DSLRs and street photography

jamiebonline

jamiebonline

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Jamie
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Hi guys,

Again today I saw a tourist with some mark of Canon 5D and a 70-200 2.8 walking on the street taking snaps. I have seen this a few times. (can confirm the lens, not always the body) What about using full frame DSLRs for street photography? Are you comfortable with them in terms or size and weight or do you prefer something smaller? I always think it looks unusual to have a big DSLR and zoom lens for this kind of thing but maybe I am too influenced by the classic image of the street photographer with an old SLR or rangefinder, for example.


J
 
I have no issues with carrying round my DSLR. Was up in London and there were more people using them than compacts and camera phones. The 70-200 is a bit extreme! I might take my 24-70 but last time I was wondering round with just my 50mm.
 
I've done some street photography with a 200mm f2.0 and 5dM3 with grip, I was very self concious - though it did spark a few conversations.

IMG_4117 by dancook1982, on Flickr
 
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I'd have no problem shooting street with a DSLR but it wouldn't be my preference. It's only a tool after all.
 
If it was in Cambridge then it might of been me (although I'm not a tourist). I use my 5d for street stuff sometimes, the 70-200 gives a lot of flexibility.
 
Saw a photographer a couple of years ago get accosted by security on Londons South Bank

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His friend was very sympathetic (perfect use of telephoto) :D
142505339.jpg
 
davidd said:
If it was in Cambridge then it might of been me (although I'm not a tourist). I use my 5d for street stuff sometimes, the 70-200 gives a lot of flexibility.
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Hi David, it's rather tight isn't it? even at 70? plus it's very big and conspicuous. OK so that's up to the individual I know.
 
jamiebonline said:
Hi David, it's rather tight isn't it? even at 70? plus it's very big and conspicuous. OK so that's up to the individual I know.
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Hi,

Yes but it means I can get closer to the action without actually getting closer (which sometimes puts people off). Lugging a big white lens about does attract some attention though ;)
 
You can't shoot 'classic' street photography with a long lens.

You need to get closer with something wider. That gives the right perspective, much greater feeling of involvement, and also much more of the background for context.

Not saying either style is right or wrong.
 
Although I much prefer smaller cameras and lenses myself for street photography I don't think large DSLR and lens combinations look any more conspicuous than the increasing number of large tablets I see being waved about now,
some of them don't look much smaller than my telly.
 
It's a personal thing and depends, to some extent, on what sort of 'street' you like to shoot and how you define street photography.

For me, it's all about getting reasonably close to the action and using a short / wide lens. It's also about context (street photography is all about context), which is difficult to record with a long lens.

If we're talking about camera size, it usually helps to go un-noticed - far easier to achieve with a compact or other small camera like a Fuji or Leica. The second you are 'spotted', the scene you see - and hope to record - will change. A pro looking DSLR with a big lens will always draw (usually unwelcome) attention.
 
I'd much rather look like a tourist with a little camera like my GX7 than my DSLR. I also much prefer the silent shutter and articulating LCD on the smaller camera when shooting street.
 
I suppose I should answer my own question :) I am at the moment using an old Minolta x700 with a 50 1.7 lens for street photography. Film slows me down. I like the physicality of film and the simplicity and ergonomics of the camera. Plus it is light and fits in my bag. I shoot mostly black and white then scan the negatives so they can be put online.
 
I have never seen DSLRs attracting attention when paired with small zooms or primes. Maybe large zooms would be a different story.

There are huge amounts of people walki g round London with semi pro bodies these days. Just seems common sight to me!
 
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