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wullemaha · 03-25-2014, 04:22 PM

First of all, let's take out the heat of that question

No, I am not implying that any of you who is doing street photography is impolite.

I rather post this question because I grew up in an area where running around with a camera is not very common (it's a not-so-big city in a small country), and now find myself living in Tokyo. I find some of the pictures that come from street photography quite interesting, and would be interested in trying it myself.
However, there is this invisible barrier inside myself that finds it kind of voyeuristic to just point the camera at a stranger and snap away. As if I would be disturbing them in their daily business. Now once again, I myself would not see any problem with anybody taking a picture of me when I am on my way to work, etc., but I do have this barrier that hinders me from trying certain types of street photography.

Now, do you have similar feelings? Am I perfectly right, horribly wrong? Am I just shy? Talk some sense into me

Cheers,
René

johnyates · 03-25-2014, 04:57 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by wullemaha

Is Street Photography Impolite?

If you're this guy, it is.

You Tube

wullemaha · 03-25-2014, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by johnyates

If you're this guy, it is

Haha, priceless! Thanks a lot for sharing! That is hilarious.

Steve.Ledger · 03-25-2014, 05:50 PM

In Australia there is no right to privacy when you are out in public. In fact, the Privacy act here doesn't even prevent a neighbor photographing you in your yard.
As much as I'd like to try street photography, I couldn't do it because I'm not very good with handling conflict and at some point someone is bound to complain and cause a fuss.

JinDesu · 03-25-2014, 06:08 PM

I don't get in people's faces, and I don't take pictures if someone sees me and actively blocks their face.

Politeness isn't about the photography act, it's about who's taking the photo.

DeadJohn · 03-25-2014, 06:38 PM - **1 Like**

Politeness is partially dependent on how the photo is used. A photo of a willing subject can still be impolite. Some examples:

If a homeless person willingly poses then you post the photo online saying "look at the shabby clothes on this guy, what a loser!": Impolite, demeaning, disrespectful, tactless, etc. Posting the same photo to illustrate the problems of homelessness is good.

If you admire the way someone else is dressed and prepare to take a photo, they signal that they don't want to be photographed, but you snap anyway: It's not polite because you didn't heed their request to not snap, but it's not disrespectful or wrong IMO.

People on the street have no right or reasonable expectation of privacy. I think all of us, photographer or not, have an obligation to treat others respectfully. Go snap away at street photograpjhy all you want, but be considerate in how the photo gets used.

---------- Post added 03-25-14 at 09:40 PM ----------

Originally posted by johnyates

If you're this guy, it is ... SNIPPED LINK

"I have no ethics." lol

Okay, I draw the line at flashguns in people's faces. Definitely disrespectful and annoying. I bet he's been punched a few times in his career.

**patrick9** · 03-25-2014, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by DeadJohn

Okay, I draw the line at flashguns in people's faces. Definitely disrespectful and annoying. I bet he's been punched a few times in his career.

I wonder how may times the camera was shoved backwards into his face. I think the way he does it is rude personally. That is not the way I do street. I prefer to be back and not intrusive. I have been asked to not shoot someone And I didn't . Usually the folks I shoot have no idea I took the shot. Most of the people that did know didn't seem to care. I have only been confronted one time ( knock on wood). Then the lady wanted to see it. The problem was it wasn't her I had shot

**Miguel** · 03-25-2014, 07:04 PM

Only as much as photography itself is-- stealing souls and such.

