Beginner Street photography. harder than I thought.

Oldbones

Oldbones

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I have been out a few times, trying to do street, very hard to relax and actually take any decent shots.
Not realizing how much of a mental block pointing a camera at complete strangers actually is.
Trying one night to take a pics of about ten teens all sitting in a row on a breakwater with a sea scape backdrop.
I was actually too far away for it to work, but three of the males did come and object.
Asked what I was doing.
I replied "making art", do you have a problem with that, "we are in a public place".
Soon as they saw I was serious they just said cool and left me alone.
After that I was concerned about it, thinking that how can someone feel so entitled to stop me in the street to try and stop what I am entitled to.
Am I wrong, or just to uptight about this., I have spoken about this in the past but now its reality.
To overcome this I did go to a festival, where there were people taking pics all over, but I was the only person with a DSLR as far as I know.
Everyone had telephones.
I am going to keep going of course, but I would like a few pointers to keep myself safe and not upset any one else.
 
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Oldbones said:
... but I would like a few pointers to keep myself safe and not upset any one else.
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There are two distinct approaches to photographing people in the street.

There's the "I'm going to do what I want and I don't care if it annoys you", approach and there's the "I'll just quietly observe and record without intruding on anyone" approach.

I use the latter. Rather than walking up to people and just taking pictures, I stand well back and record them the same way I'd record a protected bird or animal. I generally use longer lenses and I do my best to blend into the background. I'm only interested in people who are doing things, even if it's only looking around, so if I don't bother them, they generally won't notice me. Above all, I select my moment, take the picture with no fuss and then move along.

Two women talking on bench Sidmouth Market DSC00427.jpgYoung couple at Swindon Mela CAN_4195.jpgMan with beard flat cap and spectacles Innsbruck Austria S10 NIK_0889.JPG
 
10 'teens' wouldn't be my ideal choice of subject to be honest, too liable for negative interactions.
Your main enemy is your lack of confidence, you don't feel relaxed in what you are doing and that will show - interacting with the person(s) may help.
Take a photo, "Lovely colours, you look great" ... "Just had to get a photo of that beard, it's fantastic" ... "Love the hat" etc.
Be complimentary by way of explaining what you are doing if it's obvious you are seen.
Don't act as though you have no right to be there, it will really show and make others react to you.
I use a range of lenses from 24mm to 75mm and generally try to get close, I don't like hiding what I am doing, though I don't go out of my way to be obvious.

From today:


The Dapper Concierge by Bristol Streets, on Flickr


In the frame by Bristol Streets, on Flickr
 
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Oldbones said:
After that I was concerned about it, thinking that how can someone feel so entitled to stop me in the street to try and stop what I am entitled to.
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The simple fact is that you’re not unique. You’re perfectly entitled to take photos in public. But the counterpoint is that everyone else is entitled to ask you what you’re doing.

It’s tricky, the magic trick is to relax as much as you can and blend into your surroundings. But that’s harder than it sounds, and it sounds hard.
 
You could explain that your taking images "just like that camera over there on the lamp post, that one over there near the shop and that one over there on the doorbell"

The police will always be on your side as they appreciate that we are photographed and recorded virtually every step we take,
 
I think it is a confidence and location thing tbh.

10 teenagers certainly wouldn't be my choice of subject - not only for 'issues' but also because it doesn't sound too interesting etc

Where do you live? Where do you go?

Places like markets, festivals, parades, sometimes a city centre, tourist areas, etc all make things easier especially to begin with. But as mentioned you need to be relaxed & confident in yourself, your body language, and about what you are doing and why. The more you try to 'hide' & be sneaky, the more you will stand out quite often.

I tend to be quite close (I think) in general compared to others - I shoot with an X100f and I usually zone focus around the 2.5 - 3 meter area as standard.

I only started properly about a year ago after I got the X100f. I've some shots in this thread although it does need updating with more recent images - I take quicker than I share!!

