Critique #30 *StreetPhotography*-5 Participants

[nico]

Here I am, sorry for the delay.
"Gentleman"
BessaR+Nok50+IlfordHp5
Bye,
Nico

 

[back alley]

That's 5 . Here we go.

Leica IIIa w/ Summar 50mm
Kodak C-41 B&W ASA 400

ok, first posted first critiqued.

overall, i like it. i like that she is looking right at the camera. i don't always like that but i think it works in this instance mostly because she looks unhappy about her photo being taken. the 'photo' sparked a reaction being taken and with my viewing it, so both the subject and the viewer were pulled into it.
i like the selective focus, making the woman pop out of the frame somewhat.

overall, the photo seems a bit light to me but then i prefer a 'darker' look most of the time.
also, and here i seem to differ with many, my view of street shooting is to include more, more action, more details, to have a sense of busy-ness. to show more of the street. this is more a portrait taken out in public.

i hope this helps and is acceptable.
jjoe

 

[back alley]

attached.







............

ok, ted was second up and second critiqued...

again, overall i like it. this is no small feat for me to like it as it is in colour and i much prefer street shots in b&w. but this is overwhelming colour and the man's clothing seems to almost make him a part of the surroundings as he blends in with them. i love the hat.
again, i like that he is looking at the camera but this time because he is not smiling. he looks ok with being photographed but not all that comfortable. it gives him a very slight edge.
i would have preferred a slightly different angle for the photo to have been taken. the background window frame seems to cut the photo in half and i find the far right window and reflections somewhat distracting.

hope this helps as well.
joe

 

[back alley]

Here's mine:




\/

ray was next to post...

i love this shot. it has everything i love in a street shot, lots of stuff/details. it's b&w, it's dark and it's a wide looking shot. he was close to the man on the phone when it was taken and i love the little girl in the car with the open door. a shot of light and life tucked into the background.
and it shows the street.
sorry ray, but i wouldn't change anything.

hope this helps.

 

[back alley]

Here I am, sorry for the delay.
"Gentleman"
BessaR+Nok50+IlfordHp5
Bye,
Nico

nico was next...

first, i can't believe this was taken with a 50mm lens. it looks so wide and i like that.
again, i love that it's dark and shot in b&w.
it tells a bit of a story, a man, a train and we get to fill in the blanks. i like that it has a bit of an angle to it, keeps me a bit off balance too.
i would like it if there was a touch more detail in the mans face or more precisely, his head and to the rear of his head.
i like the bit of knee that shows, i can tell his legs were crossed and he was leaning back a little, comfortable.

hope this helps.

joe

 

[back alley]

and now i'm tired...

😉

 

[RayPA]

Here I am, sorry for the delay.
"Gentleman"
BessaR+Nok50+IlfordHp5
Bye,
Nico

Nice shot, Nico. I like the composition a lot. I'm a big fan of using minor compositional elements (such as lines and shapes) to frame more important elements and direct the eye around the frame. In this case the perspective lines of the roof and ground direct my eye right to the subject. It is a very strong influence. If you squint at the image it looks almost as if the subject has a megaphone to his mouth. For this reason the subject picks up a lot of power. The location is obvously a train station--another powerful setting, and the man's attire speaks to a business-like approach. He is relaxed and comfortable in these surroundings (like he owns the place). There is almost a reverance of the subject caused by the lower angle and the side view. I feel almost as if I'm not worthy to be at eye-level, face-to-face. This isn't a negative critique of the image at all. I think it's a really good image with very strong composition. At the end of this critique I really hope to hear your report on how and why you created this photo.

I think you could dodge the face a little bit to bring it out more. I don't mind the dark-ish surroundings, but he is a little too dim for my liking. This is almost portraiture, but still really well done street shooting.

🙂

 

[RayPA]

...

this is with the canon 28/3.5 and a partial, but planned, hip shot.

I'm a proponent of the "hip-shot" (a misnomer to me, because I call anything that I don't frame with the camera to my face a "hip-shot"). Despite what anyone says, the ability to record a scene and not be seen, not influence a moment by making your presence as a photogrpher known, is important and often desirable. Here is a moment that would have been ruined had the subjects seen the photographer. The result is that this image becomes a study and allows us to observe the moment and the individuals, guess at their relationship, and what's happening. It really is a study. It makes for a fascinating photograph, and that for me is the appeal here. Good work and a smart approach, Joe.

I think the goal of the hip-shot is to record the scene unnoticed, and make it look as if you're actually invisible, or present but unseen. Therefore I find the tilt a little too extreme, especially with the tree. You are almost broadcasting "this is a hip-shot," so in a sense you're making your presence known to the viewer. You're now part of the image, influencing this (viewer) end. The scene doesn't need the influence. It was a good one to record, your instincts were right. This is probably more of a philosophical criticism, an approach to shooting, I know, but I thought I'd give you something other than "I don't like the tilt, straighten it!" I think we're kindred spirits in the sense that we both value this technique, and value these moments--and know how tough it is to catch them, especially straight!


