Tips for urban shooting

[goosfrabaa]

Hi guys, I was wondering if you had any specific advice on shooting in a city or urban area. I bought my G10 about a month ago and have learned how to use its features and frame a shot mostly through this site and the occasional web article. I've been using my a lot because I learn well through doing (and I enjoy it), but I've been using it in an almost exclusively rural setting. I've taken mountain landscapes and nature shots, but no city-scapes or urban shots. This would all be fine, but I'm moving to Pamplona, Spain on Saturday for a year and plan on taking lots of photos while there.

Any advice for me? I spend lots of time in NYC so I'm used to cities, I've just never tried to take photos (or decent photos at least) in one.

[Tee Why]

Get close and wide so the viewer feels a part of the scene. Many start out from a far with a telephoto but this eliminated the environment of the streets.

[samueli]

I'd like to jump in on this question too if it's ok. I was just pondering street photography and find some of it to be most excellent, especially with people in the scene. How do people react and how do you make it agreeable for the person(s) to be part of your picture? I'm sure some people don't like it. It makes good sense to be wide and close, but how do you approach the situation? I'm not the most natural people person, so it's hard to see myself doing well with random people.

[airfrogusmc]

Get close and wide so the viewer feels a part of the scene. Many start out from a far with a telephoto but this eliminated the environment of the streets.

Agree...

[goosfrabaa]

I'd like to jump in on this question too if it's ok. I was just pondering street photography and find some of it to be most excellent, especially with people in the scene. How do people react and how do you make it agreeable for the person(s) to be part of your picture? I'm sure some people don't like it. It makes good sense to be wide and close, but how do you approach the situation? I'm not the most natural people person, so it's hard to see myself doing well with random people.

I second that question.

Get close and wide so the viewer feels a part of the scene. Many start out from a far with a telephoto but this eliminated the environment of the streets.

Thank you for the advice, I was starting to think I wasn't gonna get any earlier.

[EVANDIXONdotCOM]

I "third" that question. It is especially hard for me when I am 6' 4" and carrying the largest excuse for a camera they've ever seen (especially in third world countries). You may not have any of those problems - you're using a G10, not a DSLR, you may not be huge like me, and you are headed to Spain, but nevertheless, you attract some strange looks when you are trying to frame that perfect shot.

[Tee Why]

I personally shoot from the hip and don't stand in one place too long or stand in one place very long and try to melt into the background. I've seen some compose and take their shots and I think it's how you carry yourself. I like candid shots so I'm not into conversing most of the time but I think if you talk to the subjects and put them at ease, you can get some nice posed environmental portraits as well. But everyone has their own style. Some have a great way to put others at ease, some don't.

I tend to shoot mostly around Hollywood, Santa Monica, and downtown LA, so it's crowded there and easier to go unnoticed.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Hollywood/577044_XmB2D#134293204_gTvMq
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Santa-Monica-CA/632884_qxNx6#179623820_M6dgN
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Broadway-Blvd-Los-Angeles/1196989_nWqYT#179623497_rvLLT

[EVANDIXONdotCOM]

Tee Why,

I really like your stuff. When you "shoot from the hip" how do you get the image in focus? Do you use all AF points and just hope for the best?

[eddiebrown]

I'd like to jump in on this question too if it's ok. I was just pondering street photography and find some of it to be most excellent, especially with people in the scene. How do people react and how do you make it agreeable for the person(s) to be part of your picture? I'm sure some people don't like it. It makes good sense to be wide and close, but how do you approach the situation? I'm not the most natural people person, so it's hard to see myself doing well with random people.

a good question . i try to be as casual as i can and look as non threatening as possible . i dont move around quickly and try to look as if i am more or less just hanging out taking in the sights . dressing like and acting like a tourist can help in this . after i take a shot or two , i stay in that area for awhile and dont rush away right away .

sometimes what i will do is if i find an interesting background , like a doorway , shop window , building or interesting lighting situation i will find the angle i want and then just wait for the 'right' person to come along . when i see that person coming i will raise my camera and just let them walk into the frame .

i also sometimes raise my camera to my eye with it pointed away from my intended subject and then pan around slowly , take the shot i want and then keep panning away from the subject . people will have no idea what i am shooting or when i pressed the shutter or even if i pressed the shutter at all .

i also shoot from the hip sometimes and i also do the confused photographer trick , where i pretend to be fumbling with my camera and 'accidently' press the shutter .

the biggest thing i think is to be natural , be friendly if someone approaches you , and dont act like you are doing anything wrong .... because you are not . people will pick up on your body language so remember that . i find if i am able to do that , people will not mind you taking their picture and will actually be flattered . people will sometimes even ask you to take their picture ... which i always do if someone asks even though i am really only intersted in candids . you will get asked on occasion what your photographing and i usually just say that i am working on a project documenting the everyday life of the people of what ever city i am in . that seems to put people at ease and they become more curious but more understanding at the same time . after you talk to them for a few minutes about what you are looking for in a photo .... 9 times out of 10 they will ask you if you want to take a pic of them . :D

[carlomontoya]

I have yet to shoot the streets alone and if it doesn't rain this Sunday, then it would be my first time to do so. If I do, then I'll share my experience as a follow up to my reply below.