 
LeeRatters said:
Where do you live? Where do you go?

Places like markets, festivals, parades, sometimes a city centre, tourist areas, etc all make things easier especially to begin with. But as mentioned you need to be relaxed & confident in yourself, your body language, and about what you are doing and why. The more you try to 'hide' & be sneaky, the more you will stand out quite often.

I tend to be quite close (I think) in general compared to others - I shoot with an X100f and I usually zone focus around the 2.5 - 3 meter area as standard.
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Live in the NE of Scotland, close to the city of Aberdeen also close to a small market / fishing town with a very active harbor, especially in summer.
Inland there are rural locations galore, I have never been to the city to do any sort of proper photographs.
Usually relaxed and can and do talk to loads of people, never asked to take any pics of any one up to this point, but I don't do any sort of confrontation.
This summer I have been finding out how busy the small town is, and its pretty exciting indeed.
I like your advise, and cant believe how close your taking your images
At the moment I am using a D3100, with a 35mm fixed lens.
 
I love taking photos of people. The problem I have is that when I get my camera out, everyone is asking me to take their photo.... which has become a PITA TBH and makes it tricky to get candid street style photos.

As several people have said, it's about your self-confidence, and in my experience, that has come with practice.
 
Does your camera have a tilting LCD screen? If so, try holding it down by your waist to take some photos. No-one really notices, and it helps give you some confidence that you can take good street photos, leading to you being braver. That's how I started anyway!
 
Bodian said:
Does your camera have a tilting LCD screen? If so, try holding it down by your waist to take some photos. No-one really notices, and it helps give you some confidence that you can take good street photos, leading to you being braver. That's how I started anyway!
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I get that, but it strikes me as a bit sneaky, no? Why not be straightforward about what you're doing?
 
TimHughes said:
I get that, but it strikes me as a bit sneaky, no? Why not be straightforward about what you're doing?
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In my case, because I want to record people going about their lives, not reacting to me. Other opinions are, of course, available.
 
AndrewFlannigan said:
In my case, because I want to record people going about their lives, not reacting to me. Other opinions are, of course, available.
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Hmm, but you don't need to be sneaky and risk confrontation to do that is what I was thinking? I usually have quite a big camera and often a flash for fill so there is no hiding that....

Here are some suggestions:
- Try to blend in and keep your camera out. Keep taking pics. Avoid quick or dramatic movements. Sometimes people get suspicious just because they notice someone acting like they’re "sneaking" photos.
- Keep moving: Grab your shot and walk on. This helps avoid unwanted attention and keeps the mood relaxed.
- Smile and nod: If someone notices you, a friendly smile or quick wave goes a long way. It humanises the interaction.
- Go where photography is expected: Festivals (like the OP tried) or touristy spots are great places where people expect cameras. It makes things less awkward.
- Carry a card: Print a small card explaining your project or offering to share your photos. If approached, it shows transparency and would diffuse any tension.
 
TimHughes said:
I get that, but it strikes me as a bit sneaky, no? Why not be straightforward about what you're doing?
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This.

Far better than having a long lens across the road, furtively.

Oldbones said:
Live in the NE of Scotland, close to the city of Aberdeen also close to a small market / fishing town with a very active harbor, especially in summer.
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Places with lots of visitors are good, because they are used to people taking photos. The smaller the place, the more you stand out.

LeeRatters said:
I tend to be quite close (I think) in general compared to others - I shoot with an X100f and I usually zone focus around the 2.5 - 3 meter area as standard.
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Close means interesting. Plus it is human - the kind of image that people are used to seeing with their eyes, as they go about their lives.

DSLRs, particularly bigger ones, tend to stand out. A rangefinder style, smaller camera is probably better.
 
TimHughes said:
- Keep moving: Grab your shot and walk on. This helps avoid unwanted attention and keeps the mood relaxed.
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An alternative is to pretend that you are taking what is behind, or next to the people you are taking a picture of - and wait, in position, until they have moved out of they way to take the shot - having already got your shot of them, of course.
 
