dim
Member
Something that might also help is a trick a friend told me:
Carry some of your photographs with you. In case you will be stopped you can explain, by showing them, what are you doing. The more "artistic" the best.
I don't do very much street photography but i had the same fears with you. An exercise i did was the following:
I had to shoot every ten steps. Never mind the framing, the composition, the focus, all the technical stuff. Just press the button every ten steps in something you see interesting. (You may also use the "hyperfocal distance", sorry i don't know the English translation from Greek, in order not to waste totally your film).
The first day i had to finish only one roll. The second two, the third three. Then mind about the technical stuff before the shot, while walking.
I've noticed that most of the people didn't care about me. Some gave me a look like saying "what a fool, what is he doing anyway?", but i was walking and didn't bother to ask me anything. I had no problems.
Something i've learned from this exercise was that, for me, the "eye contact" is crucial in order to understand if you can take the shot or not.
When too close try do "eye contact", look the "subject" in the eyes. Then you'll know what to do or not.
And always be fast. Not shoot and hide. Don't hide at all. Just be fast.
Let me also quote some HCB words that might be helpful to all us novice to street photography:
"..be there,
don't think,
forget yourself,
don't search..."
P.S. Also always have in mind that you don't do something "bad". If you do then is shows.
Hope it helps,
Dimitris
Carry some of your photographs with you. In case you will be stopped you can explain, by showing them, what are you doing. The more "artistic" the best.
I don't do very much street photography but i had the same fears with you. An exercise i did was the following:
I had to shoot every ten steps. Never mind the framing, the composition, the focus, all the technical stuff. Just press the button every ten steps in something you see interesting. (You may also use the "hyperfocal distance", sorry i don't know the English translation from Greek, in order not to waste totally your film).
The first day i had to finish only one roll. The second two, the third three. Then mind about the technical stuff before the shot, while walking.
I've noticed that most of the people didn't care about me. Some gave me a look like saying "what a fool, what is he doing anyway?", but i was walking and didn't bother to ask me anything. I had no problems.
Something i've learned from this exercise was that, for me, the "eye contact" is crucial in order to understand if you can take the shot or not.
When too close try do "eye contact", look the "subject" in the eyes. Then you'll know what to do or not.
And always be fast. Not shoot and hide. Don't hide at all. Just be fast.
Let me also quote some HCB words that might be helpful to all us novice to street photography:
"..be there,
don't think,
forget yourself,
don't search..."
P.S. Also always have in mind that you don't do something "bad". If you do then is shows.
Hope it helps,
Dimitris
Last edited:
nico
Well-known
There are many good suggestions here that worked well for me right now (I have short experience anyway).
It's good idea shooting with other friendsthat shares the same hobby, I do it and it makes me feel less "lonely" knowing I can count on someone would help you explain what's going on in case it would be needed.
I do not take photo of kids often but when I do I want to be sure that my girlfriend is near me, smiling and talking with me while I'm shooting: it makes everything clear without any explaination needed.
Be relaxed, I avoid to go shooting when I'm nervous, and be always smiling. I always says "thank you" or"cheers" when somebody noticed me taking his picture.
Sometimes, taking some street portrait, I don't move fast at all, I take my time to focus, set aperture leaving the time to the subject to tell me "no" if he/she notices me in that case I accept the deny smiling.
Some other times asking before is the best (only) way.
Right now I've been shouted just once and politely being told not a several time: I consider myself lucky
. I just hope that the situation also here in Italy won't get worse ...
It's good idea shooting with other friendsthat shares the same hobby, I do it and it makes me feel less "lonely" knowing I can count on someone would help you explain what's going on in case it would be needed.
I do not take photo of kids often but when I do I want to be sure that my girlfriend is near me, smiling and talking with me while I'm shooting: it makes everything clear without any explaination needed.
Be relaxed, I avoid to go shooting when I'm nervous, and be always smiling. I always says "thank you" or"cheers" when somebody noticed me taking his picture.
Sometimes, taking some street portrait, I don't move fast at all, I take my time to focus, set aperture leaving the time to the subject to tell me "no" if he/she notices me in that case I accept the deny smiling.
Some other times asking before is the best (only) way.
Right now I've been shouted just once and politely being told not a several time: I consider myself lucky
. I just hope that the situation also here in Italy won't get worse ...