Spot-on focus and excellent exposure result in a crystal-clear clarity. A good moment with some human elements. I've spent more time looking at/studying this image than any other in this thread. I had a blast looking at these two and doing my own psychoanalysis. Good eye, great catch. Thanks, joe.

🙂

 

[RayPA]

attached.
............

Nice shot Ted. It's more street portraiture (maybe a good future critique theme[?]). I think it works fine in this category. It is what it is, a very respectful protrait of an obviously proud man. It seems you had his permission and respected the trust he gave you. Well done!

I'd prefer a lower angle, eye-level and less room around him. The woman's arm adds little, as does the extra space above. You're giving us him, and not the surroundings. I like the glimpse of the cane, but find the bag and the coffee cup a little distracting. You caught an excellent expression. He looks proud.

Good work. Bravo to you for getting the shot. I'm still not very comfortable approaching strangers for a photo (assuming this was a stranger to you), especially straight-up portraits.

🙂

 

[RayPA]

That's 5 . Here we go.

Leica IIIa w/ Summar 50mm
Kodak C-41 B&W ASA 400

Another example of street portraiture. This one is luminescent, a very flattering light. Very nice composition and focus. I think you caught her in an unflattering moment, though--you were spotted! That look might qualify as a stink-eye! 🙂 Here's one time when having eye contact in a photo doesn't draw me in, but makes me want to run! 🙂 I've gotten a few of those in my time shooting. (here's one from last week) 🙂 My feeling is that you were probably trying to catch her smoking (?), which would have been a nice unguarded moment. I think you framed this very well, nice 3/4 view.

Really good exposure and focus, wonderful light, too. I like the focal length. What is it? Good job, Larry.

🙂

 

[ampguy]

remrf

remrf

this is a nice close up of a blond woman smoking. I like it. The expression on her face is one we can all relate to, I'm not sure of the word, maybe pensive, borderline sultry. Her lips are flat, but it looks like she might be ready to break into a smile. She looks like she is dressed for warm weather.

Her hair on the left starts blending with the dark left window losing a tad of detail there.

That's 5 . Here we go.

Leica IIIa w/ Summar 50mm
Kodak C-41 B&W ASA 400

 

[ampguy]

Joe - couple w/ tree

Joe - couple w/ tree

I like this a lot, the couple look engaged in a serious moment, though no one seems to be talking. I realize it's a hip shot, and has good focus for this.

The angle is odd, I think it would be just a good a photo if it were straight, and maybe the top of the tree, and R of the girl were cropped.

my apologies for the tardy post.

this is with the canon 28/3.5 and a partial, but planned, hip shot.

 

[ampguy]

Ray -- Man on cell

Ray -- Man on cell

Looks like a fender bender with a new truck involved. It's a good photo, the girl looking through the window of the truck adds a lot. My eyes wander all around the photo looking for more clues, like do I know where this is?? 😉 Good job. Maybe it could have used another stop opening.

Here's mine:




\/

 

[ampguy]

Nico -- Gentleman

Nico -- Gentleman

I really like the use of b&w here, and the framing, the converging of the roof, and walkway line to the man's face is excellent.

The man is dressed very spiffy, and looks like a well groomed distinguished man. I think it's good as is, but I did play on the monitor to crop the bottom and take the knee off, but maybe having more knee, or maybe taking the knee off might be interesting variations. Excellent.

Here I am, sorry for the delay.
"Gentleman"
BessaR+Nok50+IlfordHp5
Bye,
Nico

 

[remrf]

Having looked at all the other shots here in this thread and reading the comments so far I think I should withdraw my entry. While my shot is on the street,(or at least in a sidewalk cafe at streetside) it is not a street shot in the style that the rest of you are practicing. My photo is not a random moment of time captured on the fly. It is a model reacting to the specific direction I gave her at the time. I told her to imagine herself in France in the 30's. She is rich, bored and tired of the life she has been living. She is trying to wake up and shake a hangover and some stupid sob has come up and laid a really lame pick up line on her. I had her look away from me and then look back at which point I shot this photo. It is an interesting photo I think but it is not what this critique thread is about. I did not mean to decieve anyone. The subject was street shots and I remembered I had this one. But after looking at the other images and reading the posts I realized you were all thinking along entirely different lines and had taken your photos under completely different circumstances. My photo does not belong in this thread.

I apologize for jumping the gun as it were. I don't do street photography in the sense I now understand you all to mean. The closest thing I have to a "street shot" is of a flag burning that I shot as it was happening. But even then I knew it was going to happen and showed up and placed myself where I would get a clear shot of it when it did.

Once again I apologize. Perhaps someone else would like to enter this thread, Or you can go on with just the four of you. You all seem to understand this type of shooting and I don't think any comment I would make would be appropriate.

 

[ampguy]

Hi Ray

Hi Ray

Thanks, as you can probably tell, this was taken with the Hexar with Fuji 400 film. Yes, I asked the man if I could take his photo, and later I sat next to him and we chatted about many things. I don't remember his name unfortunately, but he loves that area, downtown San Bruno, and is Indian and Muslim. He has a couple of sons, and some grandchildren. One of his sons unfortunately passed away from cancer. He was a really nice person to spend some time in the shade talking to. I hope I meet up with him again to chat.

