abrewer Posted February 27, 2007 Share #21 Posted February 27, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) That really made me LOL! Are you going to post some shots from the Mardi Gras then? As to the OP's question, much good advice has already been given. Personally I've only ever had one objection from a girl on a beach in Jamaica, and I wasn't taking HER photo she just happened to walk into MY shot. She was rude and abusive, and I gave as good as I got! I agree a good starting point is an event of some sort, or a tourist attraction, where lots of people will have cameras and no one will be particularly bothered about yours. Try asking people if you can take their photo - even if you don't have to. Once you find that most people really don't object it will make you feel more relaxed too. Then when you are comfortable with photographing strangers, move on to a more challenging location - just walking around a town or city, looking for interesting subject matter. I agree that much of the 'problem' can be the attitude/body language of the photographer. If it looks like you're sneaking and snooping then people may get suspicious. If you just get on with it chances are you won't even be noticed. If I'm ever challenged my response will be that I'm doing a course on photography and this weeks project is..... (but not had to use this yet). I would also offer to send the subject a print. I went to a workshop by the In Public guys which was very interesting - if you could get along to something like that you can speak to experienced pro's about technique. Excellent post James. I have a couple of more thoughts about this. One, do not go out and take pictures of children. And by all means do not do this on a public schoolground. You are almost certain to get into trouble. Second, there is a subgroup of people who don't care about you shooting but are not sure about seeing their picture in the paper. Protestors or picket line walkers for example. If you carry some kind of card, even if it's no more than a small card with the name of your photoclub (Photoventure.org provides mine to me free, as it is always seeking new members), and hand this to them it will serve as a way to mollify them long enough for you to make your escape as they scratch their head over what exactly you are doing. Sneaky, perhaps, but effective in getting the shot without getting shot! Thanks. Allan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 27, 2007 Posted February 27, 2007 Hi abrewer, Take a look here 'Street Photography' - Howto. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Rik Posted February 27, 2007 Share #22 Posted February 27, 2007 this is an interesting story on a workshop by the Master himself... tells you how to do it About.com: http://www.photogs.com/bwworld/winogrand.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elansprint72 Posted February 27, 2007 Share #23 Posted February 27, 2007 Jim, In the good old days it weas dead easy, I had an Exa 35mm and a Rolleiflex; looking down into the camera I was hardly ever spotted by my subjects. When you have to lift the camera it is more difficult; generally I pretend to be weighing up the buildings, or whatever is beyond, then take the shot. Recently I have been using an FZ-30 and now V-Lux1, these have a rear screen which can be folded down, so I'm back to looking down into the camera, or even around corners! What are you shooting with? Show us what ya got. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted February 28, 2007 Share #24 Posted February 28, 2007 What are you shooting with? Show us what ya got..... I'm shootin a cocktail mix of horse tranquiliser and neat acid, the coloured tablets are no longer the same since that smack in the head:cool: ward 011 freaks them out Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicanomad Posted February 28, 2007 Author Share #25 Posted February 28, 2007 What are you shooting with? Show us what ya got. Thanks again for the help and ideas. Camera wise I'm using a second hand Leica M6 that I bought a little while ago, around the same time I read some of Wilfred Thessigers books. He used a Leica and if it was good enough for him... He's not one of the more famous Leica users but his photos can be seen at; 2004.130.15125 - Pitt Rivers Museum For myself, I haven't been photographing for very long - it's something I used to do when I was younger but then gradually stopped. I started to pick up interest around 9-12 months ago. I have a few photos on my website; Flickr: Photos from leicanomad Once again - thanks to everyone for the help - Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bernd Banken Posted February 28, 2007 Share #26 Posted February 28, 2007 Hi James, welcome to the macic of silver. After 35 years I started with a used M6 again - like you did. Bernd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_parker Posted February 28, 2007 Share #27 Posted February 28, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) By and large my own limited experience has beenif you behave as naturally as possible and don't appear furtive, no one seems to take much interest Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/17178-street-photography-howto/?do=findComment&comment=185971'>More sharing options...
robert_parker Posted February 28, 2007 Share #28 Posted February 28, 2007 ...also being willing to interact with the subject seems to help as well... Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/17178-street-photography-howto/?do=findComment&comment=185975'>More sharing options...
