View Full Version : Street Photography
Something that I love but often find unable to do is street photography. I was out the other night with a group on an urban picnic event. I didn't know anyone there, but I had seen the photographer at other events. I was on my own, with a group of strangers and at best I was able to ask the other photog a couple of simple questions. I watched her work as she moved about people snapping away without a care in the world. She was documenting the event, and quite well too. So when I wanted to take a photo of someone what happened? I got scared, shy, the usual. If I point my camera at someone are they going to kill me, no. Are they going to sue me, no. They'll probably want to talk to me about it out of curiosity. No-one had any issue with the other photographer but I was just too damn shy to do anything. It took me about 30 mins to engage someone else in conversation and I was fine with them once I did. The whole night annoyed me. I got some great photos of other little gems around the city centre's back streets but I was looking forward to street photography that night and I failed.
I keep thinking that if I could just break this sodding wall that comes up when I'm out my life will be brilliant. I'll be able to chat to anyone, shoot anyone on the street and not have any issues. Sure things might go bad but I'll be able to handle it. I guess all that comes with time and practice. Its weird really as I've done street photography a few times and been fine. I've even been accused of stalking some girl in Toronto but I was fine. I guess I've just lost the feel for it. Anyways I found this site the other day which is proving to be a great read. 2point8 (http://2point8.whileseated.org/?page_id=8). Its got lots of advice on street photography. There's also this video (http://www.joelmeyerowitz.com/photography/interview_06.html) showing just how easy it seems. I can't believe people use a 28mm lens, its crazy.
This is a real problem for me too. I always feel uncomfortable if taking pictures where people are in frame ...............
whiteflyer
29-04-2007, 21:37
I hear where your coming from regarding being shy in the company of strangers, that's something I too suffer from.
As for the street photography, I think there are several issues over getting assaulted and have your equipment stolen.
I'm sure some streets and city's will be much easier to shoot in than others. If your in Mathew Street Liverpool I doubt there would be a problem as the place will be full of folk taking photos and one more would not be noticed, but in other street in Liverpool you would really stand out. Manchester is another place where it would depend on which road your on, get near Exchange Square and it's always surprising how my folk with SLRs there are shooting but walk half a mile away and you'll not see any cameras.
The chap in the video did make it look easy, but notice he was all in black with black hat trying to blend in, also New York is full of nutters so nobody will notice a chap and a camera.
Does give some inspiration to get out there and give the landscape a miss for a while.
Having only been into photography a few months I often feel selfconcious when shooting, and not just when taking candids.
I find remembering the quote below genuinely helps!
Alfred Eisenstaedt - "When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear"
photostar_1
29-04-2007, 21:47
Pete, I understand completely! I would love to have a go at this kind of photography....buy too sh*t scared to try. :eek:
Alfred Eisenstaedt - "When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear"
Yup I know what you mean. When I look through the lens I do feel detached and able to do anything. Some days it takes a fair bit getting to that point though. I've been down Matthew Street and it is always popular with tourists. You're right, it probably is a good place to blend in. I've been around Bold street too and thats a great spot. There's always colourful characters there, but not as many photographers. Having a 30D + grip + 24-70, soon to be white Canon 24-70, makes me stand out a mile. I reckon a small black digital compact could be the way. Leica like. Its all about confidence though, which I need to build up again.
Irritable_Rabbit
29-04-2007, 22:10
What helps me when I'm doing street photography is that I dump the SLR and dig out my Contax Rangefinder and use the 45mm or even the 28mm if I'm feeling brave.
I would suggest to everyone who wants to try street that dumping the SLR is a good thing to do. Having just recently seen a picture of myself head on pointing an SLR at the picture taker I was shocked at how intimidating this looked. A smaller, quieter camera seems much more appropriate for street work IMHO. :)
And I agree with Pete, confidence helps. Being shy just makes you look shifty and sneaky. :suspect:
Of course, despite the above my street images are still c**p! :lol:
inophoto
29-04-2007, 22:56
I reckon a small black digital compact could be the way.
I'm not so sure about that. The big camera may look imposing but it doesn't look like you are trying to conceil what you are doing. Small camera and sneakiness says pervy to me. :lol:
Best bit of advice for this IMHO is to treat it as a performance. Take a deep breath, smile(yes with teeth) and get out in front of the public.Approach with camera down and ask away. The worst that can happen really is your told to **** off. So **** off and ask someone else! What do ya think? Goood Plan?!
