 |
| Playtime |
I've been photographing things ever since I was about 9 years old, with my first camera, which was a KodaK Brownie. Time with the family, at picnics, on vacations, during birthdays, with camera in hand, made me an observer. Over the years photography became less about capturing moments in my life, and more about documenting life happening around me. It's about finding those ordinary moments that provide a glimpse of who we are or how we go about living our lives. Moments in street photography just happen, they can't be contrived, or prepared. Unlike portraiture or commercial photography, street photographers are walking around in the world, without an agenda, waiting for that special moment, and 99% of the time you miss it! That's what makes street photography most difficult, it's about catching those unrehearsed moments that have meaning or tell a story.
 |
| Enter the Dragon |
I'm always happy to answer questions and offer tips when asked. If you'd like to see more examples of street photography, here are links to several photographers, whose street photography has influenced me, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Helen Levitt, Vivian Maier
I love street photography, but am not comfortable taking pics of people if they know I'm taking pics of them. How did you get over that?
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost, you have to realize you're not doing anything wrong. Street photography is perfectly legal and you don't need permission to do it. Look friendly and open, like you belong there. Don't be sneaky and act suspicious, most people don't mind having their photograph taken, unless they think you're "up to no good". Try not to make eye contact, the idea is to capture spontaneous moments. Once you make eye contact, people will pose. If your confronted or questioned, be calm and polite, compliment them, let them know you found what they were doing interesting or touching, or you thought the way the were dressed was cool. Show them the photograph. Offer to email them a copy. If they tell you they don't want their photograph taken or they want you to delete it, comply with their wish. Better to lose a photograph than spread bad feelings. Photographer Eric Kim has a great youTube on conquering your fear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn0HmyxHiNw
DeleteHere's a link to a Street Photography Do's & Don'ts by DigitaRev photographer Kai Wong. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In5sR-tUhCM
ReplyDelete