Mister E
Well-known
I often go shooting with one or two other people. Any more than that and it is too many people.
DougFord
on the good foot
I also reckon the photographic act to be a solitary pursuit.
In my opinion, Interactions with others (possible photo targets) both verbal and non-verbal, are directly affected by whether the individual with the camera is alone or with somebody.
In my opinion, Interactions with others (possible photo targets) both verbal and non-verbal, are directly affected by whether the individual with the camera is alone or with somebody.
dfoo
Well-known
That is definitely true. However, doesn't that make it interesting to mix up the action a bit sometimes?
DougFord
on the good foot
Just my personal preference when relating to the world photographically.
Mixing things up? Couldn’t hurt.
Lately it appears to me that none of the cameras that I own have any decent photos left in them.
-doomed-
film is exciting
Typically I shoot alone , but on the odd occasion I enjoy shooting with a friend if only for the safety aspect when shooting in rather dangerous remote abandoned buildings and such.
I thinks it's great to shoot with someone who has similar vision or has a completely different style, sometimes they'll see something that you didn't and it's fun to feed off of that sort of energy. It's never been about the gear, we usually get together and wander around Philly or wherever and try to take it all in.
I thinks it's great to shoot with someone who has similar vision or has a completely different style, sometimes they'll see something that you didn't and it's fun to feed off of that sort of energy. It's never been about the gear, we usually get together and wander around Philly or wherever and try to take it all in.
Creagerj
Incidental Artist
Hi folks.. thanks for the input - I know I can "deal" with the group thing but, I guess, I prefer being on my own as I tend to be able to take my time - I always think that if I'm with a group, even if I'm with one other person, if I'm slow with taking my photo(s) that I am holding them back.
I have shot with individuals - just going out shutterbugging - I wait for them, they wait for me, and it usually works pretty well - but group wise.. well.. I guess I sort of feel guilty if I'm not "keeping up" with the pack
Cheers,
Dave
Hey, what about my idea? Go out in a pack and split off in pairs. Drop off film at 1-hour lab. Meet up for a beer, then get the photos and drink more beer.
Brian Legge
Veteran
Just keep in mind how many rolls your average place can turn around. I went out with a group of people on a shoot with that plan once.
We went to Goodwill, picked up 3$ junker point and shoot cameras, shot a roll each and took them in to be developed while we grabbed a drink. It was too many and they weren't ready until the next day. I'm still shocked that all of the 14 or so cameras we picked up worked enough to produce images.
My best group experience was actually going out shooting with a cute 19 year old female photographer. She intentionally wore an playful looking sun dress - she could take almost any picture of anyone without any any signs of hesitation or reluctance. It was awesome seeing how each of us interpreted a scene or object. She'd usually go wide while I focused on a detail. Over time, our styles started overlapping more. We were both shooting Nikon and could exchange lenses, etc. Neither of us felt an obligation to hang out too closely so we both wandered around as we wanted.
I haven't shoot with her in a while - I should see what she's up to.
We went to Goodwill, picked up 3$ junker point and shoot cameras, shot a roll each and took them in to be developed while we grabbed a drink. It was too many and they weren't ready until the next day. I'm still shocked that all of the 14 or so cameras we picked up worked enough to produce images.
My best group experience was actually going out shooting with a cute 19 year old female photographer. She intentionally wore an playful looking sun dress - she could take almost any picture of anyone without any any signs of hesitation or reluctance. It was awesome seeing how each of us interpreted a scene or object. She'd usually go wide while I focused on a detail. Over time, our styles started overlapping more. We were both shooting Nikon and could exchange lenses, etc. Neither of us felt an obligation to hang out too closely so we both wandered around as we wanted.
I haven't shoot with her in a while - I should see what she's up to.
lynnb
Veteran
For me photography is a mental exercise almost always done solo. I find the presence of other photographers distracting to my thoughts and feelings, and I don't like inconveniencing my wife or family while I stop to explore an idea. It can also be distracting if there's another photographer in close proximity taking pictures (what is he seeing? Why is she photographing it from that POV?).
However I can see the value of observing other people's technique, particularly when it comes to street and social photography. Sometimes just looking at someone else's work doesn't tell you enough about the techniques used to put subjects at ease or to shoot unobtrusively.
My initial misconception about "wolf packs" in the title of this thread did generate an idea though. A large group of photographers all wielding DSLRs and big lenses can resemble a wolf pack - it certainly generates attention. In some situations it might be useful for such a circus to become the attention magnet while others shoot unobtrusively from a discreet distance. Perhaps you could do a whole project on photographing people's reactions to the "wolf pack".
