What I've finally realized about "street" photography

[itf]

In my opinion if I were to stick the camera into someone's face on the street, it should be because of a very good reason, not simply my own enjoyment.

Why? Don't get me wrong, I like to have a theme/story or whatever, but this seems like you feel you're taking something away from people, and that that needs justification. Everyone has their enjoyments, most of those impinge on other people.

 

[mknawabi]

Nh3, you think about it too goddamn much. Just let go, go out, and start shooting

 

[Nh3]

Why? Don't get me wrong, I like to have a theme/story or whatever, but this seems like you feel you're taking something away from people, and that that needs justification. Everyone has their enjoyments, most of those impinge on other people.

I use to be like that but lets face it, when you put the camera into someone's face, it causes a feeling of discomfort to that individual even if they smile and walk by.

And also its not like we usually put the camera into the face of a big guy with tattoos but the more vulnerable ones like old people or young women. People whom we know are unlikely to hit back at us.

So, I have concluded that I really don't need to make others uncomfortable for my own pleasure.

 

[maddoc]

I think this quote by Capa has been confused amongst photographers (amateurs mostly) to mean 'close to the subject' where as Capa, a photojournalist meant 'close to the story/action'.

I think the same. Capa`s "street photos", he took in Japan in the early 50s, show that he kept some distance to his subjects (people) while being amidst the action.

 

[gns]

So what do you all think of William Klein? Isn't he sort of the antithesis to the stealthy type street photographer? Pushing his camera right up to his subject to deliberately get a response and make them an active participant?

Cheers,
Gary

 

[erikhaugsby]

So, I have concluded that I really don't need to make others uncomfortable for my own pleasure.

I think I've done a helluva lot worse than stick a camera in somebody's face to make them uncomfortable.

 

[infrequent]

@maddoc - are some of his japan photos online somewhere?

 

[victoriapio]

Look at Winogrand working. Very fast, discreet and very very very close.

http://2point8.whileseated.org/2007/03/23/garry-winogrand-with-bill-moyers/