Getting to \"Street Photography\"

[Griffin]

(this is a crosspost)

Hello,

Is there any good tutorials and/or books about getting started? I mostly hesitate to take photographs in front of people for I am "scared" of harsh response of the "subject(s)". :(

TIA.


Griffin.

[levine2]

Taking pictures of people on the street is not something you will learn from a book, Depending on the situation you may want to ask the subject or use a zoom lens. As a newsphotographer I have experienced dangerous events where I was nearly attacked. On the other hand when covering a news story such as a fire or accident I use a zoom lens. It does take a great deal of nerve. Hope this helps.

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Griffin,

There's some stuff on www.luminous-landscape.com. Michael Reichmann was a street photog before he turned to landscape. The video journal that Michael produces on DVD has included some interesting interviews with Brit SP, John Brownlow, if you know someone who's has a sub. If you don't, the VJ is really excellent, I recommend it.

John Brownlow' site - the curiously-named http://www.pinkheadedbug.com/home.html - has some advice and pix.

Regards,

[Griffin]

levine2 wrote:
As a newsphotographer I have experienced dangerous events where I was nearly attacked.

I read different threads on this and the mileage varies. My experience is not quite "dangerous". Just a mad father came and questioned if I took pictures of his daughter and he threatened to take my "films"! I actually did not take any of pictures of her girl and well, I knew I had a tripod on my back, just in case. ;)


Griffin.

[Griffin]

Roger_Cavanagh wrote:If you don't, the VJ is really excellent, I recommend it.


Roger,

Thank you. Actually, I am also a subscriber to LLVJ and I have them all (#1-#6). I immedately go and get the book "Bystander" he recommends. :)


Griffin.

[henkbos]

As everyone else concentrates on technique I suggest a pair of good trainers and some exercise might help.

On a more serious note: if you can get a membership card of a photography club, people might be more accessible.

The most easy tip: ask. A lot of people don't mind to get their picture taken. Ask their email address and promise a copy when it turns out nice.

I live in the Middle East and thing are even more sensitive here. In general it is not a problem as long as you don't try to hide the fact that you take pictures.

[levine2]

One thing to keep in mind. You can shoot anyone or anything as long as you are on a public street. I am guessing you live in the States. But once again if you are just shooting for pleasure it is recommended to ask or shoot with a zoom. Unfortunately you will always reun into an overprotective parent or jerk.

[snoleopard]

levine2 wrote:
One thing to keep in mind. You can shoot anyone or anything as long as you are on a public street. I am guessing you live in the States. But once again if you are just shooting for pleasure it is recommended to ask or shoot with a zoom. Unfortunately you will always reun into an overprotective parent or jerk.

Hi,

Well that is true if you are not interested in selling it or profiting from it, if you sell it and they are recognizeable you need a release. Check out:

http://www.publaw.com/photo.html

Alan

[levine2]

Sir,

Right you are. That is why I added for pleasure and not business. Thanks for the website it was very informative and useful.

Lewis

[Dave C]

Actually, you can shoot anything from a public place provided! ! you don`t show the subject in any light that might suggest that they are anything but an upright citizen.

first Rules of candid people grab shots! always get a shot in the bag before composing for the perfect shot even if you are not at the correct distance for the lens on the camera. Things change so fast. Never be afraid to ask someone for a picture of them, I know it takes away the moment but you can usually get them to turn into the light for a better picture.
I did a series of taking images with the camera in a camera bag(an old one) with a hole cut in one end for the lens and a cable release and a wide angle lens and some of the results were quite good but my best stuff has come from one of the old series 7 ring mounted 45degree mirror attachments where you point the camera at 90 degrees from the subject. you can use it up to about an 80mm lens before you get cutoff.