Have "the streets" changed in 20 years?

[treeman]

It's been 20 years since I was last out and about on the streets with a camera (Rollei B35). Now by default rather than design, I find myself interested in photography again. I've somehow got (a long story) a hulking great D300 and battery grip with a 24-70mm 2.8 lens, not exactly inconspicuous!

I'm off to Brighton tomorrow with the aim of kick starting a portfolio and feeling a little apprehensive at the thought

What's it like out there these days folks? Any advice?

 

[stu_the_flat]

I have a question why don't you just shoot with out the grip as it will make your camera allot less shouty?

 

[treeman]

Hi, I had thought of that, but it does feel a little odd balance with that lens. Maybe worth a try though, thanks

 

[davekiddle]

Welcome to the forum Treeman.

I can't say whether it's changed as I'm new'ish to all this myself.

If you're asking from a point of view of security, then I don't worry about being out with the camera too much.

If you're asking from a point of view of people's reactions if you photograph them, then I guess it's all about how you approach it I guess. I'm no expert and there are other's here who could offer advice on 'street' photography.

Whatever you do, don't forget to show us the pics!

 

[dod]

shifted into the talkphotography section

 

[Badger UK]

I think one thing you will notice is that there are more people with SLR's these days than there were 20 years ago. You also need to think a little more about what you take pictures of - some people are very tetchy these days.

But the biggest difference with street togging these days is that:

It won't cost you an arm and leg in film and processing.

The auto focus will probably get more shots accurately focused than you could with the old manual lenses.

The metering on new cameras is amazing - the camera will get it right pretty much always.

You can change ISO as often as you like

Taking photos in RAW allows you to 'rescue' shots that would have been lost on film.

You can see your efforts at once - no waiting to process the films.

You won't be spending hours and hours in the dark printing.

You images can be colour, black & white, toned HDR (was HDR even invented 20 years ago?) anything you want.

Photography is bloody amazing now; it's everything we dreamed of in the 70's and 80's and a little bit better in fact. So get out there and give it stick. Give it stick.