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

[Calzinger]

Originally Posted by Sean-Mcr

A boring shot from the the front is as equally as boring as a shot from behind, or side or any other way Chris. It's a simply a matter of time before you'll get the idea out of your head that them noticing you is cause for concern.

Your city is diverse, your city city helped put this genre on the map. It has been one of the pillars of this art. The diversity of your city is one of the very reasons why you should be out there capturing it. Know that Chris, and have faith in what you're doing and it will show in your photographs

Sean, I think the diversity of a place like NYC is the exact reason that I have such concern. Some people may give you that look (you all know the "look" that I'm speaking of), but you don't know if someone is going to start confronting you, god forbid physically. I think you're right though Sean, that I don't have the confidence or aggression to do what I'm doing in the city, yet. I still wonder if my struggle to capture a life is because of my lack of strategy to getting a photo or my lack of confidence in violating someone's space.

Originally Posted by condyk

Anyway, I am still 'practicing' my approach to these situations (sh*t, I usually shoot wildlife for Gods sake!!!) but I decided that being in a busy place and ignoring the people streaming by, other than the person/people you want to shoot, can work very well. This will take effort initially, but after 'testing' this idea I know people walking by don't care about me/you standing there with a camera.

Second, scan long distance for interesting types but pretend you are looking and shooting elsewhere if they look towards you. As they pass you can continue to look as if you are shooting ahead.

Third, I now carry a bit of paper and pen and if I really want to shoot someone and they challenge me I will offer to email a shot to them, or burn to CD and send it (very cheap). Of course, I will also delete if they ask me to.

Dave (you are Dave, right? ), I have tried such techniques as you mentioned secondly, and I must admit, it can work nicely if you don't want anyone to throw comments at you. Sometimes it doesn't work too great, especially if the traffic of people is moving quickly. It's very obvious for someone to see that I'm "panning" with them as they walk towards me (I face the opposite direction of traffic). I usually continue to shoot, find another subject behind to make it look like I'm just shooting everone. Still though, they tend to look at me as I pan with them, which tends to ruin the shot.

How do you mean by someone that "challenges" you? I've mostly engaged in peaceful conversations with people that show interest in what my cousin and I are doing with our "big" cameras. I have even given a few the address to my website (which one surprinsingly kept through memory, calzinger.net isn't too easy to remember ) to see the photos that I take.

Recently I made a series of wallet sized prints of me while I'm shooting ([link]). I write my email address and website address on the back just incase anyone shows interest and would like to actually see my photos. You can look at it as a business card. That may be easier than pen and paper, not to mention more fancy and professional.

People ask you to delete your picture of them? How are they even supposed to know if you actually deleted it? Sure, it's out of respect, but if someone is going to start attacking my hobby, I'm not sure if I owe them the respect of deleting the shot.

Originally Posted by Claire

I think the whole offering to email, burn a CD and send the photo to them if they challenge you is a good plan. Same with the deleting. I have thankfully never been challenged apart from being asked to leave a McDonalds.

You were asked to leave a McDonalds? I find that a bit extreme. Were you taking pictures inside?

[Sean-Mcr]

It's always been diverse Chris and its always been shot. You're not invading people personally space, you're on the streets of NYC the great metoropolis. You share that space you're in that space. It is best in a crowded space because personal space is diminished.

Never for one second does it enter my head that i'm disturbing anybody. That would be too distracting Chris.

Just try this, stick the kit lens on, get somewhere crowded somewhere that would not be unusual to find a photographer and just shoot. Stand proud change your lens back and forth look like you're working and you will just shoot trust me, it will happen

Practice with that kit lens

[Sean-Mcr]

The shot below, the kid did not notice me nor did the "artist" it's a matter of timing.

http://www.pbase.com/sean_mcr/image/58839140

This shot
http://www.pbase.com/sean_mcr/image/58783938

I had to wait until two things happened, firstly that were engrossed in what they were doing, and most importantly that they actually did something worth capturing

It really is a waiting and timing game

This person totally engorssed in what he was doing
http://www.pbase.com/sean_mcr/image/58787487

This last shot, i could not really have been any closer. She was engrossed in what she was doing on a very crowded street http://www.pbase.com/sean_mcr/image/58786200

Choose your subjects wisley , you need to train your eye to spot the little things that are best seen when you're close to somebody.