I'm not so sure about that. The big camera may look imposing but it doesn't look like you are trying to conceil what you are doing. Small camera and sneakiness says pervy to me. :lol:
Its worked for street photographers since street photography started. Small Leica's used by HCB etc.
Best bit of advice for this IMHO is to treat it as a performance. Take a deep breath, smile(yes with teeth) and get out in front of the public.Approach with camera down and ask away. The worst that can happen really is your told to **** off. So **** off and ask someone else! What do ya think? Goood Plan?!
I've had mixed success with that. There's two types of street photography. Posed people on the street, and candids documenting street life. I prefer candids so you can't ask people. Essentially if feels like you're invading someones privacy in public. The obvious thing is to ask but then you've changed the event and they'll pose. I did some street portraits last year for a magazine and luckily I was working with someone so it was fun. If someone turned you down you could laugh it off with your other partner. This was especially helpful when one girl ran away screaming. Her other friend ran after her saying "Its ok, its for a magazine." So sometimes asking isn't the best way ;)
blinkerz
30-04-2007, 03:57
that looks really fun from the video, i wouldnt mind trying that style someday in the future. Just takes the right mindset and right attitude to not be pushy and have fun with it.
Irritable_Rabbit
30-04-2007, 08:15
I can't believe people use a 28mm lens, its crazy.
Can't believe I missed that bit.
I must be crazy then. :cuckoo:
What I do is:
Set aperture.
Prefocus.
Watch people around me.
See something and quickly lift the camera to my eye, and with both eyes open go 'snick' with the shutter and drop the camera again.
Keep moving confidently with camera in hand and without a care in the world.
But like I said, my pics are still c**p. :lol:
Also it's reasonably easy (read very hard actually) to shoot from the hip with the camera prefocused. :D
The caveat to all this is that I have done this very rarely because I have to be in just the right kind of mood and frame of mind.
Its worked for street photographers since street photography started. Small Leica's used by HCB etc.
:agree:
Pete, go out and buy yourself a nice Voightlander Bessa or something similar and get clicking with your leet street skills. ;)
Again, dump the SLR. You do not want to be obvious and you do not want to intimidate IMHO. Wander around with a hoooge SLR and people will stop, stare and wonder what you're up to spoiling the whole reason for doing street.
Me yesterday (read last week) wearing the latest in NOT a street photographer fashions.
http://www.aopd11.dsl.pipex.com/web/KenyaApr2007_105.jpg
I was scaring Hyaenas with that kit, not something I'd want in a street environment. Actually, hyaenas in the street would be an improvement on some of the people around these parts. :D
Can't believe I missed that bit.
I must be crazy then. :cuckoo:
Crazy in a ballsy way :D I've got a Lomo LC-A which I'm sure would be good for this sorta thing. Its just the whole manual focus bit thats a tiny bit annoying.
There seems a lot of us who fancy this but are too shy/introverted.
I think the compact idea sort of kills it a bit and yet it may be a good way to actually get started and build up a bit of confidence of being 'out there'.
Those of us who fancy it could decide a date in the not too distant future, and on said date ... we could all post/discuss our efforts.
It would be interesting to see how/who got what and with what equipment.
Just thinking out loud here.
Forbiddenbiker
30-04-2007, 09:52
I like to try my hand occasionally, and I'm not really the shy type, although I’m am possibly over polite and also don't like to upset or stress anyone by being pushy….which I can easily do if I didn’t think.
My technique seems to be, be very friendly, use smiley confidence, move quickly and apologise afterwards. :lol:
..I say it’s for my art etc.
Generally I find people respond well to flattery and enjoy the attention…that combined with the all important fantasy that their being photographed by a pro..A successful pro, who will make wonderful and beautiful images out of them...they really like that fantasy ...well who wouldn't.. I certainly do. Lol..
...I just go along with the fantasy and treat them like they are in the spot light; this can also mean I can get them to pose willingly...or for me, un-pose, or work or something, etc.
Irritable_Rabbit
30-04-2007, 10:34
Crazy in a ballsy way :D I've got a Lomo LC-A which I'm sure would be good for this sorta thing. Its just the whole manual focus bit thats a tiny bit annoying.
