence issue i think. I cant bring myself to just bring the camera up tomy eye and just take a picture of someone who is practically staring at me. At just creeps me out but im still eager to learn this "from the hip" type style. It seems awkward though trying to focus on a subject whilst having a large DSLR next to your hip, surely people then just stare at you even more?

Any more ideas? And is it best to get shots whilst on the move? Or to slow down, stop and then take the photo?

[TheHoff]

I carry the camera by my side -- right hand with the grip and hand strap.

My thumb is on the focus * button - AI Servo and my index finger on the shutter. When I see a subject, I turn the camera side towards them and hit the focus. I snap the frames when I think the focus is on and when the moment is right. The trick is getting the framing right and not having your horizon so badly skewed that cropping is impossible; that just takes practice. You have to stop moving when you shoot, even if for just a second. I've done this with IS lenses and it isn't enough to counteract actual walking so I prefer to not use the IS vs. vibration and depend on shutter speed from faster primes.

This is similar to how you would shoot from the hip with a rangefinder except we're not depending on hyperfocal distance and can use AF.

:D


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2391892664_2343bd9405.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexfirmani/2391892664/)

[shadowkipper]

I carry the camera by my side -- right hand with the grip and hand strap.

My thumb is on the focus * button - AI Servo and my index finger on the shutter. When I see a subject, I turn the camera side towards them and hit the focus. I snap the frames when I think the focus is on and when the moment is right. The trick is getting the framing right and not having your horizon so badly skewed that cropping is impossible; that just takes practice. You have to stop moving when you shoot, even if for just a second. I've done this with IS lenses and it isn't enough to counteract actual walking so I prefer to not use the IS vs. vibration and depend on shutter speed from faster primes.

This is similar to how you would shoot from the hip with a rangefinder except we're not depending on hyperfocal distance and can use AF.

:D


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2391892664_2343bd9405.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexfirmani/2391892664/)

Could you eleborate on the bits i've highlighted in Bold? What exactly does the * button do. I know this sounds like a silyl question but ive only had the 400D for a month or 2 and ive pressed the buttona dn it appears to have no use apart from reverting back to the normal viewfinder screen if your on the Focus Points selection area.

Which lens do you use? I think i should change my lens as its lowest focal length is 80 and i see you appear to be close to this person so i'll lower it to my Kit Lens or 35-80mm.


And also surely having a camera (with the lens pointing sideways orforwards) looks strange. I got a few weird looks when i tried that as its like its glued to my side.
Thanks.

[TheHoff]

>>What exactly does the * button do.

I'm not sure if you can set it on yours, but check the custom functions. It is possible to move the AF function to the * button instead of the shutter. So the shutter will fire whether there is AF-Lock or not and you can focus at any time with your thumb.

>>Which lens do you use? I think i should change my lens as its lowest focal length is 80 and i see you appear to be close to this person so i'll lower it to my Kit Lens or 35-80mm.

24mm right now (on full frame). Occasionally the 16-35 zoom. I have used the 24-105 with IS and that works well. Typically, as described in this thread, wider is better for more "involvement" in the scene.

>>And also surely having a camera (with the lens pointing sideways orforwards) looks strange. I got a few weird looks when i tried that as its like its glued to my side.

I think that is just self-consciousness -- or maybe depends on the size of your city. I try and blend in as much as possible and just look like I'm doing something else -- looking off in the distance for "city" shots and not people shots when in reality I'm only looking at the people.

Occasionally you do get noticed and that can make for a nice photo as well. I still don't think she knew I took a photo, but she gave one look over her shoulder which was, of course, the best frame.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2138/2391069833_88e29de553.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexfirmani/2391069833/)

[airfrogusmc]

Hoff shows good examples of probably why most great street guys use wise to normal lenses. Though the shot of the guy in the bus stop is good it clearly show that flatening of space and the photographers that I mentioned usually print Full Frame and some even included the edges of the negative. Its that flattening that works in some cases but the images that are usually the most interesting have a greater depth to them which goes against the flattening of space being created by a long lens. THe key is having the knowledge of when to use what tool. For the most part get a wide if you're crop a 24 or wider and hit the streets and get in close.

Missed Roy DeCarrava :oops:

Also Aaron Siskinds real early stuff from Harlem.

[TheHoff]

the photographers that I mentioned usually print Full Frame and some even included the edges of the negative.

I'm trying to work to that point as well. I depend too much on post cropping, especially to avoid a very similar look across all my photos (since the majority done this way are taken vertically). So my goal is to frame more accurately from the hip or be braver and raise the camera to my eye.

I'm also considering using the neckstrap and firing the shutter from a wireless release in my pocket but that just feels like cheating.

[shadowkipper]

Ok thanks for the help Hoff and Airfo. I'll go back to using my Kit lens for the time being. I know it sucks but its the only lens i have that can reach 18mm. I'll save the 80-200 EF (old thing) for when im sitting down away from the crowds for some sniper type stuff.

Im gonna flick through the settings and have a look at this * button. If i can dig out the manual then I'll look throgh that as well.

More questions:

What can i do about my fear of shooting people straight on? As my lens isnt THAT wide a lot of my shots may be taken as im standing in front of them. And this means that they're looking at the camera and thats the thing that worries me.

The shutter noise on the camera. Obviously its going to make a noise as its a Single Lens Reflex but sound of the shutter cliking can be pretty loud and i dont want the "subject" to hear it and then try and question me on whether i just got a shot of them

Branching off from my 2nd question, what do if i get caught?

I mean as you mentioned beffoe its good to blend in and pretend to look/act like a tourist scoping out city shots. Thing is. I dont live in a very 'busy' town. It will be very busy tommorow as its Market day but most days its quite quiet-ish. And i mean its not an "everybody knows everybody" place but obviously its usual residents are milling about and will be able to faintly recognise someone they've seen before.

This makes it harder to look a tourist. Also my age doesent help. Im 16, i look about 14 and people would expect a "tourist" of my age to be with a parent or guardian.

And what happens IF i get questioned/stopped? Im in the Uk so im not entirely sure on how the laws differ in the USA for photographing people? What are my rights? I mean if they ask for it to be deleted i will but what should i do if im stopped or if they get carried away and wish to contact the Police?



Sorry for the big questions but there more i know, the more mentally kitted out i am for my next trip into the town centre. :-)

[airfrogusmc]

I saw a piece with Gary Winogrand when I was in college oh 83 or so and he was shooting with an old Leica M maybe an m3? 35mm lens and he was so used to working with it he wasn't even looking through the view finder just had the camera up right next to his face and was watching for the moment.

He would expose by using the sheets that Kodak used to supply with every roll of film and a little experience to set exposure. Musta shot a roll in maybe 30 minutes and half the images on his contact sheet were really good by my standards at the time. His timing and framing were impeccable. Talks about a master at using the edges of the frame. When he died they found over 100,000 exposures that he had never developed.

[TheHoff]

If you're in a "town" vs. a "city" -- you are right, the larger the city, the easier it is to be inconspicuous. If the city is huge you can basically do what you want as there are much stranger people on the street than you. But as you described, if it is a small town, you will likely be seen. And more easily heard. My shutter barely registers over the typical traffic noise but there have been occasions when I've passed the shot by due to the noise I knew I'd make.

