Street Photographers, concealment of the camera.

LeDave · 09-27-2009, 11:08 PM

For street photography, what are some of your techniques to conceal your camera? And what do you do to quickly grab and adjust to shoot that great picture? I want to know what your guys' techniques are.

I think winter is probably the best to do street photography because you're wearing a coat and you could easily conceal your camera under there, and people are cold so maybe they'll think a bit slower since they are concentrating more on staying warm.

figmental1978 · 09-28-2009, 12:28 AM

I'm far from a street photographer pro but I there's a few choices when it comes to street photography and you seem to want to take the stealth route. Instead of hiding the camera in your coat, you could hang it around your neck and use a trigger and no one's the wiser though you may get movement. Here's a great essay/manifesto about street photography - Here's the link

geauxpez · 09-28-2009, 04:58 AM

The coat thing may work as long as no one thinks the shifty-eyed guy in the coat is concealing a weapon.

Cosmo · 09-28-2009, 05:11 AM

Henry Cartier-Bresson used to put black tape round his Leica, and he also used to put a clothe over it and pretend to blow his nose.

I don't even try to conceal my camera, half my shots, the person spots me during or just after. I just try to be quick and get it while they are not looking, or I sneak up behind them, another HCB trick.

Youtube Gary Winogrand, there's a cool documentary on him there.

jgredline · 09-28-2009, 02:14 PM

Hi folks...Hopefully we can get some different opinions on street shooting..Here are some of mine.

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 a 17mm, 24mm, 28mm or 40mm prime 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 favorite lenses are my Sigma 10-20mm or 17-35mm.. These seem to be working better for me as I can get really close, personal and I get better shots….When I do use a super zoom, it is my 18-250mm lens, though 95% of the time, I use it at the 18mm focal length and set it up for zone focus there and since it macros, I can get really close with tack sharp images that happen as fast as I can point and press the trigger….

I don’t use telephoto lenses 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..Telephoto lenses will also let out the creepy vibe that must be avoided at all times…

Surprisingly, many of my best captures have been caught with my G9, 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...

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…

All n all be friendly and your state of dress is also important I think. I avoid wearing hats when I can unless I am in a place where most people are wearing them. I never wear sun glasses. I always carry minimal gear…Though there are times when you will want to purposely carry much gear to look like a pro…I do this allot for events such as protest marches, or movie premiers etc…

I hope this helps…If you have more questions, please ask, I am no expert but have learned a few things the past three years of street shooting but I am still very much learning…I would also love to hear and learn some of your techniques as well.
Thanks javier

Take a look at my blog and smug mug when you get a chance.

Ratmagiclady · 09-28-2009, 04:58 PM

I use my head a lot.

No, really. If you rest the camera up on your shoulder, it's very hard to spot from about 270 degrees of looking at you, and you can see clearly while doing it. If you keep your eyes moving, someone's unlikely to spot the camera before you spot them.

My way isn't what you'd call 'stealth,' I just like to be the first one to know when there's a shot happening.

Behind the thigh also works pretty well, or just holding the camera low in general. The object isn't really to 'hide' the camera, it's for the camera *not to be seen.* These are different things.

One way for the camera not to be seen is for you to not disrupt the flow of foot traffic, too, so it's about where to walk, when to stand, and otherwise not draw attention in the first place. What people are really likely to notice is 'Why is that person just standing there' ...then they see the camera.

If you keep moving, keep that bag moving behind you, too, (this is also good for general gear security if there's worry about anyone trying to lift stuff off you, standing there looking distracted by fancy camera is a big flashing light over your head in more ways than one) and most of all keep your eyes moving: previsualize, know your light and settings and where you're going with compositions before you even put the camera to eye, (I always like a hand meter on the street, take my readings while walking. If you have a camera with a top LCD, you can also wave that and get your readings without presenting the camera that way, an obvious thing it took me a while to clue into.

)

(BTW, nice post, there, Javier.

The confidence thing is pretty key. People take their cues from each other in many ways: the surest way to make someone uncomfortable with what you're doing is for *you* to look uncomfortable with what you're doing. (And let me tell you, bad arthritis days really cramp my style. Hard to look comfortable with *anything,* never mind do my usual schmoozing. I generally don't like to hide, I prefer to interact.

