Lawrence's 365 for 2014

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Lawrence

Senior Member
14th September

One of the PDFs Jake sent me is by a guy who does "street photography" - specifically candid portraits. He uses a 50mm prime and without permission is right in people's faces! Included in the PDF are two 30 second videos showing how he does it. I nearly peed in my pants laughing when watching them. He is so quick and so outrageous that the people he photographs from 3 ft away look behind to see what he was photographing. His secret is to never make eye contact.
The PDF is full of great ideas and with many you need a seriously big pair to execute. Anyway it was inspiring.
So today I hitched up my 35mm (don't have a 50mm) and set off with camera in "A" mode. The A mode seemed weird in itself but if I was to do this I had to be quick!

I don't have quite as big "goonards" as one needs it would seem and I basically bailed! :redface-new:

I took a few from a long way away and then did some serious cropping.

Even from across the street this guy gave me the hairy eyeball but I loved his expensive looking jacket and what I figure must be his favourite boots!

Jacket and Boots LOL.jpg

This couple were looking for a decent coffee … (my assumption)

Looking for cofffee LOL.jpg

And I popped into an art shop where I chatted to the lady who allowed me to take a photo of her hands.

Shope Assistant's Hands LOL.jpg
 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
Looking at the hands at night I can see what a hatchet job I did. My computer is in a lot of natural light during the day and the screen is hard to see so note to self. Process after sunset!
 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
15th September

Struggled for inspiration today.
Was down at the jetty to see what was available and while taking the first shot the guy in the second photo arrived for a smoke and a drink - suspect before he got home to whatever fate awaited him there.
He looks tough (hence why I "grunged" him) but I think he is a big softy. Just happens to be a Nikon owner - in his words "a D something" :rolleyes:

Coromandel Moored Boats LOL.jpg

Smoko on way home LOL.jpg
 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
Hey @Vixen can I ask you a favour?

I woke up this morning and for some reason this guy's photo sprang to mind with "What did I do wrong?"

There is something not quite right. Looking at it I think I was too close, hence the elongated and large arm.
Your thoughts?
 
Vixen

Vixen

Senior Member
Lawrence said:
Hey @Vixen can I ask you a favour?

I woke up this morning and for some reason this guy's photo sprang to mind with "What did I do wrong?"

There is something not quite right. Looking at it I think I was too close, hence the elongated and large arm.
Your thoughts?
Click to expand...

I'm not good with people pics Lawrence. I thought it looked OK but I see what you mean about his arm, but personally I can't say it detracts from the overall picture. Why not try posting it in the critique section where those more experienced can offer some comment.

If it were my shot I'd be happy with it :D but like I said I don't shoot people so I'd be happy to have even shot it regardless :D
 
R

RON_RIP

Senior Member
I don't shoot people either Lawrence. The government took my license away. But I feel that the photo captures the persona of this fellow. Fine photo. Sometimes it just does not pay to overthink it. Keep up the good work.
 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
16th September

This "in-your-face" street photography bug that I have is not easy. I am so nervous that I snap long before the AF has done it's job!
Does it get easier? Only time will tell.

Mother and Child LOL.jpg

Now this guy I wasn't too fussed about and he didn't blink an eye! :)

Uplifted Face LOL.jpg
 
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wreckdiver1321

Senior Member
Lawrence! I'm just catching up but excellent work lately!

Street photography is a lot of fun and it can be difficult to get into. There are a bunch of different ways to go about it, but here's how I do it:

1) I equip myself with a 35mm 1.8, which is around a 50mm on my D3100. It's a great focal length, and it forces you to get right in the action. Because of that, it makes you think and frame your shot more carefully. Your shots will look better for it.
2) I shoot anywhere between f/4.5 to f/8, depending on my focus setup (more on that in a second)
3) Depending on how crowded it is, I'll either keep my AF on (if it's crowded) or zone focus (not crowded). Zone focusing is basically when you pick a distance to focus (eg. 1.5 meters), then go into manual focus mode. This way, you can just snap when your subject comes into the right focal range. Zone focusing sometimes produces results that are more blurry, but I find that makes them a little more gritty and moody. I'm at wider apertures when I go the AF route, and I'm usually at f/8 when I zone focus.
4) Aperture priority! It takes ages to manually set shutter speed and confer with the light meter. That's time you don't have when you're street shooting. I tried it in manual mode, and nearly every time the subject moved before I got the shot. Also, experiment with metering modes until you find something that works for you.
5) Keep the camera down and study the scene. Wait until you see something interesting, then pick where to stand. This is where having a prime comes in handy, since you kind of get a feel for how the shot will be framed even before you bring the camera to your eye.
6) Don't ask permission, but don't be pushy. Most of all, don't hesitate. If you are outwardly uncomfortable, your subjects will react in a similar way.
7) Get the shot. Sometimes your subject doesn't mind you, sometimes they do. Most of the time, I'm in and out quickly, but I try to be fluid and casual about it. Sometimes, the subject will see you or acknowledge you and be okay with you. If they see me and see that I am shooting them, then I smile and say, "thank you." You'd be amazed how disarming that is.