M

**rbefly** · 03-25-2014, 07:25 PM - **1 Like**

Hello Rene, this is an interesting question, my answer would be 'No', it's a time-honored and perfectly valid form of photography.
Any time my resolve weakens on this, I go here; https://www.google.com/search?q=well+known+street+photographers&sa=X&tbm=isc...w=1366&bih=622
And before I'm 1/4 of the way thru, I'm rarin' to get back out.
Having said that, Street Photography isn't for everyone, from either side of the lens. As subjects, most folks don't mind, others tolerate it, and an occasional person will actively object. It's rare (in my experience) but does happen.
As the photographer, there's ways to ease into street mode, my favorite is public events. Street fairs, outdoor shows, concerts, almost anyplace where the public is encouraged to go, cameras go too. Museums and indoor events tend to be more restrictive about flash, tripods, even cameras themselves. Check first.
Then, take photos of everything you like, including the people. Everyone else will be doing the same thing, but you usually will have a better camera.
You can also try 'stealth' mode, clicking without raising the camera, with pre-set exposure. Sneaky, but it works, with practice. I hardly use it.
Generally, a smile and a wave are all that's needed, and that's only when they initiate the contact. As a last resort I would delete the photo, but that's never happened. Most times, they smile and wave back, perhaps somewhat embarrassed or curious, but unharmed in any way.
And I keep clicking!
Ron

wullemaha · 03-25-2014, 07:26 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Miguel

Only as much as photography itself is-- stealing souls and such.

HAHA, priceless!

Originally posted by DeadJohn

I bet he's been punched a few times in his career.

Rightfully so ;-) the flash and the pressing the lens up against one's subject nose is where he's crossing the line I think.

The only way I have done "street" so far is mostly focused (no pun intended) on objects rather than subjects, with people being in the background..
Example:

dcBear78 · 03-25-2014, 07:56 PM

Street photography is something that intimidates me. I live in a small city with not much to shoot at with regards to street photography. So when I was in a bigger city I had a go at it and I noticed many of my shots had people walking away so I wasn't intimidated by the idea they may not like having the photo taken. It's a style that definitely required you to have a certain personality to pull off.

I had a couple goes at getting this shot. And you can see the guy leaning over and looking at me. Immediately after this he stood up as if he was going to come over to me like he was some kind of celebrity and didn't want the picture taken. But I got the shot I was chasing and walked away.

tuco · 03-25-2014, 08:18 PM

Sticking a flash right in someone's face and popping it off without notice (as in the video) is very rude indeed. If he did that to me he might punched in the face as a knee-jerk reaction.

adwb · 03-26-2014, 12:39 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by johnyates

If you're this guy, it is.
Street Shots Bruce Gilden - YouTube

And if you are this guy it is not,

https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasleuthard/

dtmateojr · 03-26-2014, 01:16 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by wullemaha

First of all, let's take out the heat of that question

No, I am not implying that any of you who is doing street photography is impolite.

I rather post this question because I grew up in an area where running around with a camera is not very common (it's a not-so-big city in a small country), and now find myself living in Tokyo. I find some of the pictures that come from street photography quite interesting, and would be interested in trying it myself.
However, there is this invisible barrier inside myself that finds it kind of voyeuristic to just point the camera at a stranger and snap away. As if I would be disturbing them in their daily business. Now once again, I myself would not see any problem with anybody taking a picture of me when I am on my way to work, etc., but I do have this barrier that hinders me from trying certain types of street photography.

Now, do you have similar feelings? Am I perfectly right, horribly wrong? Am I just shy? Talk some sense into me

Cheers,
René

I have been trying my luck at street photography. I noticed that there are a few situations that you will find yourself in:

1. the target is mobile and aware of your presence
2. target is mobile and unaware of your presence
3. target is stationary and aware of your presence
4. target is stationary and unaware of your presence

In cases 1 and 3 I smile at them while clearly showing my camera and if they don't look aggressive then I shoot. In cases 2 and 4 I just shoot. I find 3 to be the most uncomfortable but I'm slowly learning.

Here's my #3:

wullemaha · 03-26-2014, 01:45 AM

Originally posted by dtmateojr

Here's my #3:

I really like that one, a lot!

Originally posted by adwb

And if you are this guy it is not, https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasleuthard/

NICE!