Check out Joel Meyerowitz working NYC with a rangefinder -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dipTqJfiE4

>>And what happens IF i get questioned/stopped?

I can't answer the UK part but here, if you are standing on a public street, you have the right to photograph whatever you want that is visible from that street. Even if it is inside someone's house, someone's store, or right in their face. Obviously you can't harass someone with a camera without worrying, but if you're on the street, and they are on the street, you have the right to take the photo.

In the UK they do have that recent campaign where they ask citizens to report "unusual photography activity" in the name of terrorism. Ridiculous. It still isn't illegal.

Also consider that you can sometimes get good images by talking to someone first rather than snapping candidly. Those are more apt to be called environmental portraits than street photos, but it still works. There are some shots that I would not take WITHOUT speaking first, just out of safety concerns...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2306321720_2d9a23e888.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexfirmani/2306321720/)


Or out of respect for the person. Not everyone wants their photo taken but most gladly oblige.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2305569679_f0c8f24821.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexfirmani/2305569679/)


...and as H.Cartier-Bresson said, your first 10,000 photographs are your worst. So get shooting.

[shadowkipper]

Ok, im now going to eat but im letting that video you linked me to buffr so i can enjoy it when i get back in half an hour. You say that a city defiantely has an advantage over a town for becoming a "ghost" amongst others. Is there any tips you could pass on for someone like me who lives in a town? This is aimed at anyone who reads this topic as its all good and well living in a city but its much harder when the population is so small.

Also what 'type' of people do you ask permission from first? Usually i wouldnt ask before hand but im intrigued to know how you decided on whether you should or not.


Also just in general as this topic is WAY to big to read every page. Can you give me in short, 10 'streetwise' tips for photographing.

Thanks again, your really good at helping people.

[TheHoff]

This is perfect for you, shadowkipper... Please see my friend Terri's gallery on Flickr. She shoots with a 350D and the kit lens and she makes art with them on the streets of a small town in the UK.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/silentscreamers/sets/72157603910369785/

[airfrogusmc]

Ok thanks for the help Hoff and Airfo. I'll go back to using my Kit lens for the time being. I know it sucks but its the only lens i have that can reach 18mm. I'll save the 80-200 EF (old thing) for when im sitting down away from the crowds for some sniper type stuff.

Im gonna flick through the settings and have a look at this * button. If i can dig out the manual then I'll look throgh that as well.

More questions:

What can i do about my fear of shooting people straight on? As my lens isnt THAT wide a lot of my shots may be taken as im standing in front of them. And this means that they're looking at the camera and thats the thing that worries me.

The shutter noise on the camera. Obviously its going to make a noise as its a Single Lens Reflex but sound of the shutter cliking can be pretty loud and i dont want the "subject" to hear it and then try and question me on whether i just got a shot of them

Branching off from my 2nd question, what do if i get caught?

I mean as you mentioned beffoe its good to blend in and pretend to look/act like a tourist scoping out city shots. Thing is. I dont live in a very 'busy' town. It will be very busy tommorow as its Market day but most days its quite quiet-ish. And i mean its not an "everybody knows everybody" place but obviously its usual residents are milling about and will be able to faintly recognise someone they've seen before.

This makes it harder to look a tourist. Also my age doesent help. Im 16, i look about 14 and people would expect a "tourist" of my age to be with a parent or guardian.

And what happens IF i get questioned/stopped? Im in the Uk so im not entirely sure on how the laws differ in the USA for photographing people? What are my rights? I mean if they ask for it to be deleted i will but what should i do if im stopped or if they get carried away and wish to contact the Police?



Sorry for the big questions but there more i know, the more mentally kitted out i am for my next trip into the town centre. :-)

I used to take a small book with my images to show people what I was doing if I had some problems. Showing them the photos and explaining what I was doing usually did the trick. When I did the series on Maxwel St I would bring small FF images for the people I had photographed as a thank you.

[shadowkipper]

What types of photos should i show them? As this is my first attempt at street, it would be impossible to show them former examples of my street photography.


@TheHoff: Im now watching that video you linked me too and checking out your friends Flickr gallery. Thanks a lot, you've really helped.

[canonloader]

Shadow, if anyone says anything, just tell them your shooting birds. They look around then say what birds, you tell them it just flew away, didn't you see it? ;)

Or maybe tell them your documenting dogs loose on the city streets for an article in a local paper. For that matter, document dogs loose on the city streets, write a story to go with the photos and submit it to several of the papers. Most papers buy from freelancers if the story is good enough. But every other shot, take a picture of people. ;)

[shadowkipper]

But surely birds are usually high up. Im going to be pointing the camera t people at ground level.


Hmmm.

[canonloader]

No, they aren't high up. Sparrows hang out on the ground, in the city, eating stuff that fell out of peoples McDonalds bag. Birds can be anywhere, nobody is going to connect.

[shadowkipper]

Ok, thanks. Tonight im going to take off the neck strap and but on a simple wrist strap from another camera and then carry it at my side and raise it only when im ready to shoot (i'll practice hip-shots at a later date).

[gkuenning]

What types of photos should i show them? As this is my first attempt at street, it would be impossible to show them former examples of my street photography. In this situation, I think it'd be OK to bring a book of somebody else's street work and say "I'm trying to learn to be like them."

[sjones]

The following link exhibits one of my favorite Henri Cartier-Bresson photographs: Yeah, it's Greece, not New York, but it's street. The subject is actually in the shadow, but the action and placement is spot on. More importantly, however, is the surrounding context, the lighting, the lines, shapes, perspective, and so forth. Isolate the person with a 500 mm lens, and the essence of the picture evaporates:

http://www.chess-theory.com/images1/02432_henri_cartier_bresson.jpg

The same can be said for his more famous bicycle photo (France, 1932), at: http://www.notifbutwhen.com/2/MarioBros.jpg

The stress is on the subject's "decisive moment" but not just in terms of the subject's action, but how the person interrelates with the overall composition and the flow of the setting.

In the next photo, replace the wall with a sky and maybe a tree in the background, and the whole character of the photo would dramatically change, not just visually, but emotionally, even if everyone else were in the same position (Madrid, 1933):

http://www.chess-theory.com/images1/02428_henri_cartier_bresson.jpg

The point being that the focus on taking candid shots of people is, for me personally, only one element of good street photography. On a cognitive or rational level, there are no rules, and you can prop up a 1,200mm atop a roof and shoot folks five miles away, although such activity is invariably spineless (my visceral side). But for me, and just my opinion for the love of God, getting close with a wide or standard is part of the photographic process that is most exhilarating and ultimately rewarding.

[blighty]

Ok, thanks. Tonight im going to take off the neck strap and but on a simple wrist strap from another camera and then carry it at my side and raise it only when im ready to shoot (i'll practice hip-shots at a later date).

This is what I do - I just use a lanyard from a kid's compass actually, knots tied nice and tight, and hold the camera down by my side casually.

Another good tip is let people get used to you. If I see someone interesting I stand near them looking off to the side and look bored until I'm happy they aren't paying me any attention. I'll also pre-focus on something in another direction thats about the same distance away, giving the auto-focus less to do when I finally swing round and snap them.

[shadowkipper]

Hey. My confidence has boosted a lot after reading your tips and advice and here are my first ever street shots. Sorry their not amazing and some may be a tad out of focus. I was in a rush to to get picked up (it was a quick 20minute walk). Ive changed the colours/filters as they didnt look to good normally (and no they're not amazing now lol) but go easy, it's my first time.

