Candid street photography... why?

[slitherjef]

I got to thinking today and one of the things I thought about was why people do candid street photography. Im not bringing this up to argue, I am just curious why candid street photography, to me at least it seems to be voyeuristic, I mean, many of you "shoot from the hip" as not to be seen, which I can understand if you are trying to not be noticed as some people don't like having cameras jammed in their faces. Then on the flip coin, if people don't know a camera is being pointed at them, they will be in a more natural state.


So, Im just curious, if you are one of those who take candid street photos, why do you do it? Whats the purpose? And one last question, hows about your best shot?

[DanteCaspian]

For me it is about capturing the beauty, sometimes the grittiness of people in there natural element. When people know there is a camera pointed at them, often, everything changes, they cloak the real part of their face and natural poise.

[john-in-japan]

I only do it occasionally and spontaneously, never intentionally. I think it captures the human condition uniquely at a natural moment in time and can emit emotions far deeper than those in posed photos or when subject is aware of being observed. It has a 'real' feeling to it when the image conveys unrestrained emotion, be it joy or sadness. I have missed many due to not having a camera. Now, I try to have my camera ready and with me as much as is practical to catch these magical moments of humanity. I don't look for them. They kind of look for you if you know what I mean. Example - I saw a man on the train a few weeks ago. Sat across from him. He had two roses in a plastic wrap and had lipstick smeared on his face, sleeping with a smile on his face. I mentally framed that shot three or four times. No camera with me. Maybe next time?
Cheers,
John

[sjones]

There is something voyeuristic and perhaps inherently rude about street photography, but I certainly enjoy looking at the works of great street photographers, so I was inspired to approach it myself. I am introverted, and as I only shoot looking through the viewfinder (simply because I like the process, not because it's some sort of rule), it can be very inhibiting.

Sometimes it is just a matter of including human interest in a shot. When I first started, it was pretty much practice just to gain the muster to point a camera at someone. However, more and more, I want other factors involved in the overall composition---shapes, shadows, movement, placement, a story; that is, simply shooting people walking my way has its limitations, although I'll still do it once in awhile.

I do have my own set of self-imposed restrictions that have increased over time. No one sleeping, no one destitute, mostly no elderly (with some reserved exceptions), no children for the most part, and no one in an ignominious situation (like someone who has just tripped or has their mouth stuffed with food). If someone sees me, and displays the slightest hint of discomfort, not only do I refrain from the shot, but I put the camera down so that they can see I got the message. That said, these are my personnel rules, and I would not impose them on anyone else, particularly since I have seen some wonderful photos involving all of the conditions above.

As to why I want to do this type of photography, which is a fair question, it is sort of like having to answer why I like a certain color more than others, just because. During the past two years, I have caught at least two guys pointing their cameras my way (street shots are popular here in Tokyo), and I had no qualms whatsoever, so as far as the Golden Rule is concerned, I can rest easy.

[LWK]

Truly "candid" street images capture something unique and inherently interesting about the subject - quite the opposite (for me) of staged/posed shots, which are more a reflection of the photographer...

[RandyMN]

Street photography is not always about shooting without your subject knowing...

Some of the best shots involve participation and getting close without using the telephoto lens.

[sjones]

Street photography is somewhat open to interpretation as to what is the right or wrong way to go about it, and with that, I would also add that it doesn't even need to involve humans.

[BottomBracket]

Street photography is my genre of choice. Why do I do it? Good question, as I do not have a clear cut answer myself. Perhaps to capture snippets of an evolving city, to have an archive of images of how things used to be? Maybe.

All I know is that I love doing it, as well as viewing street photographs made by others.

[Shellback]

I'm a people person, I love not only observing people but also interacting with them.

Most of the people I photograph candidly are doing something that has caught my eye. The way they are sitting or standing, the way they are communicating with someone else, an expression on a face, etc.

For me I think it comes down to just that, I like people and the things they do.

[cdifoto]

I rarely ever do it but when I do, it's to kill time and/or test a lens. I don't have any philosophical approach or purpose.

[infam0ussteven]

I usually only do it out of random.. Rarely do I ever take only candid shots.

[ParkerDeen]

the only time i've done what i'd consider street photography was 3 years ago in new orleans. mostly pics of street musicians and one really interesting shot of a man being arrested. i love the textures, the emotions, the moment-in-life aspect. but i did feel awkward not knowing for sure how people would feel and it's not something i was completely comfortable doing, though i love the images. i wonder about usage- would such images be considered "editorial" and not need model releases? or maybe i don't understand how editorial images work?
parker

[Skunkshocker]

When I see people doing something like walking against the wind or a holding hands walking in the park. I think it would make for a great photo, although I restrain myself out of respect for their privacy.

[DanteCaspian]

Originally Posted by Skunkshocker

When I see people doing something like walking against the wind or a holding hands walking in the park. I think it would make for a great photo, although I restrain myself out of respect for their privacy.

That is where you use a telephoto

[superstes]

I like taking candids of people who know I'm there but are too caught up in their moment to care, like market traders, street performers, that sort of thing.

I normally get their attention, smile and point at my camera indicating that I will be taking shots, never had a knock-back yet.

Steve