I'm taking the plunge into street photography. I'll try my luck shooting candid portraits or whatever I might find.
Kit will be my 40D w. 135L and 16-35L.
Other than that, I don't have any detailed plans or tactics - This is where you guys come in! Lend me your best tips and tricks for street photography! How to shoot without being noticed by the subject, what to do if noticed etc.
when i go for street photo, i try to shoot like a photo reporter
try to catch what it stands out: a woman with particular outfit,
guys working on the streets under 40C, a beggar with his 10 dogs, an homeless guy sleeping in a paperboard box, a nice old woman smiling, a group of motorcyclist wearing leather coats etc...the place where they are should add to the story...
make sure you won't be noticed...
if you get to be? thats a delicate question!!!..
I never been in that situation. some other guys will probably answer it.
I usually make sure to wear some very dull and bland colors so I don't stand out and don't attract attention to myself. Try to bring a good zoom lens so you can stand from a distance and still get the shot that you want. Other than that, just try and be invisible so you can get those candid shots!
I read an article/blog once (will have to find it) called something like "Real Candid Photogaphers Don't Use Telephoto Lenses".
The basic premise is that often it's best to get to know the subjects, don't go hunting around like a spy. This sounds like it would no longer be "candid" but the story goes on to explain why this is, and why the greatest candid street photographers of all time rarely use lenses over 50mm.
Try to become part of the scene. Move slowly and try not to look interesting yourself. I think a small 35, 28 or 24 lens works best.
The best thing I can add is to take your time and watch what is happening around you. It takes practice. The better street shooters usually can anticipate when a magic moment is going to happen. They are then ready with the camera, carefully raised, pre focused and exposure set. They rehearse the photo in their mind before the opportunity happens. Good street shooters develop "economy of motion." Suddenly seeing something and rushing a big lens to your face is going to impact the "moment" in many cases. Doing so will also make you feel self conscious.
If someone notices you taking shots then try to look confident and smile. If someone asks you to stop then I leave that up to your best judgement. But you must respect the rights of others. Doing a photojournalism story can be a different ball game though, but not always.
I would practice shooting at weekend flea markets in major cities. After a while you will stop feeling self conscious and be able to "see" great photo opportunities before they happen...
Be inspired and be on the moment and all things will flow. Don't worry about
anything else and you shall be fine. Here is one of my galleries shot in SF:
Just shoot, sit down next to people, talk to them if you wanna shoot them, or just be good enough to get the shot in one go. I always sling my camera around everywhere, so people get used to it, they'll relax, use a 16-35L or 24-70 for everything.
Dunno, this was, I guess, something i saw coming:
Two suggestions. 1. Practice shooting from the waist. 2. find a composition you like and set up and wait for the people to come to you and they will think you are shooting something else when you are really waiting for them to walk into the shot.