Lol a few times i actually got so confident a basically grinned at them and pointed the camera right at their face. I like to wait for the subject to walk past and then suddenly turn on the spot and snap them as their walking away.

The subjects arent that interesting as where i live, it's pretty dull. I saw some great moments to get shots like some guys pushing a large skip/bin thing but the shot came out terrible an blurry as i was on the move.

When i get more confident with the Street tyle then i'll go for shots from the front.

Anyway:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg263/Dry-Bones/women.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg263/Dry-Bones/Woman.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg263/Dry-Bones/Pepsi.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg263/Dry-Bones/Guyincar.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg263/Dry-Bones/Guy.jpg

[airfrogusmc]

Check out brooklyn gang and subway. Bruce road the subway almost every night for a very long time and brooklyn gang is a great portfolio.
http://www.art-dept.com/artists/davidson/

A couple of Robert Franks things
http://web.ncf.ca/ek867/frank.parade.hoboken.jpg

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://updatecenter.britannica.com/eb/image%3FbinaryId%3D69990%26rendTypeId%3D4&imgrefurl=http://updatecenter.britannica.com/art%3FassemblyId%3D60092%26type%3DA&h=389&w=550&sz=36&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=QTQrr8feLYWBwM:&tbnh=94&tbnw=133&prev=/images%3Fq%3DRobert%2BFrank%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den

http://images.artnet.com/artwork_images/423818140/202973.jpg

Gary Winogrand
http://web.ncf.ca/ek867/winogrand.falling.jpg

[TheHoff]

Hey. My confidence has boosted a lot after reading your tips and advice and here are my first ever street shots.

Good start! You can see what works with them and try again -- #1 has emotion. #2 and #5 have interesting repeating patterns. And #5 has a perspective that draws you in.

I would avoid the selective coloring and maybe the b/w toning altogether. Stick with pure black and white for now or plain color if that is part of the interest. A good street shot should stand on it's own without much visible processing.

Keep shooting; I'm glad to hear your confidence increased. Your results will get better and better each time.

[shadowkipper]

Ok thanks for your C+C. The reason i changed to B/W Toning is because the colours wher terrible normally (im not too good on photoshop). But yeah, in future i'll stick to plain B/W.

I got some more today which i will post after my PP session. It was quite fun actually, 2 people saw me but meh.

One was a kid who went past on his bike, as he was behind me i turned on the spot and as i was taking the shot he turned around. He then feebly shouted "wtf" as he cycled off. The second person was some woman who just stared at me although i wasnt even taking a picture of her, i was aiming for someone behind her.

Tommorow should be a lot of fun. If my friend can get his camera to work properly (his P+S, same P+S as shown in my Gear List is playing up) then we'll go shoot together. It's half day work for me on Fridays so i have the whol afternoon to fill up my CF card and get some practice in.

Your tips/advice, everyone, has helped me get over the initial fears and im now confident (nearly at 100% I'd say at 80% so far)

On Saturday im taking a trip via train to Lowestoft and we have to visit 3 train stations. This will be the perfect place for some candids.

[shadowkipper]

Sorry for the double post but its been over like 8 hours so heres another post from me.
Ive been in the town centre for about, 3 hours now shooting street. Unfortuantely the weather turned nasty and my camera got wet. Luckily it still works but i had to shelter from the rain so no pics UNTIL the sun showed its face and i was in the local library ( i am now using the computer),

I wanted to go back outside and shoot some street until i thought HEY why dont i just focus through the window. I thought this wouldnt work as it was quite dirty and it was enforced glass so quite think and has wires running through it. Luckily my old 80-200 EF managed to block these out and the pictures came out clear.

I had given up hope on seeing an interesting person until a young asian man, he looked, hmm Japanese/Chinies/Korean, lets say Far East. He had this bright orange hooded top on, was smoking ciggarette and had a pretty slick hair style to say the least.

I frantically scrambled for my camera t this point and luckily he had stalled to light his ciggarette. I got two shots which i think are really good and my best so far and i hope they turn out good when i upload them.

I also got to "Photgrapher" shots. Its irnoic, i saw a man kneeling down on the pavement and i got the pic of him inspecting a damged pavement slab. I thought the pic was cool anyway until i zoomed in and realised he had a small P+S in his hand.

Along with that, i was on my way to Jessops camera shop to check out the lenses and a man was nearby rushing offm with an SLR in his hand. I managed to snap a shot of him holding it. It didnt turn out to well but meh it was sorta cool and i'll be posting them in the 'Photographer' topic in the 'People' sub forum.

ALSO today, i befriended a guy selling 'The Big Issue', a magazine that homeless or "not so well off" people can sell and get about 50% of the cost of the magazine. I'd say he was Middle Eastern, perhaps russian, had about 10 gold teeth and just egenrally looked like an ideal subject for a street shot. I bought a magazine off him and got the courage up to ask him if i could a get a photo. He said yes.

Unfortuantely it was very dark/grey at the time as it was overcast and the pics didnt come out so well, i was rather dissapointed. I'll have to try and have a play around with them in Photoshop. But the good news is, he likes me, i shook his hand and he siad i can get a nother shot next week (at least i think thats what he said, his English wasnt too good unfortuantely)


So basically. A great day for me, ive learnt lots of things and got some good shots


Im rather pleased with myself and i'll be posting my 'hoarde' of shots when i get home.

Also where im sitting now is now my 'Official Sheltered Street Photo Spot'. Its perfect as it's at a jaunty angle so people never seem to look straight into it.




Peace. (sorry for the long post, im just chuffed)

[TheHoff]

Good job, I look forward to the photos. I'd suggest keeping them in Urban Life as People is full of all sorts of random stuff.. family, kids photos and such.

btw, you said my idea of a remote release was cheating -- how about shooting behind glass? haha!

[shadowkipper]

Lols, I guess your right. Its only a temporary measure on days when its nasty weather. Tommorow (the weather isnt looking to good), if it is good weather i'll be heading off the Lowestoft with some friends. This means i'll have the following locations to shoot at:

Bury St Edmunds Train Station
Train 1
Ipswich Station
Train 2
Lowestoft Train Station
Lowestoft Town and Beach
Train 3
Ipswich Station again
Train 4
Bury St Edmunds Train Station again.


Im looking forward to it.

The pics will be up some time tonight. You may disagree with the quality /idea but i like them. I guess its all down to opinion.

Got any new stuff then Hoff?

[TheHoff]

Nothing new; it is a work day today. I'll be in Europe (including London!) starting next week so I'll surely be posting my trip street photos here in Urban Life.

[shadowkipper]

Yeah, i had work today but we finish at 12:30 on Fridays.

Which locations are you visiting? What gear will you take? Is it an actual "assignment" your being sent on or just holidays.

Lols, sorry for being nosy but if your so good at getting street shots where you live i cant wait to see some cool Euro stuff!

[TheHoff]

Hey thanks, I'm just a hobbyist. Our main trip is to Italy but we're hitting a few other big cities, including London for a few days. I hate looking like a tourist with a camera but I'll see what happens... at least in my own city I know I'm not a tourist and I don't look like one so I might actually be more cautious on holiday when I don't look like a local.. really though I should be more brave as I'll certainly never see any of the people again.

