Street Photography

[whitemug]

I've encountered a good number of photographers who are into this field - street photography.

Personally, I haven't tried it out because of a number of reasons (more like fears, actually). First of all, with lomography as the exception, I guess you would need special equipment, like lenses, to excel at this?

Secondly, I'm unsure as to how to actually go about taking pictures of people and scenes on the street. As for buildings, signs, etc, I guess it wouldn't be that difficult - provided it's not the Pentagon or the White House that you intend to shoot.

As for people, there's the concern of retaining the candidness of the moment, and respecting the privacy of the subject/s. There's also the matter of release forms and other similar forms of legal protection.

Maybe you can share your stories and tips here?

[TxJim]

I used this puppy (http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf) a couple of times while in school for Videography.

It tells you how to handle confrontations and situations if you are being harassed for taking photos in public.

[whitemug]

I used this puppy (http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf) a couple of times while in school for Videography.

It tells you how to handle confrontations and situations if you are being harassed for taking photos in public.

hey, this is a great link, TxJim! Thanks!:)

but i guess this would be different given the rules (or laws) in your respective country, right?

[essjay]

I have the same problem. I just feel uncomfortable about photographing people in a street scene, or in any public place for that matter. I think really, its a personal thing. Its strange because people have taken photos of me when I've been out and about and I really don't mind, but I just can't seem to get it the other way round. Hence, I tend to shoot from a distance, which really limits your options, especially in terms of composition.

[Gromguitar4]

I remember I had to do this photo assignment for a class and it paid to actually go up and ask the people I was shooting. Granted the assignment was a shot on feminine beauty and it was a good excuse to talk to some cute girls but still they were very flattered. You can even ask for an email and tell them you will send them a copy or something. Oh, and if they say no then leave it at that.

[Learner]

I feel to embarassed most of the time to ask people. But the two times I did ask if I could take a picture of their 'kid' they easily/generously said yes. And the child loved the attention, even posed and got into the whole feel of it. Despite these two successes I still feel hesitant about asking. I also offered to have then see the result on the LCD screen after.:o

[Fraggleroxer]

I feel to embarassed most of the time to ask people. But the two times I did ask if I could take a picture of their 'kid' they easily/generously said yes. And the child loved the attention, even posed and got into the whole feel of it. Despite these two successes I still feel hesitant about asking. I also offered to have then see the result on the LCD screen after.:o

good going mate.

dont feel embraced. its hard for everyone.
here is another tip that i use,
travel in a pac of photographers...cause one dude shooting is "Werid" but if you shoot with a group (specially with a lady, if ur a dude) seems less threatening.

[carley]

I guess I don't have this problem. I love photographing people in public and I even like going up to them and talking to them. I lik eto hear their stories and it is fun to let them know I thought they were photo worthy. I guess there is all sorts of street photography and each type lends its own set of circumstances so know your public and act accordingly!

[Amigone201]

I guess I don't have this problem. I love photographing people in public and I even like going up to them and talking to them. I lik eto hear their stories and it is fun to let them know I thought they were photo worthy. I guess there is all sorts of street photography and each type lends its own set of circumstances so know your public and act accordingly!

Yeah, people are surprisingly willing to talk about themselves. I love sharing pics in a place that I can caption them, because that way, I can tell a little story along with them. I use Yahoo Photos.

[SexyNinjaMonkey]

Public photography is the best... I mainly do nightclubs for work on weekends... And urban street scenes are my favourite.
People are usually alot more comfortable if they know why your taking the photo, and just remember to be nice and smile :) . You may get the occasional person ask you to go away... But keep at it. Doing this helped turn me from an hermit like introvert to and all out extrovert.

[Morca007]

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/38038974/
If you can read past the Leica Fondling, and just read it for tips, and technique, it is a wealth of information.

As to special equipment, technically street photography can be done with any camera, but it's harder with larger SLR cameras because one of the core tenets is not being seen by the subject. For this reason, many 'street photographers' use rangefinder cameras, such as Leicas.
Personally, I'm trying it with my Gigantic FujiFilm S1 pro, and an older Nikon FG.

Also, use short lenses, 50mm prime, or something. Get close!