)

**Digitalis** · 09-28-2009, 05:58 PM

the new K-7 has a shutter that is as quiet as a Leica M7 - that helps more than anything else IMO

philbaum · 09-30-2009, 10:12 AM

I'm far from any sort of street photographer, but i think this tip might help.

Fiind someone to go with you, join a photo club and go out on the streets together. For this picture below, i was feeling very bold with someone else along so i set up my tripod square in the center of the sidewalk. It took some time so i had pedestrians walk around to either side of the tripod. But they were OK with it and i got the impression they thought it was kinda funny.

I've also seen a group of about 6 photographers on this street With that many, they just seemed fearless in asking permission to take portraits, etc.

Psychologically, there is great support if one is a bit shy about taking shots of people to go out with other photographers.. Find someone from pentax forums or find a club in the area, or start your own club.

alohadave · 09-30-2009, 10:28 AM

I don't do it very often, but when I do, I go to places where there are lots of people. Usually that means tourist places. You don't need to hide the camera at all. Most people don't even notice or care.

Sometimes it is better when they do 'catch' you though.

FHPhotographer · 09-30-2009, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by LeDave

For street photography, what are some of your techniques to conceal your camera? And what do you do to quickly grab and adjust to shoot that great picture? I want to know what your guys' techniques are.

I think winter is probably the best to do street photography because you're wearing a coat and you could easily conceal your camera under there, and people are cold so maybe they'll think a bit slower since they are concentrating more on staying warm.

If "street photography" ( taking an individual's photograph without their knowledge, consent or permission) is ethical explain why a thread like this one exists that includes terms such as "conceal" "stealth" "sneak up behind them..." etc.

I suspect if you (collectively) asked the same question, and offered the same suggestions, on a non-photography website, y'all would be stunned by the overwhelming negative response. Your "right" to take a photograph exists in your world but not in the world where the vast majority of your subjects live.

Ask permission. If you (collectively) don't get it, don't take the shot. And if it "ruins" the shot, maybe you (collectively) need to become a better photographer and a more honorable human being,
Brian

Ratmagiclady · 09-30-2009, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by FHPhotographer

If "street photography" ( taking an individual's photograph without their knowledge, consent or permission) is ethical explain why a thread like this one exists that includes terms such as "conceal" "stealth" "sneak up behind them..." etc.

I suspect if you (collectively) asked the same question, and offered the same suggestions, on a non-photography website, y'all would be stunned by the overwhelming negative response. Your "right" to take a photograph exists in your world but not in the world where the vast majority of your subjects live.

Ask permission. If you (collectively) don't get it, don't take the shot. And if it "ruins" the shot, maybe you (collectively) need to become a better photographer and a more honorable human being,
Brian

Well, one thing that distinguishes street photography from *spying* is that it's not actually about the individuals photographed. (Not really *as* individuals, anyway. You don't caption em with names, do you?

It's about life.

It's why I don't really advise *hiding* the camera as if it's some illicit thing not to be looked at. The key's to be *unobtrusive.*

Running around generally brandishing it tends to actually disrupt what you're photographing before you even have a shot. There's catching people unawares, and then there's spontaneity. (And, yes, 'permission' can be quite spontaneous. If you're paying attention to the people in the first place, it's obvious when the attention is unwelcome.)

jgredline · 09-30-2009, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by alohadave

I don't do it very often, but when I do, I go to places where there are lots of people. Usually that means tourist places. You don't need to hide the camera at all. Most people don't even notice or care.

Sometimes it is better when they do 'catch' you though.

Nice capture! love her expression..

Ratmagiclady · 09-30-2009, 11:30 AM

Originally posted by jgredline

Nice capture! love her expression..

I've actually become kind of interested lately in people's *backs,* I have to admit. There's body language and a sense of anonymity that interests me of late.

jgredline · 09-30-2009, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

I've actually become kind of interested lately in people's *backs,* I have to admit. There's body language and a sense of anonymity that interests me of late.

So have I. I have started to shoot backs and hidden faces, like under umbrellas.

Ratmagiclady · 09-30-2009, 12:30 PM

Originally posted by jgredline

So have I. I have started to shoot backs and hidden faces, like under umbrellas.

Maybe it fits the times in some ways. For me, this angle has had a lot to do with me quite often feeling inhibited about my usual meet-and-greet when I feel like certain physical discomfort is showing all over my face. I'm told I'm better at hiding it than I think, but it still *feels* like I'm walking around with a sour puss.

