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

[ChrisSearle]

I love pretty much all aspects of photography and have been getting into street photography more since I got my Ricoh GRD3 but have done it with my 1D as well. My tip? Just do it! I've taken hundreds of street photos in Brighton and in Mumbai and in all that time I have never had anybody make an issue out of it. However one day when doing landscapes on Brighton seafront I had a guy come up to me out of nowhere and angrily demand that I delete a photo which he was in, I had a ultra wide angle on and he was a dot in the distance. I pressed a button and told him it was deleted and he whent on his way. Whatever, I dont hold with the 'sneaky approach'. Just look confident, and snap away, the worst that can happen is that somebody may interact with you! The interesting stuff is, I have to say , often achieved by serendipity so shoot loads and then examine the results critically, you never know what you've got and occasionally the result is amazing, thats the wonder of digital! Of course one comes across some images that just beg to be photographed and yes there are times when you have an image in mind and go out and find it, you see a interesting backdrop and then wait for something to happen in front of it. So, be eclectic! Do whatever it takes, cos it's the result that matters.

[Streetshooter]

Hey all...
just checking in...... hope everyone is doing well, I don't post much here because I'm doing m4/3 for a while already...
anywayz...... seeya's around... shooter

[condyk]

Been tempted by the m4/3 gear so be interested in your results. Feel free to post. I like the Panny/20mm set up.

[Streetshooter]

Well, I won't post the images on this forum due to respect. You can see them at my site and look at the Observations Gallery...
That's ok......

[djentley]

What is everyone's opinion of using a flash for portraits and candids when travelling? Never used one before but it may help to capture a few shots I might never be able to otherwise, however the flash would limit access to my camera, which already only just fits in its bag snuggly.

[Streetshooter]

Flash is cool if you use it for effect. Check out Weegee's work.
So it will depend on your vision and intent as to the use of it.
Good luck... Don

[namasste]

I think that one of the best quotes I have ever heard regarding photography applies here..(paraphrased) in philanthropy, like photography, the closer you get, the better your results.

personally, I have found that the brightest moments of photographing on the street are those times that I do have the opportunity to speak with those I want to shoot, to learn a little about them, and share a little of me as well. the photograph is simply icing on the cake.

[Streetshooter]

I agree to a degree. There are 2 main ways I work.
1...as an observer
2...as a participant

It depends on your intent as to which applies per situation.
Both ways work to make images and bot are used at different times in different ways.
That's the exciting thing about the street...

[namasste]

I agree to a degree. There are 2 main ways I work.
1...as an observer
2...as a participant

It depends on your intent as to which applies per situation.
Both ways work to make images and bot are used at different times in different ways.
That's the exciting thing about the street...
agreed and sometimes you unexpectedly find yourself in one situation or the other despite your initial intent. I will say that when I am a participant, I seem to be able to connect in a way I otherwise wouldn't. of course, what works for one may not work for others.

[eyebecasey]

My technique is to find a good vantage point that has a number of folks passing through. That way I can set up ISO, f-stop, etc ahead of time, and can focus on my subject without thinking about the technical issues.

[JC32]

Great thread here, I'm really enjoying reading about the tips and people's experiences...

I'm still very new to street photography, but I have a question more about technique...How do you guys take a shot of someone that's walking towards you and keep them in focus? If they are continually moving towards you, what's the best thing to do to keep that person in contiuous focus? Oh and if it helps. I'm using my Canon 50mm 1.8 lens.. Thanks...

[Alexei TND]

Great thread here, I'm really enjoying reading about the tips and people's experiences...

I'm still very new to street photography, but I have a question more about technique...How do you guys take a shot of someone that's walking towards you and keep them in focus? If they are continually moving towards you, what's the best thing to do to keep that person in contiuous focus? Oh and if it helps. I'm using my Canon 50mm 1.8 lens.. Thanks...

Set your AF-Mode to AI servo and select a focus point

the camera will continuously focus on that point, ideal for moving subjects

[joe_incognito]

Hey everyone, Thanks for all the fantastic tips and tricks, I was up all night, read every post and clicked every link, I then dragged my exhausted self out and tried my hand at candid photos. I even tried Hoff's Shooting from the hip technique, but that needs some work, (lots of asses and ankles ;) )
you can check the results here:
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll21/joe_incognito/Street%20Photos/?albumview=slideshow
Thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers :D
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll21/joe_incognito/Street%20Photos/Street005_BW.jpg

[DrewTheShooter]

I love pretty much all aspects of photography and have been getting into street photography more since I got my Ricoh GRD3 but have done it with my 1D as well. My tip? Just do it! I've taken hundreds of street photos in Brighton and in Mumbai and in all that time I have never had anybody make an issue out of it. However one day when doing landscapes on Brighton seafront I had a guy come up to me out of nowhere and angrily demand that I delete a photo which he was in, I had a ultra wide angle on and he was a dot in the distance. I pressed a button and told him it was deleted and he whent on his way. Whatever, I dont hold with the 'sneaky approach'. Just look confident, and snap away, the worst that can happen is that somebody may interact with you! The interesting stuff is, I have to say , often achieved by serendipity so shoot loads and then examine the results critically, you never know what you've got and occasionally the result is amazing, thats the wonder of digital! Of course one comes across some images that just beg to be photographed and yes there are times when you have an image in mind and go out and find it, you see a interesting backdrop and then wait for something to happen in front of it. So, be eclectic! Do whatever it takes, cos it's the result that matters.

