Street portraiture

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lawrenceots

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I want to do more portraiture - street type with the 85mm lens. Now, is it considered ok to go up to someone and ask if I can take there picture? Obviously not kids, but is there anything wrong/pervy with this?
 
lawrenceots said:
I want to do more portraiture - street type with the 85mm lens. Now, is it considered ok to go up to someone and ask if I can take there picture? Obviously not kids, but is there anything wrong/pervy with this?
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Nothing wrong with it but street photography is often better when the person isnt aware of the camera IMO.
 
Take the picture and if it may raise a few eyebrows (even slight things like a woman bending over) then speak to the subject and ask if you may use the picture, be honest and tell them it's only for your portfolio/scrapbook etc and not for a commercial purpose. They will either decline or accept but if you're nice then they will 90% of the time accept plus you may make a new friend in the process :)
 
I know that typically street photography is candids but there is a person on one of my flickr groups, strobist i think but not 100% sure, who has a project going on where she goes up to interesting looking people and asks them to pose. I think her photographs are fantastic and if you do it right i think it can be a great set of photo's. I wish i had the balls to do it - it HAS to be easier for a woman than a man :)
 
dubcat said:
I know that typically street photography is candids but there is a person on one of my flickr groups, strobist i think but not 100% sure, who has a project going on where she goes up to interesting looking people and asks them to pose. I think her photographs are fantastic and if you do it right i think it can be a great set of photo's. I wish i had the balls to do it - it HAS to be easier for a woman than a man :)
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I've done it before, if you're friendly you'll get a pretty good response. Some people will say no thanks, that's fine just thank them and move on. If you have a card with the url to your website and name on it people will be more willing to help IMO.
 
Just realized, I explained it wrongly! Basically, I want to do portraiture (similar to ones I've posted before) not candids - tbh at the moment I'm not that keennom candids. So, if I see someone that would look great/looks great, I'd like to capture that in the surroundings - so portraiture outside the studio inguess. Typical portraiture but without the studio back drop. MostProbably be girls etc, as I'm not sure about male portraiture, I've done family but I can't seem to get good ones unless their kids, like my 8-9 year old cousins/brother etc. Really keen on the idea, just a tad worried about looking weird or pervy...
 
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As someone already said have some cards ready, be confident when approaching people and looking around, because if you look nervous people think you are doing something wrong. Be cool. Maybe if you go with someone else like a female companion it might help you with confidence. Best thing to do is just try it, the worst thing to happen is they say no.
Good luck
 
lawrenceots said:
Just realized, I explained it wrongly! Basically, I want to do portraiture (similar to ones I've posted before) not candids - tbh at the moment I'm not that keennom candids. So, if I see someone that would look great/looks great, I'd like to capture that in the surroundings - so portraiture outside the studio inguess. Typical portraiture but without the studio back drop. MostProbably be girls etc, as I'm not sure about male portraiture, I've done family but I can't seem to get good ones unless their kids, like my 8-9 year old cousins/brother etc. Really keen on the idea, just a tad worried about looking weird or pervy...
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so will you already have a model lined up or are you asking people on the street?

It's actually called environmental portraiture and it means that your subject or subjects are photographed on location informally (no white backdrop etc) it's something I've started as well and it's easy for me mainly because I'm 17 I just have friends to photograph and some girls have asked if I can photograph them :)

just be confident, it's not the photographing that's the problem it's the very first moment you try and get your camera out, you start to get it out and you think people are looking at you so you put it back, then you try again and fail and it's goes in a never ending cycle. Just whack it out and have done with it ;)
 
yeah it'll be random model on the street (as bad as that sounds!) I'd intend to already have the camera out, but not with a flipping 70-300 on - a discreet lens that doesn't immediately scream "I'm looking thru windows 3 miles away at you".
 
Ok I had a dig around and found that persons site for you, I hope this helps. I might give it a shot as a personal project one day.

http://www.100strangers.com/

Tell me what you think. Hope it helps.

Dub
 
Hmm some interesting stuff on there - thanks for the link. Yeah I guess that's something I'd might do - I'm going to read up more closely on it. :)
 
There's nothing wrong with photographing people in the street or elsewhere in the public domain. Even if you approach people and ask their permission, be prepared for attitudes to vary enormously from the only- too -willing to pose for you, to those who will object very strongly. You'll inevitably encounter some of the latter sooner or later. keep a cheerful outgoing disposition and avoid looking furtive as you go about the job.
 
i've been doing lot of this recently. Mostly totally candid shots, but occasionally i ask interesting looking people if i can take their picture. as noted above, be confident, look like you know what you're doing and don't be afraid to smile at people. The vast majority of the time you'll have no problem and once you get over the initial shyness you'll start loving it.