03-25-2014, 04:22 PM	#1
wullemaha Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Tokyo Posts: 503	Is Street Photography Impolite? First of all, let's take out the heat of that question No, I am not implying that any of you who is doing street photography is impolite. I rather post this question because I grew up in an area where running around with a camera is not very common (it's a not-so-big city in a small country), and now find myself living in Tokyo. I find some of the pictures that come from street photography quite interesting, and would be interested in trying it myself. However, there is this invisible barrier inside myself that finds it kind of voyeuristic to just point the camera at a stranger and snap away. As if I would be disturbing them in their daily business. Now once again, I myself would not see any problem with anybody taking a picture of me when I am on my way to work, etc., but I do have this barrier that hinders me from trying certain types of street photography. Now, do you have similar feelings? Am I perfectly right, horribly wrong? Am I just shy? Talk some sense into me Cheers, René

03-25-2014, 07:25 PM - 1 Like	#9
rbefly Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 2,030	Every Street Goes Somewhere Hello Rene, this is an interesting question, my answer would be 'No', it's a time-honored and perfectly valid form of photography. Any time my resolve weakens on this, I go here; https://www.google.com/search?q=well+known+street+photographers&sa=X&tbm=isc...w=1366&bih=622 And before I'm 1/4 of the way thru, I'm rarin' to get back out. Having said that, Street Photography isn't for everyone, from either side of the lens. As subjects, most folks don't mind, others tolerate it, and an occasional person will actively object. It's rare (in my experience) but does happen. As the photographer, there's ways to ease into street mode, my favorite is public events. Street fairs, outdoor shows, concerts, almost anyplace where the public is encouraged to go, cameras go too. Museums and indoor events tend to be more restrictive about flash, tripods, even cameras themselves. Check first. Then, take photos of everything you like, including the people. Everyone else will be doing the same thing, but you usually will have a better camera. You can also try 'stealth' mode, clicking without raising the camera, with pre-set exposure. Sneaky, but it works, with practice. I hardly use it. Generally, a smile and a wave are all that's needed, and that's only when they initiate the contact. As a last resort I would delete the photo, but that's never happened. Most times, they smile and wave back, perhaps somewhat embarrassed or curious, but unharmed in any way. And I keep clicking! Ron

03-26-2014, 01:16 AM - 2 Likes	#14
dtmateojr Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 604	Is Street Photography Impolite? Originally posted by wullemaha First of all, let's take out the heat of that question No, I am not implying that any of you who is doing street photography is impolite. I rather post this question because I grew up in an area where running around with a camera is not very common (it's a not-so-big city in a small country), and now find myself living in Tokyo. I find some of the pictures that come from street photography quite interesting, and would be interested in trying it myself. However, there is this invisible barrier inside myself that finds it kind of voyeuristic to just point the camera at a stranger and snap away. As if I would be disturbing them in their daily business. Now once again, I myself would not see any problem with anybody taking a picture of me when I am on my way to work, etc., but I do have this barrier that hinders me from trying certain types of street photography. Now, do you have similar feelings? Am I perfectly right, horribly wrong? Am I just shy? Talk some sense into me Cheers, René I have been trying my luck at street photography. I noticed that there are a few situations that you will find yourself in: 1. the target is mobile and aware of your presence 2. target is mobile and unaware of your presence 3. target is stationary and aware of your presence 4. target is stationary and unaware of your presence In cases 1 and 3 I smile at them while clearly showing my camera and if they don't look aggressive then I shoot. In cases 2 and 4 I just shoot. I find 3 to be the most uncomfortable but I'm slowly learning. Here's my #3:

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03-25-2014, 05:22 PM	#3
wullemaha Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Tokyo Posts: 503 Original Poster	Originally posted by johnyates If you're this guy, it is Haha, priceless! Thanks a lot for sharing! That is hilarious.

03-25-2014, 05:50 PM	#4
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	In Australia there is no right to privacy when you are out in public. In fact, the Privacy act here doesn't even prevent a neighbor photographing you in your yard. As much as I'd like to try street photography, I couldn't do it because I'm not very good with handling conflict and at some point someone is bound to complain and cause a fuss.

