Anyone shoot from the chest?

S

Stu W

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Ok, I found that street photography isn't very easy. People don't seem to like getting their pictures taken. My next move was going to be my M3 across my chest and a 21 or 35mm lens. Hyperfocal and fire. I was also considering a shoe mounted spirit level. Sounds like a plan? Stu
 
Yup!

If I was going to specifically shoot candids of strangers, that'd be the way to go with the RF. I tend to avoid photographing strangers, unless the image is SO compelling that I have to have it...then I'll ask permission. Sometimes, I spend some time, and make a short-lived relationship, resulting in a photographer/model sort of shoot.

Regards!
Don
 
I would use my G2 at waist level using my 28mm at f8 and manual focus.
The camera would be over my shoulder under my jacket and brought out to shoot then put away as quick.
 
Nearer tummy than chest, as I have the strap fairly long. Adjust the strap round your neck so the camera stays level (if that's what you want). With a bit of practise, you can frame pretty well just by aiming the camera. Visualize the horizontal FOV for the lens you are using. I find 35mm lenses a bit more forgiving than 50mm. When I started this, Itended to aim too high, but I've got that pretty well under control now.
 
You can also dangle them from your wrist and get more interesting perspective shots that way. I really think a small P&S digital is best for this. It will also autofocus, although you can use hyperfocal distance very well on wide angle lenses in this mode.

/Ira
 
I just ordered a shoe mounted spirit level. I figure It'll help keep things square. Hey, I just remembered the Apollo astronauts used their Hassy's that way. Stu
 
I use my chest all the time. I wonder exactly how inconspicuous it looks. I mean come on, who holds a camera on there chest.
 
Stu

There is sneaky - like using a TLR semi telephoto with a 90 degree mirror thet looks like a hood. A TLR is so quiet no one will hear the shutter, a blad might be a give away. With a Mamiya 6x6 and a 65mm lens you may not need the 90 degree mirror.

There is sneaky and setting up a 10x8" view cam on a massive tripod and taking/making a mobile call on a call phone camera... you will get nice curious expressions that way, as you mount camera and de-mount it.

A remote release IR or radio with 35mm compact from shoulder.

Only limited by your imagination.

HCB did none of these things, he adopted W. Bonny's technique.

Noel
 
"HCB did none of these things, he adopted W. Bonny's technique."




W. Bonny as in Billy the Kid?
 
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I've never had much luck using this technique... When I did try it some potentially good shots were pretty much ruined because this or that was cropped out or framed badly. I don't try it with film now, but do with my little digi p&s. It has a setting for firing 3 frames and I make small adjustments between each one. Usually at least one shot is 1/2 good! It's not as much fun as using an old rangefinder though...

Peter
 
Stu

Yes Billy as in - there was not a fire exit in McSweeny house...

Peter

My 1st cousin has a pano photo phone they are pretty good quality her dad and me are well envious... It looks like she is sending text messages too, if you did not know.

Noel
 
Someone wise said once that a rangefinder does not a +1 Ring of Invisibility make.

I shoot a lot of street photos with a CV 25mm lens from either the hip, waist or chest. If your aesthetic principles demand that you do street photography without intruding into the scene, the only way to do it is to take a photo without the subject realising that you are taking a photo of them. In some neighbourhoods it makes a difference between being beaten up and getting away. Asking permission simply ruins the whole point of trying to capture a documentary photo without the photographer's presence impinging on the scene.

Someone else also contributed this little nugget of wisdom: the only way to not put yourself into a scene is to take photos from a satellite.

Clarence
 
Lika Ira said, digital P&S cameras are probably the ultimate for this. I catch people unaware all the time with my Ricoh GR-D. It's very small (and black!) and virtually silent; I turn the lcd screen off and pretend to fondle with it, so I can point if anywhere I like and take several shots. Massive dof so focus is not an issue, I use the camera's "snap mode" setting (focus fixed to 2,5m). See http://2038.cc/ for results, or http://x.unix.se/etc/gr03.jpg for a size comparison (Nikon F4, Hexar AF & GR-D).
 
Personally, I would rather use what I already have rather than acquire yet another camera for this special purpose style shooting. And using a wider angle lens helps increase depth of field thus making hyper focal focusing an even better option. As for where/how to hold the camera, I prefer to just carry the camera palmed in my hand (one of the reasons I like wrist straps and/or short neck straps wrapped around my wrist) and then when I see something interesting I just rotate my hand a bit so the camera is horizontal and trip the shutter. Almost unnoticeable or, at least, doesn't seem to attract attention. Here's a shot I did using this technique with my M6 and 35mm Cron while just walking down the street:
 

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Stu,

I like to have my F3hp on my side low to the hip, with my leather jacket covering it, with the camera on Aperture Priority, and a set F stop, then I open my jacket casually, and fire. People really do not notice.

Good luck! ;)

Cheers

Mark
Quito, EC
 
Stu W said:
Nice shot vrgard
Click to expand...

Thanks, Stu. Yeah, I thiink I got pretty lucky with that one. Of course, what I didn't post were all the crooked, out of focus shots I've taken using the same technique! ;)

-Randy
 
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