flash on the street?

[back alley]

are many folks using flash as part of their street shooting technique?

just curious...

 

[kshapero]

Haven't yet but considering it. Like to hear from others also.

 

[John Bragg]

Not even entered my head. It is hardly descreet in what is a candid type of shooting. Different if it is a contrived set up shot.

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

After recent events in the U.S., I'd advise against walking up to people and shining an intense bright light in their eyes without warning...

 

[Brunocstreet]

When the sun is in front of you it can be very handy


Little Wing by Brunocandeias, on Flickr

I used flash quite a lot, now I'm using less because this technique is quite demanding, puts a lot of pressure in you.. but it's fun!

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I used flash quite a lot, now I'm using less because this technique is quite demanding, puts a lot of pressure in you.. but it's fun!

Is it fun for your victims?

 

[kokoshawnuff]

I only use it when people are expecting photos to be taken of them (ie Halloween, parades, rallies, etc). I know there are quite a few photographers that go out there with a flash, but I don't have thick enough skin to do that nor do I really like the aesthetics of flash street photography.

 

[DamenS]

Where I come from, flashing on public streets or playgrounds is considered illegal.

 

[lxmike]

Where I come from, flashing on public streets or playgrounds is considered illegal.

In some villages near me its compulsory

 

[jsrockit]

I generally don't have a the balls to use flash in a candid situation. As it is, we are in someone's face photographing them... flash just adds to the annoyance for the one being photographed.

 

[edge100]

The flashed street photography look never did anything for me, to be honest. Bruce Gilden has this market cornered, I think.

 

[sepiareverb]

I was working with a flash for a while, not shooting people: but shrubs & landscaping in front of houses. I found that I never got questioned by passerby when using the flash and very often did when I was not...

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

In some villages near me its compulsory

Welllll, yes. But they do say no sheep is safe in that part of England...

 

[gns]

Tod Pappgeorge's Central Park photographs come right to mind.
See his book, Passing Through Eden.
A few are on the website of his gallery...
http://www.pacemacgill.com/selected_works/detailspage.php?artist=Tod Papageorge&img_num=6

 

[Gumby]

I don't know about "many folks" but I do when the conditions suggest that flash is a good option.

 

[teleparallel]

I think Erik Kin does use. But most are more like portraits, not discreet made photos.

 

[maddoc]

I think Erik Kin does use. But most are more like portraits, not discreet made photos.

Yeah, flash is important for "International Street Photographers" and "Workshop Organizers".... Looks like an effective way for blogger to stick out of the crowd of photo-blogger. Bruce Gilden's work is a class of it's own, though. He made excellent use of the flash, IMO.

 

[taskoni]

It's a matter of philosophy I suppose. I don't use one because:

1. I don't have one
2. No idea how to use one
3. I try to respect strangers privacy and not treat them like props
4. It doesn't suit my style and does not serve my needs (and also because of the mentioned above reasons)

Bruce Gilden has put the flash in excellent use and have made many great shots but I would not record the environment by throwing everything I've got in the face

The question really is do you really need a flash for what you are photographing? If the answer is yes, than go for it!

 

[charjohncarter]

I don't do much 'street' but I sure use my flash a lot. Right now I have a ringflash on my K-01.

 

[kxl]

Street photography (with people) - no.

Street photography (no people, structure only) - fill flash if needed.

Posed/trouristy photos (family, friends, etc...) - fill flash if needed.