Gear: 5D, no grip, 24, 35, 16-35, and 200. My 85 has a backfocus issue so I don't think I'll waste the room and I probably wouldn't use it much anyway. Thanks for the interest -- you should also sign up on Flickr if you haven't already as all my stuff goes there first. It is a great way to meet other street shooters in your area and more importantly get ideas. There are a number of large international street photo groups and of course more localized ones for your country or even city.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/onthestreet/pool/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/streetphoto/pool/

[shadowkipper]

Cool :p.

I do have a flickr accoutn so i'll create a new set and stick my Street stuff in there.

Its a bit weird really, im so hyped about getting my Macro lens (look in my signature) and now im obsessed with Street Photography. Not saying i made a bad choice on lens but now both Macro and Street are very exciting.

I guess it is possible to get 'industrial' and 'urban' macro shots.


Will you be posting on POTN when your abroad? Laptop? internet Cafe?

You could keep us updated with pics if you had the time.


Also its been on my mind for ages.

Is that ACTUALLY you in your avatar?

[TheHoff]

hahaha someone else asked that, and no, that is not me.

I will likely be uploading; I'll have the laptop and most of our hotels have wi-fi but I'm not that happy having to edit on my laptop's LCD. Whenever I process on the laptop, it never looks right when I get back to the big monitor at home. So I don't know if I will take too much time editing and processing while I'm there... I'll see. My wife does like to sleep in so maybe that is what I'll do in the mornings.

re: Macro -- I hear ya. I bought a 100 macro when I bought my 5D and I never once took a macro shot with it except playing around as tests. I traded it for an 85/1.8 and am very happy with that (minus the focus issue wide open, which will be fixed). Cosworth here does a lot more of the urban decay and industrial stuff (and does it well) so check out his Flickr as well (you can find him on my contact list and be sure to add me as a contact).

[shadowkipper]

Cool, well i hope to see some cool snaps you get. London, you'll love for street photography. Its gritty yet full of life.

[elses_pels]

II haven't read this thread in ages but it is allways full of info.
Here is a few taken with a 24-105 at different focal lenghts
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2334275959_e2025e532d_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2334278041_e4d54baa28.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2269058392_65e8678aae.jpg

[nameless74]

can you use canon rebel xti 400d for the street shots..

[gkuenning]

can you use canon rebel xti 400d for the street shots..

Why not? Smaller is usually better for candids. Shutter noise is a bit of a problem with any SLR, but it shouldn't be bad enough to keep you from getting a shot.

I managed a few pretty reasonable street shots with my 30D last week. This is the one I like the most:
http://www.cs.hmc.edu/%7Egeoff/friendpix/potn/P2008.04.14-21.24.41-3577-cropped-small.jpg

[gkuenning]

Some forum members may already be aware of Bruce Schneier's recent editorial in the Guardian about treating photographers as terrorists, reprinted on his blog (http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2008/06/the_war_on_phot.html). Some of the comments in the blog give links to useful "photographers' rights" postings for various countries; see the blog for more info.

To save you some time, here's my quick summary (obviously not to be relied upon as legal advice!):

In English-speaking countries, you can basically shoot freely as long as you're standing on public land. The major exceptions are military installations and the like, and certain national properties in the England. The UK has also recently passed an anti-terrorism law that is broad enough that you're at risk for anything that "might be useful" to a terrorist. But private security guards and non-police (notably including community service officers in the UK) can NEVER confiscate your equipment or pictures, and can be prosecuted for assault and theft if they try to do so by force.

In particular, in English-speaking countries you can take pictures of people in public without fear of prosecution. However, the law outside the U.S. is in a state of flux because of the development of privacy law. It's possible that in the future, more European-like standards will apply.

In non-English-speaking countries, so far there is only information about France and Germany. This thread has already mentioned the fact (without details) that France prohibits candid street photography. On Schneier's blog, there's a link to a summary of the German laws (in German). My German is fair but not up to legal standards, but my reading is thus: you can always take pictures of things as long as you're standing on public land, subject to the same military-installations exception that applies in English-speaking countries. There is also an exception for non-permanent artworks with recent copyrights, such as Christo's frequent installations.

In Germany, you basically can't take pictures of strangers without a model release. Note that I said "take": apparently the law is that if you can't legally publish it, you can't even push the shutter button. There's an exception for "incidental" photographs, such as shooting a monument and getting tourists in the background. There's also an exception for celebrities, both permanent (like the Prime Minister) and temporary (like this week's Lotto winner). But for all intents and purposes, street photography is inherently illegal. (The way I read the summary of the law, you can't take the picture without getting a model release first, which kind of defeats the point of street shooting.)

I've wondered for a long time how France dealt with things like incidental pictures. My guess (and it's purely a guess) is that their laws are similar to the German ones.

If you violate these rules, you can be sued for damages. U.S. readers may have heard of treble damages in special situations; if I read the posting correctly the German law provides for quintuple and sextuple damages, plus attorney's fees, for candid photos published without permission. Ouch!

Personally, I'm bummed by this information. I have some wonderful street shots that I took in France and Germany; some of them are available on the Web. I don't think the subjects have been harmed by the photographs. But I'd sure hate to have my next European trip interrupted by a subpoena.

[shadowkipper]

This topic died? :confused:

Just when i was getting better at candid shots...

Oh wells.

[TheHoff]

Nah, this topic comes back to life every once in a while. Please do post your images here or start a new thread in the Urban Life section. You'll see lots of recent images from myself and the other street photographers right below!

[condyk]

The thread was never intended for discussion and posting shots, but rather for passing on specific tips. I'd actually like to edit it down because i reckon it has got too long to be useful to many - folks lose interest in long-winded threads. Images and discussion are better placed in the main Urban section, or the critique section if that is what is specifically required.

[Streetshooter]

I haven't been around this neck of the woods for sometime but I still enjoy this thread the most.

Lately I've been using a G9 and a Leica D-Lux 3. Great street cameras. I love tourist and the tourist traps. These cameras let me dissolve into the scene like my subject matter, tourist. Even in places that Security People hassell photography, I never have a problem.

So, street work is evolving into a much more selective/secure genre'. If you have the right camera, right attitude and the balls, great images await all of us.

[JLukeW]

The thread was never intended for discussion and posting shots, but rather for passing on specific tips. I'd actually like to edit it down because i reckon it has got too long to be useful to many - folks lose interest in long-winded threads. Images and discussion are better placed in the main Urban section, or the critique section if that is what is specifically required.

I'd actually prefer if you didn't edit it down, I've found the discussion and comments as useful as the tips themselves, especially shadowkipper's progress (I'm 21, starting off in basically the same situation as him just as soon as my camera arrives). :)

[Albedo]

Just been reading through this (awesome!) thread. Learnt a lot of new tips and ideas. So I thought I'd add one more. For those people worried about shutter snap noise and who use a 40D (not sure about other cameras), there is a silent shooting mode. If you enable live view, the resulting shutter snap is considerably quieter. I've found it helps to get closer. The one problem I have is that live view seems to disable autofocus (although I think there is a way round this!) But either way, you can MF for roughly the right distance and up the aperture to get a bigger DOF which will help a bit).