Also - know your camera and its settings, so you can change settings without looking or thinking. and as @LeeRatters says, if you can, 'Zone Focus' so taking the pic is fast, instinctive.
 
Pound Coin said:
Close means interesting. Plus it is human - the kind of image that people are used to seeing with their eyes, as they go about their lives.
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24mm or 35mm is my favourite focal length for street and yes that means you need to be quite close.
 
Oldbones said:
I have been out a few times, trying to do street, very hard to relax and actually take any decent shots.
Click to expand...
Sorry - me again.

Don't expect to get keeper shots. Don't worry about the rubbish ones, just learn and cull them.
 
Haha, sorry, me again too.

An afterthought—I’ve realised that over the past 10 years or so, I’ve become more confident with a camera in public than without one. I guess it’s the result of shooting so many events and meeting people from all walks of life. It’s funny... these days, I almost feel naked if I go out somewhere new without a camera in hand.
 
Bodian said:
Does your camera have a tilting LCD screen? If so, try holding it down by your waist to take some photos. No-one really notices, and it helps give you some confidence that you can take good street photos, leading to you being braver. That's how I started anyway!
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No it is a bit to old for that, maybe some day I will get one.
 
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TimHughes said:
24mm or 35mm is my favourite focal length for street and yes that means you need to be quite close.
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I have found that out as some of my pics are not in focus unless I am close, had a few good ones though
 
Well probably going out this weekend, there are some events going in in the city, so I am hoping to bled in, I do think three will be plenty of people taking pics.
 
Oldbones said:
Well probably going out this weekend, there are some events going in in the city, so I am hoping to bled in, I do think three will be plenty of people taking pics.
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I get what you mean :)
 
My advise use a 50mm or a smaller focal length so your camera isn't too big, and just walk around and shoot what you want, no picture is a bad picture, just a learning experience to discover what you truly like to take photos of. Also using a prime forces you to move with your feet and think more. Good luck!
 
I think the hardest thing is intention and knowing what sort of photographs you want to take, you can really spend an awful lot of time walking around deciding if a scene if worth making a photo of, or not and then you get caught in indecision, and this breeds a lack of confidence.

I'd say do some research and find some photographs you like, make notes about what you like about them, and then go out to copy them or photograph inspired by them. It might be looking for gestures, a specific type of lighting, or a compositional trick. This could help focus your mind on the job at hand and get you in the zone.

The other things as well, you're in NE Scotland - not the busy streets of NYC or London where the pavements are packed with people and you're forced to get close. It'll could be awkward for you to approach someone close and take their photo in a less than busy street. So, you also need to work out what street photography looks like (for you) where you live...
 
TimHughes said:
Hmm, but you don't need to be sneaky and risk confrontation to do that is what I was thinking?
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As always with this discussion, it vears off into the behaviour of the photographer instead of discussing the purpose behind the photography.

Once again, as I wrote above: "Other opinions are, of course, available."
 
AndrewFlannigan said:
As always with this discussion, it vears off into the behaviour of the photographer instead of discussing the purpose behind the photography.

Once again, as I wrote above: "Other opinions are, of course, available."
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Out of interest, what is the purpose behind the three photos you posted upthread?
 
Oldbones said:
Live in the NE of Scotland, close to the city of Aberdeen also close to a small market / fishing town with a very active harbor, especially in summer.
Inland there are rural locations galore, I have never been to the city to do any sort of proper photographs.
Usually relaxed and can and do talk to loads of people, never asked to take any pics of any one up to this point, but I don't do any sort of confrontation.
This summer I have been finding out how busy the small town is, and its pretty exciting indeed.
I like your advise, and cant believe how close your taking your images
At the moment I am using a D3100, with a 35mm fixed lens.
Click to expand...