For now, I'll share my experiences shooting the street in a group. The first time out, there were two of us. I both shot candids and non-candids. I'm friendly so talking to strangers isn't a problem for me (I always smile). I ask permission if I want close-ups of them or their "environment", e.g., produce, instruments, tools, etc. People who noticed us normally ask why we're shooting them and I simply answer, "I'm an amateur photographer" or "It's my hobby." I then let them see their photos and they'll have a good laugh and usually ask for more especially kids. But this is the Philippines, I'm not sure how people would react in the United States if I did the same thing there.

I also have a 4R album containing 50 of my favorite photos (toys, people, plants, architecture, others) with me so I can show people that I'm a serious photographer. I also have a name card should they ask where they can see their photos online.

Honestly though we did experience one 'situation.' In our subsequent photowalk where there were more of us, I suggested that they take pictures of life around a gas station. So they did (I didn't because I already did in our first). The workers were okay but the manager came out and scolded us. I was already ahead of them so I wasn't able to intervene but I signalled the group just to walk away. I'm not sure if they apologized. A few were pissed at the manager but good thing the situation didn't blow out of proportion.

Shameless link to my initial street photos: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=746695

[airfrogusmc]

Tee Why,

I really like your stuff. When you "shoot from the hip" how do you get the image in focus? Do you use all AF points and just hope for the best?

This is why a lot of the great shot street with Leica Ms. Small and quiet cameras that are pre focused using the DoF scales on the lens.

[samueli]

This is why a lot of the great shot street with Leica Ms. Small and quiet cameras that are pre focused using the DoF scales on the lens.

More and more I find reasons to buy old lenses with proper Dof scales...

[samueli]

Great replies Eddie and Carlo! This is great stuff for those who don't really understand street or candid photography (me).

I was watching another thread about shutter speed in the 7D I think, and someone who was into street photography replied to the thread on how shutter speed affects him or something. But it gave me a bit of insight on how a street photographer sees things, and I found it interesting. I never considered street before, mostly because of the perceived people problem.

[airfrogusmc]

Great replies Eddie and Carlo! This is great stuff for those who don't really understand street or candid photography (me).

I was watching another thread about shutter speed in the 7D I think, and someone who was into street photography replied to the thread on how shutter speed affects him or something. But it gave me a bit of insight on how a street photographer sees things, and I found it interesting. I never considered street before, mostly because of the perceived people problem.

If you can search out Gary Winigrand theres an interview with him I saw years ago that I'm sure is out there somewhere and it follows him out on the street. He could frame and shoot so quickly and his Leica was so much an extension of his vision he rarely looked through the view finder. I'm sure its out there somewhere and its worth the view.

[nicksan]

By no means am I a seasoned street shooter, but I've been doing it for the past 2 years or so, getting out after work just strolling the streets of NYC.

I'll go against the grain here and say that a medium telephoto (135L in my case) lens works for me because a) I'm a bit shy b) You are far away enough that people won't notice or won't freeze up ruining the moment. I do admire those who can get up on someone's grill and take fantastic street photos. I don't have the balls.:lol:

A couple of things I do:

Strategically situate yourself where you are pointing to an obvious point of interest so you don't look like you are trying to shoot someone. Then compose your shot and shoot the person. They won't notice.
Act like you belong there and are supposed to be doing this. When you feeling like you are sneaking around, they can sense it.
Go to a touristy place where it's not unusual to have a camera, like Times Square, etc. Good practice.
Don't be afraid to frame loosely and crop later. Having the 5DMKII and its 21MP resolution helps in this regard.
Don't be afraid to act like a tourist! I do that all the time. Walk around NYC looking up at the sky, pretending to marvel at the tall buildings, etc. LOL!

[airfrogusmc]

By no means am I a seasoned street shooter, but I've been doing it for the past 2 years or so, getting out after work just strolling the streets of NYC.

I'll go against the grain here and say that a medium telephoto (135L in my case) lens works for me because a) I'm a bit shy b) You are far away enough that people won't notice or won't freeze up ruining the moment. I do admire those who can get up on someone's grill and take fantastic street photos. I don't have the balls.:lol:

A couple of things I do:

Strategically situate yourself where you are pointing to an obvious point of interest so you don't look like you are trying to shoot someone. Then compose your shot and shoot the person. They won't notice.
Act like you belong there and are supposed to be doing this. When you feeling like you are sneaking around, they can sense it.
Go to a touristy place where it's not unusual to have a camera, like Times Square, etc. Good practice.
Don't be afraid to frame loosely and crop later. Having the 5DMKII and its 21MP resolution helps in this regard.
Don't be afraid to act like a tourist! I do that all the time. Walk around NYC looking up at the sky, pretending to marvel at the tall buildings, etc. LOL!



