City street shooting

[chuckw]

Hello All:

So from what I have read in books and seen on forums it seems like if I head off into NYC this week with my 40D I would be having trouble capturing good shots due to the size of the camera. Is this an accurate assessment of street shooting? That it's a rangefinder world only? I want to give it a try but don't want to waste time if I'm going to have to explain what I'm doing each time I raise the body to my eye.

Thanks

[chuckw]

So are there any actual street shooters that can confirm this, or are all views from channel lurkers?

Thanks

[elysium]

40D. Live view and shoot from the hip.

I go out often with my 5D and either the 85 1.8 or a 300L and just frame and shoot. Zooming I feel can waste precious seconds.

I would just go for a long lens and a busy area. Shoot into crowds rather than people by themselves. Stay away from parks I reckon also.

Try to get people while they do something
http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/People/People-14.jpg

http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/People/People-3.jpg

Side on means less time to get caught so you have a few more seconds.
http://www.clarity-rebirth.co.uk/People/People-1.jpg

Best place to go is a tourist hotspot. Loads of other people taking photos.

[TheHoff]

Rangefinders aren't that much smaller; Leicas are quite a bit bigger than your average point and shoot so it isn't like you're invisible. I often shot street with a gripped 5D (see signature) and now a 1DS2. Yea it is big and annoying and I'd love something smaller for street but that is what I have... btw I only use 24mm to 35mm so it isn't like I'm back far with a telephoto.

Don't explain -- shoot, smile, and keep walking.

[Hangbot]

It's true that you do get more attention when you raise a dslr than when you do a P&S. When I shoot, and people in the shot notice me, I try to make it seem as if I'm shooting something past them. Never really had a problem though.

I've only seen altercations a handful of times and they were at Washington Square park. People are sensitive about photogs shooting their dogs and their kids.

note - you will definitely get noticeable attention if you pull out a white lens:)

[chuckw]

Thanks for the advice, Guess ill try my luck in like Soho.

[kclancy]

40D is just about right. I just had to purchase a G9 cause my Mark II was a little much to be dragging on the streets. I like to think its more about your approach then what you're holding. Hopefully you can get the shot before they see you.

[Enem178]

I use my 40D for street photography and I haven't had a problem yet. I do get a lot of people who like to stop and talk to me but that fine most of the time.

[creature_]

I'm going to give my honest opinion about this matter, so forgive me if I offend anyone.

Basically, if you want to go shooting with a DSLR body you need balls. You may be more prone to become a target for muggers, you will stand out a bit more than those with a rangefinder or P&S, and people will stare (although not everyone). Once you get past the fear of walking up to people and taking photos with the bulky DSLR, you're home scottfree.

It's really all that it is, getting past your fear of people, of strangers, in a location that you cannot control (the streets). Some folks might flame me, some might agree, but that's all it boils down to, get your camera, stick the lens in a passerby's face, shoot, smile, continue down the road. Truth is, most people are just too damn busy to care or notice you. The few that do will likely ask you what you're doing, just answer you're a street photag, be honest and open with them.

If you're on a public sidewalk, they cannot make you erase their photo. Anything that can be viewed from a public location is fair game. If someone gets overly confrontational, be polite, use common sense, walk away.

Here is a Very Good site that will help you out, not many people seem to know of it: http://2point8.whileseated.org/wow-footer/

Good luck!

[TheHoff]

Maybe it depends where you live but probably 1 in 10 people on the streets of Vancouver have a DSLR with them. It hardly makes you stick out any more except when you start shooting the people instead of the buildings like most of them.

>>Anything that can be viewed from a public location is fair game.

Correct but with a minor caveat -- there are public locations where you have an expectation of privacy, such as a change room at a public pool. If a person has an expectation of privacy like that, the location is off-limits for street photography without permission.

[Bukanza]

Like others have said - it all comes down to confidence and attitude. Don't be afraid, and don't forget to smile!

[jhkphoto]

it comes down to the fact that anyone in public runs the risk of being photographed. you don't have to explain yourself if some one asks you what you are doing. you may be surprised by how little people care about you having an slr also. rebels and d40s are everywhere.

[Logan_from_Miami]

I shoot street with my 5D2 and 70-200L. Yeah everyone notices me but I've never had a problem. My method is just act very confident and like I REALLY know what I'm doing, and smile. I have my gear insured in case I get mugged or a angry person breaks it. I also carry pepper spray clipped to my belt.

[thatpreludeguy]

One thing I didnt see anyone point out about NYC is there are tourists everywhere taking pictures of everything so cameras are just part of the city. If you're planning on shooting a homeless person be prepared to have a potential situation but outside of that I'd shy away from people who look aggravated already and you should be fine.

Of course I'm talking out my arse because I've only shot with a P&S (only because I just picked up my 40D recently). Be smart and aware of your surroundings and I think you'll be just fine.

[sjones]

I've used both rangefinders and DSLR/SLRs; you shouldn't have a problem with the 40D.

Besides, it's New York:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkIWW6vwrvM

Yeah, he's using a rangefinder, but he's also using flash...

[IslandCrow]

Granted, I haven't been shooting places like New York, but I find the biggest thing is not to make it look like you're doing anything wrong. I also don't spend too much time with any one person (I think that's called stalking). In other words, don't be sneaky about it. If you see something that catches your eye, raise your camera and take a shot. About the worst I get is a nasty look. In that case, I stop shooting, walk away, and that's about the end of it. I am cautious about shooting children (though they often make great subjects), especially an individual child. There are too many weirdos out there, and I really don't want a parent to think I'm one of them. I've never had any issues shooting animals, especially dogs. Of course, maybe that's because I love dogs, and I'll usually end up having a conversation with the owner. If the owner happens to be cute, that's just an added bonus.

One of the nice things about using an SLR is that many people will assume you're a professional, and they're much more amenable to having their picture taken. Oh yeah, I also tend to avoid women with their boyfriends/husbands (especially if they're bigger than me). Unless it's an older couple, where bravado is less likely (plus I figure I can outrun them).

[Cole_Schmitt]

Oh yeah, I also tend to avoid women with their boyfriends/husbands (especially if they're bigger than me). Unless it's an older couple, where bravado is less likely (plus I figure I can outrun them).

You: "Muahaha shot yah *****"
Old man: "Get the **** over here!"
You: "Oh ****, I'm out of here [running away as fast as he can]"

;) (Sorry for the vulgar language. LOL

[jdmcelica]

You: "Muahaha shot yah *****"
Old man: "Get the **** over here!"
You: "Oh ****, I'm out of here [running away as fast as he can]"

;) (Sorry for the vulgar language. LOL
LOL!