Street Photography

[epiphone100]

Hey guys,
I new to this forum, but not to photography, been shooting for around a year.
One thing i cannot seem to nail is street photog. Is it that difficult, any tips because i don't think i am that brave to start snapping candids for the fear of some errant, hostile subject. Ant pointers ?



Thanks

 

[Galdor]

Hello...welcome.

Personally I don't do street photography but from the seniors who have done street photography I deduced that you will need a longer zoom lens if you are shy to approach people. When people confront you after you had taken a picture of them, you could always show them what you have taken. If they are still against it, just delete the photo in front of them. Always remember not to create a scene. Just walk away if you need to. Of course there are some people who are quite nice and can accept what you have taken.

Hope these helps.

 

[epiphone100]

Thanks for the heads up, but knowing there are some bas@#ards out to get you doesn't make you feel cool

 

[Galdor]

Thanks for the heads up, but knowing there are some bas@#ards out to get you doesn't make you feel cool

Of course bro. The world is made up with all sorts of people. Just learn to accept that and like I've mentioned, avoid confrontation and just walk away if you need to. Hope to see your street shots soon.

 

[epiphone100]

thanks, you can bet on it

 

[rgy1993]

just ask...

look at dannysantos's orchard road thread on here...
i've seen him at work, he just casually asks people if he can take their photograph, if they say no he moves along if yes he shoots them... pretty simple really..

 

[madmartian]

Welcome to CS

 

[1912123]

just ask...

look at dannysantos's orchard road thread on here...
i've seen him at work, he just casually asks people if he can take their photograph, if they say no he moves along if yes he shoots them... pretty simple really..

I found it quite difficult though it sounds so simple. Maybe not born to be a street photoghr

 

[pinholecam]

Hey guys,
I new to this forum, but not to photography, been shooting for around a year.
One thing i cannot seem to nail is street photog. Is it that difficult, any tips because i don't think i am that brave to start snapping candids for the fear of some errant, hostile subject. Ant pointers ?



Thanks

What portion do you find difficult?
1.The fear of snapping ppl?
Start from side shooting then. Just sit along the street (Orchard Rd would be nice) and watch the ppl go by. Take shots with their sides facing you 1st. This way they are largely unaware of you. By 'camping' at a location, you also tend to blend in and ppl will take less notice of you as well.
As you gain more confidence, you can then move on to more face on shots.
Of course, don't keep pointing the camera at ppl from afar and keep tracking them. That is the wrong approach.

2.Poor focus?
You can always pre-focus on an area that the subject will pass by. Select a smaller aperture to get more DOF. When the subject passes, just bring up the camera and snap.


Be prepared to talk (not argue) to ppl if ever they approach you regarding photographing them.

 

[shaoken]

If you want to take shots of people faces/expressions, use a long lens so you can get shots of them from a distance..
If you want an "overview" of the streets, use a wide-angle or a standard zoom lens (around 50mm).

These are how I do street shots.

 

[Numnumball]

Welcome to CS

I really suggest looking at Danny Santos Orchard Road Thread as well

 

[zac08]

It depends on how you wanna go about it...

shoot on the sly using long lenses... or just stand in front of them and just snap away. Both can be effective in their own rights...

 

[ahbian]

What a coincidence! I was in malaysia the other day feeling bored, when I decided to purposely get "caught" taking candid photos.

Compositions and technically, its nothing great, but was fun. :bsmilie:

But my conclusion is that most people wouldn't mind, and even they do, just delete and move on.

 

[Timolol]

any tips because i don't think i am that brave to start snapping candids for the fear of some errant, hostile subject. Ant pointers ?

Have you seen anyone getting beaten up for simply taking a photo?

If anyone approaches you angrily for taking his/her photo, just delete it in front of them, and move on.

 

[shaoken]

Have you seen anyone getting beaten up for simply taking a photo?

If anyone approaches you angrily for taking his/her photo, just delete it in front of them, and move on.

After you delete and the person still want to pick a fight..
There's something called police.

 

[ttrance]

i dont agree that you need a longer zoom lens.I think a compact dslr with a 50mm would be great tho

 

[ed9119]

scr*w the equiptment (although i will suggest you go UWA)

you must first have an interest (i did not say love.... i said interest) in society and fellow humans...... your photo equiptment is your proverbial pen and notepad in documenting human social life and its endless facets

the rest will then fall in place for you..... skills you will need will not be so much camera related but rather communications and listening skills.

You will learn only that much if you observe life from a safe distance. So i suggest you get into the thick of it and actually TASTE society up close and personal

p/s shooting street with a long tele is like dating a girl out but talking to her via sms

 

[Royale With Cheese]

I dont agree with shooting street with a zoom tele lens.

I personally use only 35mm or 50mm prime lens, manual focus.

can check my flickr below.

 

[ed9119]

If you want to take shots of people faces/expressions, use a long lens so you can get shots of them from a distance..
If you want an "overview" of the streets, use a wide-angle or a standard zoom lens (around 50mm).

These are how I do street shots.

I need to rehabilitate you....... kaozzzzzz.......

 

[Leong23]

Don't really like long tele as i prefer to include the enviroment to tell the story.