However I can see the value of observing other people's technique, particularly when it comes to street and social photography. Sometimes just looking at someone else's work doesn't tell you enough about the techniques used to put subjects at ease or to shoot unobtrusively.
My initial misconception about "wolf packs" in the title of this thread did generate an idea though. A large group of photographers all wielding DSLRs and big lenses can resemble a wolf pack - it certainly generates attention. In some situations it might be useful for such a circus to become the attention magnet while others shoot unobtrusively from a discreet distance. Perhaps you could do a whole project on photographing people's reactions to the "wolf pack".
MikeL
Go Fish
I'm not like some of the serious artists here, I just do it for fun. Sometimes it is fun just hanging out with folks on a walk, and if any good photos come out, then fine. Most of the bay area group I've gone out with don't take themselves too seriously (Ted is an exception), despite being quite accomplished. Folks usually split up to do what they want, when they need to or feel like it. Then we meet up later for beer or other fizzy beverage to bs about something. The meet ups are more about hanging with friends (not that any of them admit knowing me), seeing a photo exhibit, wandering the city, and seeing/photographing interesting things. Some of my favorite photos of theirs are of things they care about and are familiar with: the city, and their friends in it.
I haven't seen a 'wolf pack' where a big group was aggressively moving in unison, but it doesn't sound like my kinda crowd. But, too each, her own.
I haven't seen a 'wolf pack' where a big group was aggressively moving in unison, but it doesn't sound like my kinda crowd. But, too each, her own.
jky
Well-known
I enjoy the social aspect of the little get-togethers, but in terms of shooting maybe 2-3 people tops...
I only ever go out to shoot with other people in Vancouver and we have a rule of not taking the exact same shot ie: angle, etc...
It can be the same subject just as long as the final image is different from somebody else's. There's plenty to learn from watching people do their thing.
I only ever go out to shoot with other people in Vancouver and we have a rule of not taking the exact same shot ie: angle, etc...
It can be the same subject just as long as the final image is different from somebody else's. There's plenty to learn from watching people do their thing.
igi
Well-known
I also like shooting alone for the reason that I like to have shots which only I have took.
I think having multiple shots from multiple photographers ruin the whole idea of an "impressive" scene. It's like when you show the photo to an audience, they are bound to say that "Oh photographer X and Y also took that shot". The idea of the "impressive" scene gets diluted by that impression making it not so impressive anymore.
I think having multiple shots from multiple photographers ruin the whole idea of an "impressive" scene. It's like when you show the photo to an audience, they are bound to say that "Oh photographer X and Y also took that shot". The idea of the "impressive" scene gets diluted by that impression making it not so impressive anymore.
Sparrow
Veteran
Wolf Pack ...
lupus photographical
lupus photographical
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lynnb
Veteran
Stewart, that lupii photographicus certainly looks ferocious. The lead wolf has the satisfied look of one who has just devoured his prey, probably with a D-76 chaser. The rest of the pack appear to be fondly reminiscing the thrill of the game. It certainly looks like a nice pack to join at the local watering hole at sunset.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Paul,
The parallel seems exact to me. And I can't see the appeal either.
Cheers,
R.
dfoo
Well-known
Roger, don't you shoot with your wife?
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Sort of. BIG group is the important bit. Often, too, we split up for anything from a few minutes to a few hours to shoot.
Cheers,
R.
surfer dude
Well-known
Thing is, I love the photography. Whether it is solo, along with my wife (we did a book together, shooting side by side for almost a year) or my sons, or with a bunch of friends or strangers. I find that you get into "the zone" when you need to. You might take snaps that otherwise wouldn't have happened, and you might learn something or be able to pass something on to someone else.
If it is out there and with a camera, and time, and nothing else really to bother you, it is enjoyable. Then if you get to rehash the days horror stories over a beer or a cup of tea, that's good too.
If it is out there and with a camera, and time, and nothing else really to bother you, it is enjoyable. Then if you get to rehash the days horror stories over a beer or a cup of tea, that's good too.
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
Wolf Pack ...
lupus photographical
Two of the people aren't part of the group?
kshapero
South Florida Man
Al Kaplan, RIP, and I once meet up with a few of rangefinderfinistos. We had a beer then decided to go out for a shoot on the boardwalk. Somehow, almost mysteriously, we all (4 of us) separated up and went shooting alone. Then just as mysteriously about an hour and half later we reconnected. A great day.