=Capture a stranger street style=

[jgredline]

I know there are many folks who have never done any street shooting and in particular capturing a stranger or strangers...

For those of you that have, you know the rush and excitement in doing so...In capturing that very cool moment.. For those that have not, you don't know what you’re missing...



These are my opinions and what works for ‘’me’’. These should not be considered Gospel... The biggest problem I see with street photography is that there does not seem to be a solid definition of what it is. ''My definition' of Street photography is not simply a ''snap shot'' but it is photograph. Ideally It is well framed, well composed and tells a story. It does not have to contain a stranger or a candid image of a person...Blank streets and many buildings can tell amazing stories all on their own. Of course there are plenty of acceptation as sometimes there is no time to compose and frame and a quick grab shot is all there is…I have these as well and I am glad I have them…Portraits are another type of street shooting that I enjoy…Is there a wrong way to do street shooting? Personally, I don’t think so…Though I have seen some really bad ones…Many of those bad ones I have taken myself..The important thing is to have fun!



I would say that the most important thing to have when shooting strangers, candids or scenes that define a moment is not equipment, but confidence…For some it comes easy and for others it is a struggle…As for me, I do not have a problem with confidence, but still I do get into ruts and when I do, I call it a day and try again another day…Go to the same places over and over again as being familiar with certain places will boost your confidence. The locals will get to know you and not even notice you after a while. The scenes are always different as people are always different…Blend in. Be a Chameleon..

Look like you belong…



When looking for shots, if I come back with ‘’one’’ good capture, I am happy as a clam. When I come back with a few and by a few I mean 4 or 5, I have had a very good day. There are many times when I go out and come back with nothing worth keeping. I am in the club that deletes 90% of my images and this is not to say that I have a 10% keeper rate. It is more like 4-5%. With the majority of my keepers being film. Go figure. I am also not a machine gun shooter. I don’t use burst mode. Personal preference. I try and get the shot. I suppose if I used burst mode, I would have more keepers, but that is simply not my style.



Equipment. I get asked this allot and also read about this allot. It seems that people can get real dogmatic about this…Well, I to have my opinions and can only share what works for me…One of the biggest things that comes up is film VS digital. I would say to use what ever it is that makes you more comfortable. Comfort is king when street shooting as it goes hand in hand with confidence. I myself use a variety of tools.



My favorite tool for street shooting is my Pentax ME SUPER with the Pentax M40F/2.8 lens...(Infact, they are cheap enough that I have three of them all set up slightly different...) I love this combo because it is a really small and light SLR that has a quiet shutter.. With its fast 1/2000 shutter speed, I can take advantage of ASA 400-800 speed films at F/8 to F16..This is important to me because I use hyper focal or zone focusing making it a true point and shoot with exceptional sharpness from 5 feet to about 25 feet…I also use a 50F/1.4 or 55F/1.2 lens…More and more I have started to use a 28 or 35mm lens as well, …By using film, I am also forced to really pick my shot and try and nail it because every picture I take cost me money..I literally approach shooting film with the mind set ‘’is it a picture I would buy’’…Silly? ..Maybe, but it works for me. My keeper rate with film is far better than with digital.



When I use my DSLR’s, I have found that my Tamron 28-75F/2.8 lens is my favorite, though I find myself mostly in the 28-50mm range.. I have started to use my Sigma 10-20mm and 31 limited more often now. These seem to be working better for me as I can get really close, personal and I get better shots.. (Note: These are on crop bodies)

I don’t take telephoto lenses with me anymore as they are simply to big, heavy and bulky and scream….’’look at me’’..This of course is a personal preference, but each person has to decide what he/she is more comfortable with..



Surprisingly, many of my best captures have been caught with my G9 or G10 or SD780IS Yep ..Point and shoots. They are the easiest things to use in many situations…I also use a couple of bridge cameras. I have a Fuji S9100 and Fuji S100FS...Both are great cams, but get little use because of their size...For a list of some of my equipment, click here.



Things that I do and don’t do…First, I avoid eye contact with my subject most of the time unless I am trying to get their attention.. Don’t think to much, just shoot. If you think, you will likely miss the moment and or chicken out. Don’t hide, but be obvious. If you hide, you will let out creepy vibes and peoples senses will be directed at you...be friendly and smile allot. Talk to people..The most common thing I hear when taking folks pictures is ..’’sorry, I got in your shot’’..I just smile and chuckle…I have found that when people ask me why did I take their picture, I am honest with my reason .. Lying does not work well for me as I am a lousy liar. I always get caught so I avoid it. Most people are happy to have their picture taken, especially the ladies. There are times when I will ask a stranger if I can take their picture..Though not often, because I prefer the true candid…When I shoot street performers, I try and catch them candidly, but I pay them after wards. They are out to make a living and I can appreciate that…When I shoot people that are down on their luck, I will not walk away and leave them empty handed..This of course is me…

[jgredline]

Here is a stranger I shot through the window.