I honestly think that this kind of candid, un staged and unpredictable photography is the most satisfying that there is because you go out having no idea of what you're going to come home with. Don't get me wrong, i have nothing against good architecture / landscape / posed type shots...but the 'predictable' nature of them doesn't excite me in the same way that good quality street photography does.

Good luck with your project - the 85mm 1.8 is a great lens for street work. I've used it myself a fair bit. The 50mm is very good as well! I look forward to seeing some of your shots.

feel free to check out my flickr ;)
 
Nothing at all wrong with asking. Start a conversation with the person then ask them if you can shoot some photos. Work the situation. I'm doing a book on an area of Toronto and I ask most of the time. Take a look at my flickr page about the image!!! The project is called Kensigton Market.
 
P.S. I shoot everything with a 17-55mm lens on a 1.5 times crop so a 25.5-82.5. I keep it on 25.5 all the time, I like working close.
 
Thanks inwill have a look. Yes, I'm not that good at going up toncompletely random people (especially girls! :lol) unless there's a clear objective/role I have like trying to sell flipping memberships! So I'll have a go this weekend, what could go wrong!
Btw, what'd you recon would be best? The 85mm 1.8 (it'll be mf on the D5k) or the 18-70?
 
I'd go 18-70 it'll force you to get closer. Once you've done this a few times you'll get over the stage fright mate.
 
This guy has a great manner about him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQHJcmpoAvM&sns=em

It's all about confidence, so just get out there and start taking some pictures.

I started doing 100 strangers last year, the first few are very nerve racking, but when someone says yes and then you get a great picture it's totally worth it.

Good luck, post some pics soon!!
 
lawrenceots said:
Thanks inwill have a look. Yes, I'm not that good at going up toncompletely random people (especially girls! :lol) unless there's a clear objective/role I have like trying to sell flipping memberships! So I'll have a go this weekend, what could go wrong!
Btw, what'd you recon would be best? The 85mm 1.8 (it'll be mf on the D5k) or the 18-70?
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go with the 18-70 BUT if you start enjoying this, consider selling your d5000 and upgrading to something like a d90, and get yourself a prime lens or two. :)
 
BarryG said:
This guy has a great manner about him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQHJcmpoAvM&sns=em

It's all about confidence, so just get out there and start taking some pictures.

I started doing 100 strangers last year, the first few are very nerve racking, but when someone says yes and then you get a great picture it's totally worth it.

Good luck, post some pics soon!!
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Thanks for sharing - i found it inspiring! I reckon a person could really get addicted to this street portrait concept :) Would have to grow a big set of balls first though :)
 
Nothing stopping you doing it.:)
 
jockwav said:
Nothing stopping you doing it.:)
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Actually there is a fairly substantial thing stopping me - ME! :)

You are right of course!
 
I think if we are all honest we all felt nervous the very first photo that we tried on the streets.
After your first couple it,s not a problem,well it didn,t bother me anyway,it,s great once you get started.:):thumbs:
 
may i chime in with a crazy suggestion to aid people in a bit of street shooting...how about a bit of dutch courage? Seriously...it's actually helped me in the past to have a couple of cheeky drinks (not too much obviously, don't want to be unable to use the camera!) before going out and taking pics of strangers.

i'm not ashamed to say that quite a few pics on my flickr were taken after the pub with friends etc! :D
 
may i chime in with a crazy suggestion to aid people in a bit of street shooting...how about a bit of dutch courage?

I like it!!!!
 
I saw a video on youtube,where someone does exactly what you want to do,
will try and find the link :)
 
Dutch courage got me started street shooting! I was out with friends and it turned into an all day boozer in Soho, after a skinful i decided I was Bruce Gilden and started snapping everyone on the street. When I saw all the characters and emotions in Lightroom through the hungover fug the next day, I was hooked!

Personally I like to get the shot just as the subject makes eye contact, before they have a chance to react to the camera, but still make that connection to the viewer that only eye contact can give.
 
85mm sounds pretty long on a D7000 for street shooting. I would get either the 35mm F/1.8 or the 50mm F/1.8 instead. The 35mm will give you a nice equivelent of just over 50mm, which is a great focal length for this kind of shooting. The 85mm you have will work out at 127mm, which is a good 37mm over your classic portrait length and into voyeuristic telephoto length!
 
