How Close Can I Get?

[franklinh]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My second post of the day from my Cafe in Winter Project at the Cafe Zoka includes three exposures where my camera is on that teeny tiny Leica tripod right on the side of my cafe table. I make exposures to the left of me, and to the right of me. When I get home I am shocked how close, and inside the subject's space I managed to get visually.

 

On looking at the photographs later, I wondered whether the subject was just "tolerating me" and my camera or truly I caught them unawares. No way to tell.

 

Are photos like this a violation of privacy? I don't mean legally. I mean in a personal sense. I recall a talk by Mary Ellen Mark where she said the photographer just has to have the courage and (my word!) balls to place yourself in the scene and action.

 

Franklin

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[stuny]

Franklin -

 

These are fun. I suspect we are seeing at least a bit of shyness on your part.

[franklinh]

Yes, I am swearing off commenting on photos of naked women! Thanks for commenting Stuny.

 

franklin

[martinop]

Like the compositions & perspectives in #2 and 3.

[cardinal]

I have to say those pictures are interesting. Is the cafe loud where they do not hear your shutter? Are you using a 50mm this time instead of the 28mm like last time if I recall? Very neat shots and clear. When you rest the camera on the table are people looking at it? Maybe after some time they get used to seeing it there or maybe they just don't care? Sometimes it is best to ask permission but who knows? Thanks for sharing.

[franklinh]

Cardinal,

 

Thank you for commenting. In the three posts with images this week, I sat at the table seemingly engrossed in what was on my computer screen. My camera was sitting on the table on that small 1" high Leica Tripod. The cafe is loud, but it was a digital leica with all sounds turned off.

 

Franklin (Still a 28mm)