Here are is a nice couple enjoying a smoke.


A nice hallway, made nicer by a stranger


Things are looking up.


Waiting for the bus


Graffiti artist


Busted


Oh ooh


Bubble man


Sweet 15


Hats anyone?


Caught


Caught again

Sorry, I have none of my own to post right now, but very enjoyable set artfully done!

[JMR]

These are pretty good street images, but I don't take street images for precisely the reasons you mentioned. Moreover, such images are not publishable by professional magazines precisely because you do not have any signed releases. Despite your code of ethics, others may not share your restraint, like the ignoble paparotzzi.

JMR

[jgredline]

Originally Posted by JMR

These are pretty good street images, but I don't take street images for precisely the reasons you mentioned. Moreover, such images are not publishable by professional magazines precisely because you do not have any signed releases. Despite your code of ethics, others may not share your restraint, like the ignoble paparotzzi.

JMR

Street is not for everyone that's for sure. I do know my rights though and stay with in those guide lines.

[Heinrich Lohmann]

I haven't done much street shooting in the last few years but these are good images, thanks for posting them.

[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by jgredline

Street is not for everyone that's for sure. I do know my rights though and stay with in those guide lines.

Your guidelines sound pretty good to me. There are so many interesting faces that show so well against the urban environment. I would love to do street photography, but am too timid to ask permission to photograph the interesting people I see on a daily basis.

Steve

[Nowhere Matt]

I do some work for a local web site where my assignments are to go to public events and happenings and take what I call "smile shots". I ask people if I can take their picture then hand them a card directing them to where they can see the collection of pictures on a web site for the local newspaper.
I was not too surprised the first few times you would get the tough guys that, when asked if I can take your picture they reply with "I don't like having my picture taken." Ooo. Stop you are scaring me. What are you hiding out from the police there cool guy. But that's fine.
I usually get a few more spontaneous shots of people when they are off guard and not looking at the camera as well as doing the assignment of "smile for the camera" images to drive people to the web site.

[J.Scott]

I don't believe in shooting girls or guys in bikinis...

Yikes! You folks on the left coast are a different breed for sure!


All kidding aside, I will take your post under advisement and give it a try.


Thanks for sharing your thoughts and images.

[Gooshin]

street shooting is a bit difficult, but one thing i have no problem with is shamelessly shooting people on the subway

having lived in a metropolis all my life, there is a certain vibe to the subway system (even different from busses/street cars)

if i was to describe it, i guess its the fact that when you're in the tube, you have no way out, and you have to deal with the odd 100 people with you, so you sort of become jaded, esp when you get to the point where you pretty much ahve seen everything.


anyway, some of my experiences:

[jgredline]

Thanks for the comments folks.
Here are a few more..

Trick or treat


Here is a beauty getting a snow cone.


Sandals anyone?


Looking for a purse.


Going fishing.


Is there any fish in this lake?


What horse should I pick?


Music anyone?

[jgredline]

Goos,
I love your photography and these are great. I especially like the first, fourth and sixth image...Well done and I agree... ''street shooting is a bit difficult''.....But it is very cool.

[elcahall]

I tried street shooting a couple times. Made me very nervous, especially since I don't run very fast

Anyway, here's one somewhat acceptable shot.

I Draw You!

[jgredline]

elcahall,
That's a great shot. I have a couple of similar ones. I will see if I can find them and post them up.

[Mike Cash]

I have come up with an idea I would like to test some day. While street photography normally requires the photographer to be unobtrusive and surreptitious, I was wondering how it would be to go to the opposite extreme. I'm talking about something like wearing one of those reflective vests like guys on road construction gangs wear and being as obvious as possible with the camera and the act of shooting.

My theory is that most people would assume you must be some sort of legit "official" photographer for something or other and make an effort to ignore you and go about their business as though they hadn't seen you.

At the very least, anyone who didn't and objected you could fend off with, "Hey, it isn't like I'm hiding and taking your picture." Anyone who would feel inclined to object would have ample opportunity to avoid you, verbally object, or otherwise make clear they don't wish to be included in your photos. All the rest, you can assume implied consent (though that would be useless for publishing purposes, of course).

The idea stems from an idea I had when I was on daily "make-work" cleaning duty for a while when in school in the Navy. There was little to do, but we couldn't hide out and do nothing or we'd catch hell. I figured the best way to do nothing was to be conspicuous about it, so when I wanted a break I'd stand at parade rest by the door of some big office. Everybody who passed by assumed somebody else put me there and paid me no mind whatsoever.

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Pentax K20D
Super Takumar 85/1.9