Last edited:
mike goldberg
The Peaceful Pacific
I just happened onto this Thread. Things have sure changed for me since I quit PJ for health reasons 20 years ago. The Nikon F2 with 35 & 105 Nikkors were my basic tools. Then, what if I needed the 24 or 200... or flash? And, my right shoulder ached from the weight of the camera bag.
Funny thing, the M2 now with me for 35 years, always went with me. And the M2+35/2.8 combination were used more than all other cameras combined. A dozen, or so, years ago... Ruben turned me on to the Oly OM-1. Aha!... lighter and quieter than Nikon SLR. And, it was another system to build on.
I want to appreciate Ruben's comments on street photography in Israel. It IS relatively easy to photograph here, so long as I lower my camera if someone objects, and am not capturing anything militarily sensitive. Even as a working pro, my best work was on assignment... usually doing human interest stories.
Finally, some so-called "primitive" types believe that you are "taking" their soul when you take their picture. So long as I feel that I am not "taking" anything, rather I am creating and willing to share, then all is well.
Cheers
Funny thing, the M2 now with me for 35 years, always went with me. And the M2+35/2.8 combination were used more than all other cameras combined. A dozen, or so, years ago... Ruben turned me on to the Oly OM-1. Aha!... lighter and quieter than Nikon SLR. And, it was another system to build on.
I want to appreciate Ruben's comments on street photography in Israel. It IS relatively easy to photograph here, so long as I lower my camera if someone objects, and am not capturing anything militarily sensitive. Even as a working pro, my best work was on assignment... usually doing human interest stories.
Finally, some so-called "primitive" types believe that you are "taking" their soul when you take their picture. So long as I feel that I am not "taking" anything, rather I am creating and willing to share, then all is well.
Cheers
Last edited:
agi
Well-known
All good advice above that I've used.
There's a couple of other things that I do that make me feel comfortable. One is to be familiar with the area you are going to photograph. I get a feel for the ebb & flow of the area because I frequent it often. You get to know areas & people to avoid and when it's ok to photograph. People also recognize you and therefore ignore you most of the time.
One other thing is that somedays you just feel confident and some days you just can't put the camera to your eye without feeling very conscious. It's ok when that happens but be aware of it and just go with the flow.
It helps to live in a big city where there's a ton of people on their way somewhere and don't care what you do. I've learned to not care what anyone says or does. I've had situations of people giving me the look of death and a few times where I've been cussed at. I just walk away and smile and say sorry even though I've already taken the photograph of them.
This video of NYC photographer Jeff Mermelstein helps me get motivated when I'm not particularly confident. I figure if he can do it, then we all can. Just be confident and quick when photographing:
http://2point8.whileseated.org/?p=237
There's a couple of other things that I do that make me feel comfortable. One is to be familiar with the area you are going to photograph. I get a feel for the ebb & flow of the area because I frequent it often. You get to know areas & people to avoid and when it's ok to photograph. People also recognize you and therefore ignore you most of the time.
One other thing is that somedays you just feel confident and some days you just can't put the camera to your eye without feeling very conscious. It's ok when that happens but be aware of it and just go with the flow.
It helps to live in a big city where there's a ton of people on their way somewhere and don't care what you do. I've learned to not care what anyone says or does. I've had situations of people giving me the look of death and a few times where I've been cussed at. I just walk away and smile and say sorry even though I've already taken the photograph of them.
This video of NYC photographer Jeff Mermelstein helps me get motivated when I'm not particularly confident. I figure if he can do it, then we all can. Just be confident and quick when photographing:
http://2point8.whileseated.org/?p=237
pesphoto
Veteran
Ive gotten looks from people or once even got hit on the arm while shooting a passerby. Only once did I have a run in with police in Boston when i was shooting an abandoned and burnt tractor trailer and it turned out the be a scene of a horrible crime that they were staking out. I had no isea of course, but they werent fooling around when they confronted me. Nothing physical, but they got their point across. Then, after doing a background check on me, they let me go. They took my 2 rolls of film though. I wasnt going to argue with them in this case.
BillBingham2
Registered User
A lot has to do with the confidence you show, how you walk and how you feel. If you feel scared you will look scared. Kind of like dealing with dogs. Dogs can sense if you are an Alpha and I believe that jerks can to. That is not to mean that they will not try to mess with you, just like a dog. But their actions can change based upon your reaction, some times dramatically.
