Online Photography Journal

Jun 15
2011




online photography journal
How do I get better at street photography without being rude to the subjects I want to capture?

I've been checking out Burn Magazine online for a while now and want to be able to do the same thing as the photographers featured on this journal; however, every time I want to take a picture of somebody on the street, they either notice me, or I feel rushed and don't manage to get the picture right

My best attempts:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4170787012_ecb41f6a24_b.jpg (distance)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/4170777420_fd0881bc12_b.jpg (framing)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/4134274761_675dd278e7_b.jpg (colours)

and they kind of suck.

I'm interested in photojournalism in the illustrative sense, but how do Magnum photographers take pictures of people without offending them? Do they go out with huge lenses to get their subjects closer to them, or do they get closer to the subjects?

Thanks for your advice.

x.

you have to shoot a LOT! Sometimes you just won't get the right expressions from people (whether you asked them or are doing it secretly). Seriously, just keep shooting. There will be a lot of crappy ones, but at least you won't miss that perfect one(s)!

The person above also offers good advice. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will become. And when you are comfortable, other people will become comfortable too. If the person knows you are photographing them, count to three and take the picture before, to avoid the cheesy smile. Or ask them to look away and take a deep breath, then look back at you with a normal expression. This will show more of their soul and personality than a cheesy "hi mom!" shot.

And I have to say, in regards to the first photo, please please please don't cut off people's feet. I know it's difficult when you're quickly shooting people, but try to be conscious of it. You said you were at a distance for that one, so it shouldn't be so cropped there. If you have too much space you can always crop it down later. But please leave their feet, or crop a bit further up the leg, not at the ankles. =)

Also, try to attend events where people are having fun and are more comfortable or even expect to be photographed. Our local Renaissance Festival is the prime place. LOTS of interesting people who are eager to be photographed, but don't have a problem with not smiling. =P

If people do notice you, take the picture anyway. It's always easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. Sometimes people will assume you must have been photographing something else and not want to approach you. You can also learn to shoot from your hip. When people don't see the camera at your face, they don't assume you're taking one. It's difficult and takes some practice to get the framing right. Leave yourself plenty of room so you won't crop the person in half by accident.

When taking pictures of children in full-view of their parents, it's always better to ask for permission. I'm sure it's not fun to be approached by the cops for being labeled as a peeping tom. I've got some adorable pictures from a park though, where I was not in full-view.

As far as subjects' rights go, as long as they are in a public place, you can photograph them without permission. However, certain private property, private situations (bathroom, dr's office, fitting room, etc) or obviously at residencies, you need the person's permission.

It looks like you're off to a good start. They're interesting and not just every day mom-shots or snapshots. Keep it up!!


Portable Lighting Studio Ideal For Jewlery, Electronics, Collectables And More For The Fuji Finepix HS10, S2600 HD, S2500 HD (S2500HD), S1800, S1600, AX200, AV100 Digital Camera


Portable Lighting Studio Ideal For Jewlery, Electronics, Collectables And More For The Fuji Finepix HS10, S2600 HD, S2500 HD (S2500HD), S1800, S1600, AX200, AV100 Digital Camera


$39.99


Contents Of BoxOne Light Box - The included light box has two colored backgrounds for varying contrasts. It is designed for easyset up, as it can be placed either on a table top, or even on your floor. The light box is made of a specially woven, heat resistant, nylon fiber-mesh diffuser, which helps deliver uniform illumination while eliminating unwanted glare and harsh shadows. Its dual sided bac...

The Belly Book: A Nine-Month Journal for You and Your Growing Belly (Potter Style)


The Belly Book: A Nine-Month Journal for You and Your Growing Belly (Potter Style)


$8.61


The Belly Book: A Nine-Month Journal for You and Your Growing Belly Before you get to meet your baby, you spend a swell (so to speak) nine months getting acquainted with your growing belly. The first pregnancy journal devoted 100% to you and your belly, The Belly Book is organized by trimester and includes pages for “time-lapse belly photos and ultrasound images, as well as prompts for writi...

One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey


One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey


$9.95


To live in a pristine land . . . roam the wilderness . . . build a home. . . . Thousands have had such dreams, but Richard Proenneke lived them. Here is a tribute to a man who carved his masterpiece out of the beyond....

Back To The Wild


Back To The Wild


$25.00


The photographs and writings of Christopher McCandless. This book contains original photographs, postcards and journal entries from Christopher McCandless during his 2yr journey throughout the Western United States, Mexico, Canada and Alaska. Featuring Hal Holbrook, Wayne Westerberg and Jan Burres...

DELUXE SCHOOL MEMORIES KEEPSAKE PHOTO ALBUM SCRAPBOOK Pre & K-12 - **FACTORY SEALED**


DELUXE SCHOOL MEMORIES KEEPSAKE PHOTO ALBUM SCRAPBOOK Pre & K-12 - **FACTORY SEALED**


$21.94


SCHOOL MEMORIES KEEPSAKE BOOK BRAND NEW!! FACTORY SEALED!! NEVER OPENED!! What a wonderful way to never forget your child's school years. With this spiral bound, hardback Keepsake Book, special momentos and fun activities will forever be preserved. This Keepsake contains pages from preschool through 12th Grade and each is geared towards that age and activity period. With this Keepsake Bo...


Comments are closed.