[Calzinger]

I don't struggle as much in a crowded area for the obvious reasons. My problems seem to occur when I start shooting in a more isolated area, for example, Central Park. There were plenty of shot opportunities of people relaxing on the massive boulders throughout the park, just enjoying the beautiful day. It's very easy to become noticed when not that many are around and I'm pointing in their direction. It's very apparent that I'm not taking a picture of a tree next to them.

I don't want to disturb their peace, I just want to capture it. How do you suggest I go about doing that Sean?

I must agree that shooting those that are engrossed in what they're doing can be easiest. Whether that be someone smoking a cigarette or someone fixing her hair, their distraction can make things easier to get a natural photo. Not saying that those shots are any good, they are quite boring to be honest, just using them as an example.

I understand you have to time your shots perfectly, but how do you time them properly and still shoot quickly and efficiently? Obviously you cannot stand there next to someone for too long before they notice you, no matter how distracted they may be. Is that just part of a photographer's skill? You say it is a "waiting" game, but how much waiting does one actually do? How much waiting can one actually do?

This is one of my more perfectly timed shots. the Feeling of Music
I of course had plenty of time to make sure I hit the moment. These street performers won't stare at you or talk to you since they're obviously busy with their thing, no matter how close you are to them or how long you stand shooting them. For me, shooting people has been a much more different (and even difficult) experience, especially in more isolated areas like the previously mentioned Central Park.

[Sean-Mcr]

Well the street performers are used to being shot Chris so you know that even if you are noticed that they won't be a problem. Not that their is a problem anyway if people do notice you. Like everything there is a wrong place and a right place. I'd not walk in to the middle of a field and shoot a couple i spotted- but if i was sat next to them in that field having a picnic, chilling out ect then i'd shoot them for sure

I meter of my hand constantly to get the exposure i need , i always shoot in manual . I use my 35mm and i know pretty much what i'll see before i lift the camera to my eye. So i know where to be and where to set the focus point before i lift the camera and i know the exposure is going to be right-well 95% of the time

Alls that i can really say about disturbing somebody is that sometimes you can't make omelets with out cracking eggs. One of the things that all us are going to encounter when we shoot the street ect is that might have to explain ourselves. I'll tell you that the vast majority will be flattered that they've just played a part in this art. There are many many people that i have emailed shots to, there are people that have noticed me shooting others and asked me to shoot them, which i did.

"You've just played a part in art" is going to be the tag line on some cards that i'm going to have made for me

[jafrknb]

Interesting thread here,thanks for starting this and also for those who shared thier tips and tricks
Now for a couple questions
1.In one of the post's someone mentioned they had made good money with streetphotography, what is the Market for this?

2.Is there a Market for Stock Editorial?

3. On the confrontation issue I think my big concern would be getting robbed and losing gear that financially would be hard to replace.Can an Amature get insurance to cover replacement cost?
4.I did not see anyone mention model release's,so this must be editorial right?

[Calzinger]

Sean, while I haven't confronted anyone because of my shooting, I do wonder how such a confrontation would take place. I don't mind explaining myself. As you have said, we are doing the right thing by shooting the streets. Let's face it though, there are the fair share of ignorant beings that see what they see and don't need an explanation. They judge on sight and make their own comments. Of course I must be as ignorant as they are in that case, but what if one is to go beyond words? for instance, putting their hand in front of my camera, following you around until you reach an empty area. I guess that wouldn't be an issue in a crowded area, but must I limit my candids to crowded areas? As you said though, there is a right place and a wrong place. Even though a good shot opportunity may be in the wrong place, should I just sigh and walk on?

Should I do anything if someone turns around when I point the camera towards them? Am I obligated to apologize? Should I introduce myself as a photographer and explain why I wanted to take their picture? even give them one of my "business cards"?