Jamtea said:
85mm sounds pretty long on a D7000 for street shooting. I would get either the 35mm F/1.8 or the 50mm F/1.8 instead. The 35mm will give you a nice equivelent of just over 50mm, which is a great focal length for this kind of shooting. The 85mm you have will work out at 127mm, which is a good 37mm over your classic portrait length and into voyeuristic telephoto length!
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true - but i think a nice 85mm prime is a good one to start with when you've never done it before and you're a bit nervous about getting too close. It's good because it has decent reach but doesn't LOOK too big (it's tiny in fact) so you can get away with it.

I started on 85mm then went down to 50mm and have recently even been using my tokina at 11mm for street shots! :)
 
Wow, 11mm! On APS-C that's still pretty damn in your face. You must have nerves of steel to get that close!

Seriously though, I imagine that focal length must give some pretty unique shots for street stuff :)
 
Jamtea said:
Wow, 11mm! On APS-C that's still pretty damn in your face. You must have nerves of steel to get that close!

Seriously though, I imagine that focal length must give some pretty unique shots for street stuff :)
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it's awesome though cos you can get away with looking like you're photographing something else altogether and still get your intended subject in frame :)

here's a quick one from yesterday, probably kneeling about a foot from the guy, but cos i'm pointing my camera away from him, he only slightly suspects what my intentions are ;)

dsc0381edit.jpg
 
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Ahh, love it. I swear, I will have to grab one of the 8-15mm when they finally hit the shelves for some (massively fisheyed) street fun!

That said, the 14mm 2.8 rectilinear is really starting to look more like a sensible purchase... well not really, but it would be fantastic for this stuff!
 
I use anything from a 50mm upto 300mm for street shooting ... on a 1Ds or 5D. I think you use what the situation dictates.

For me its not about what the rules say of what lens or f-number. Its about getting the mood, moment or look.

Back in the good old days ... yawn .... you were judged by results and it didnt matter waht kit you used.

Just go do it. Look in the mirror .... are you smiling? if you are ..... carry on :)
 
I do quite a bit of street shooting and most people don't know how to react, look a bit puzzled and carry on, if they notice at all. However, expect a confrontation at some point, not everyone wants to be photographed in the street. Think I might react to a drunken man taking my picture.

Not always sure Iwould want close ups of faces though in a street, what do they portray? I prefer a shorter focal length so as to show a bit of context.

Rampanthamster - great pic, noticed you do some great stuff!
 
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Go for it! The definition of a portrait is that someone KNOWS they are being photographed. Which is completely different from candid street photography. I did a short workshop with David Graham at the NPG and he sent us out to get portraits around Trafalgar Square. I felt more confident in a small group, it was easier to strike up a conversation with people. Most were more than happy to co-operate. The lesson I learned is that it is more about how you interact with people than how you use your camera. From memory, David Graham sticks his camera on Av mode, disables the flash, auto ISO and just goes for it. None of this Manual, grey-card, technical nonsense!
 
Photodiva said:
Go for it! The definition of a portrait is that someone KNOWS they are being photographed. Which is completely different from candid street photography. I did a short workshop with David Graham at the NPG and he sent us out to get portraits around Trafalgar Square. I felt more confident in a small group, it was easier to strike up a conversation with people. Most were more than happy to co-operate. The lesson I learned is that it is more about how you interact with people than how you use your camera. From memory, David Graham sticks his camera on Av mode, disables the flash, auto ISO and just goes for it. None of this Manual, grey-card, technical nonsense!
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yeah, i tend to do a bit of both. Started by just taking candids but then started asking people as well. The trouble with asking people is that a) they might pose to much and b) they might say no - then you really can't take a shot of them.

I had a few instances on sunday where i saw some great characters and ASKED them if i could take a photo but they refused. I'm wondering if i should have just taken a quick snap any way, without asking.

I always use AV mode for street photos. And set my iso depending on how light it is outside really. Never use flash :)
 
rampanthamster said:
yeah, i tend to do a bit of both. Started by just taking candids but then started asking people as well. The trouble with asking people is that a) they might pose to much and b) they might say no - then you really can't take a shot of them.

I had a few instances on sunday where i saw some great characters and ASKED them if i could take a photo but they refused. I'm wondering if i should have just taken a quick snap any way, without asking.

I always use AV mode for street photos. And set my iso depending on how light it is outside really. Never use flash :)
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I guess its win some, lose some. If you want them to look at the camera you will probably have to ask. Look at the BP Photographic portrait show for inspiration. David Graham reckons people photograph better if they feel/stand/sit comfortably - and you should take LOTS of shots. That goes a bit against the grain for me, but he gets pics in the NPG show and I don't ....
 
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