Hey Nick shooting with a small range finder is quit a different experience. Its so unassuming. You can blend in even with a wide angle lens and if you've already pre set the focus and exposure (Winogrand would use the info right from the sheets that used to come in every box of film) all you're doing is composing and shooting and you can do this so fast you've got the photo before anyone realizes you got it.

I get a feeling the more you do it the more you might move away from a telephoto PoV.

You are having success with what your doing Nick but I would be willing to bet you might at least try be trying to shoot with a wide prime sometime in the future just to shake things up and get out of the comfort zone. It is a very different esthetic and experience.

[BottomBracket]

Excellent tips in this thread, great way to start off in street photography.

[alt4852]

A couple of things I do:
Strategically situate yourself where you are pointing to an obvious point of interest so you don't look like you are trying to shoot someone. Then compose your shot and shoot the person. They won't notice.
Act like you belong there and are supposed to be doing this. When you feeling like you are sneaking around, they can sense it.
Go to a touristy place where it's not unusual to have a camera, like Times Square, etc. Good practice.
Don't be afraid to frame loosely and crop later. Having the 5DMKII and its 21MP resolution helps in this regard.
Don't be afraid to act like a tourist! I do that all the time. Walk around NYC looking up at the sky, pretending to marvel at the tall buildings, etc. LOL!

i do these ALL THE TIME. the acting like a tourist bit while i'm in baltimore or dc works wonders. ;)

[alt4852]

Hey Nick shooting with a small range finder is quit a different experience. Its so unassuming. You can blend in even with a wide angle lens and if you've already pre set the focus and exposure (Winogrand would use the info right from the sheets that used to come in every box of film) all you're doing is composing and shooting and you can do this so fast you've got the photo before anyone realizes you got it.

I get a feeling the more you do it the more you might move away from a telephoto PoV.

You are having success with what your doing Nick but I would be willing to bet you might at least try be trying to shoot with a wide prime sometime in the future just to shake things up and get out of the comfort zone. It is a very different esthetic and experience.

street arsenal (usually only one per outing):

- 5D + 35L
- F1N + 50 1.2 / 24 2.8
- Canonet

:D

[goosfrabaa]

Excellent tips in this thread, great way to start off in street photography.
I agree. I'm looking at all the replies and would like to say thanks to everyone, your advice will be extremely valuable to me this year in my artistic endeavors, hopefully I will have plenty to post when I come back in June.

[airfrogusmc]

Excellent tips in this thread, great way to start off in street photography.

I think no matter what lens/camera you use, if you are passionate about it, the important thing is getting out and doing it. Nick hit on probably the most important thing and thats the way you carry yourself. If you act nervous and timid you're probably going to run into some problems but if you carry yourself like you belong there and aren't sneaking around you will probably be more successful.

[Tee Why]

Tee Why,

I really like your stuff. When you "shoot from the hip" how do you get the image in focus? Do you use all AF points and just hope for the best?
I use a center point and just learned to aim to get good focus. Focusing with the * button with the thumb helps. I don't recommend using all AF points as the camera won't know what to focus on. Select your subject, focus with the thumb via * button, recompose, meter with the shutter and shoot.

I usually go with Av mode and select an aperture that will give me enough dof and high enough ISO to get fast enough shutter speed.

[vipergts831]

I agree with a lot of what nicksan said. If you check out my flickr i have an album called washington heights. All street shots. The best advice like nicksan said is act like you belong. When i walk around and take pictures i never aim directly at people but rather around them. When they spot me they see my cam but sense im not aiming them (yet they are in the shot ;)). People get upset if you blatently show your shooting them. As long as you shoot and not direct then your okay. Dont forget to crop eaither. I also try to walk around with confidence. People see that and assume you know what your doing. Ive had people ask me if im shooting for a newspaper or magazine just because they get curious, especially when i drop down to one knee to get a stable shot. As long as you dont seem intrusive and in the way people generally dont care.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3728729724_5756724ba7.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3272547277_5201bb58a0.jpg


By no means am I a seasoned street shooter, but I've been doing it for the past 2 years or so, getting out after work just strolling the streets of NYC.