The whole "turn around" thing has happened to me countless times Sean, and I always wonder what I should do in that situation. Usually I'll just walk on and find another shot, not too difficult in Manhattan anyway.

[BottomBracket]

Chris, try using a wide lens. This allows you to put the subject on the side of the frame nicely without actually pointing the camera directly at the person. You can build confidence from this technique, work towards actually pointing the camera directly at the subject nonchalantly.

Anyway, I would just point the camera and shoot. Most will smile, some will look away, very few will get really angry. If the person really gets mad and shouts, just walk away. This rarely happens though.

[Sean-Mcr]

had a serious fight Chris when my judgement went out the window, i went against everything that i normally do. I shot two guys hugging, i crossed an entrance of empty side street on my way to some bars with some friends. A few hundred feet Up the entry as we call it was these two guys hugging

I had just a second to think and i shot them, and i was that far away that i could not tell that they were drunk... They noticed me and ran towards me, i had time to get the camera off my neck give to to my partner and she ran off with her friend my friend stayed. They were pretty drunk and i tried to calm them down, but one of them fancied himself as a bit of a tough guy. Basically ended knocking him flying because he was in my face too much. Trust me i'd tried to reason with the guy but it it was my only option by this point

Now, with in half an hr i was back shooting people;

I was too far away to judge the scene, i never had enough time to judge it. I've i'd have been with them outside at bar or at a concert i know for sure i'd have got them and notice me or not they would not have been a problem.

Alls i can tell you is that the only time i have ever had any trouble was that day and that was when i was too far from the subject.

The real thing is this, it is not going to be being disturbed that upsets people. It's the objection to having their photo taken. Now that has happened to me once out 100's if not 1000's of times. Basically as i see it is, i'm close enough to you and you look up or move your head then with in half a second you're going to see me, and i will give you the chance to refuse the shot or to ask me to delete the one i've taken... Nobody ever has Chris when i've used that approach, and i've been spotted a good few times after the event

Shooting people on the street up close takes confidence it's not for the faint hearted that is for sure. But it's something that comes naturally after time, it's not simply down to personality. Robert Frank was a very shy man, also had that touch of madness and genius that great artists have. Hardly ever gave an interview, yet the work he produced is just astounding.

Every thought you give to being noticed will have domino effect on how you shoot for the rest of the day. You do something enough it will become second nature to, it is to me now.

I know you like using the 70-200. Try this just for one day, stick the kit lens on and leave the zoom at home, just for one day. Don't worry about sharpness and all that jazz.

Just use it for a day, set yourself some goals, take say 50-100 shots doesn't matter how good or not they are just shoot. Do it in the crowds, don't shoot street acts, shoot ordinary people, try to tell small stories in your photos. It's when you're up close to people that you often spot the little things that can just make an image

Just try it for a day or a week, it will be a good exercise

[I Simonius]

Originally Posted by BottomBracket

Chris, try using a wide lens. This allows you to put the subject on the side of the frame nicely without actually pointing the camera directly at the person. You can build confidence from this technique, work towards actually pointing the camera directly at the subject nonchalantly.

Anyway, I would just point the camera and shoot. Most will smile, some will look away, very few will get really angry. If the person really gets mad and shouts, just walk away. This rarely happens though.

If Im shooting buskers ~I usually give em som e change before I start shooting, biut for most people I just look at something behind them once I hacve takenmy eye from the camera ( If I dont want them to think im shooting them, sometimes they dont mind of course!

[BottomBracket]

Originally Posted by Simon king

If Im shooting buskers ~I usually give em som e change before I start shooting, biut for most people I just look at something behind them once I hacve takenmy eye from the camera ( If I dont want them to think im shooting them, sometimes they dont mind of course!

Yes, that's a good trick, look past the person, and pretend to be interested in something else. That would give them the illusion that they weren't the subject, and hesitate in confronting you. In that moment of that hesitation, move on.

