I don't know about you, but I am absolutely terrified of asking strangers to let me take their photo or even pointing a camera at people in the street.. Anyone up for a side challenge to help overcome this fear?
there was a street photography challenge recently
//www.dpchallenge.com/challenge_results.php?CHALLENGE_ID=1749
i don't think 'real' street photography involves asking people to pose, to me that becomes portraits. i've done both, with rewarding results either way.
Are you thinking more along the lines of this challenge from a couple of years back (this is the link to the original suggestion by Pawdrix and contains some great examples) rather than candid street photography?
I'm game as time allows...
How about not being real restrictive; anything that reflects a slice of life on the street... wehether Pawdrix style, bvy style...
I'm game as time allows...
How about not being real restrictive; anything that reflects a slice of life on the street... wehether Pawdrix style, bvy style...
That suits me fine, as I said, I have a personal challenge to overcome about taking photos of strangers.. but of cause, all street is totally fine :)
If I am correct in assuming that this is not broadly street photography but engagement with strangers in the street, I would like to try. This seems to be for me a glass wall or even a mirror for me; attempts so far show my hesitation/uncertainty mirrored in the expression of the subject.
If I am correct in assuming that this is not broadly street photography but engagement with strangers in the street, I would like to try. This seems to be for me a glass wall or even a mirror for me; attempts so far show my hesitation/uncertainty mirrored in the expression of the subject.
Exactly, its more about photographing strangers in the street or anywhere really, just to get rid of the fear of approaching strangers and taking their picture..
Im heading into town today, so I suggest we start posting and whoever wishes to jump on the train... jump!
I will post what I get, if anything.
1 Tip I received was to dress smart and be assertive but not rude, offer them a card so they know you are at least a 'Photographer'.
This is a complete cheat because we exchanged no words.. and I had another person with a camera with me. I would not have taken this shot if I was alone to be honest. Would be too embarrassed to even try.
I'd love to take photos on the street but usually I'm too diffident and would rather be discreet/sneaky than rock up and ask someone. I might join in here if I can manage. Unfortunately my friends and family have no interest in joining me.
Regarding street portraits, the timing is good. For all the candid work I do, I can count on one, maybe two hands, the times I've approached a stranger for a posed picture. And usually the results are unspectacular. That is, up until about a month ago. The Three Rivers Arts Festival held annually here in Pittsburgh provided a good relaxing atmosphere for me to step out of my comfort zone and approach people. Since then, I've hit a jazz festival, gay pride parade, car show, and the French Quarter. I'm still a bit uneasy, though, about approaching people out of context -- i.e. right off the street. But I think I'm loosening up a bit.
What I'm quickly learning is that being granted permission is the easy part. Once you and your subject are facing each other, the pressure's on. The simultaneous juggling of composition and engagement becomes the really hard part. I can pose my family, albeit begrudgingly, for minutes on end, and snap a dozen shots. With a stranger, you have to be quick and decisive.
The irony of all of this, and the reason I might not participate in a side challenge, is that I have yet to see any of the pictures I've taken. I'm shooting a lot of film lately, and I have a backlog to develop. But I'd be interested in discussing and commenting until I catch up.
