Street photography

Gungnir · 15 Nov 2015 at 20:57

I have decided to leave my comfort zone and give this a try. Inspired by reading about Eliiott Erwitt who, if you haven't seen his work, had a knack for humour in his images. I believe it's called 'decisive moment'.

Sigma 35 ART on it's way.

Do any of you take this approach? I assume it's a case of finding a potential location and waiting for the decisive moment.

Raymond Lin · 15 Nov 2015 at 21:05

Gungnir said:
I have decided to leave my comfort zone and give this a try. Inspired by reading about Eliiott Erwitt who, if you haven't seen his work, had a knack for humour in his images. I believe it's called 'decisive moment'.

Sigma 35 ART on it's way.

Do any of you take this approach? I assume it's a case of finding a potential location and waiting for the decisive moment.

It takes a patience, some 6th sense, keen observational skills, reading human behaviour and luck.

My biggest advice is don't be sneaky, be bold, smile if people see you and even show them what you have taken too.

Greebo · 15 Nov 2015 at 21:38

Some of the best street photographers either find a location and wait or walk around. Either way works and just see which works for you.

Don't be afraid at asking your victim to move so the backdrop is better.

Key thing is be brave which takes practice.

mrk · 15 Nov 2015 at 21:55

Waiting can the biggest lottery, walk around, enjoy the sights and sounds and simply observe people.

When I first shot street portraits I'd pick people who I thought might be easy to take pictures of. Now I pick people who have distinct features about them, something that would tell a story in a still moment.

To go from one stage to another does take some time and practice, so don't be put off if you return home after the first few jaunts with nothing much to show for it. Nobody gets it right on the first few tries

I enjoy street portraits more than all other formats, and I shoot any genre I have the means to shoot. It's just more rewarding and motivates you right into other genres too.

Gungnir · 16 Nov 2015 at 14:16

Excellent. Thank you all for your advice. Really looking forward to the challenge.
:-)

Vertigo · 16 Nov 2015 at 18:54

I'd be terrified of getting mugged tbh.

Gungnir · 16 Nov 2015 at 20:41

Can't let scum dictate how you live your life.

In the past whilst walking through town centre on way to park druggies have commented on the gear I was carrying... I find walking towards them chatting in a friendly manner removes their sense of any ability to intimidate.

But this is Ipswich in sleepy suffolk rather than inner city crime hotspot.

And I bought a Peak Design Slide strap which allows quick adjustment to have camera slung acoss chest snug against body making snatch and run difficult.