MrEd Posted February 28, 2007 Share #29 Posted February 28, 2007 ......you can get nasty looks, even if you're not pointing a camera at them... Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/17178-street-photography-howto/?do=findComment&comment=186227'>More sharing options...
JE Posted March 1, 2007 Share #30 Posted March 1, 2007 Jim, I share your concerns. I am living in Bogota, Colombia at the moment and street photography gets scary here. I don't know what it is, but I have run into more problems here than anywhere else. Nasty looks, threatening looks, verbal threats, I've been the momentary victim of 'em all. Usually my technique is to ignore the people until it's impossible and then take leave. All the the advice (what I've read of it) is solid, meaning that it works here. I would suggest, if no one else has already done so, remaining in a situation, an environment long enough for the people around you to notice and then forget you. If you look nervous you'll make others nervous. So act like your SUPPOSED to be taking the shot, as if you've got some kind of permission. If you look sure of yourself people (generally) aren't as suspicious. There are those few however... Above all, have fun. If you're uncomfortable taking a shot, it'll show. Jonathan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest flatfour Posted March 1, 2007 Share #31 Posted March 1, 2007 If it's one or two people I always ask. If it's more I give them a 'thank you' afterwrds - sometimes they want to give their address for a copy if they think you are a pro - which I'm not. Overseas I quite often get asked for a sum of money to take a photo of s person in costume but these I always decline as the person alwys seems to pose and I don't like that. In the outh African townships the kids all wanted their photos taken - particularly alongside a white person. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
timd. Posted March 1, 2007 Share #32 Posted March 1, 2007 you don't need to use a bessa or leica m for streetphotography. but i guess it fits better into the situation a really good howto: http://joelmeyerowitz.com/photography/interview_06.html Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/17178-street-photography-howto/?do=findComment&comment=186761'>More sharing options...
Guest Metroman Posted March 1, 2007 Share #33 Posted March 1, 2007 Jim Chris Weeks produced a good read on the subject. You can download it at his spot on deviantART Look at the top left of the page and click on 'download'. It is a 10Mb PDF file. Also check out his gallery at deviantART - my favourite is the shot of John Malkovich and the story with it. Chris also has some nice M8 images up there. and his professional portfolio. and then his Blog I like Chris, his style and his attitude to photography - not to mention his 'colourful' language. I love his pictures and his take on life. He posts here on the forum now and then also. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
frc Posted March 4, 2007 Share #34 Posted March 4, 2007 Howto? The Meyerowitz video showes it quite well. Be there, it's your show, a necessesity. No hide and seek. It's how I've been doing it for years. But, sometimes........ Perhaps I'm that irritating, and unaware of it........ A politician, used to the press etc. Feels very uncomfortable about my presence. If looks could kill. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/17178-street-photography-howto/?do=findComment&comment=189235'>More sharing options...
R.Morrison Posted March 4, 2007 Share #35 Posted March 4, 2007 Not unlike James Early's (did I spell that right?) experience, the only trouble I had was with someone who walked into a shot I was making of the Chateau Laurier. I was quite visible with a big SLR on a tripod. While actually shooting people with my M4-P I've never had a problem and have even had some volunteers (unfortunately they didn't qualify as street-shooting subjects because they were posed) and I have found that street musicians actually crave the camera. Robert Morrison. M4-P, etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolo Posted March 4, 2007 Share #36 Posted March 4, 2007 Jim Chris Weeks produced a good read on the subject. You can download it at his spot on deviantART {/QUOTE] Thanks for the lead Andy. Great site and a complete change for me. I'll be going back. Rolo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted March 4, 2007 Share #37 Posted March 4, 2007 ...there is no real answer Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted March 4, 2007 Share #38 Posted March 4, 2007 .......... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted March 4, 2007 Share #39 Posted March 4, 2007 ...maybe... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted March 4, 2007 Share #40 Posted March 4, 2007 this.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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