street photography + harassment...

68degrees said:
I like this approach a lot. I ve thought about it as well and thought that if I took photos of strangers, I would do it this way.
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alienmeatsack said:
...
I'm working on my anxiety. And trying to learn how to talk to people I don't know so I can ask to take photos. I also have cards printed I carry and will hand to folks to reach me for copies of the photos.

Until I can find a better way to deal with the people side, I will stick to my nature, texture and architectural photos. I want to take more shots of people, but that will just have to come in time I guess.
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Can I recommend you guys check out the "100 Strangers" group/project on Flickr. I found it a good way to practice my people/portrait skills. I started a long time ago but am only at 56/100 so far. They could use more film shooters, too.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/


100 strangers: philip (1/100) by mike thomas, on Flickr
 
Jamie Pillers said:
I'm curious what you and others here think these "questionable reasons" might be. I'm wondering what people out on the street would think I'm going to do with their picture that would cause any harm. I suppose they might think I'm going to photoshop them into some sort of compromising tableau, but then they could sue me for all I have. So where's the risk here?

If street photographers had been asking for permission since the beginning of 'street photography', we wouldn't have much to look at these days. People like Winogrand, Moriyama, Meyerowitz, Levitt, etc. would have had to do something else for a living.

My opinion is that I have the right to photograph anything and anyone in what I call the public domain. And, by the way, that includes people that are on private property but could reasonably expect to be seen from the public property (people inside a building with picture windows for example). I want to make images of the world I have to live in and that includes all the other people in it. It'll be a sad day when that right is taken away. Our children and their children will never have a very clear picture of what it was like to live today.
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Hi, first of all I wanted to precise that I am well aware that we all have the right to photograph people in public places, just _my_ way is to ask (i think that was the original question), I think that many legal thing, such as burping loudly in a public place, are indeed rude, even if they are legal and I get much better pictures when I ask (probably because I am relaxed as the subject and we work together and not one against the other).

Second, I guess that what one can think someone else might do with a picture is very dependent on the country you are in, unfortunately in some place some people might think that you could point their face to a hitman, try to kidnap them, whatever...

GLF
 
68degrees said:
can you explain the difference between public place and public property and examples?
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Public property would be something like a street, sidewalk, or park which is publicly owned. A parking lot on the other hand may be used by the public, but is generally privately owned just for example.
 
I find it amusing that if anyone in the UK objects to being photographed they are overlooking the fact that they are in a country with one of the highest number of surveillance cameras in the industrialised world.
 
mathomas said:
Can I recommend you guys check out the "100 Strangers" group/project on Flickr. I found it a good way to practice my people/portrait skills. I started a long time ago but am only at 56/100 so far. They could use more film shooters, too.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/


100 strangers: philip (1/100) by mike thomas, on Flickr
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I like the idea of this. It gives you a legitimate reason to approach and ask permission to take photos of people, fits the street photo ideal, and helps those of us with social anxiety to learn how to overcome that.

I think I am going to try and start working on this myself!
 
^ The purists would say that those types of photos are "street portraits" not "street photography."

I'm of the opinion that street (environmental) portraits can be great, but I prefer them mixed with candids.

I do agree though if you want to approach someone rather than do a candid, it is a great excuse to do so!
 
street portraits are part of street photography. and the "100 strangers project" is a great approach:

(begin quote)
1. I tell them immediately what I would like.
2. I ask them if its ok to take a picture.
3. Then I chat with them; sometimes i chat for 10-15 minutes( this is the key, everyone likes to talk about themselves)
4. I shoot a bunch of pictures...and ask which ones they like.
5. I invite them to email me if they'd like a picture (moo cards are brilliant. I have ones with my name, flickraddress, and email)

If they say no, I visibly put my camera away and chat a bit. If you respect their refusal, you are acting in the best way possible. (end quote)
 
greyelm said:
I find it amusing that if anyone in the UK objects to being photographed they are overlooking the fact that they are in a country with one of the highest number of surveillance cameras in the industrialised world.
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You are overlooking the fact that surveillance cameras usually don't post photos on flickr or other internet portals. Whereas street photographers usually do this.
 
