I tried getting some night photos in the City Centre

jonbeeza

jonbeeza

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I went into Liverpool City Centre last night, and this was in the hopes of getting some interesting people shots. I took my Fujifilm XF1 as it was small light, and has a bright aperture. Even with the lens wide open and a high ISO, I still did not manage to get anything worth keeping.

It was really hustling and bustling as it was a Friday night, so there was plenty to photograph. I was trying to get Candid photos so I was shooting on the move, I know I would have got better photos, had I stood still and composed myself. The trouble is if you take a photo of a person in a place like Liverpool City Centre, you risk getting into a punch up. Matthew street was heaving with lots of things going on great opportunity for some photos, but I decided against it as I felt a little out of place.

It would have been better if I had of been with a couple of other taking photos, and we could of bounced of each other and we would have looked part of a group. Will try it again, if I can get somebody else to team up with :)
 
Why not start a thread about a meet? Depending on dates,times etc. there are many round here who might join in.
 
In those circumstances wouldn't it be worth getting a high vis vest with official photographer printed on the back.
 
I had exactly that happen 4-5 times whilst walking around Greenwood woodland amusement park last week. Without a hi vis vest.
 
Have you thought about going to Iraq or Libya lol you would probably be as safe lol
 
I've been down Liverpool many times at night, either on my own or in a group. I've never felt in the least threatened rather the opposite; most are interested in what I'm doing. Mind you I've not been down Matthew Street trying to take candids. To the "characters" going in and out of the pubs and clubs down there that just smacks of old bill, dibble, plod or whatever else ST4 calls them.
Just tell them you're from The Echo and they'll ignore you!!!
 
Not really sure why you're complaining? You were moving, other people were moving and it's not really the correct camera for the job... To use f1.8 you have to be at 25-27mm so the frame would have had lots of things in it which would have been difficult for the camera to focus on something in particular. Plus the xf1/x10 has crap AF for this kind of thing. The xq1/x20 would be a better option with the improved faster AF. Or a dslr, but then you lose the small inconspicuous point to the baby X's.

Just my opinion though.
 
minnnt said:
Not really sure why you're complaining? You were moving, other people were moving and it's not really the correct camera for the job... To use f1.8 you have to be at 25-27mm so the frame would have had lots of things in it which would have been difficult for the camera to focus on something in particular. Plus the xf1/x10 has crap AF for this kind of thing. The xq1/x20 would be a better option with the improved faster AF. Or a dslr, but then you lose the small inconspicuous point to the baby X's.

Just my opinion though.
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Me complaining ?? No I was not Complaining ! I was just saying I did not get any shots worth keeping! Cracking little Camera, that I have had some good night photos on a tripod. Just thought I would try a little walk about experiment out, that's all. Besides I had nothing else better to do last night, well only crap on TV. :)
 
Ok John, sorry, i misunderstood. (y)

Don't get me wrong, i love mine and use it for alot of street stuff but i too struggle with the focusing at times so just stick to what i know it can do.

Dom Bower has a video on YouTube about night street photography using MF. Maybe it's something you could implement with the x10 which would probably be easier than the XF.
 
minnnt said:
Ok John, sorry, i misunderstood. (y)

Don't get me wrong, i love mine and use it for alot of street stuff but i too struggle with the focusing at times so just stick to what i know it can do.

Dom Bower has a video on YouTube about night street photography using MF. Maybe it's something you could implement with the x10 which would probably be easier than the XF.
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I think it was more of a shutter speed issue really, even with very high ISO shutter speed was way down. I tried to kid myself I would be able to hold the Camera still and take some people photos. Not that I am scared, I was brought up in the area so I know what's what and I can look after myself if need be. Just it may look a little odd a fifty plus year old fella taking photos of trendy young people, as that's mainly what type of people were knocking about :)
 
The social? Used to be known as Social Security. Now officially known as The Benefits Agency.

There are certain "wonderful guys" who would rather not be photographed apparently spending money that they claim not to have!
 
mickledore said:
The social? Used to be known as Social Security. Now officially known as The Benefits Agency.

There are certain "wonderful guys" who would rather not be photographed apparently spending money that they claim not to have!
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Be a bit difficult keeping tabs on whose doing what, you would need agencies from the length and breadth of the UK. As judging by the accents, there were revellers from all over the UK
 
The focusing is crap on the XF1/x10 though John so don't be tough on yourself too much. By the time the camera has focused, the people have moved. Even in daylight i struggle with this kind of thing. Drives me nuts.
 
Matthew Street is very photogenic and also very safe. It's covered by CCTV, there is often a police presence at weekends. Revellers will often play up to the camera if you ask them to pose on Stag and Hens - just depends in how confident you are.
 
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