This was taken in Fez, Morocco and was shot from the hip in silent shooting mode:

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/9816/ellpasports12kn8.jpg

Also, a question:

The 40D obviously has a cropped sensor. I have a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 and the Canon 50mm 1.8. Which of these would be best? I am also looking to get a wider prime. The thing is, on a cropped sensor, the 24mm etc all become fairly boring focal lengths for getting up close and personal. Would a 10-20mm be a better option?

Thanks!

[canonloader]

On a crop sensor camera like the 40D, at 10mm, it still looks like 16mm on a 35mm frame.

[Albedo]

On a crop sensor camera like the 40D, at 10mm, it still looks like 16mm on a 35mm frame.
Yeah, I was thinking more like the 15mm which = 24mm. Although, thinking about it, it might be a bit slow for street shots...

[Streetshooter]

Hmmmm haven't seen Sean around for sometime. Seems I ain't the only one MIA.
Shooter

[condyk]

Hmmmm haven't seen Sean around for sometime. Seems I ain't the only one MIA.
Shooter

You mean Sean_Mcr?

He bowed out for some reason I can't remember ... probably relating to cropping or critique of 'the moment' ;) Yeah, he's missed. He spent some time over at Talk Photography but then disappeared there too. He had some health problems too. Great guy.

[Streetshooter]

Yeah, that's a bummer. He's got the eye and can talk too.

Pio's another on that works hard. I miss this thread and ya done a good thing keeping it going for over 2 years.

If ya keep it up, I'll do my part...shooter

[condyk]

Yeah, he could talk man. I used to chat to him via PM. And Pio is da King of urban at the moment. I got too busy and mainly focused on wildlife at the moment, but starting to get back into it here. Am tossing around the idea of gettin' the Carl Zeiss 50mm 1.4 with the 5D for street use, plus my little 35mm 2.0 and 24mm 2.8 when I want wider. Both sweet and cheap. I'm thinking also I love goin' manual ... more fun than the whole auto everything P&S approach. A bit of a challenge ;-) Not sure my eyes are up to it no more!

[Streetshooter]

I went back to film for a spell. It was great holding the M again. Then I picked up a G9 and it all opened up again. Bnought a Leica D-Lux 3 as a backup and the cool aspect ratio thinggy. So, it was back to the tourist areas and I looked like a tourist, so much so that even security people don't hassel me anywhere. Lucked out and got a nice grant to produce the project. Sold all the Pro Canon gear, bought a D300 and stuff, sold that and keeping the compacts. They do the job very well. I never lost sight of the vision or concepts I adhere to just got confused with gear crap. It happens with all this new digital stuff.

It's all paying dues.I have a class once in a while on street work. It takes 2 sessions to get the camera crap out of the way. Then, it's out on the street. The members are suprised at their own work after it's completed.
One guy has it down. He goes out with a G9, acts like a tourist and when approached, acts like he doesn't understand English. He has some amazing images...got balls to..

Anyway, I'll be around to reactivate and replenish the thread..later friend. Shooter

[TheHoff]

The four factors of good street photography

When taking candid images on the street, or wherever people gather, I like to think back to these few points to see how I can improve what I am currently shooting. There are many definitions of "street photography" here and around the world, and this is only my opinion so continue if you like...


Does this image --


have a human interest? -- does it say something about the humans in the image or around the area it was taken?

have context to show the environment? -- or is it anonymous in the location and could've been taken almost anywhere?

have intrigue into what is happening, what just happened, or what will happen next? -- static shots should mostly go into the bin

have a decisive moment? -- there is always a perfect time to take every image (obviously courtesy of HCB)


Look at some classics from the genre and it is easy to indentify those points in each...


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/LaCuataChula/Cartier-Bresson2.jpg


http://www.daltonrooney.com/weblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/frankparadehoboken.jpg


http://www.ewgbooks.com.tw/0003%E6%96%B0%E6%9B%B8/9%E6%9C%88%E6%AD%90%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%B0%E6%9B%B8%E5% 9C%96%E6%AA%94/101-150/103%20Robert%20Frank%20London%20Wales.jpg


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q241/streetpulse/remoteImage-155.jpg



Often it is easy to come back with images that have 1 or 2 of those factors -- an interesting person but a dull background, a great background and a good subject but they're not doing anything worthwhile, or an interesting person and a good moment but a blurred out anonymous background. It is much harder to combine 3 of those elements and if you have all 4, you likely have a great street photograph. I still don't have one.

[canonloader]

He goes out with a G9, acts like a tourist and when approached, acts like he doesn't understand English. He has some amazing images...got balls to..
Oh, now that is choice. ROFLMAO I am going to work on an accent. ;)

[Streetshooter]

Everybody needs to have their own triggers. The way you respond to those triggers and then capture or seize the moment, that's your work.

When you bring it to the wall, screen etc to share, that's when the work either bears fruit or not. The important thing is to work for yourself...find your way on the beaten path and share your vision of what's been seen...over and over before.

I like the G9 because it handles the situations I bring it into very well. It ain't a Leica, don't care...it's my choice at the moment.

I keep seeing mention about HCB, for real humanity in an image, the Master was/is Kertesz....

Rant done...

[TheHoff]

I don't need a ton of humanity in the image, just enough... (one of my favorites of his)

http://www.mocp.org/collections/permanent/uploads/KerteszEL2003_190.jpg

And I think many of us are wishing for an amazing M9 or a decent digital Bessa at this point.

[Streetshooter]

Yeah,
M9 will definately replace G9.
The M8 broke my heart..4xs.

I used an R-D1s for about a year and it was a good camera. No lens issues and I even learned great things about the Nokton.Sold it, miss it now.

Shooter

[TheHoff]

R-D1s is tempting but I have enough to keep me busy waiting for an update or new release.

How about a mini digital Rollei instead (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&id=15288616)? :D

[Streetshooter]

R-D1s is tempting but I have enough to keep me busy waiting for an update or new release.

How about a mini digital Rollei instead (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&id=15288616)? :D

yessir...understood...that in fact is why I got the G9. The R-D1s is not without it's issues...nothing major but still bothersome...and the price is up there too.

[condyk]

The four factors of good street photography



The only ones that tickle my fancy and request repeat viewings outta them lot are 2 and 4 there Hoffster ... so I think you must be wrong :p ;)

[NZDoug]

I go into stealth mode using the self timer and let the camera hang in front.
I use a 2 way bubble level and square up with my gut. Pre focus, level up, release the shutter, count the steamboats, then pivot to the shoot position on count down click.
I last did this with fuji s2pro and had to cover the flashing light that comes on with the self timer with black gaffer tape. Didnt read the manual.I will try with the 5d/50 1.4 once I figure the cf.s.
sorta like flying on instruments.....

[Marcus02]

so i got in super late on this thread. thanks for all the helpful tips and everything.
as said before i would say the best way to keep people friendly is to just smile alot.

[ThomGascoigne]

I love shooting in high risk area's such as ghetto's like RedFern in Sydney or sometimes scary places like Belfast -North Ireland. I've been doing it since I was 14 years old and I've learnt that due to the way I carry myself and my size I'm not likely to be "rolled" (mugged without weapon) by a single person or just a few people, I am much more likely to have weapons pulled on me or be approached by a larger group of youths or men in which case I be bloody confident and I stick to my ground and I don't allow myself to be surrounded or backed into a corner and in worst cases scenarios I have the back up of pepper spray and a extendable baton.