:nuts: :lol:
But instead of that rather handy Lomo what you really want is one of these,
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/voigtlander.htm#MBay
with a nice 2.0 35mm Biogon lens from CZ.
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/zeiss.htm#ZMlenses
:D
Just a tad out my price range :D
Irritable_Rabbit
30-04-2007, 10:41
There seems a lot of us who fancy this but are too shy/introverted.
I think the compact idea sort of kills it a bit and yet it may be a good way to actually get started and build up a bit of confidence of being 'out there'.
I disagree.
The compact or rangefinder idea does not kill street photography. IMO SLRs kill the idea of street phorography.
In this country at least there is a perception amongst non-photographers that an SLR on the street is associated with the Paps and photo journalists. So when they notice you with one they think, 'is there someone famous about?', or 'what's happening? Why are the press here?'. This changes the whole dynamic on the street and the whole reason for street photgraphy. In my considered opinion of course. ;)
I have noticed that even a humble 30D with a 24-70 attached is considered a huge camera by some of the non-togs that I have come across.
Agreed. White lens = pap / press by non-photogs. I think your best bet would be a gripless camera + 50mm lens.
Irritable_Rabbit
30-04-2007, 10:44
Just a tad out my price range :D
:lol:
At least I didn't point you at top end Leicas eh? :p
But you can find decently priced rangefinders on Ebay.
I managed to get a Contax G2 (not really a traditional Rangefinder but still nice small and quiet), along with a flash, the Carl Zeiss 2.8 28mm, 2.0 45mm and 2.8 90mm all for less than £600. :D
I have my heart set on a Leica M8, when I can afford one. I'll probably get an M6 first but thats still a ways off. Money in goes on work for now :(
Irritable_Rabbit
30-04-2007, 11:08
I have my heart set on a Leica M8, when I can afford one. I'll probably get an M6 first but thats still a ways off. Money in goes on work for now :(
Do you have any organs you don't need? I've been running on one lung since I bought a Canon 2.8 300. ;)
But in the meantime, something like this would be better than an SLR on the street IMO.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canonet-2-8-Rangefinder-MINT_W0QQitemZ170104252426QQihZ007QQcategoryZ15234 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I'm quite tempted myself TBH. :D
Ooooh she's lovely. I'd be tempted to buy her dinner and a movie :D Only £45 too, which makes me wonder what the catch is.
Irritable_Rabbit
30-04-2007, 11:17
Ooooh she's lovely. I'd be tempted to buy her dinner and a movie :D Only £45 too, which makes me wonder what the catch is.
Cheap Date then. :p
I don't think there is a catch. When I was investigating buying something and ended up with the G2, I noticed many similar cameras. It feels about the right sort of price for a nice copy.
If you really find it daunting photographing folks in the street and I'm the first to admit can be....
Set your 50mm or medium wide angle lens to the hyperfocal distance setting for around f8 and set f8 as your aperture assuming you have a reasonably quick shutter speed. A bit of insulating tape around the lens will prevent you moving the focus postion. You're basically turning your DSLR into an Instamatic. :)
Hang the camera around your neck at a height where it points forward reasonably level. fit a cable release to the side of the camera and run the cable inside your jacket, through the lining into a pocket. Better make it an old jacket. ;)
You can now walk around with both hands in your pockets and take shots in real stealth mode.
The biggest problem is still the awful shutter clatter from your average DSLR. Leicas are the chosen strreet togs weapon for good reason. :woot:
I admit I feel very uncomfortable doing street photography too. I have tried doing it discreetly, but a whopping great DSLR clattering away is anything but discreet. The one time I did have some fun was at Silverstone, when a friend had brought his shiny new 12-24 lens along... point at something, photograph someone to left or right who doesn't even realise they are in shot ;)
I do like CT's cable idea though :nuts:
I've thought about the cable idea but the noise is obvious and I dunno if feels like I'm trying to hide it then. Its like I'm trying to not get caught. I'd rather become more relaxed and confident shooting openly. "Hi yeah I'm doing street photography documenting city life." I've got the site to back me up, the business cards, and I plan on buying someones balls off ebay ;)
What I sometimes do is pick a spot and wait.
What Ive actually done, is stand still for a few moments, with the camera to the eye. Dont point it at anything, just point it in front of you and take a few breaths...Dont press the shutter. Just stand still, like you're waiting for something to happen.
It gives you that few moments to get used to your surroundings and having the camera "there" with all those people around you.