I'll go against the grain here and say that a medium telephoto (135L in my case) lens works for me because a) I'm a bit shy b) You are far away enough that people won't notice or won't freeze up ruining the moment. I do admire those who can get up on someone's grill and take fantastic street photos. I don't have the balls.:lol:

A couple of things I do:

Strategically situate yourself where you are pointing to an obvious point of interest so you don't look like you are trying to shoot someone. Then compose your shot and shoot the person. They won't notice.
Act like you belong there and are supposed to be doing this. When you feeling like you are sneaking around, they can sense it.
Go to a touristy place where it's not unusual to have a camera, like Times Square, etc. Good practice.
Don't be afraid to frame loosely and crop later. Having the 5DMKII and its 21MP resolution helps in this regard.
Don't be afraid to act like a tourist! I do that all the time. Walk around NYC looking up at the sky, pretending to marvel at the tall buildings, etc. LOL!

[airfrogusmc]

A few images from some of my favorite street photographers for a little inspiration.
Bruce Davidson East 100th St. He shot most of this with a view camera and a hasselblad.
Its a great body of work and an approach one wouldn't think about usually for the street.
http://www.magnumphotos.com/Archive/c.aspx?VP=XSpecific_MAG.BookDetail_VPage&pid=2K7O3R182828

Robert Frank The Americans
http://images.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=robert+frank+the+americans&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=Di-gSuOqAoaGNN-x_KUK&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CBsQsAQwAw

A couple from Gary Winogrand
http://danielonphotography.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/winogrand_la_sidewalk.jpg

http://thechrisproject.com/photoblog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/winogrand_flip.jpg

http://www.jameslomax.com/images/382.jpg

http://jonjost.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/gary-winogrand-foto-1962-ny.jpg

[eddiebrown]

I use a center point and just learned to aim to get good focus. Focusing with the * button with the thumb helps. I don't recommend using all AF points as the camera won't know what to focus on. Select your subject, focus with the thumb via * button, recompose, meter with the shutter and shoot.

I usually go with Av mode and select an aperture that will give me enough dof and high enough ISO to get fast enough shutter speed.


this is also my preferred setup most of the time .

[BottomBracket]

Know thy camera, know thyself. That means you should know how to use your camera to get your desired exposure/FOV/DOF/etc at any given situation swiftly. If someone wakes you up in the middle of the night and says hey take a picture of something you know what to do immediately.

For street photos I use a wide lens, focus hyperfocally, use AV mostly with -2/3 EV setting.

[carlomontoya]

(off topic) @nicksan: You own the lens I'm L-usting for. I just don't know if I need it considering I own a 1.6 body. I love everything about this lens - great optics, contrast, and color and it's relatively discreet (black) compared to the white Ls. It's the perfect lens for candid street portraits. I'm actually undecided whether I should get this one or the 85 1.8 which would be roughly equivalent to a 135. (end off topic)

Another tip: If I'm shooting someone head-on, I use manual focus and aim the lens at an object behind the subject. I press the shutter button halfway, manually focus until the 'real' subject is in focus, and press the button all the way. I haven't learned the 'hyperfocal distance' theory in full yet so I still rely on the viewfinder instead of shooting from the hip.

[EVANDIXONdotCOM]

I usually use center point and * too, just wasn't sure if that was the best idea for this type of shooting. Can't wait to put some of these tips in to action!

[palaima]

I must say that wide angle of my sigma works wonders in street photography :) 1. it gives you enough DOF, 2. the feel of space (and that little distortion that this lens has gives it just wonderful effect)
although i am leaning to get the 135L...or something above 70mm for street shot(object isolation), meanwhile my siggy is just perfect :)

[nicksan]

(off topic) @nicksan: You own the lens I'm L-usting for. I just don't know if I need it considering I own a 1.6 body. I love everything about this lens - great optics, contrast, and color and it's relatively discreet (black) compared to the white Ls. It's the perfect lens for candid street portraits. I'm actually undecided whether I should get this one or the 85 1.8 which would be roughly equivalent to a 135. (end off topic)

Another tip: If I'm shooting someone head-on, I use manual focus and aim the lens at an object behind the subject. I press the shutter button halfway, manually focus until the 'real' subject is in focus, and press the button all the way. I haven't learned the 'hyperfocal distance' theory in full yet so I still rely on the viewfinder instead of shooting from the hip.

I find the 135L on my 5DMKII to be a perfect FL.
I will also use my 50L if the situation calls for it.

[carlomontoya]

As promised, I'll share my lone photowalk experience (see http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=748849).

In terms of interacting (and also lack thereof) with subjects, there was no difference to how I behaved when I shot with a group. In fact, it's kind of lonely. :)

Maybe when I go to the more 'riskier' places in our city, I might feel a little anxious.

[JTBerard]

From my experience in NYC I would add:
- it's better to ask for forgiveness than for permission
- if you're shooting a performer make sure to tip (it's a small world)

Otherwise, melt into the street, keep an open eye, and be ready at all times.

BTW, great tips in this thread. Thanks to everyone who shared.