Having said all that, It's illegal to carry pepper spray and a baton in all parts of Australia, Although you can get away with carrying pepper spray in WA (as-long as you can provided evidence your safety is at threat) I have also had extensive self defensive training combined with being street wise.

I'd recommend being very careful when shooting in poor / high crime area's. Take someone with you. Always have a back up plan along with a good excuse for taking photos in the area you are in.

Pepper spray can be very useful but it isn't %100 guaranteed to work on everyone, Nor is a baton (some drug effected people can withstand alot of pain. Especially ice users)

Don't be a idiot. If you take photos of someone selling drugs or if you openly take photos of someone without their permission you could end up getting into alot of strife. I've found with a bit of bull**** you can get people to allow you to take their photo, In all fairness it does help if you are actually able to give them a print out of the photo at a later date or if you do use the photo for a non commercial purpose such as a art show let them know.

Also, Doesn't matter how much you love your camera it isn't worth losing your life or receiving a serious injury over. So be careful

[DerekRob]

Don't let the weather deter you! An overcast day may stop you from shooting landscapes but you can shoot street work regardless. If it starts raining, take cover but keep your eyes peeled for shots, some of my best ones have come from interesting reflections in puddles.I've finding out that a rainy shot is more dramatic shots are very cool and other then a sunny shot, In essence makes for some spooky effects :)

[CooperTown]

First one has got to be the easiest.

--- USE A TELEPHOTO LENS ---

Medium telephoto should do, around 200mm is probably ideal. You need this length to be able to take a decent head shot without disturbing or interupting your subject.

Gary.

Hey!!
I'm pretty sure this is definitely against the ethos of street photography. Go have a look at InPublic (http://www.in-public.com/photographers). I'm pretty sure none of the photographers there are using big telephotos. The ideal street lens is about 50mm on film, 35mm on cropped digital.

[CooperTown]

I am much more likely to have weapons pulled on me or be approached by a larger group of youths or men in which case I be bloody confident and I stick to my ground and I don't allow myself to be surrounded or backed into a corner and in worst cases scenarios I have the back up of pepper spray and a extendable baton.

Having said all that, It's illegal to carry pepper spray and a baton in all parts of Australia, Although you can get away with carrying pepper spray in WA (as-long as you can provided evidence your safety is at threat) I have also had extensive self defensive training combined with being street wise.

Pepper spray can be very useful but it isn't %100 guaranteed to work on everyone, Nor is a baton (some drug effected people can withstand alot of pain. Especially ice users)



Dude, are you serious?

Checklist for shooting:

Camera
Battery (charged)
Lens (+cleaner)
Mace
Spare CF Card
Nightstick
Posse for backupMate, your going out to take photos, not start a gangland war

[ThomGascoigne]

Dude, are you serious?

Checklist for shooting:

Camera
Battery (charged)
Lens (+cleaner)
Mace
Spare CF Card
Nightstick
Posse for backupMate, your going out to take photos, not start a gangland war

Yeah man %100. I live in Canberra You wouldn't think it was so violent but theres more fights per population here compared to Melbourne.

Have you had problems with violence before while shooting?

[CooperTown]

Yeah man %100. I live in Canberra You wouldn't think it was so violent but theres more fights per population here compared to Melbourne.

Have you had problems with violence before while shooting?

No never.

[CooperTown]

Yeah man %100. I live in Canberra You wouldn't think it was so violent but theres more fights per population here compared to Melbourne.

Have you had problems with violence before while shooting?

I'd suggest that if you go into Redfern with a bag packed with mace and a nightstick and start taking photos in a disrespectful manner (ie using a "bit of bul****"), you're pretty much asking for what you get.

[creature_]

May I add this?

http://2point8.whileseated.org/wow-footer/

[Synenergy52]

Nice link. Very nice, creature_.

[DutchOven]

do you guys have any good recommendations for wrist straps? maybe a low-key looking one without huge logos stamped all over it

[Albedo]

Got the black one of these: http://www.electricedge.com/gordy_s_straps/store/wrist-lug/index.htm

It's superb - feels like it will last forever.

[Streetshooter]

is there anybody out there.....
is there anyone at home.....?

[shadowkipper]

I'm here ;)

[yeamanos]

I'd suggest that if you go into Redfern with a bag packed with mace and a nightstick and start taking photos in a disrespectful manner (ie using a "bit of bul****"), you're pretty much asking for what you get.I live near Redfern and have taken numerous pictures of the area and candids of the locals with little retaliation. You just got to know the area which takes careful observation, traits every photographer should have.

I'd like to extend that last thought into stating that I dislike taking candids of people in an area that I am unfamiliar with as I become apprehensive and am unsure of the culture and their opinions of being photographed without permission. I usually spend a couple of days in the area, walking around visiting the local shopping centres (if any), parks, pools, pubs cafe's, and generally any venue which the locals attend. By doing this I can get a feeling of the area and the people that inhabit them, then I get the camera out and start snapping, my preference.

ANother personal preference of mine is the use of primes lenses. I have worked my way off telephoto lens' and this has completely changed the way I approach street photography. It has forced me to become a better photographer (that doesn't mean I take better pictures), it has forced me to get right into the shot I want, to focus heavily on shot composition and forced me to be more confident, which reflects in my work. I still carry a telephoto lens with me for those shots which I cannot obtain with a prime, but it doesn't get used until it is absolutley needed. I have noticed considerably more people going off at me now but I have developed a few strategies for getting around them. Those mentioned previously are great, give them your email or get theirs and offer to send them the picture. Or I show them the picture I have just taken and see whether they approve or not, if not, then I ask if I can retake the picture where I use a little flattering to get them to say "yes." It doesn't always work but you'd be surprised at some people who do say "yes" and by doing so you can actually get a few shots of them around the area, if you're lucky. But my favourite trick is if I suspect they are the type to react negatively to having their picture taken then I quickly snap a shot of the area with them out of frame, then I take the picture I want of them. This has saved me numerous arguments and from deleting the picture, so if they react you show them the shot you took previously with them out of frame and then argument over, you have their picture and their none the wiser.

Back to the Redfern example, I approached a group of teenage male aboriganls introduced myself and told them I was a photographer for the local community paper doing a piece about the culture and people of the area which they all happily agreed to have their pictures taken. Truth be told I do not work for the local paper so I blatantly lied to their faces, was that right? That's up to you and where your moral compass is positioned, I feel no shame in lying because if I hadn't I know I would never have been able to get those shots, so the choice is yours.

So in summation, be confident.

[Streetshooter]

I'm still standing. I'm still on the streets...
Where the heck is youse alls at?

[DutchOven]

in my office.

[ThomGascoigne]

I had a nice comment shooting with a friend in Redfern once.

Aboriginal dude: "Theres two dead photographers in those bushes"

Me: "Yeah thats great. Mate"

And thats my story..

[ThomGascoigne]

Oh and Yeamanos

No it's wrong to lie to people in that manner, However if dealing with security thats a good strat to use. But bluntly lying to people in the street is wrong think of it like this. It makes it really hard for photographers coming through the area next time that may really be shooting for the local paper or something.

If you're taking street shots as a documentation of the area and the people in the area say that. Honest is best.