09-27-2009, 11:08 PM	#1
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Street Photographers, concealment of the camera. For street photography, what are some of your techniques to conceal your camera? And what do you do to quickly grab and adjust to shoot that great picture? I want to know what your guys' techniques are. I think winter is probably the best to do street photography because you're wearing a coat and you could easily conceal your camera under there, and people are cold so maybe they'll think a bit slower since they are concentrating more on staying warm.

09-28-2009, 04:58 PM	#6
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	I use my head a lot. No, really. If you rest the camera up on your shoulder, it's very hard to spot from about 270 degrees of looking at you, and you can see clearly while doing it. If you keep your eyes moving, someone's unlikely to spot the camera before you spot them. My way isn't what you'd call 'stealth,' I just like to be the first one to know when there's a shot happening. Behind the thigh also works pretty well, or just holding the camera low in general. The object isn't really to 'hide' the camera, it's for the camera not to be seen. These are different things. One way for the camera not to be seen is for you to not disrupt the flow of foot traffic, too, so it's about where to walk, when to stand, and otherwise not draw attention in the first place. What people are really likely to notice is 'Why is that person just standing there' ...then they see the camera. If you keep moving, keep that bag moving behind you, too, (this is also good for general gear security if there's worry about anyone trying to lift stuff off you, standing there looking distracted by fancy camera is a big flashing light over your head in more ways than one) and most of all keep your eyes moving: previsualize, know your light and settings and where you're going with compositions before you even put the camera to eye, (I always like a hand meter on the street, take my readings while walking. If you have a camera with a top LCD, you can also wave that and get your readings without presenting the camera that way, an obvious thing it took me a while to clue into. ) (BTW, nice post, there, Javier. The confidence thing is pretty key. People take their cues from each other in many ways: the surest way to make someone uncomfortable with what you're doing is for you to look uncomfortable with what you're doing. (And let me tell you, bad arthritis days really cramp my style. Hard to look comfortable with anything, never mind do my usual schmoozing. I generally don't like to hide, I prefer to interact. ) Last edited by Ratmagiclady; 09-28-2009 at 05:24 PM.

09-30-2009, 11:01 AM	#10
FHPhotographer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Fountain Hills, AZ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,297	Again, "street photography" like this is unethical... Originally posted by LeDave For street photography, what are some of your techniques to conceal your camera? And what do you do to quickly grab and adjust to shoot that great picture? I want to know what your guys' techniques are. I think winter is probably the best to do street photography because you're wearing a coat and you could easily conceal your camera under there, and people are cold so maybe they'll think a bit slower since they are concentrating more on staying warm. If "street photography" ( taking an individual's photograph without their knowledge, consent or permission) is ethical explain why a thread like this one exists that includes terms such as "conceal" "stealth" "sneak up behind them..." etc. I suspect if you (collectively) asked the same question, and offered the same suggestions, on a non-photography website, y'all would be stunned by the overwhelming negative response. Your "right" to take a photograph exists in your world but not in the world where the vast majority of your subjects live. Ask permission. If you (collectively) don't get it, don't take the shot. And if it "ruins" the shot, maybe you (collectively) need to become a better photographer and a more honorable human being, Brian

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09-28-2009, 12:28 AM	#2
figmental1978 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 789	I'm far from a street photographer pro but I there's a few choices when it comes to street photography and you seem to want to take the stealth route. Instead of hiding the camera in your coat, you could hang it around your neck and use a trigger and no one's the wiser though you may get movement. Here's a great essay/manifesto about street photography - Here's the link

09-28-2009, 04:58 AM	#3
geauxpez Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,196	The coat thing may work as long as no one thinks the shifty-eyed guy in the coat is concealing a weapon.

09-28-2009, 05:11 AM	#4
Cosmo Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 488	Henry Cartier-Bresson used to put black tape round his Leica, and he also used to put a clothe over it and pretend to blow his nose. I don't even try to conceal my camera, half my shots, the person spots me during or just after. I just try to be quick and get it while they are not looking, or I sneak up behind them, another HCB trick. Youtube Gary Winogrand, there's a cool documentary on him there.

