flash on the street?

I use it for what it is. In low light, to isolate and freeze movement. The X100 on-board flash is really good for this.

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Not sure how using a flash is considered wrong when shooting on the street. I use it all of the time. If anything, it isn't the flash that sets people, it is the act of taking a photo. Over time you learn how to judge who to take a picture of with a flash and who not to based off body and facial language. Consider your subjects and surroundings and use common sense.

It's more than just getting in a subjects face and triggering the flash as some of you suggest.
 
charjohncarter said:
I don't know, he used to use cheap C-41 film. We all like cheap film. But I'm not as enthused about him since he went digital, something is missing.
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I'm not so sure there's a huge difference between his Common Sense stuff and his newer digital work.
 
I think the usage of flash is perfectly acceptable, why shouldn't it be? It is not so much a matter of using a flash that may upset people, but rather how you approach them. Additionally it is possible to use the flash in such a way, that it minimizes potential discomfort, such as using it from an angle or with a reflector.

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Not a flash guy -never really was.

But, I am experimenting with it right now for a change of pace. Current project (starting this evening) is off-camera flash using wireless on a (hold your breath) M3.
 
sepiareverb said:
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...
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It actually seems that terrorists and peepers never use flashes! :D

I had the same experience, if you put up also an umbrella or two not only don't question you but maybe stop watching what you are doing in an interested way...

GLF
 
I only really did it once, after shooting an event in a club. I was walking on hollywood blvd on my way home with liquid courage in my belly and a friend with me.. only one group of girls seemed to have an issue with it, but nothing happened.. their photo wasn't even in focus..

They're not that great..

Fresh Outta The Club by bhop, on Flickr


Riding Through The Stars by bhop, on Flickr


All Groped Up by bhop, on Flickr
 
Bruce Gilden knows many of his subjects. See interviews. He does use it on strangers but less often. i have used it! Only used all the time where people wanted to be photographed. Some events. "Zombie Walk" in Toronto was one. The light was awful. Dark and gloomy. Using flash was great! Shooting with the natural light would have been a strain.The flash highlighted my subjects.Until i started using auto cameras now Point and Shoot Digitals, found it very easy.
Never used it with film cameras..nor will.
 
I used to hate flash, and I don't think I'd want to use it on the street, but I do however really like using close flash on people at bars and clubs on b&w film. I'm currently working on a second series this way, and I've been really happy with the results. People generally object before I take it, since i've been using a big SLR and Vivitar 2800, so if someone seems unhappy with the fact that I'm going to take their picture, I just don't.
 
my curiosity about using flash stemmed from all these zombie walks that happen around here (and elsewhere it seems)...lots of flash shots.
 
I've done it, such as this example from the SF Giants World Series Championship Parade this last November. At events I don't mind playing with it but for "regular street" shooting I don't like to do it.

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Ronald_H said:
If the choice is between having no picture at all or getting a picture by using my flash... I know where I stand:


Lowlands 2011 - roll 6 by Ronald_H, on Flickr
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I have used flash at night events like music or street festivals where it is just a part of the hoopla and is scarcely noticed by the festival goers - street photography situations like the one in Ronald's image (above) are perfect for using flash.

However - for my normal street photography, I prefer to work with exsisting light.
 
Around summer of last year I wanted to do a bit of experimentation in my street stuff by including flash, especially after seeing docs and such on photographers like Gilden and Charlie Kirk. Spent a short period of time (~3 weeks) learning the method while I was in Tokyo and while it can really give you some awesome shots, you do have to jump through a lot of hoops at times. At one point a couple of girls called the cops on me and on a different night two drunk office ladies basically tackled my arms asking me what I was doing.

If you go through with the experience and decide that you still want to shoot with flash two tips:
1) If worst comes to worst, stand your ground. Never surrender your film (or delete the image if you're a digital user)
2) It's all about attitude and state of mind. Smile, interact with your subjects if you need to and keep moving.

I think everybody should give the approach a try at least once. You might like it and even if you don't it's a good way to get rid of any sort of timid-ness in your system.
 
I don't get it...

I don't get it...

It think it is strange and weird.

I can understand in the middle of a parade as that falls under Events Photography ... but doing street with a flash, no.

Might as well put a smart phone camera in the barrel of a gun to take pictures - if you are after shock value, you will not be able to beat those reactions ... Just saying ;)
 
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