Here's some further videos to check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In5sR-tUhCM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egLEYmogyoE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwmCrGVS3ZQ

Also, have a look at this website, full of great info: Start Here

I hope that helps! Keep at it, I always love catching up on your work.
 
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L

Lawrence

Senior Member
18th September

I took only one photo today - that in itself is unusual.

At first I was thrilled with the photo in terms of subject but disappointed with the background distractions. But in street photography you sometimes have to take what you get.

In the end I am very happy with what I have managed to achieve with it.

Anyway here is the finished product

Man and his best friend LOL.jpg

and as shot with background still in play ...

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Lobo LOL.jpg

I could not have done this even 2 months ago!
 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
wreckdiver1321 said:
Lawrence! I'm just catching up but excellent work lately!

Street photography is a lot of fun and it can be difficult to get into. There are a bunch of different ways to go about it, but here's how I do it:

1) I equip myself with a 35mm 1.8, which is around a 50mm on my D3100. It's a great focal length, and it forces you to get right in the action. Because of that, it makes you think and frame your shot more carefully. Your shots will look better for it.
2) I shoot anywhere between f/4.5 to f/8, depending on my focus setup (more on that in a second)
3) Depending on how crowded it is, I'll either keep my AF on (if it's crowded) or zone focus (not crowded). Zone focusing is basically when you pick a distance to focus (eg. 1.5 meters), then go into manual focus mode. This way, you can just snap when your subject comes into the right focal range. Zone focusing sometimes produces results that are more blurry, but I find that makes them a little more gritty and moody. I'm at wider apertures when I go the AF route, and I'm usually at f/8 when I zone focus.
4) Aperture priority! It takes ages to manually set shutter speed and confer with the light meter. That's time you don't have when you're street shooting. I tried it in manual mode, and nearly every time the subject moved before I got the shot. Also, experiment with metering modes until you find something that works for you.
5) Keep the camera down and study the scene. Wait until you see something interesting, then pick where to stand. This is where having a prime comes in handy, since you kind of get a feel for how the shot will be framed even before you bring the camera to your eye.
6) Don't ask permission, but don't be pushy. Most of all, don't hesitate. If you are outwardly uncomfortable, your subjects will react in a similar way.
7) Get the shot. Sometimes your subject doesn't mind you, sometimes they do. Most of the time, I'm in and out quickly, but I try to be fluid and casual about it. Sometimes, the subject will see you or acknowledge you and be okay with you. If they see me and see that I am shooting them, then I smile and say, "thank you." You'd be amazed how disarming that is.

Here's some further videos to check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In5sR-tUhCM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egLEYmogyoE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwmCrGVS3ZQ

Also, have a look at this website, full of great info: Start Here

I hope that helps! Keep at it, I always love catching up on your work.
Click to expand...

Thanks for video links and website.
Just watched the videos. The streets of Hong Kong are vastly different in terms of population to small town New Zealand! Looks a lot easier there than it feels here!
These guys are also pretty open about it (even using flash) and ask people whereas I prefer not to.
I thought the tips on preparation were very good.
Really enjoyed watching them. Thanks
Now off to check out that site.
 
W

wreckdiver1321

Senior Member
Lawrence said:
Thanks for video links and website.
Just watched the videos. The streets of Hong Kong are vastly different in terms of population to small town New Zealand! Looks a lot easier there than it feels here!
These guys are also pretty open about it (even using flash) and ask people whereas I prefer not to.
I thought the tips on preparation were very good.
Really enjoyed watching them. Thanks
Now off to check out that site.
Click to expand...

They just ask people in that one video, most of the time they don't ask. Yes, HK is much more populated. Even in the biggest city in Montana, there's still not a lot of people around me either. I like to wait until big gatherings, street festivals, markets, etc. But if you can get comfortable shooting in a less populated environment, you will be comfortable with it anywhere. Still, it's a lot of fun and very rewarding when you do get that shot.

Very nice photo by the way, it has a lot of interest, and it looks nice and contrasty in black and white. I would have left the shop window in for context, but that's just me. I am very impressed at your ability to remove it though. It does make it look very clean. Nice work!
 
L

Lawrence

Senior Member
19th September

Righto took some photos for the photography course and then remembered I needed something here too!

This little fella was chucking rocks at a building site I visited. Not at all fussed or even interested in the camera!

Rock Chucker LOL.jpg
 
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