I was oblivous to the background at the time I took the photo, which was in front of a starbucks, so I'm glad that you folks pointed out the messy background to me.

I hope this photo was OK for this category, I agree with you that "street portraits" would be more fitting. Thanks.

Nice shot Ted. It's more street portraiture (maybe a good future critique theme[?]). I think it works fine in this category. It is what it is, a very respectful protrait of an obviously proud man. It seems you had his permission and respected the trust he gave you. Well done!

I'd prefer a lower angle, eye-level and less room around him. The woman's arm adds little, as does the extra space above. You're giving us him, and not the surroundings. I like the glimpse of the cane, but find the bag and the coffee cup a little distracting. You caught an excellent expression. He looks proud.

Good work. Bravo to you for getting the shot. I'm still not very comfortable approaching strangers for a photo (assuming this was a stranger to you), especially straight-up portraits.

🙂

 

[ampguy]

Hi Remrf

Hi Remrf

As you can tell, I'm also learning the definitions of these categories, I don't feel deceived at all by your photo with the model. Thanks for the explanation. I'll let others decide if it fits the category or not.

I like to think we're judging these photos as they come, whether setup or candid, it's the end result, not the circumstances or creation of, but I'm OK with whatever the general rules are that folks want to use here.

Having looked at all the other shots here in this thread and reading the comments so far I think I should withdraw my entry. While my shot is on the street,(or at least in a sidewalk cafe at streetside) it is not a street shot in the style that the rest of you are practicing. My photo is not a random moment of time captured on the fly. It is a model reacting to the specific direction I gave her at the time. I told her to imagine herself in France in the 30's. She is rich, bored and tired of the life she has been living. She is trying to wake up and shake a hangover and some stupid sob has come up and laid a really lame pick up line on her. I had her look away from me and then look back at which point I shot this photo. It is an interesting photo I think but it is not what this critique thread is about. I did not mean to decieve anyone. The subject was street shots and I remembered I had this one. But after looking at the other images and reading the posts I realized you were all thinking along entirely different lines and had taken your photos under completely different circumstances. My photo does not belong in this thread.

I apologize for jumping the gun as it were. I don't do street photography in the sense I now understand you all to mean. The closest thing I have to a "steet shot" is of a flag burning that I shot as it was happening. But even then I knew it was going to happen and showed up and placed myself where I would get a clear shot of it when it did.

Once again I apologize. Perhaps someone else would like to enter this thread, Or you can go on with just the four of you. You all seem to understand this type of shooting and I don't think any comment I would make would be appropriate.

 

[RayPA]

As you can tell, I'm also learning the definitions of these categories, I don't feel deceived at all by your photo with the model. Thanks for the explanation. I'll let others decide if it fits the category or not.

I like to think we're judging these photos as they come, whether setup or candid, it's the end result, not the circumstances or creation of, but I'm OK with whatever the general rules are that folks want to use here.

I agree with Ted, Larry. I don't feel deceived. In fact, I feel badly and sorry that I mis-read your image under the pretense of a candid. 😱 It has a candid feel, so I'd say based upon your intentions you were quite successful! I don't think I can comletely define "Street Photography." I know some famous photos that epitomize "street" photography were posed/set-up. I see nothing wrong with that at all; it's about acheiving a sense of the spontaneous. I think you nailed it with your image.


🙂

 

[RayPA]

Thanks, as you can probably tell, this was taken with the Hexar with Fuji 400 film. Yes, I asked the man if I could take his photo, and later I sat next to him and we chatted about many things. I don't remember his name unfortunately, but he loves that area, downtown San Bruno, and is Indian and Muslim. He has a couple of sons, and some grandchildren. One of his sons unfortunately passed away from cancer. He was a really nice person to spend some time in the shade talking to. I hope I meet up with him again to chat.

I was oblivous to the background at the time I took the photo, which was in front of a starbucks, so I'm glad that you folks pointed out the messy background to me.

I hope this photo was OK for this category, I agree with you that "street portraits" would be more fitting. Thanks.

I don't know maybe the "theme" critiques are a bad idea. I think both your image and larry's image fit fine here. I'm not hung up on the category thing. I think it's natural to want to catergorize an image, but peruse early "street photography" like Walker Evans, it's full of candid street portraits like yours.

🙂

 

[remrf]

I don't think the themes are a bad idea. It allows one to compare apples to apples as it were.


But I realized as I looked at the other images on the thread that I could not critique them fairly because I would be applying my standards of photography to a style about which I know little and in which I have no experience. My background is first in a news/ journalistic style and then later in a commercial/studio style. Both (to my understanding) demand that the subject(s) be properly framed, properly exposed, in focus and need little explanation as to why the photo was taken. This does not seem to be the case with street photography which allows much more freedom apparently. I confess that I don't "get" some of the photos in this thread. And so it seemed that I could not fairly critique that which I did not understand. I would be applying the wrong standards as I viewed them.