I never had any problems taking pictures of strangers without asking :)

7852444640_3e7c661e71_c.jpg


I think shooting from the hip is stupid - not having control on what you are doing doesn't count for me :)

Regards,

Boris
 
Boris: if you know your gear well enough, you can frame decently from the hip.

cameosis said:
street portraits are part of street photography. and the "100 strangers project" is a great approach:

(begin quote)
1. I tell them immediately what I would like.
2. I ask them if its ok to take a picture.
3. Then I chat with them; sometimes i chat for 10-15 minutes( this is the key, everyone likes to talk about themselves)
4. I shoot a bunch of pictures...and ask which ones they like.
5. I invite them to email me if they'd like a picture (moo cards are brilliant. I have ones with my name, flickraddress, and email)

If they say no, I visibly put my camera away and chat a bit. If you respect their refusal, you are acting in the best way possible. (end quote)
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I agree completely. Street portraits can easily be apart of one's street photography portfolio. It just seems that certain "purist" crowds frown upon it. You know, the same types that think you can only use Leica for the street.

For me, I tend to shy away from (posed/pre-asked) street portraits for two reasons
1. I prefer candids generally speaking for my own photography
2. I find it more daunting to go up to a person and strike up a conversation than to just snap a candid and move on. If someone approaches me, though, 9/10 times I'll ask for a portrait and thus far they've said yes.
 
NEVER shoot from the hip. It's sneaky, and makes it seem like you have something to hide. Make it obvious that you're a photographer

There is *nothing* wrong with street photography. So don't hide.
 
I like the personal contact, if only raising the camera and eyebrows to get tacit approval. But at the same time there's reluctance to intrude, and shyness to overcome. Sometimes I chicken out, but when it goes well I'm glad. If asked I explain I'm doing a project of "people at work" or "people just doing their thing"... and it won't be in the newspaper!

If they decline, that's ok of course. If I stay and chat a bit sometimes they'll change their mind. I do cultivate a harmless friendly appearance, which probably helps. :)
 
van_d said:
Boris: if you know your gear well enough, you can frame decently from the hip.
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Dear Van,

I do know my gear well enough i can assure you. Getting the foreground object in the frame and having in the background whatever is not my personal idea of a good photo. Shooting from the hip is BS to me as usually those pictures have nothing much to say- shooting Elvis-i would understand. I shoot a lot with 28mm and 24 mm along with my 50 and it is obvious that I can shoot and get the object in the frame not only from the hip but from between the legs too if i want to. It's just not good enough for me. For you, may be.
I never had a problem with communication so I don't have to hide and shoot secretly.

Sorry for the OT and no offense please, just my opinion.

Regards,

Boris
 
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I find taking pictures without consent that may potentially have a negative consequence for the photographed ethically dubious. And that judgement outweighs my "craving" of potential clicks on my flickr stream. Most of the things I see do not justify the photograph weighted against the possible consequences for the "candidly, socially documentary" depicted persons.

In addition I try not to perceive the camera as a filter between me and "them" to show off my photographic genius but rather as a link. But that is just just my angle of view.

And I also like just a brick wall in good light. Period.
 
I love reading threads like this..
Hearing how other photographer's "take" on the subject of street photography is of great interest to me..

As far as how the OP handled it.. You did fine..

Do this street shooting thing long enough. And you realize you cant make everyone happy.. If you get the shot and you get home.
And your pictures..dont completly suck..


Than as far as I am concerned your on the right road..

you got's to do what's right for "you"
And leave everyone else to do wat they think is best for them.


With more experince, you will find "your" way..

Over the years.. I have to expect that not everyone will like me having there picture.. taken....

It's the street... It's the concrete jungle..

Being confident and self assured is key..



If they dont like it To God damn bad.. I never give them back LOL..

And I would resist in a most strong manner if I was asked to delete a photo.. or when /if they grab for my camera..

However, these days. For the most part, I shoot film so even if they ask.. I tell them "NO".

Sorry it's film..

"But dont worry.. I still put your picture on the internet.. Hahahha...


And than I tell them I would love to talk about it, but they have to keep up..

I have never had anyone want to argue enough that they followed me as I started shooting other people.. ;)

Just staying busy shooting/ looking for the "next shot.. Really solves most issues..
I am sure it helps that I can walk really fast..


And while I may indeed be giving photographer's a bad name..

I LOVE to get up close and personal..

Always have..



Nikkor 24 2.8 AI-S on Fm Tri-X

I have no use for staged or posed street shots..

So I adopt a shoot first and ask questions later approach..

And I only regret the picture's I dont have the guts to shoot..



If at all possible I wait untill the last possible moment pre-visualize and quickly raise the camera and focus/click..

Which can be done.. lightening quick with practice.






After that I am more than happy to talk to them.. But for the most part..

I like to keep moving.. and on to the next person..