[canonloader]

It makes it really hard for photographers coming through the area next time that may really be shooting for the local paper or something.
How is that? Like they are ever going to check all the papers or websites for their pics?

Still, why lie, just tell them your taking pictures for POTN and your going to make them famous, seen by other photographers around the world. :lol:

[ThomGascoigne]

You obviously haven't been to Redfern before

[canonloader]

No. Are you going to answer the question or not?

[ThomGascoigne]

LOL...

If you go into Redfern and the locals ask you why you're shooting there and you tell them a publication and they press you for details you could end up in trouble and by trouble I mean assault and robbery. The other point is there aren't many papers in Sydney and very few local street papers.

Many photographers have been through their before and the locals see you coming a mile off, "what we have ere then bruz another white boy with expensive cameras that we can roll him for"

I think the right approach to use is your here to document the area and the people in the area.

The other thing to think about is some of the locals don't like media especially after the "riots" had in Redfern.

I started shooting solo in Redfern when I was 14, I'm 26 now I have more problems now then I did when I was 14. I've also shot in needle infested crime zones in Melbourne and other parts of Sydney. I've also done solo shooting in Belfast and I know if you go into theres areas like a cocky and naive photographer you could get rolled.

If you went into Redfern and got up in peoples faces and shot them like your Bruce Gilden I think you would get beat down and robbed. So I think the use of telephoto can be beneficial. I tend not to shoot people when I go to Redfern I'm more interested in the landscape and I still get hassled just because locals think I'm another white guy coming through the area to make them look bad. I don't blame them!

[canonloader]

Sounds like South Side Chicago.

[ThomGascoigne]

I've heard people compare it to drug invested areas as shown on "The Wire" I think thats going a bit far. There is a big alcohol problem there along with drugs and alot of government tower housing (full of good as well as bad people). Redfern doesn't have the gangs or guns that South Side Chicago does, from what I gather anyway. Just like I wouldn't go down South California Ave taking up close 50mm candid shots of gang members I wouldn't do the same with intoxicated (alcohol or drugs) locals around the alot of parts of Redfern.

[canonloader]

Yeah, one thing we got plenty of over here is guns. Part of the culture. I doubt it will ever change, cause the only ones who will willingly give them up are the honest people, leaving all the riff-raff with the guns. We tried that once. ;)

[ThomGascoigne]

We don't have major gun problems here I don't think. Thats one thing I don't envy about USA

[canonloader]

I have always had guns and I will not give up the right. But it's like almost the last thing I ever think about. It only becomes a big thing when something really outrageous happens, like a televised bank robbery, and those are usually done with assault rifles, not pistols. On the other hand, if everyone on the street had guns on them, there would be very few bank robbery attempts. You will never hear it said in the open, but for every "good" person that carries a legal gun, there is one person out there looking for just the right chance to use it. Like blowing away a bank robber, or some radical fool shooting people on campus. ;)

In this life, you buys a ticket and you takes your chances. :mrgreen:

[Mintie]

You obviously haven't been to Redfern before

What is it with you and Redfern? If it's that dangerous, don't photograph there.

[ThomGascoigne]

What is with you buddy? I like photographing in Redfern is that a problem for you?

[Mintie]

What is with you buddy? I like photographing in Redfern is that a problem for you?

Not at all buddy.

I just find it funny how often you mention Redfern and how dangerous it is to shoot there. Like you're Robert Capa and it's Omaha Beach.

Yeh, I've been there; yeh certain part's of it are not that safe. Sydney's like any city, it's got areas that are not considered very safe.

Anyhow, I'm not buying into this debate about arming yourself for street photography.

It's embarrasing.

[ThomGascoigne]

To insult me like this is embarrassing. You don't know me or the photography I do or how I do it so keep your personal comments to yourself.

I'd like to see you walk around the areas I do at the times I do with $12k+ gear. I don't walk around like a fool hardly idiot trying to get in peoples faces and cause problems. I go in as quietly as I can and do what I'm there to do and then leave. Perhaps after you have a few nasty experiences with knifes pulled on you and attacked with bottles leaving scaring on your face next to your eye you will start to think about self defensive measures. I'm not all about arming myself for street photography thats a absolutely ludicrous comment for you to say. I am about being reasonable in protecting myself and my person.

If you don't have anything constructive to add to this thread and you just feel the need to have a go at me the way I operate maybe you should go do something more worthy of your time like take some photos.

You've just started an agreement for no good reason your not here to offer anything positive, I don't do this to you so why are you feeling the need to do it to me just because you don't agree with what I do.

Why not go have a dig at some of the Americans on this forum that take their firearms out with them when they are photographing huh?

GO have a mintie..

[Mintie]

Relax Thom, please. I'm sorry if you found my comments insulting.

If you want to lug around $12,000+ of equipment for street photography, that's your choice but don't bemoan the fact that that someone may mug you for that little haul if you are in a dangerous place.

I think I am trying to add something constructive to this thread by saying that, unless absolutely necessary, shooting street photography in dangerous places is a bit foolish. No, I've never had a knife pulled on me or attacked with bottles but that's probably because I've been careful.

You say you "do what I'm there to do and then leave" like you are there on commission from Life magazine. It's a suburb not a zoo Thom. They're people, not exhibits. Just because those in Redfern are living life a little rougher than the majority of Australians, it doesn't mean their entire lives need to be documented.

Not all street photography has to include someone living rough you know.

And yes, Thom - I think you'll find on several occasions I have had a dig at the "Americans" on this forum bragging about taking their firearms out when they are photographing. Huh?

[Karl Johnston]

Why do you need 12 grand in photo gear? Some of the best street shots are done with but a pinhole camera. I don't even carry 12 grand in photo gear anywhere and I'm a full time fine art photographer. Mind you not a street photographer, but still some of the best street and photojournalists don't have the best of gear on them. I can't even see a magnum photographer carrying around that much gear.

Part of street photography is about being discreet and capturing the street, or people without feeling like you're invading.

[ThomGascoigne]

Your making assumptions. When did I say I was going into Redfern in particular to shoot poor people in a poor area? I'm there shooting a very particular subject matter that has nothing to do with the local people alot of the time. Secondly it is for my business and my job to be in that location shooting those photos. I'm going in for a particular reason so I do what I'm there to do and I leave.

I'm not going in there to take advantage of poor people or people down on their luck or homeless people. I dislike photographers that purposely take advantage of poor people or poor areas for their own photography gain.

I require specific gear for what I shoot. It's on the street and the topic is about as street as it gets.

The minimum gear I need to carry is body, back up, flash, 14mm, 24-70, not always but a good idea 70-200. I have done the same specific shooting with 1 body + 2 lenses and the reason I carry as much gear with me now are these:

2 bodies ( I live in Canberra and can't afford to travel to Sydney all the time )
14mm shooting in tight spots alleys etc. Getting straight on shots is important to me.
24-70 main lens
70-200 dangerous spots which I can't get close enough access to for example busy railway tracks.

Flash alot of the time I need fill flash to take care of harsh shadows

That type of stuff is very particular for a very particular job.

Shooting candid's of people I would tend to have the same gear with me and mostly use the 24-70 thats just me.

I like to get non discreet up close photos but of people not looking at me. One method I use for this is "sheepie" I will try and upload a photo of what I mean.