09-28-2009, 02:14 PM	#5
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	Hi folks...Hopefully we can get some different opinions on street shooting..Here are some of mine. 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 a 17mm, 24mm, 28mm or 40mm prime 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 favorite lenses are my Sigma 10-20mm or 17-35mm.. These seem to be working better for me as I can get really close, personal and I get better shots….When I do use a super zoom, it is my 18-250mm lens, though 95% of the time, I use it at the 18mm focal length and set it up for zone focus there and since it macros, I can get really close with tack sharp images that happen as fast as I can point and press the trigger…. I don’t use telephoto lenses 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..Telephoto lenses will also let out the creepy vibe that must be avoided at all times… Surprisingly, many of my best captures have been caught with my G9, 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... 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… All n all be friendly and your state of dress is also important I think. I avoid wearing hats when I can unless I am in a place where most people are wearing them. I never wear sun glasses. I always carry minimal gear…Though there are times when you will want to purposely carry much gear to look like a pro…I do this allot for events such as protest marches, or movie premiers etc… I hope this helps…If you have more questions, please ask, I am no expert but have learned a few things the past three years of street shooting but I am still very much learning…I would also love to hear and learn some of your techniques as well. Thanks javier Take a look at my blog and smug mug when you get a chance.

09-28-2009, 05:58 PM	#7
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	the new K-7 has a shutter that is as quiet as a Leica M7 - that helps more than anything else IMO

09-30-2009, 10:12 AM	#8
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	I'm far from any sort of street photographer, but i think this tip might help. Fiind someone to go with you, join a photo club and go out on the streets together. For this picture below, i was feeling very bold with someone else along so i set up my tripod square in the center of the sidewalk. It took some time so i had pedestrians walk around to either side of the tripod. But they were OK with it and i got the impression they thought it was kinda funny. I've also seen a group of about 6 photographers on this street With that many, they just seemed fearless in asking permission to take portraits, etc. Psychologically, there is great support if one is a bit shy about taking shots of people to go out with other photographers.. Find someone from pentax forums or find a club in the area, or start your own club.

09-30-2009, 10:28 AM	#9
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	I don't do it very often, but when I do, I go to places where there are lots of people. Usually that means tourist places. You don't need to hide the camera at all. Most people don't even notice or care. Sometimes it is better when they do 'catch' you though.

09-30-2009, 11:20 AM	#11
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by FHPhotographer If "street photography" ( taking an individual's photograph without their knowledge, consent or permission) is ethical explain why a thread like this one exists that includes terms such as "conceal" "stealth" "sneak up behind them..." etc. I suspect if you (collectively) asked the same question, and offered the same suggestions, on a non-photography website, y'all would be stunned by the overwhelming negative response. Your "right" to take a photograph exists in your world but not in the world where the vast majority of your subjects live. Ask permission. If you (collectively) don't get it, don't take the shot. And if it "ruins" the shot, maybe you (collectively) need to become a better photographer and a more honorable human being, Brian Well, one thing that distinguishes street photography from spying is that it's not actually about the individuals photographed. (Not really as individuals, anyway. You don't caption em with names, do you? It's about life. It's why I don't really advise hiding the camera as if it's some illicit thing not to be looked at. The key's to be unobtrusive. Running around generally brandishing it tends to actually disrupt what you're photographing before you even have a shot. There's catching people unawares, and then there's spontaneity. (And, yes, 'permission' can be quite spontaneous. If you're paying attention to the people in the first place, it's obvious when the attention is unwelcome.)

09-30-2009, 11:28 AM	#12
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	Originally posted by alohadave I don't do it very often, but when I do, I go to places where there are lots of people. Usually that means tourist places. You don't need to hide the camera at all. Most people don't even notice or care. Sometimes it is better when they do 'catch' you though. Nice capture! love her expression..

09-30-2009, 11:30 AM	#13
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by jgredline Nice capture! love her expression.. I've actually become kind of interested lately in people's backs, I have to admit. There's body language and a sense of anonymity that interests me of late.

09-30-2009, 11:54 AM	#14
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady I've actually become kind of interested lately in people's backs, I have to admit. There's body language and a sense of anonymity that interests me of late. So have I. I have started to shoot backs and hidden faces, like under umbrellas.

09-30-2009, 12:30 PM	#15
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by jgredline So have I. I have started to shoot backs and hidden faces, like under umbrellas. Maybe it fits the times in some ways. For me, this angle has had a lot to do with me quite often feeling inhibited about my usual meet-and-greet when I feel like certain physical discomfort is showing all over my face. I'm told I'm better at hiding it than I think, but it still feels like I'm walking around with a sour puss.