Setting for long periods of time ... staring with the camera has never been my thing.. But hey to each there own..

Personally I dont have such limited set of rules..

I will also shoot from the chest..

I will act confused looking up while shooting someone standing right in front of me..


I will photograph someone and than look behind them like I was photographing
them and not the person..standing in front of me.

If I shoot person I will often quickly take a few shots of those around them..

I will point a camera and blindly shoot someone walking behind me..

t's all good..

For the most part,

I really think that people less threatened when there not singled out..

SO if your going to shoot , than "DO it" .. Bring lots of film. Or fill up your card..
But shoot , shoot and shoot..


And by gettig used to raising a camera and going click..

You get over it..



But that's just my experince..




From my experinece give people a reason "not" to hassel you and they will often take it..

Latley, I have taken to acting a little crazy/spaced/zoned out..

In short , I look really confused.. For me it's not that hard.. hahaha

Anyways, I learned to use all kinds of little tricks..

Like focusing on a point the same distance away but to the side of the subject, than quickly turning.. click..

Got ya.. haha



And while I am sure the folks out there think I bat **** loney.. I dont care..
If it allows me to take some photo's that I other wise wouldnt .. or cause conflict for me while shooting.. I dont realy care to feel bad..
So long as I get the picture.. And I go home.. I am good to go.

As far as acting a little crazy.. well

Even the most primitive of society's have an innate respect for the insane..

But in 90 % of the time.. I take a picture.. Give my little nod of appreciation.. a little smile..

It goes along way.
So yes..by all means.. smile after a little nod after a image..







However.. that being said..

Listening to several of the comments on this thread..

It just seems to me that more than a few photogrpaher.. have so many personal hang ups and fears..It's probally best they dont shoot street.

It can be dangerous..

And yes can.. or you may be attacked..

And If you do it long enough you will have contact will law enforcement..

Be polite and stand your ground..


It's none of the business what your taking pictures of..

It really isnt..

And being a published photojournalist.. I consider myself to be a photojournalist..

So that gives me certain.. Get out of my face F ing appraoch.. with authourty types..

Over the years.. I have my fair share of incidences..

Looking to get into some more later this week hahahah..

You got to a sense of humor.. or really what is the point.. ?


For the most part.. If the situation turns hositil.. I try to de-escalate.. And short of that blending/re-directing And if push comes to shove.

Well, sometimes you got's to protect your self..

My skill set in that area may not be what your is... so I dont want say to much about that...


However, maintaining your personal space is going to go a long way to not getting sucker punched..


The conflict side of street shooting It's not something that "many photographers want to hear.. but it's true..

And I for one will not let that stop me from doing it..

Like I said to each his own..


But for the most part 99.99% of conflict can be resolved with out the need for violence..

The fact is often as photographer.. we are taken.. intimate moments of people's lives.. And for the most part.. Having to do this is really hard..

And it takes a certain... drive.. or willingness that most just dont have..

So be it..

Street photography isnt for everyone..

And these day's especaily in the west.. It seems many "loves" to tell me what I can and can not to photographically on the street..

But honestly. I rarely if ever see anyone else shooting people on the street around these parts.. ?

In the last couple of years.. I bet I have seen less than 5/10 ..

Not sure why that is.. other than folks are scared to do it ..

For me, confronting that fear.. is one the main reasons to keep banging away..






I am just changing/re-building my kit..
And have just picked up a 21 .18 ASPH /M2 (specifically acquired to go with a second, M2 and the 35 1.2 ASPH.. which will be my go to street set up, for the end of winter/spring.








I can't wait...:)



I have made some pretty bold smack here, so I have included some images..


I dont have much of my recent film work scanned/printed yet.. But here is some of early work..

"The best pictures are yet to be taken.."




Nikkor 16 2.8 AI-S on F2as





Nikkor 24 f 2 AIS on FM-2 T-maz 3200




Nikon F2as 16 AI-s on Tri-X




Nikkor 24 2.8 AI-S on Fm2. Tri-X







Nkkor 300 2.8 IF-ED AI-S on F2as Color neg converted to B=W in digital post..




Nikkor 135 2.0 on F2as Tri-X ..





Nikkor 50 2.0 AI-S on Color neg digitally converted..





Nikkor 400 2.8 IF-ED AI-S on Nikon D3 hand held..




Nikkor 24 2.8 On Fm-2 Kodachrome 64






Leica M3 15 4.5 ASPH on 100 asa

Rogalsky photography on facebook..
 
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