Dress local, walk local, and blend in. Do not move your head around, use your eyes not your neck. Pick your place and do not vary too much. Stopping or running draws attention to you, unless everyone else around you is doing the same.
I do streets with a black Bessa L and a CV 25/4, IMHO the ultimate street camera. It’s not around my neck, it’s around my wrist and never leaves. It’s light enough I can carry it for hours and not get tired. I’d love to use my S3 or M4-P, but they are chunks of metal and I do not want my right arm to look like Popeye while my left is like Olive Oyl!
Treat people with respect, even when they are blowing their stacks at you. It’s hard when you know they are wrong, but often people make mistakes, have bad days (weeks, months or years), so calm is the name of the day.
While it does not always work, if you see something you want to shoot, think about it and walk around the block, giving it some time for you to get ready the folks near by to forget you and shoot.
The more people walking through an area, the easier it is for you to blend in. If you’re the only person walking down the street, you will stand out. Your goal should be to look local, stay focused, and keep trying. It takes time to find out how to walk and blend in anywhere. Another option is to walk back the other way (same side of the street) looking like you are returning from going somewhere. Again with a time delay so that it seems nature.
While I did not blend in 100%, I walked all over NYC (Alphabetland, West Village, Upper West Side) and loved it.
Best thing is thing, shot and share your results. You are among friends, with many experiences and ideas that have worked and a few that have not!
B2 (;->
Dress local, walk local, and blend in. Do not move your head around, use your eyes not your neck. Pick your place and do not vary too much. Stopping or running draws attention to you, unless everyone else around you is doing the same.
I do streets with a black Bessa L and a CV 25/4, IMHO the ultimate street camera. It’s not around my neck, it’s around my wrist and never leaves. It’s light enough I can carry it for hours and not get tired. I’d love to use my S3 or M4-P, but they are chunks of metal and I do not want my right arm to look like Popeye while my left is like Olive Oyl!
Treat people with respect, even when they are blowing their stacks at you. It’s hard when you know they are wrong, but often people make mistakes, have bad days (weeks, months or years), so calm is the name of the day.
While it does not always work, if you see something you want to shoot, think about it and walk around the block, giving it some time for you to get ready the folks near by to forget you and shoot.
The more people walking through an area, the easier it is for you to blend in. If you’re the only person walking down the street, you will stand out. Your goal should be to look local, stay focused, and keep trying. It takes time to find out how to walk and blend in anywhere. Another option is to walk back the other way (same side of the street) looking like you are returning from going somewhere. Again with a time delay so that it seems nature.
While I did not blend in 100%, I walked all over NYC (Alphabetland, West Village, Upper West Side) and loved it.
Best thing is thing, shot and share your results. You are among friends, with many experiences and ideas that have worked and a few that have not!
B2 (;->
rlouzan
Well-known
If possible get a model release.
Old HCB/Magnum photos ... had problems too.
French woman unhappy at unwitting movie "role"
Lawsuit filed in Morristown over use of photo in "Sex, Lies, Videotape"
(about 8 years ago)
Newark Star-Ledger
By Bill Riley
Old HCB/Magnum photos ... had problems too.
French woman unhappy at unwitting movie "role"
Lawsuit filed in Morristown over use of photo in "Sex, Lies, Videotape"
(about 8 years ago)
Newark Star-Ledger
By Bill Riley
antiquark
Derek Ross
Keep moving, don't linger around an area trying to find a good angle. People will think you're "scoping out the joint."
Walk briskly. When you arrive at the best point of view, stop, raise the camera, take the pic, then keep walking.
The idea is to not give anyone time to react to you. By the time they realize what happened, you're long gone.
Walk briskly. When you arrive at the best point of view, stop, raise the camera, take the pic, then keep walking.
The idea is to not give anyone time to react to you. By the time they realize what happened, you're long gone.
navilluspm
Well-known
Wow, lots of good advice. Thanks again. One member volunteered by even going street shooting with me (which will be a big help).
Ok, now for the technical side of things: what is a good focal length to start with: 50 - being a standard lens and all - or 35 - having greater depth of field? Should I use the sunny 16 rule to be fast - pre -meter and focus - or should I use AE?