You really need to walk amongst people, which helps if you are somewhere pretty busy. Like Bath where I like to go. But again, any events like festivals, parades, etc I done Bristol Pride on Saturday, on film and then X100f, and that is the perfect type of busy environment to make things easier.

You also maybe need to focus on what you want to capture. I sometimes look for characters, dressed in an unusual style or colour, etc But mainly I look for gestures and people doing things, carrying unusual things, I've a thing for people carrying dogs for some reason - and I've got a good collection building of those now.

Everyone had their own style of street. I don't really go for the light vs shadow single person type of image, I like to catch people doing things. And like Andrew's few images up above, that's not images I would look for or take myself generally. Same as the wide street scenes with a single figure, that's not my thing either generally.
 
Just to add that there are many, many different ideas of what constitutes 'street' - don't get bogged down with that, do what pleases you but be willing to learn from others.

Of course 'street' doesn't have to include people, it can have an implied connection with people...


Abandoned by Bristol Streets, on Flickr


It can be right in there...


Dunkin Croissants by Bristol Streets, on Flickr


or more encompassing...


More laid-back by Bristol Streets, on Flickr


or planned opportunities, like this silhouette...


Weight of the world... by Bristol Streets, on Flickr
 
gramps said:
Just to add that there are many, many different ideas of what constitutes 'street' - don't get bogged down with that, do what pleases you but be willing to learn from others.

Of course 'street' doesn't have to include people, it can have an implied connection with people...


Abandoned by Bristol Streets, on Flickr


It can be right in there...


Dunkin Croissants by Bristol Streets, on Flickr


or more encompassing...


More laid-back by Bristol Streets, on Flickr


or planned opportunities, like this silhouette...


Weight of the world... by Bristol Streets, on Flickr
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I'd be proud of all of those. (y)
 
gramps said:
Just to add that there are many, many different ideas of what constitutes 'street' - don't get bogged down with that, do what pleases you but be willing to learn from others.
Click to expand...
I agree. Sometimes a street is just a street...

Church Street Sidmouth SL300 DSCF3625.JPG
 
Oldbones said:
I have been out a few times, trying to do street, very hard to relax and actually take any decent shots.
Not realizing how much of a mental block pointing a camera at complete strangers actually is.
Trying one night to take a pics of about ten teens all sitting in a row on a breakwater with a sea scape backdrop.
I was actually too far away for it to work, but three of the males did come and object.
Asked what I was doing.
I replied "making art", do you have a problem with that, "we are in a public place".
Soon as they saw I was serious they just said cool and left me alone.
After that I was concerned about it, thinking that how can someone feel so entitled to stop me in the street to try and stop what I am entitled to.
Am I wrong, or just to uptight about this., I have spoken about this in the past but now its reality.
To overcome this I did go to a festival, where there were people taking pics all over, but I was the only person with a DSLR as far as I know.
Everyone had telephones.
I am going to keep going of course, but I would like a few pointers to keep myself safe and not upset any one else.
Click to expand...
My suggestion is to work out the purpose of your photographs and have a rehearsed response for anyone asking you why you are taking their photograph.

e.g, something personal about how much NE Scotland fishing villages mean to you, and as a keen photographer you are making a visual record of people working and enjoying themselves in the village, which might contribute to a historical record for the village and possibly an exhibition.

I don't really do street photography, but I feel more comfortable with a ready to go canned response, should anyone challenge me about taking photographs.

Which would also include an offer to delete the photographs if the subject is really unhappy about being photographed. Yes, I know I don't need to do this, but why upset people over a photograph? If they are rude and unpleasant about it I might, just to be thrawn and stand my ground, but normally, I take a non-confrontational approach to things, and this situation has never occurred.

I also think it;s a useful exercise to take the time to work out what you want from the photographs.
 
TimHughes said:
I get that, but it strikes me as a bit sneaky, no? Why not be straightforward about what you're doing?
Click to expand...
It's a way of starting and building up confidence for those of us that don't have it from the outset I guess?
 
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