Starting street photography, any advice?

[graham90]

Whats the best way of starting to photograph people on the streets? Do you ask for their permission or just go ahead and shoot them? (not literally!) Ive never really tried it before so looking for some advice
Cheers

 

[lukewoodford]

Just go ahead and shoot them, there are a couple of epic threads round here some where. Search for street photography

 

[joodles]

a long lens is always useful for shooting! I found that sitting on a bench in the high street for a while made people notice me less and I was able to snap away at the characters that sat there most days! have fun!

 

[ChrisMClark]

Watch out for the filth I think the biggest bit of advice that can be taken from these forums on street togging is if you're asked to move on, do it before it turns into a criminal charge lol

 

[AlexW]

Try this thread:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=100958

It has some great street shots posted by people from TP, and also some good tips from experienced street photographers.

 

[joxby]

Joel Meyerowitz

 

[Chelseablue]

Joel Meyerowitz

,

and all the above advice is good, however if you are (as I like to call it) interrupted by dibbel (police) be polite, put on a posh accent, quote lots of law, I.E "do I get a 44?" and be friendly but remember that as long as you are on public land then you have every right to be there!

 

[towershot]

Stay away from shots of children,even if you are allowed, it seems to get peoples backs up .:shake:

 

[Mike Hoyer]

Write out several lengthy posts in advance describing how the police are incompetent morons and you are an innocent bystander. Then go and stand near an airport/school/car crash with camera, and post as appropriate.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Get yourself a thick skin and treat people as you wish to be treated.

When the likes of Carter Bresson started out in the 40's, we lived in a more innocent world, the general public were facinated by photography and having their picture taken.

Unfortunatly those innocent times have gone and paranoia prevails, both from the general public and ignorent public officials , I ajm sure you will have some wonderfull stories to tell about your street photograpy adventures

My advice would be to start off with a tele lens, say 200mm , and work at a distance untill you get more confidence.

Oh yes and 'know your rights'

 

[ab$olut]

I'd say start off wide as possible wider the better IMO of course .Teles make it feel detached.

Heres a great guide to start you off http://news.deviantart.com/article/19649/

 

[graham90]

Cheers for all the replies some really good links there.

Anyway i went out this morning on my first attempt, and ive posted a series of shots here:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=1208230#post1208230

Thanks again

 

[a1ex2001]

Watch out for the filth I think the biggest bit of advice that can be taken from these forums on street togging is if you're asked to move on, do it before it turns into a criminal charge lol

What a ridiculous comment I don't think anyone on here has actually been charged with anything, I can't even recall a thread where anyone got hauled off to the station etc.

We need to stop these over the top daily mail style rantings and reactions it does neither side of the photgraphers rights debate any good.