[I Simonius]

Originally Posted by BottomBracket

Yes, that's a good trick, look past the person, and pretend to be interested in something else. That would give them the illusion that they weren't the subject, and hesitate in confronting you. In that moment of that hesitation, move on.

If they head my way looking grumpy or say anything I give em a look which says ' you? Interesting? Forget it!'- as if they must be crazy to think I'd want their pic

[Calzinger]

Pio, I used to do that before I got my 70-200, and it worked pretty well. Since it's fairly wide, I could put people to the side of the frame (as I normally would), and it would seem that they were even in the frame. But with the 70-200, you know that you're getting your picture taken from a mile away. There's no saying that I was pointing to someone next to you or behind you, you know that you're getting your picture taken.

Sean, it must be my lack of aggression to talking a shot. It must be my fear of confrontation that has been preventing me from really capturing a life. As you said, you must of course be aggressive but efficienty, smart and not stupid. I plan to go for shots more and not just hesitate to avoid invading someone's space. To be honest, I have stepped down from a few shots just because I didn't want to bother the person. And I think those shots really could've been something. I must be more aggressive, but I must know when and where to be aggressive and when and where I have to let go and step down.

Did you suggest that I should give them the chance to refuse before I take the shot? Or should I just take it without question and move on?

By the way, that's some story there Sean. Actually, that's exactly what I would like to avoid. I only wonder what could happen if my judgement is poor as it was for you at that time. I always have my monopod with me, but it shouldn't have to come to that. How exactly do I judge a situation as welcoming or obtrusive?

I'm going back to Manhattan again tomorrow. It's supposed to rain like heck, so looks like I won't be able to exercise my aggression until a few weeks, or months unfortunately, later. I'll be indoors for the day though. Good thing is that there are more people in this crammed building (Jacob Javitts Center) than there would be in the streets.

[Sean-Mcr]

It's not aggression Chris, i don't think to myself, "you're getting you photo taken like it or not" i just think about the shot. No i don't think you should ask first, i just mean being that close is going to increase the chance of you being seen and if, but there really is nothing wrong with that. They'll very rarely know you ever shot them, but if you do give them the shot or delete the shot. Get everything else out of your mind that's all i can tell you

If you walk around crowds you'll have that little time when something happens close to you that you'll take the shot instinctively. Could i have got the below shot at 3am in the morning in the a deserted square, pretty much doubt it.
http://www.pbase.com/sean_mcr/image/58942820

Could not walk this close to a family if they were sat in deserted street and shoot them.
http://www.pbase.com/sean_mcr/image/58836424

Would be unwise to shoot children at certain times, but public events ect is no problem
http://www.pbase.com/sean_mcr/image/55663619
http://www.pbase.com/sean_mcr/image/58289539

The above shot was passed on to the parent of the kid far right

You do something often enough it becomes natural to you, that's all i can really say

[signet35]

Speaking of confrontations -

1 in the morning, just finished work and my assistant is dropping me off in front of my building, which is across the street from a tony private political club;

we're chatting about the session, and I casually stick the camera out the window to snap a test shot of a manual focus lens I just got for my 20D - there's a tree planted in the foreground, and the masssive wood/brass door of the club, both moodily lit by a streetlight; perfect test shot.

The door to the club opens a moment later someone leaves, I keep snapping, think nothing of it.

We keep yakking, and a while later, there's a rapping on my window, and this very irate little man says "I want you to know the police have been called!"

WTF?!?

He says that when he opened the door, I started taking photos; and that he's been watching me take pictures from his office; and we're obviously spying

I say NO - I was taking photos when YOU opened your door.
And I happen be your neighbor for 8 years, and I'm trying out a new lens by shooting your beautiful oak & brass door.

By the time the cops arrive (dressed like a Baghdad military patrol) the little twerp is peeing himself in outrage, and I'm laughing at the absurdity of the moment

The cops hear his side, my side, and then say "so no problems?"

Yep, no problems - goodnite.

Good thing they didn't check the car; we'd just finished a particularly odiferous bit of hydro....