Hehe I tried that the other week. Anyone remember the 300D advert where the crowds stop at either side of the photog? Yeah that happened :D
Jimmy_Lemon
30-04-2007, 11:52
It's a wierd one! For some reason I get scared trying to do street photography (with a stills camera) but don't mind at all with a video camera. Can't work out why, but I can quite happily stand there with a video camera on a busy street filming crows or events with lots of people there....I really don't get it!
If you've got a real wide angle lens another trick is to point your camera past that old tramp on the bench, seemingly engrossed with something else, while you're actually composing your shot with him well off centre in the frame.
Hehe I tried that the other week. Anyone remember the 300D advert where the crowds stop at either side of the photog? Yeah that happened :D
That's happened to me so many times ! People can actually be polite and wait for you to take a photograph sometimes. I remember sitting on a bench in Bristol city centre taking photographs of some people passing by a fixed spot. Put camera down and 5 or so people looking at me either side wondering if they could walk by :lol:, others standing behind me wondering what I was taking a photo of.
Voids appear around photographers when cameras get lifted up. People can get paranoid or agressive or stick fingers up or worse !. Not the easiest of professions but worth it
minimeeze
30-04-2007, 14:57
London is probably one of the best places for street photography - it's quite easy to mingle in with the all the tourists wielding cameras. A day out with Arkady will soon put anyone's nerves at ease ;)
I noticed that last time I was there. There's so many people with cameras that you can easily get people shots.
A lot of these 'tips & tricks' go against the whole ethos of street photography. Standing in public with a camera concealed under your jacket is only going to reinforce the idea that you're doing something shifty, when the emphasis ought to be on building the confidence to take the pictures openly, honestly and without apology or subversive tactics.
The pages Pete linked to in the opening post give the best advice, although there's still a lot of personal opinion mixed in with the good stuff, especially in the "how to" articles on that 2point8 site.
I'm 95% sure its all down to balls. HCB and Martin Parr have both taken some dull images but they're able to get into situations that allow them to at least take the images. There's so much we don't see really. We see the final image and it looks like they walked up to someone, took a photo and walked off. They could have been there for hours shooting 10 rolls before they got that 1 shot. Need more documentaries on street photography :)
Don't forget the hit rate.
If you're a professional photographer/artist then that's what you fill your days with. And if you're out there most days, you'll get the chances to take some truly great photographs.
Have a look at the yearly output from famous snappers you admire. They don't produce that many photos each year, they just manage to dine out on the same photos for many years because they're producing enduring (literally) images.
inophoto
30-04-2007, 18:44
Standing in public with a camera concealed under your jacket is only going to reinforce the idea that you're doing something shifty, when the emphasis ought to be on building the confidence to take the pictures openly, honestly and without apology or subversive tactics.
Exactly. :clap:
woadrage
01-05-2007, 05:56
Need more documentaries on street photography :)
Street photography as a fortnightly assignment would be a good start .....
Or goths .....
:D
inophoto
01-05-2007, 17:56
Come to think of it, it may be a nice idea to have weeky/fortnightly challenges, would it not?
Do these happen already? or are there better places for that sort of thing? :thinking:
I do participate in Weeklyshot and stuff like that.
EDIT: Just seen the competitions section :bonk:
It's a wierd one! For some reason I get scared trying to do street photography (with a stills camera) but don't mind at all with a video camera. Can't work out why, but I can quite happily stand there with a video camera on a busy street filming crows or events with lots of people there....I really don't get it!
Maybe down to the fact that a stills camera is more subject specific whereas a video camera is not usually....something about the movement?
One thing's for sure. The problems I have with street photography, makes me comfortable in the fact I could never grow up to be one of those pervy old man who wires cameras into shopping bags and the like :lol:
*bins shopping bag* I tried some today. I had my lomo and was building my confidence. I took any photo I felt like and got the shots developed. They're all blurry. HAHA! Sodding manual cameras. I don't think the light meter works on it. Point at the light, red. Put hand over camera, red. Later I pointed my 30D + 24-70 at some people, who spotted me. The lens didn't focus properly so I was pointing at them for like 30 seconds focusing. That was like the worst thing ever :D
Johnny1982
01-05-2007, 20:32
I watched that video and I am pleased he is able to do that. I can tell you now that If I did that in Manchester (or anyplace) I would get people turning around saying "what the hell are you doing" People will tell each other "excuse me, that man was taking a photo of you"
If you do want the image you have to get over this and snap. But Its too much of a fuss for me to deal with. I would have to explain myself on a daily basis.
