how far is far?...about as close is close: Portraits on the Street

[fotographz]

Making close portraits of people you don't know or know very well.
Yes I mean get close. Most of the time I get close street portraits I'm in ninja mode I've gotten several shots and moved on before they are aware I was even there. A combination of patience,luck, and timing.
There is also that situation where they will ask you to photograph them...and you better do it! If it is any help most people are so self-absorbed they'll be too busy to notice any other humanity around.
Sometimes I get asked and other times well...ninja mode
You can be in front or on the side...BUT CLOSE.

cheers

She never knew she was photographed.

He saw my camera and asked to be photographed I found him later and gave him a print

 

[Sparrow]

 

[Sparrow]

... this was in a pub so it does't count really ...

 

[shiro_kuro]

 

[fotographz]

... this was in a pub so it does't count really ...

this counts...any portrait photographed outside of and away from your front door.

cheers

 

[Sparrow]

so, this will ... this chap hit me with his stick two or three frames on from that one

 

[Black]

Was just browsing through my limited stream and realised I'm quite drawn to street portraits:

​

 

[lynnb]

She stopped to pose with her dog when she saw me wanting to take a picture, so getting close was easy. @35mm.

50mm-e grab shot on APS-C

 

[Black]

Found a few more...

​

 

[lynnb]

prefocused the XA and held the cam steady waiting for the moment, over coffee.

 

[johannielscom]

Great stuff, Chris. I love the shot of the fellow with the glasses and the stained jacket, eyes closed gives it something magical. Very surreal, and sharp too!

 

[Daniel Teoli Jr.]

Making close portraits of people you don't know or know very well.
Yes I mean get close. Most of the time I get close street portraits I'm in ninja mode I gotten several shots and moved on before they are aware I was even there. A combination of patience,luck, and timing.
There is also that situation where they will ask you to photograph them...and you better do it! If it is any help most people are so self-absorbed they'll be too busy to notice any other humanity around.
Sometimes I get asked and other times well...ninja mode
You can be in front or on the side...BUT CLOSE.

cheers

She never knew she was photographed.

He saw my camera and asked to be photographed I found him later and gave him a print

Nice!

I like the close work on the street!

 

[Daniel Teoli Jr.]

Was just browsing through my limited stream and realised I'm quite drawn to street portraits:

​

Lots of nice shots in this thread!

 

[Daniel Teoli Jr.]

This is my closest shot. 1 foot away

(nsfw)

http://orderwomenlikepizza.tumblr.com/image/87540543890


2 to 3 feet away

http://danielteolijrcurrent.tumblr.com/image/90113821726

http://danielteolijrcurrent.tumblr.com/image/56422193364

http://whoopwhoopartistsbook.tumblr.com/image/93154306926


4 feet away

http://bikermardigras.tumblr.com/image/105624756888

http://dewallenrld.tumblr.com/image/111042643186


5 to 10 feet away

http://danielteolijrcurrent.tumblr.com/image/41324185281

http://dewallenrld.tumblr.com/image/110155050101


...all candids.


Distance does not matter to the expert documentary photographer - they are comfortable shooting at any distance.

Dealing with camera and lens size / focal length, stealth techniques, shutter speed, aperture, ISO and post processing
to bring in the best possible image under adverse conditions is the specialty of the documentary photographer.

 

[Sparrow]

I like a bit of environ myself ... a decent FOV lens ... these telephoto closeups never look right somehow

.. that's a 50

PS always liked that 'Thatcher' shot Chris

 

[lynnb]

not aware of the camera

 

[f16sunshine]

Two images. Same title.... completely different meanings.

Taken by Adnan W, on Flickr

Taken by Adnan W, on Flickr

 

[f16sunshine]

"Live prop as bait"

"Live prop as bait"

Frank, you have your cup. I have my dog as a constant companion... Hugo!

Some of the friends Hugo has made.

This one could be closer (and with less flare but... I use old cameras to poor effect sometimes).
Hugo and friend by Adnan W, on Flickr

Not exactly a stranger.
When it really is love. by Adnan W, on Flickr

img012 by Adnan W, on Flickr

HP5 @100 R 1.50 9min002 by Adnan W, on Flickr

He's not sure if they are ok. by Adnan W, on Flickr

 

[airfrogusmc]

Heres a few of mine. All strangers.

Look alikes

 

[rhl-oregon]

M5 35 C-Sonnar