I appreciate what you said. I enjoy taking candids. Although sometimes the situations can become weird. lol... I had a lady approach me during New Years party I was shooting and demanded I delete a photo of her boyfriend whom had posed with an other girl while she went to the restroom. Wasn't a problem, but her demeanor was pretty "stank". I plan to shoot a Tattoo Festival this coming weekend. Wish me luck!!

[DrewTheShooter]

Hey Joe... I really Digg this shot. Personally I like to get in the mix and immerse myself in the environment in which I'm shooting. I do a lot of nightclub photography and it's great to get "up close and personal" with everyone. It's great practice for candids. And it'll get you some serious light manipulation situations. I'm still getting the hang of that..lol.. Mainly because I have to often change some setting, both for lens and flash. Outdoor is some of the best opps for great photos. If you haven't realized, sunlight is "The Sh*t!! Later man, and keep up the good work. Good luck!!

[DrewTheShooter]

This is a shot of my daugher a few years ago with my rebel... she had no idea I was shooting her.. Ha!

[HermanKrieger]

My latest series of street photos is, "Junction City Junction". It's now
posted on my website at www.efn.org/~hkrieger.

[DrewTheShooter]

Herman I really digg your photos!!! New Classics for me

[BzBrian]

For street photography I really find that having two lenses is key. I always bring out my 50mm and my 135mm, two focal lengths I find perfect for street photography.

[jeyaganesh]

I use 135mm for wide and big streets. 35mm for narrow and densely populated streets . If I am familiar with the place, I decide which lens is best for the place and take only one of those lenses.:D

[Razeus]

I'm getting into street photography and I find the best setup for my D7000:

35mm f/1.8 lens
Av Mode at f/4-5.6
Auto ISO (to take care of varying lighting conditions, entering shaded areas, etc.) with minimum acceptable shutter speed of 1/40th

That way I can just focus on the scene and composition and not be fiddling with my camera, drawing attention to myself.

At least until I can get an M9...

[gce]

Great thread guys! I'm just now getting into Street photography and find one of my biggest obstacles is the sun hitting some areas and not others. So photos come out overexposed and underexposed in the same shot.

I used my 17-55 and 100mm the other day but after work I’m going to try my wide 10-22mm to see if I can get them not looking! ;)

[at7815]

Very useful tips! Thanks for starting this thread and sharing your knowledge!

[Streetshooter]

It's a sleeping thread that wakes up once in a while. I still like it and it's posters tho'.
Shooter

[boingy]

Just saw this thread! Although I haven't had much opportunity yet, I'm really enjoying street photography, whether it's candid's or portraits. Something about strangers is interesting...In time I hope to start a 100 strangers project, a street candid project and a homeless photo project for fun...

Check out my flickr for a few
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/

Here's a pretty funny snapshot I took in SF

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6071407970_c037802319.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6071407970/)
Medusa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6071407970/) by boingy.man (http://www.flickr.com/people/boingyman/), on Flickr

[Streetshooter]

boingy, nice image. I'm heading to check out your flickr stuff.
Don

[jeyaganesh]

It's a sleeping thread that wakes up once in a while. I still like it and it's posters tho'.
Shooter
It is because all the important street photography tips were already given in this thread. It is time to shoot.:D

[Streetshooter]

Man, I been in the streets shooting for over 45 years. This thread is to help the new shooters find their way. It's our responsibility to help them find the light.

[boingy]

My second time now getting to go out and shoot strangers whether it's asking them first or candids...I notice I'm getting much more confident. Here's a few...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6135251755_63e2b1a864_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6135251755/)
Queen's Guard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6135251755/) by boingy-man (http://www.flickr.com/people/boingyman/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6135258901_06a73de41c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6135258901/)
Look Who's Talking! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6135258901/) by boingy-man (http://www.flickr.com/people/boingyman/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6136906832_ac65ab9a7c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6136906832/)
Mr. Chan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6136906832/) by boingy-man (http://www.flickr.com/people/boingyman/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6136995724_cb9ce2467b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6136995724/)
Band Member (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boingyman/6136995724/) by boingy-man (http://www.flickr.com/people/boingyman/), on Flickr

[Streetshooter]

Hope you all are doing ok out there.....
Things are rough here in Philly but I'm still on the street....
Later everyone...
Don

[demonboy]

Allow yourself a good half an hour to 'warm up'.

Street photography is like riding a bike. You never forget how to do it, but if you haven't done it for a while (a few days) then you lose confidence. Give yourself half an hour to get warmed up.

[Streetshooter]

Hmmmm, my wife says the same thing at night....

[n.nickels]

I believe street photography, and candid shots are my calling. I try to shoot everyday(im sure everyone does). I stopped shooting altogether for about 3 years. here are some of mine, i love all critiques.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/6947928666_6a2254d1e4.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6911493694_a6a7817c23.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/7057577443_0e5006bd28.jpg
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6060/6997863821_bbbd3703d5.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6864336567_0efaf3a85f.jpg

[Streetshooter]

if you continue to work like # 3 & 5....you'll be right on....the others are ok but those 2 are on the right track....
Don