Last issue of Jpeg mag had loads of tips for street work (and Pete featured in it too!): http://www.jpgmag.com/issues/9
Jimmy_Lemon
02-05-2007, 19:05
So he does! Took me a while to get to page 84 :p
I think http://www.johnwashington.co.uk/blog/ once said that as he'd been a copper for 16 years, he'd had that ability to talk and approach people. His latest: http://www.johnwashington.co.uk/blog/index.php?showimage=925 gives some idea about his approach.
Edit: similar to the approach CT suggested above.
A lot of these 'tips & tricks' go against the whole ethos of street photography. Standing in public with a camera concealed under your jacket is only going to reinforce the idea that you're doing something shifty, when the emphasis ought to be on building the confidence to take the pictures openly, honestly and without apology or subversive tactics.
A friend of mine stood in the middle of Canterbury with a D200 and large lens openly taking pictures and was called a paedophile by a passer by :thumbsdown:
Was he wearing a dog collar?
Was he wearing a dog collar?
ROFL!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
I have a real problem with this too, I get really nervous if I know that people are watching me take photos or if I have to take photos of them. It seems to worsen with my SLR, I'm not too bad when I use my compact but that doesn't give the greatest results!:bang:
I also geet really funny looks just walking round town with my camera hanging around my neck. I once had some immature little girl hurl abuse at me as me and my friend walked by. I was so tempted to turn round and take a shot of her looking angry. :lol:
My friend, however, doesn't seem to care less. He once walked up to a guy who was arguing with a traffic warden if he could take a photo of them arguing. The guy nearly hit him!
inophoto
04-05-2007, 12:59
It definately helps if you are out with a photo-buddy. Confidence-wise anyway.
ranarama
04-05-2007, 13:49
Having a 30D + grip + 24-70, soon to be white Canon 24-70, makes me stand out a mile.
You'll be fine - the Canon 24-70 is black, although it's a beast of a lens compared to my old kit. I think the bigger the camera the better though - people take you as a proper photographer where as if you try to take pictures of strangers with a compact they think you're some kind of weirdo.
I know what you mean about street photography. I've tried it a few times and didn't really enjoy it too much. The main problem was when people saw me with the camera they either acted like a clown or tried to get out of shot. There was only one bloke that got the hump - I was trying to get some pictures of paper deliveries (rubbish theme 'Newpapers' at my club) at Oxford Circus Evening Standard stall and only had my Sigma 10-20 on. Delivery bloke saw me and said something like 'ain't you got enough yet!' Not too bad I suppose - I pretended to be foreign and not understand and sloped off down the tube.
Raymond Lin
04-05-2007, 13:51
I think with a 30D, get a 35mm prime, take off the grip. It'll be just fine I think for SP.
A 30D without the battery grip is small enough for Street work.
The 35mm prime is a more useful focal length but the 50mm prime is smaller and lighter so it's six to one and half a dozen to the other on the lens issue./
blinkerz
04-05-2007, 14:17
To make things worse, you have to be careful your not taking any pictures that include kids.
That's the problem. Thanks to fear, hysteria and the press, anyone seen waving a camera is potentially 'dodgy'. And little scally kid is going to shout that. Although it hasn't happened to me, I should imagine it would be quite embarassing.
But I can understand your concerns Pete, as I'm similar. I'm ok carrying my camera about, but feel bad pointing it in someone's face. Maybe I should get wasted first!!!
To make things worse, you have to be careful your not taking any pictures that include kids.
Nonsense. You're in the UK, you can take pictures of anything you damned well like on public ground and you're not committing any offence. If what you mean is you would CHOOSE to avoid taking pics of kids then that's something different altogether.
This is a very real problem that virtually everyone suffers from to some degree or other. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the size of your equipment *cough*. It's all in the mind. It is all about your attitude and your fears.
It is a remarkably similar situation to one faced by me and my team when approaching members of the public - just to talk to them. Even though the activity involves people you don't know, there remains a fear and that fear is one of rejection. Some people can handle it better than others. But most find it crippling until they have built up a reservoir of experience.