I have to admit, my first attempts will be with an SLR for a while. It is small - a Contax 167MT, but definitely not quiet. (I hope to have a RF up and running by next summer, thanks to a generous donation from an RFF member)
Ok, now for the technical side of things: what is a good focal length to start with: 50 - being a standard lens and all - or 35 - having greater depth of field? Should I use the sunny 16 rule to be fast - pre -meter and focus - or should I use AE?
I have to admit, my first attempts will be with an SLR for a while. It is small - a Contax 167MT, but definitely not quiet. (I hope to have a RF up and running by next summer, thanks to a generous donation from an RFF member)
d_ross
Registered User
I would suggest trying different lenses one at a time, that way you will soon find what you are most comfortable with and what best suits the type of shots you like to make. remembering though that the wider the lens the closer you will have to get to the action, and therefore the more you will need to face your fear
navilluspm
Well-known
d_ross said:
35mm is by far my favorite focal length.
d_ross said:remembering though that the wider the lens the closer you will have to get to the action, and therefore the more you will need to face your fear
Hmm, I guess this means I will use a 50
d_ross
Registered User
good luck
BillBingham2
Registered User
The best part about photography is that if one lens does not work, you can try another one on a different day. If I remember, the 167 is not LARGE so it should work fine.
I would start with the 35. I'm not a bit AE fan especially if you are not going to look through the viewfinder. If you shot without bringing her to our eye I do not think you will have to much problem about getting close. Just shoot and keep walking.
B2 (;->
I would start with the 35. I'm not a bit AE fan especially if you are not going to look through the viewfinder. If you shot without bringing her to our eye I do not think you will have to much problem about getting close. Just shoot and keep walking.
B2 (;->
R
ruben
Guest
Hi Navilluspm,
Perhaps i forgot the most important. We here stand behind you, we are ready to continue talking about the issue in the measure you find more obstacles with time. And in no way we will recommend you "get off, you don't fit".
You have got a lot of advice, you will get more in the future. Time to do your own photosynthesis and start roaming around.
Cheers,
Ruben
Perhaps i forgot the most important. We here stand behind you, we are ready to continue talking about the issue in the measure you find more obstacles with time. And in no way we will recommend you "get off, you don't fit".
You have got a lot of advice, you will get more in the future. Time to do your own photosynthesis and start roaming around.
Cheers,
Ruben
FrankS
Registered User
ruben said:
I love that! I know exactly what Ruben means. Synthesis means "putting together".
marke
Well-known
Hi Navilluspm, I got your PM and I'll try to call you tomorrow afternoon from work.
Looks like Friday afternoon will work then to meet and shoot. Great! The weather looks like it will be nice too. I'm still very new at this myself. But I think that getting out with another person will help us both.
Talk to you soon!
Mark
Looks like Friday afternoon will work then to meet and shoot. Great! The weather looks like it will be nice too. I'm still very new at this myself. But I think that getting out with another person will help us both.
Talk to you soon!
Mark
dim
Member
agi said:
agi, great video! Thanks for the link.
ruben said:
An excellent thing to say that contains the pure meaning of photography. I believe that's the best advice got up to now.
Thanks ruben.
-
Dimitris
peterm1
Veteran
i have occasionally had this problem too. A while back while visiting my mother in the city where she lives we went for a coffee at a nearby shopping centre. We were sitting outside and after deciding to eat, she got up to go inside the coffee shop to decide what to to order and as she walked inside I lifted my camera and took a shot of her. A few moments later I was confronted by an angry and very fit looking young man who demanded to know why I was photographing him. In fact it turns out he was sitting inside the coffee shop and I could not even see him through the window because of the sun glare and reflection and so could not photograph him if I wanted to. I was very cool calm and collected and just said that I had no idea what he was talking about or who he was or why he thought I would want to photograph him, then turned my back and went back to reading the newspaper. He stood there, standing over me for probably 15 more seconds (which seemed like an eternity) then huffed and puffed and stormed off. I imagine from his looks that he was some kind of local sporting celebrity who took me for a paparazzo but I still have no idea why he was so exercised about the matter. I often feel very very worried about photographing people without their permission as there are too many who get upset. If I am serious about shooting interesting faces (an interesting little exercise in photography) I will make a point of using an SLR with a long lens so I am less in their territory and able to be a little discrete about it.
Ororaro
Well-known
Overcoming fear? What fear?
Once I realized nobody cared about me just as much as I don't care about nobody on the streets, then there's no fear no more.