03-25-2014, 06:08 PM	#5
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	I don't get in people's faces, and I don't take pictures if someone sees me and actively blocks their face. Politeness isn't about the photography act, it's about who's taking the photo.

03-25-2014, 06:38 PM - 1 Like	#6
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	Politeness is partially dependent on how the photo is used. A photo of a willing subject can still be impolite. Some examples: If a homeless person willingly poses then you post the photo online saying "look at the shabby clothes on this guy, what a loser!": Impolite, demeaning, disrespectful, tactless, etc. Posting the same photo to illustrate the problems of homelessness is good. If you admire the way someone else is dressed and prepare to take a photo, they signal that they don't want to be photographed, but you snap anyway: It's not polite because you didn't heed their request to not snap, but it's not disrespectful or wrong IMO. People on the street have no right or reasonable expectation of privacy. I think all of us, photographer or not, have an obligation to treat others respectfully. Go snap away at street photograpjhy all you want, but be considerate in how the photo gets used. ---------- Post added 03-25-14 at 09:40 PM ---------- Originally posted by johnyates If you're this guy, it is ... SNIPPED LINK "I have no ethics." lol Okay, I draw the line at flashguns in people's faces. Definitely disrespectful and annoying. I bet he's been punched a few times in his career.

03-25-2014, 06:58 PM	#7
patrick9 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Murfreesboro Tennessee Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,458	Originally posted by DeadJohn Okay, I draw the line at flashguns in people's faces. Definitely disrespectful and annoying. I bet he's been punched a few times in his career. I wonder how may times the camera was shoved backwards into his face. I think the way he does it is rude personally. That is not the way I do street. I prefer to be back and not intrusive. I have been asked to not shoot someone And I didn't . Usually the folks I shoot have no idea I took the shot. Most of the people that did know didn't seem to care. I have only been confronted one time ( knock on wood). Then the lady wanted to see it. The problem was it wasn't her I had shot

03-25-2014, 07:04 PM	#8
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	Only as much as photography itself is-- stealing souls and such. M

03-25-2014, 07:26 PM - 1 Like	#10
wullemaha Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Tokyo Posts: 503 Original Poster	Originally posted by Miguel Only as much as photography itself is-- stealing souls and such. HAHA, priceless! Originally posted by DeadJohn I bet he's been punched a few times in his career. Rightfully so ;-) the flash and the pressing the lens up against one's subject nose is where he's crossing the line I think. The only way I have done "street" so far is mostly focused (no pun intended) on objects rather than subjects, with people being in the background.. Example:

03-25-2014, 07:56 PM	#11
dcBear78 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Gladstone, QLD Photos: Gallery Posts: 823	Street photography is something that intimidates me. I live in a small city with not much to shoot at with regards to street photography. So when I was in a bigger city I had a go at it and I noticed many of my shots had people walking away so I wasn't intimidated by the idea they may not like having the photo taken. It's a style that definitely required you to have a certain personality to pull off. I had a couple goes at getting this shot. And you can see the guy leaning over and looking at me. Immediately after this he stood up as if he was going to come over to me like he was some kind of celebrity and didn't want the picture taken. But I got the shot I was chasing and walked away.

03-25-2014, 08:18 PM	#12
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,032	Sticking a flash right in someone's face and popping it off without notice (as in the video) is very rude indeed. If he did that to me he might punched in the face as a knee-jerk reaction.

03-26-2014, 12:39 AM - 2 Likes	#13
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	Originally posted by johnyates If you're this guy, it is. Street Shots Bruce Gilden - YouTube And if you are this guy it is not, https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasleuthard/

03-26-2014, 01:45 AM	#15
wullemaha Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Tokyo Posts: 503 Original Poster	Originally posted by dtmateojr Here's my #3: I really like that one, a lot! Originally posted by adwb And if you are this guy it is not, https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasleuthard/ NICE!