To help build up this experience and alleviate the fear you need to take part in a training session. Keep with me here....... Pick a town, not too far away but one you wouldn't normally go to. Set yourself a time - e.g. the training course will be from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. Prepare yourself and your equipment just as you would for any other course. Drive there and park up in plenty of time. Be early. Grab a Starbucks and soak up the atmosphere. Come 2 o'clock, chuck the coffee and get stuck in. Tell yourself it is a training session and it doesn't matter how it turns out. Tell yourself you won't meet anyone you know - and people that see you today won't see you in the future. They are there like extras on a film set, one that has been set up for this training session.
There is no short cut way. Just get stuck in and do it. But condition your brain that it is a training session and it just doesn't matter what happens. It's all about building up experience and, with it, confidence.
Another, possibly easier, way of doing the same thing is, instead of a nearby town centre, try to find a local show. Three Counties Showground, Bath & West, Truckfest at Peterborough or whatever is on in your area. Go along and mingle, get stuck in. Tell yourself that you are in a town centre - on another training day.
tis all in the mind, honest :bonk:
Hmmm...may have to do another Masterclass...
Warsaw is good BTW - just got back from a weekend there...
Do not put the viewfinder to your eye, shoot at 200 or 400asa with shutter speed of 250th sec or more and do it on the move, be bold !
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile//30963.html
Also Otto Snoek is one of the best, check him out.
robmiller
10-05-2007, 00:19
Do not put the viewfinder to your eye
I never got this. Surely it requires only slightly less balls than taking the photo properly, but looks a thousand times more suspicious?
richmond
10-05-2007, 05:05
To help build up this experience and alleviate the fear you need to take part in a training session. Keep with me here....... Pick a town, not too far away but one you wouldn't normally go to. Set yourself a time - e.g. the training course will be from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. Prepare yourself and your equipment just as you would for any other course. Drive there and park up in plenty of time. Be early. Grab a Starbucks and soak up the atmosphere. Come 2 o'clock, chuck the coffee and get stuck in. Tell yourself it is a training session and it doesn't matter how it turns out. Tell yourself you won't meet anyone you know - and people that see you today won't see you in the future. They are there like extras on a film set, one that has been set up for this training session.
There is no short cut way. Just get stuck in and do it. But condition your brain that it is a training session and it just doesn't matter what happens. It's all about building up experience and, with it, confidence.
tis all in the mind, honest :bonk:
Thanks for that. :clap: I have no problem taking pic's when on holiday or there are other photographers around. I'm going to give your suggestion a try, wish me luck.
Di
I never got this. Surely it requires only slightly less balls than taking the photo properly, but looks a thousand times more suspicious?
Its about not having enough time to put the camera to your eye, having to react very quickly, I dont behave in a suspicious way, its not illegal to take pics in public, also I dont want people to notice me, I dont want any eye contact. When that happens it becomes something else.
To do this you have to remove your thinking from - stop still - eye to camera viewfinder - compose = "taking the photo properly"
Defining street photography might do injustice to it's free, liberated and completely non-uniform nature.
Simply put street photography includes any photograph made anywhere in public places. Some people narrow it down to urban settings and some people think there must be people present in these kinds of photos. But the bottom line is that each street photographer will find their own meaning and approach therefore whatever definition they might arrive at will work just as well.
The purpose of street photography will again vary from one street photographer to another. Some photographers are interested in simply and honestly documenting life as they see it, at times adding their own interpretation to the scene. Some want to make artistic photographs of available street scenes and others basically enjoy taking pictures and do it purely for the pleasure of it.
As you probably guessed already the methods of shooting street photographs vary greatly amongst different photographers?
And so clearly street photography has no need for any set of rules and guidelines on HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE, and better be independently created and elaborated by the photographer.
Stay Safe
Sean
Its about not having enough time to put the camera to your eye, having to react very quickly, I dont behave in a suspicious way, its not illegal to take pics in public, also I dont want people to notice me, I dont want any eye contact. When that happens it becomes something else.
To do this you have to remove your thinking from - stop still - eye to camera viewfinder - compose = "taking the photo properly"
Not too sure about this - just practice and get better/faster at composing and shooting.
It's far better to take the image properly; i.e. focus, compose etc. than just bang away and hope you get something - you can't really claim to be the author of an image you didn't see when the shutter was pressed.
Richmond has the right idea - treat it all as a 'training session'.
Practice, practice, practice. There's no other way.
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