May upset some of you.

[paulfish4570]

oh, yes, i remember well all of the news stories about the impending hand-over to china. it appears that the chinese government largely has let things be ...

 

[funkpilz]

I don't see how this would upset anyone. Sure, they do things their own way, but to each his own.
I will say though that when I checked out that guy's website, I was reasonably impressed by the shots. Might be a matter of preference, but I wouldn't call the guy an idiot just because some of his shots are staged.

 

[bdeyes]

These two guys show very distinctly different street shooting styles: Kai's is the more classical in that he is more the observer, and not inserting his personality or agenda into the scene. Eric has a gently aggressive, staged style of street shooting. I content that Eric is not really doing street photography ala HCB, Kertesz, or Maier; but is using the street as his personal studio, moving his subjects into a desired attitude. Don't get me wrong...I think Eric has an engaging style that allows him to manipulate his subjects to his desired look (.e.g., his instructions to that trio to "look like you're friends") but once he starts doing that, I think it becomes non-street. It makes you wonder about the rest of his street portfolio, and what influence he had on getting "the look" from the scene.

 

[braver]

DigitalRev is amusing if a bit particular. Nothing wrong here though. Nothing wrong with Eric Kim's interaction with the street... I don't think it's a very effective way of getting a good shot but it is a way to be comfortable in the street. Grabbing a shot and running is much more rude than grabbing it and making a chat.

What I found interesting though is how good the stuff is that the presenter (Kai?) is getting with that 15mm.

 

[carpark]

I enjoyed it. Yes it's a bit in your face but they are playing to the cameras just like all similar TV shows.
Can't see much of a problem.
Is it that there is a perception that people with Leica's should behave in a different manner?

 

[MikeL]

What is really amusing is reading this thread without watching the video!

🙂

The video seems pretty harmless. That folks that would get upset over a youtube video, now that's upsetting!
😉

 

[jack_to]

Yeah,they're having fun, what the hell. The DigitalRev guy has definitely swallowed the KoolAid, Leica-wise.

 

[Vics]

I watched it all, and liked in very much! Of course, I'm an M3 guy.

 

[Anders_]

For all the people discussing Erics shooting style. Someone asked a similar question on his facebook page. Here's what he answered,
"When I ask people to pose, I wouldn't consider it 'street photography' as it isn't candid. It is much more posed street portraiture- which I like to do after taking a photograph without permission. It helps get people engaged and also can give some interesting images."

Hope that clears a few things.


Edit:

I just read Erics blog, where he answered the same question.
"Generally I don’t ask for permission when shooting, but typically after shooting my first photograph without permission – I enjoy chatting with my subjects and getting them to pose for me. Of course once they start posing and get directed by me, it is no longer candid and thus not proper “street photography”. However in the end – I like interacting with my subjects and I feel that it is able to help me build rapport and good will. I am not so interested in only taking all of my photos without permission- as I do ask for permission at times for my shots as well."

 

[braver]

Is it that there is a perception that people with Leica's should behave in a different manor?

Not everyone with a Leica has a manor you know 😉

 

[carpark]

Not everyone with a Leica has a manor you know 😉

My brain to finger coordination is a bit off today 🙂 😉

 

[paulfish4570]

i still want to know about those straps.

 

[brainwood]

I quite enjoyed watching it, they made me smile.

 

[Nikon Bob]

For me it was an entertaining video and not in the least offensive. It may possibly be offensive if you take street photography a little too seriously and have no sense of humour issued.

Bob

 

[yee]

It's a great video! Eric's disarming personality is pleasant and effective. I wonder how those that find the video annoying could better instruct us on how to be a better street photographer.

 

[celluloidprop]

Way more fun than two retirees discussing the merits of a version 2 Wetzlar Summilux vs a version 3 made in Canada and how the 'Leica glow' just made that last cat picture perfect.

I kid, I kid...

 

[Jobin]

Boy do I feel like a jerk. I watched the video again, reflecting on some of your comments, and feel bad for my criticism. I think I meant to say: While Eric Kim considers himself a international street photographer, his photos from this clip are sometimes staged. To me, the point of shooting street with a discreet camera (Leica) is to capture the moment without the subject knowing. I have learned from Eric though as far as interacting with the subject after the shot, eg. "Thank you, I really like your hat." etc. I should use the word pushy instead of rude. I also need to lighten up, after all, it is the weekend now.

 

[totifoto]

I learned long ago not to take the digrev videos seriously. They are fun.

I sometimes think that Kai could do more with what he has but his approach to things seems to be working cause he get views, me included 🙂

 

[goffer]

I enjoy Eric's work, just his personality irks me. He can be very self indulgent at times, especially with his "I'm going to make you world famous" comments, or retreats depending on how you look at it. His work certainly has progressed though, not like I'm one to judge. I enjoyed the video. Eric stole the show though, it seemed, Kai could not seem to get a word in.

 

[NickTrop]

Love this video, and his work overall. Seen a few reviews done by him. Fun stuff. Nothing to get annoyed with. Like Rockwell too. Opinionated, informative, sense of humor... good stuff.