28 pics of HCB at work

[xayraa33]

obviously the man taking the photos of HCB was dressed even nattier than Henri, so he stood out even less.

 

[pesphoto]

how did HCB not stand out while taking those pics? And how did the man who took the pics of HCB taking pics not stand out?

Im sure they were both noticed, but maybe chalk it up to it being more "innocent times"? Surely people were more trusting then and also Im sure HCB was very quick and didnt linger too long in any one spot.
Wouldnt it be cool to go back in time and watch him work like this from afar?

 

[iridium7777]

anyone know what kind of man purse that is? is that some leica bag? i'd rock it.

 

[xayraa33]

anyone know what kind of man purse that is? is that some leica bag? i'd rock it.

it looks like a 1950s Benser case for a Leica camera.

 

[peter_n]

I was struck by how well dressed he was- how many of us wear a camel hair blazer and finely pressed pants while photographing on the street? Surely not I- but maybe I should try it as he looks so non-threatening.

He came from an upper-middle class family, so the sports coat was probably "slumming it" for him. 😉 It looks like he might have been wearing a cravat under his open-necked shirt, an affectation common to some men 50 years ago.

Thanks for posting the link Paul!

 

[ywenz]

well I guess if you have that innocent old white-man look to you, you can get away with a lot when taking pictures of strangers... a distant second to a hot young broad though!

 

[marke]

Dress for success

Dress for success

I figured this out early in my career. The more clean, tidy and distinguished you look the less likey people are to hassle you about photographing them. People like attractive people. It's just one of those rules of life things.

I agree!

I just got into street photography last spring, and one of the things I've been curious about is how my type of dress might affect the comfort level of people I meet on the street. Over the summer, it was usually shorts and a t-shirt or polo shirt. Now that it's been cooler, I've been trying everything from my black leather jacket to my semi-dressy field coat. But a couple weeks ago, I decided to try something very different, for me that is. After considering what HC-B wore, I dug out an old tan sport jacket/blazer, and I've wering this with jeans and nice shoes. Just as they say women pay attention to a man's shoes, I think when we're out shooting it's another thing to be aware of. I just think the overall appearance to look somewhat "successful" can help when we're out shooting in the street. People seem to feel less threatened by a man who cares enough (and earns enough) to dress well.

Of course, what is considered the best dress style can change for the environment and the local culture. If I were brave enough to shoot street in the inner city at night, a blazer would probably not be my choice of dress. But then, I don't know what would be! 😱

Interesting pictures and interesting discussion.

 

[PaulDalex]

The attitude toward privacy (and level of safety) has changed radically since then. In most cases I ask permission to take pictures of people. To some extent it can be still candid, but not vintage street photo anymore

 

[shadowfox]

Paul, a very interesting and educational find. Kudos.

What amazes me is that the photographer managed to capture HCB *and* the picture that he's taking. That's no small feat.

 

[yaadetgar]

Nice!Thanks for posting the link!Yaad

 

[Jonathan R]

I pity the poor guy looking at the train model, with two lunatics pointing cameras at him.

Anyway, so much for the Leica-in-pocket, no exposure meter myths.

 

[pesphoto]

I pity the poor guy looking at the train model, with two lunatics pointing cameras at him.

Anyway, so much for the Leica-in-pocket, no exposure meter myths.

"Lunatics"......?

 

[nzeeman]

someone said that he didnt linger long in one spot, but as i see from photos he was on the same locations on some photos for example
http://bongolia.com/bongostreet/hcb/slides/cartier06.html
http://bongolia.com/bongostreet/hcb/slides/cartier05.html
http://bongolia.com/bongostreet/hcb/slides/cartier04.html
watch the shadow on the building behind them on 5 and 6.
on 5 shadow is right in the corner on the brick in 3rd row and in 6 shadow moved pretty much. that tells me that he was there with his camera pointed at them for at least 10 mins. nobody would ignore someone who is photographing him for 10 minutes.

 

[peter_n]

on 5 shadow is right in the corner on the brick in 3rd row and in 6 shadow moved pretty much. that tells me that he was there with his camera pointed at them for at least 10 mins. nobody would ignore someone who is photographing him for 10 minutes.

Good observation but I would take a different view. When you arrive on a scene with a camera you will probably be noticed. After a couple of minutes have passed you become part of the furniture and you are more likely to be ignored. I think it's a good strategy to hang around for a while to see what transpires in a scene - it helps with the anticipation. Last week I was in the Templebar area of Dublin and sat down on a seat at a lampost right in the middle of a busy street scene complete with an accordeon player. People noticed me at first but after a while they lost interest, even when I put my camera to my eye. Hanging around helps to make you invisible.

 

[pesphoto]

Check out the Magnum blog today. More photos of Bresson, not just shooting, but with friends and just hanging out with the likes of Kertesz, Eisenstadt, etc.