People don't care, and I don't either. If someone makes a big thing about it, I jus tell them to go see if Elvis is alive and move along.
Once I realized nobody cared about me just as much as I don't care about nobody on the streets, then there's no fear no more.
People don't care, and I don't either. If someone makes a big thing about it, I jus tell them to go see if Elvis is alive and move along.
navilluspm
Well-known
I made my first step
I made my first step
I went out with marke this afternoon to try some street photography. I was very nervous but had a great experience. Unfortunately I have no pictures to post - none of them were that great.
I decided to take my trusty Yashica FR (hey, if it is good enough for oil rich billionares, its good enough for me - see this thread http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48087&highlight=yashica ) and I put a 35mm on it.
I prepared myself by learning the sunny 16 rule - which was good becasue it was sunny. I used a very informative exposure chart I found here http://www.fredparker.com/ultexp1.htm
I wanted to be fast. I set the hyperfocal distance on my lens and was ready to snap away.
My mistake was using Arista 50 film - of which I have 700 feet in my freezer (I stocked up during that freestyle sale: $12/100 ft.) Motion blur is my biggest mistake (as well as some bad composition). Otherwise, the exposure is all within the films tolerance! (Great for going out with out any meter for the first time).
I had a lot of fun with Mark. Waking and talking with him made me very relaxed. I was always looking around, and my ear was tuned to him. I made me forget my fear and just snap really fast (too fast for ISO 50 film).
We met a customer of his who was a street vendor. Talking to him and taking pictures made me very at ease. It was also nice seeing a lot of other poeple out with cameras at this time, and I think this made a big difference because maybe it made people more open to this kind of photography (? maybe ?)
Anyway, I had a lot of fun and learned some valuable lessons:
1) Street photography is really fun.
2) Do not attempt street photography with Arista 50 (PanF+) even if it is sunny.
3) I should use a 50mm lens, because I am still too timid to get close enough to use a 35mm.
4) I do not need a light meter for general street photography - trust you instrict becasue film is forgiving.
5) Prefocusing works.
6) It is possible to be fast, and the faster the better.
7) Get to know people. Don't be shy, talk to them and have even more fun.
8) I should really use a rangefinder for this kind of photography, thankfully a FSU is on the way!
I am glad my first time was so possitive. Thank you again, mark. I can't wait to go out and shoot with you again.
I made my first step
I went out with marke this afternoon to try some street photography. I was very nervous but had a great experience. Unfortunately I have no pictures to post - none of them were that great.
I decided to take my trusty Yashica FR (hey, if it is good enough for oil rich billionares, its good enough for me - see this thread http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48087&highlight=yashica ) and I put a 35mm on it.
I prepared myself by learning the sunny 16 rule - which was good becasue it was sunny. I used a very informative exposure chart I found here http://www.fredparker.com/ultexp1.htm
I wanted to be fast. I set the hyperfocal distance on my lens and was ready to snap away.
My mistake was using Arista 50 film - of which I have 700 feet in my freezer (I stocked up during that freestyle sale: $12/100 ft.) Motion blur is my biggest mistake (as well as some bad composition). Otherwise, the exposure is all within the films tolerance! (Great for going out with out any meter for the first time).
I had a lot of fun with Mark. Waking and talking with him made me very relaxed. I was always looking around, and my ear was tuned to him. I made me forget my fear and just snap really fast (too fast for ISO 50 film).
We met a customer of his who was a street vendor. Talking to him and taking pictures made me very at ease. It was also nice seeing a lot of other poeple out with cameras at this time, and I think this made a big difference because maybe it made people more open to this kind of photography (? maybe ?)
Anyway, I had a lot of fun and learned some valuable lessons:
1) Street photography is really fun.
2) Do not attempt street photography with Arista 50 (PanF+) even if it is sunny.
3) I should use a 50mm lens, because I am still too timid to get close enough to use a 35mm.
4) I do not need a light meter for general street photography - trust you instrict becasue film is forgiving.
5) Prefocusing works.
6) It is possible to be fast, and the faster the better.
7) Get to know people. Don't be shy, talk to them and have even more fun.
8) I should really use a rangefinder for this kind of photography, thankfully a FSU is on the way!
I am glad my first time was so possitive. Thank you again, mark. I can't wait to go out and shoot with you again.
Last edited: