I hope this counts as Street Photography--done from my car obviously. First, it's a really bad idea to drive like this, and second, I feel a little bad "capturing" people this way. But I was struck by these women and their "babies" and the baseball sign and the reading woman. They all seemed to come together in a kind of nervous riff on childhood lost. No, I didn't run over anybody, thank goodness. I promise I won't do it again.
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Don't listen to anyone who tells you this isn't street photography. Shooting from the hip or with long lenses are not difficult techniques compared to a drive-by. (especially if you are driving) And both methods are used by the truly "sneaky" street photographers. I'm guessing you would have missed this shot if you had parked the car, got out, and pointed your camera in their direction. You captured the scene using the only option available and that is what a good photographer does. It would have been a shame if you had missed archiving this bizarreness.
Thank you! I really appreciate the critique. Most people objected to the car and I'm thinking that maybe the car frame actually emphasizes the "sneakiness" of the "drive-by shooting" and topples the picture more firmly into the territory of some kind of unpleasant side-show quality. If I'd been standing out there with my camera making myself somewhat vulnerable too, it might have been a more fair image. Thanks for the feedback.
Originally posted by macrothing:
Critique Club Critique
First Impressions I see a drive-by shooting and wonder if you would have taken this image if you were standing on the street. I see vulnerable people photographed. Yes, yes, they are 'characters', I see that - I guess I see a 'cheap shot' more. Many will not agree with me, and that is ok - candids can be a sensitive subject with photographers. I can appreciate them, but I feel the need to draw the line at certain times.
Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review Just read your comments and it seems you were conscious of your subjects' vulnerability. The other elements you mention, such as the baseball I also saw and do find it a good element for the photograph, just like the dolls.
Who knows, perhaps the fact this has been taken from the car is unsettling my opinion of the photograph - it could be a different image altogether with a slightly different vantage point. As is, the car vantage point just dominates the image too much. Perhaps a bold crop, losing the car entirely, may have created a different image, but you may not have had the quality in the zoom to do so.
Comments, Score & Placement Review 113/135 - I'm curious if this placement is because my sentiments are echoed with many voters, or if it is because of the technicals and distractions.
Most of your commenters like it and found the humor in it.
Summary In a different situation, perhaps this could have worked and told more of a story, as is, the story I get isn't one I'm interested in. Admittedly, I am probably not the biggest fan of this style of street photography. In fact, you may benefit from seeking different opinions from those who are avid street photographers.
First Impressions I see a drive-by shooting and wonder if you would have taken this image if you were standing on the street. I see vulnerable people photographed. Yes, yes, they are 'characters', I see that - I guess I see a 'cheap shot' more. Many will not agree with me, and that is ok - candids can be a sensitive subject with photographers. I can appreciate them, but I feel the need to draw the line at certain times.
Photograph Information, Technicals & Composition Review Just read your comments and it seems you were conscious of your subjects' vulnerability. The other elements you mention, such as the baseball I also saw and do find it a good element for the photograph, just like the dolls.
Who knows, perhaps the fact this has been taken from the car is unsettling my opinion of the photograph - it could be a different image altogether with a slightly different vantage point. As is, the car vantage point just dominates the image too much. Perhaps a bold crop, losing the car entirely, may have created a different image, but you may not have had the quality in the zoom to do so.
Comments, Score & Placement Review 113/135 - I'm curious if this placement is because my sentiments are echoed with many voters, or if it is because of the technicals and distractions.
Most of your commenters like it and found the humor in it.
Summary In a different situation, perhaps this could have worked and told more of a story, as is, the story I get isn't one I'm interested in. Admittedly, I am probably not the biggest fan of this style of street photography. In fact, you may benefit from seeking different opinions from those who are avid street photographers.
This is really good. I think shooting from you car window might be cheating(!), but I like that you've incorporated that into the image in an interesting way. I kind of wish we were a little bit closer, as they're does seem to be some interesting and bizarre things happening there.
I really like what you saw minus the car interior...at first I felt the feeling of peering out was entriguing, but in the end I feel the scene outside stands better on its own.
lol. this is a photo of many stories, whats wit the babies? a random women reading a book and the rust fire hydrant that doesnt look like it would work and then the objects in the mirror blurb, i like :)
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