A Guest Post by Desmond Louw
I just love street photography and with this comes street portraiture.
It can be a bit daunting to go up to a stranger and ask them to take their photo, but after a day or two it becomes addictive! Here are some tricks that might make it a bit easier for you:
Trick number 1 – always have a camera with you
Always have your camera with you, don’t lug your whole photo bag or a tripod around like a tourist in your own town, just have your camera body and one lens handy. It sucks walking in the street and seeing something awesome and not having my camera with me!
Trick number 2 – have a good lens
Have a good lens, this makes a huge impact. I like the 50mm F1.4/F1.8 and the 85mm F1.4/ F1.8, they are also small and relatively lightweight.
The wide aperture isolates your subject nicely with a shallow depth of field.
Trick number 3 – avoid using flash
Don’t use a flash! Remember you want to maintain a low profile. Rather push your ISO up if you have to. I personaly think an onboard flash could spoil a photo.
Trick number 4 – have your settings ready
Before approaching a person to ask him or her if you can take a photo, have your settings spot on. When they say yes, lift your arms and snap snap snap, say thank you, and walk away. Easy.
Trick number 5 – turn the AF assist light off
If you are taking a shot of someone without them knowing, keep the auto focus assist light off, otherwise they will see it and spoil the mood.
Connect with Desmnd Louw at his website and on instagram where his id is – desmond_in_capetown
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