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

I love pretty much all aspects of photography and have been getting into street photography more since I got my Ricoh GRD3 but have done it with my 1D as well. My tip? Just do it! I've taken hundreds of street photos in Brighton and in Mumbai and in all that time I have never had anybody make an issue out of it. However one day when doing landscapes on Brighton seafront I had a guy come up to me out of nowhere and angrily demand that I delete a photo which he was in, I had a ultra wide angle on and he was a dot in the distance. I pressed a button and told him it was deleted and he whent on his way. Whatever, I dont hold with the 'sneaky approach'. Just look confident, and snap away, the worst that can happen is that somebody may interact with you! The interesting stuff is, I have to say , often achieved by serendipity so shoot loads and then examine the results critically, you never know what you've got and occasionally the result is amazing, thats the wonder of digital! Of course one comes across some images that just beg to be photographed and yes there are times when you have an image in mind and go out and find it, you see a interesting backdrop and then wait for something to happen in front of it. So, be eclectic! Do whatever it takes, cos it's the result that matters.

Hey all...
just checking in...... hope everyone is doing well, I don't post much here because I'm doing m4/3 for a while already...
anywayz...... seeya's around... shooter

Been tempted by the m4/3 gear so be interested in your results. Feel free to post. I like the Panny/20mm set up.

Well, I won't post the images on this forum due to respect. You can see them at my site and look at the Observations Gallery...
That's ok......

What is everyone's opinion of using a flash for portraits and candids when travelling? Never used one before but it may help to capture a few shots I might never be able to otherwise, however the flash would limit access to my camera, which already only just fits in its bag snuggly.

Flash is cool if you use it for effect. Check out Weegee's work.
So it will depend on your vision and intent as to the use of it.
Good luck... Don

I think that one of the best quotes I have ever heard regarding photography applies here..(paraphrased) in philanthropy, like photography, the closer you get, the better your results.

personally, I have found that the brightest moments of photographing on the street are those times that I do have the opportunity to speak with those I want to shoot, to learn a little about them, and share a little of me as well. the photograph is simply icing on the cake.

I agree to a degree. There are 2 main ways I work.
1...as an observer
2...as a participant

It depends on your intent as to which applies per situation.
Both ways work to make images and bot are used at different times in different ways.
That's the exciting thing about the street...

Streetshooter wrote in post #11088960
I agree to a degree. There are 2 main ways I work.
1...as an observer
2...as a participant

It depends on your intent as to which applies per situation.
Both ways work to make images and bot are used at different times in different ways.
That's the exciting thing about the street...

agreed and sometimes you unexpectedly find yourself in one situation or the other despite your initial intent. I will say that when I am a participant, I seem to be able to connect in a way I otherwise wouldn't. of course, what works for one may not work for others.

My technique is to find a good vantage point that has a number of folks passing through. That way I can set up ISO, f-stop, etc ahead of time, and can focus on my subject without thinking about the technical issues.

Great thread here, I'm really enjoying reading about the tips and people's experiences...

I'm still very new to street photography, but I have a question more about technique...How do you guys take a shot of someone that's walking towards you and keep them in focus? If they are continually moving towards you, what's the best thing to do to keep that person in contiuous focus? Oh and if it helps. I'm using my Canon 50mm 1.8 lens.. Thanks...

JC32 wrote in post #11705259
Great thread here, I'm really enjoying reading about the tips and people's experiences...

I'm still very new to street photography, but I have a question more about technique...How do you guys take a shot of someone that's walking towards you and keep them in focus? If they are continually moving towards you, what's the best thing to do to keep that person in contiuous focus? Oh and if it helps. I'm using my Canon 50mm 1.8 lens.. Thanks...

Set your AF-Mode to AI servo and select a focus point

the camera will continuously focus on that point, ideal for moving subjects

Hey everyone, Thanks for all the fantastic tips and tricks, I was up all night, read every post and clicked every link, I then dragged my exhausted self out and tried my hand at candid photos. I even tried Hoff's Shooting from the hip technique, but that needs some work, (lots of asses and ankles )
you can check the results here:
http://s284.photobucke​t.com …otos/?albumview​=slideshow
Thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers

ChrisSearle wrote in post #10118397
I love pretty much all aspects of photography and have been getting into street photography more since I got my Ricoh GRD3 but have done it with my 1D as well. My tip? Just do it! I've taken hundreds of street photos in Brighton and in Mumbai and in all that time I have never had anybody make an issue out of it. However one day when doing landscapes on Brighton seafront I had a guy come up to me out of nowhere and angrily demand that I delete a photo which he was in, I had a ultra wide angle on and he was a dot in the distance. I pressed a button and told him it was deleted and he whent on his way. Whatever, I dont hold with the 'sneaky approach'. Just look confident, and snap away, the worst that can happen is that somebody may interact with you! The interesting stuff is, I have to say , often achieved by serendipity so shoot loads and then examine the results critically, you never know what you've got and occasionally the result is amazing, thats the wonder of digital! Of course one comes across some images that just beg to be photographed and yes there are times when you have an image in mind and go out and find it, you see a interesting backdrop and then wait for something to happen in front of it. So, be eclectic! Do whatever it takes, cos it's the result that matters.

I appreciate what you said. I enjoy taking candids. Although sometimes the situations can become weird. lol... I had a lady approach me during New Years party I was shooting and demanded I delete a photo of her boyfriend whom had posed with an other girl while she went to the restroom. Wasn't a problem, but her demeanor was pretty "stank". I plan to shoot a Tattoo Festival this coming weekend. Wish me luck!!

Hey Joe... I really Digg this shot. Personally I like to get in the mix and immerse myself in the environment in which I'm shooting. I do a lot of nightclub photography and it's great to get "up close and personal" with everyone. It's great practice for candids. And it'll get you some serious light manipulation situations. I'm still getting the hang of that..lol.. Mainly because I have to often change some setting, both for lens and flash. Outdoor is some of the best opps for great photos. If you haven't realized, sunlight is "The Sh*t!! Later man, and keep up the good work. Good luck!!