I'd also like to point out I am very careful and respectful when shooting in almost all the areas I shoot in. That doesn't safe guard me from someone off their head on injected ice or a group of people that are intoxicated.

[ThomGascoigne]

Sheepie:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=9155600&posted=1#post9155600

[fiebru1119]

I have a question for you guys. In the beginning of this thread, Sean-Mcr mentioned that if and when someone were to approach you, that one should simply explain what I'm doing. Well I'm going to spend some time in puerto Rico (I am from pr so I don't need lectures on the people and culture.. Very acquainted with that) but if someone comes up to me like, "hey buddy WTF are you doing??" what is it I'm trying to portray to them. I know why I am doing it, but I almost feel like, what's in it for them?

[gkuenning]

I have a question for you guys. In the beginning of this thread, Sean-Mcr mentioned that if and when someone were to approach you, that one should simply explain what I'm doing. Well I'm going to spend some time in puerto Rico (I am from pr so I don't need lectures on the people and culture.. Very acquainted with that) but if someone comes up to me like, "hey buddy WTF are you doing??" what is it I'm trying to portray to them. I know why I am doing it, but I almost feel like, what's in it for them?

Good question. I think it at least partly depends on the person's demeanor. If they're very hostile, you might want to try to defuse it by telling them you were testing the camera and you'll happily delete the picture you took (or some similar tale that seems like it might work). Assuming they're not hostile, I'd suggest calmly explaining that you're an artistic photographer and that you thought it would make an interesting or attractive picture. I'd also show them the shot and possibly other shots I'd taken, so they could see the kind of thing I was doing. Some other people have even suggested having a portfolio along, so that they can see that it's not personal.

But it depends on the situation. A few years ago, I had a (possibly deranged) woman yell at me angrily; I simply ignored her and let it slide off my back. I didn't delete the shots, but I've never published them in any venue, primarily out of courtesy to her feelings.

As to what's in it for them, I have two answers. The first is: not much, but there's also no harm. If you can demonstrate that there's no harm, at least some people will shrug. The second, though, is personal pride. "Can you believe it honey? A guy took my picture downtown today, and he says maybe he'll put it in a book!" In fact, I know that some people carry model releases around and actually get people to sign them, after the fact, just based on the desire for publicity. Hey, if you can get people to do all those stupid things on reality shows...

[Streetshooter]

Well, lately I just act like an idiot and act like I don't understand the camera...I move it around and look at it...,

I might respond to the WTF question with...
dunno, this stupid f***in' camera is making me crazy...next thing ya know....I'm walking making photos again....

[jeyaganesh]

I have just started the street photography. I have learnt that when you use tele-zoom lens, you need to see the things as far as your lens can see. Otherwise you will lose the great moments.

After all in the street photography, the photos you have missed are greater than the photos you have shot.:D

If you are interested, please visit my street photography (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jay-rajamanickam/sets/72157608625708108/) set on flickr :)

Thanks, Jay:D

[Streetshooter]

Jay,
Welcome...but I don't agree with your statement about missed shots being better than the ones ya got...

If that's the case, your timing is off... maybe once in a while you'll miss one but ya should be getting more than missing...
don

[jeyaganesh]

Jay,
Welcome... your timing is off...
don

Yes, true. I have missed several good moments while changing the camera settings. I have just started to take photos in Manual mode. Still I need to learn to handle aperture and shutter speed. Hope I will learn it soon with practice. :D

[Streetshooter]

Yes, true. I have missed several good moments while changing the camera settings. I have just started to take photos in Manual mode. Still I need to learn to handle aperture and shutter speed. Hope I will learn it soon with practice. :D

Practice will get you there...don't forget to try "A" mode. This is very effective on the street....
shooter

[DutchOven]

Practice will get you there...don't forget to try "A" mode. This is very effective on the street....
shooter

Green box mode, or A-Dep?

[Streetshooter]

Aperture Priority.

You set the aperture to the amount of depth of field you want and the camera will set the shutter speed. Another good trick is to use Auto ISO......

Look up Hyperfocal Distance..this will help you choose the fstop.
I'm around if ya need help...
don

[jeyaganesh]

Aperture Priority.

You set the aperture to the amount of depth of field you want and the camera will set the shutter speed. Another good trick is to use Auto ISO......
don

Your tips are useful. I will try with the Av mode this weekend :)

[Streetshooter]

Good luck and be safe out there.....

[jeyaganesh]

Hi Streetshooter,
As I have said I tried street photography last weekend with Av mode. It was lot easier than the Manual mode. Some of the latest pictures are here. If you are interested please see more pictures at my flickr Street Photography (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jay-rajamanickam/sets/72157608625708108/) set. Thanks, Jay:D

[Streetshooter]

I checked out your gallery. Seems that your coming along at a quick pace. It may be to your advantage to loose the titles.
They set preconceptions and don't allow the viewer to come to their own conclusions...just my opinion...
shooter

[charliechuck]

the best way i have found is to have the sun low in the sky behind you and make sure you are in a crowded area people coming towards you don't notice that your there because the sun distracts them. i have done this many times and got better photo's. 99% are unaware that that they have been photographed.

[Deep Pocket]

I wish I was more of everyone else's age here.
Being my age everyone looks at me with great suspicion.. "16 yr old buff asian with a little camera and long red-ringed thing sticking out of it around his neck that is going to photography your signs and sell them on ebay"

I find myself being escorted away from everywhere even when I'm not taking pictures. Pretty sure I made a thread about it a while back..


But from experience, my tip would be to do "hip shots"- not looking at your camera and just holding it to your side with a wide angle (I used to use my sigma 30 1.4.). It's a lot less suspicious than holding the camera directly in front of your eye.

[jeyaganesh]

I never do hip-shots. I walk along the people, then just shoot and go. At first I was nervous to do street photography, but now i am little bit bold. Few weeks back I saw a YouTube documentary video about the great photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt. In that documentary, he said 'I am shy, but when I have camera in my hands, I become bold'. It is a nice documentary. :)

[rameshiyer]

Aperture Priority.

You set the aperture to the amount of depth of field you want and the camera will set the shutter speed. Another good trick is to use Auto ISO......

Look up Hyperfocal Distance..this will help you choose the fstop.
I'm around if ya need help...
don

Awesome tip Streetshooter. I followed these and tried some hip-shots with good results. Here is my fav
441485

The girl reminds me of a celeb, but I am not able to recollect who.

[condyk]

Worth a read for street tips ... click (http://www.photoradar.com/techniques/tips/21-street-photography-tips-from-the-professionals)

[jeyaganesh]

Worth a read for street tips ... click (http://www.photoradar.com/techniques/tips/21-street-photography-tips-from-the-professionals)
Thanks, David. That is a very useful link.bw!

[Streetshooter]

Awesome tip Streetshooter. I followed these and tried some hip-shots with good results. Here is my fav
441485

The girl reminds me of a celeb, but I am not able to recollect who.

The girl reminds me of my youth but I don't recollect that either.....

[Alexei TND]

The girl reminds me of my youth but I don't recollect that either.....

ROFL
wheres the TF :D

Great thread btw, ive been focusing mostly on landscape, nature and wildlife photography in my spare time, and weddings/portraits as a side job.
Ive wanted to get into street since a while but keep putting it off.
Hopefully ill work up some courage to go and shoot street soon, especially with warmer weather being outside and shooting is just so enjoyable.