What is your usual strategy for close up candids?

An incident the other day got me thinking I should change to option 1 and always be upfront about what I am doing. Another part of me thinks this may just be a reaction and that being stealthy is fine, hence my question.

I often visit touristy areas and looking past my subject works great as they almost never guess. I used to enjoy stealth with a flip screen or GR, but feel a bit dirty doing that now. When not in tourist areas I straight up fire away and smile with a left side viewfinder, never asking permission. It works out well nearly every time.

The other day I spotted two old men on a bench and decided to take their photo. It was in front of an extremely popular cathedral in Paris (the one at the hill viewpoint). By looking past them I didn't properly see one man's protests about having his photo taken, which may have stopped me if I had been straight up taking their photo.

He was rude, I tried to smile and shake it off saying we are in front of a beautiful building (even though it was the rear). He threatened to call the police which I encouraged as I know the law and I was at least 10 feet away, so it certainly didn't come under abuse, but this guy had been triggered and was ranting and swearing and giving me the finger so I just walked off.

It got to me a bit i.e. imagining later what I could have said differently. Is this par for the course with steet photography and should I try to shake it off and grow thicker skin? Or should I be more upfront? I 100% prefer holding the camera to my face but have started being more stealthy since the incident, fiddling with my camera like Gary Winograd (sp?) or shooting past people.

Would be interesting to hear how others have dealt with this internal issue.

Member said:

The other day I spotted two old men on a bench and decided to take their photo. It was in front of an extremely popular cathedral in Paris (the one at the hill viewpoint). By looking past them I didn't properly see one man's protests about having his photo taken, which may have stopped me if I had been straight up taking their photo.

Click to expand...

If I am close enough that the people can notice me, I strike up a conversation and ask permission to photograph.





- Richard

--
http://www.rsjphoto.net

I often shoot from distance with a long lens.

--




Asian tourists shooting the sites at the Baltimore, MD, harbor

Olympus E-1, 50-200mm lens at 215mm

MatMayer said:

An incident the other day got me thinking I should change to option 1 and always be upfront about what I am doing. Another part of me thinks this may just be a reaction and that being stealthy is fine, hence my question.

I often visit touristy areas and looking past my subject works great as they almost never guess. I used to enjoy stealth with a flip screen or GR, but feel a bit dirty doing that now. When not in tourist areas I straight up fire away and smile with a left side viewfinder, never asking permission. It works out well nearly every time.

The other day I spotted two old men on a bench and decided to take their photo. It was in front of an extremely popular cathedral in Paris (the one at the hill viewpoint). By looking past them I didn't properly see one man's protests about having his photo taken, which may have stopped me if I had been straight up taking their photo.

He was rude, I tried to smile and shake it off saying we are in front of a beautiful building (even though it was the rear). He threatened to call the police which I encouraged as I know the law and I was at least 10 feet away, so it certainly didn't come under abuse, but this guy had been triggered and was ranting and swearing and giving me the finger so I just walked off.

It got to me a bit i.e. imagining later what I could have said differently. Is this par for the course with steet photography and should I try to shake it off and grow thicker skin? Or should I be more upfront? I 100% prefer holding the camera to my face but have started being more stealthy since the incident, fiddling with my camera like Gary Winograd (sp?) or shooting past people.

Would be interesting to hear how others have dealt with this internal issue.

Click to expand...

Ughhh, man, if all you're doing is taking photos of people sitting or standing around, offer to delete the shot if someone protests. There's always another opportunity like that just a short walk down the road. If these aren't photos that'll make you famous and end up in an exhibit someday, it's not worth the hassle.

Curious BTW what you mean by 'stealth'. Shooting blindly from the hip, or using a 500mm lens + 1.4x teleconverter from a distance or something like that? Sounds sneaky. Or did you mean 'invisible' where you dress and behave like just any other person to others in your vicinity? Psychology is a powerful thing... you can come across as easy-going and relaxed within a split-second of someone's first impression of you... if you're relaxed with a camera in hand, they'll be relaxed with you and your camera near them. Usually you won't even be noticed. That's 'invisible'. Hiding in a bush is 'stealth'. People will notice you hiding in a bush

Member said:

Ughhh, man, if all you're doing is taking photos of people sitting or standing around, offer to delete the shot if someone protests.

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He had the red mist and there was no reasoning.

Member said:

There's always another opportunity like that just a short walk down the road. If these aren't photos that'll make you famous and end up in an exhibit someday, it's not worth the hassle.

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None of my photos will end up anywhere, at least that is not my intention. They are for me. Being famous has no interest to me. This post is really about how to be more comfortable enjoying street photography.

Member said:

Curious BTW what you mean by 'stealth'. Shooting blindly from the hip, or using a 500mm lens + 1.4x teleconverter from a distance or something like that? Sounds sneaky. Or did you mean 'invisible' where you dress and behave like just any other person to others in your vicinity?

Click to expand...

You know what stealth means i.e. all of the above. All my photos are stolen moments imo. From the more experienced street photographers I am looking for experiences on what works for them best. Like the two posters above kindly shared.

Member said:

Psychology is a powerful thing... you can come across as easy-going and relaxed within a split-second of someone's first impression of you... if you're relaxed with a camera in hand, they'll be relaxed with you and your camera near them. Usually you won't even be noticed. That's 'invisible'. Hiding in a bush is 'stealth'. People will notice you hiding in a bush

Click to expand...

Agreed, first impressions really count. I have been told I create an uneasy atmosphere before, so have tried to smile more. In Paris our local friend told us to avoid smiling at the French as they can take it the wrong way e.g. think you are laughing at them. I never shoot longer than 120mm and even then seem to get spotted as I don't hide in bushes, but it feels like a safe distance. Shooting at 24mm a few feet from someone would probably benefit from certain tactics, which is what I am looking for to keep my confidence up e.g. smile, maybe engage, dress a certain way?

richj20 said:

If I am close enough that the people can notice me, I strike up a conversation and ask permission to photograph.

Click to expand...

That is something I really want to do, starting with a project. I like the idea of engaging people and then taking shots whilst in conversation, keeping it somewhat candid, or the project is people with street shops and their work. Will be difficult due to shyness but I am all for facing ones fears and anything which could improve my photos, except for using RAW :-D

But there are those fast moments when the light is just right and someone walks past and I can't resist capturing. Capturing someone totally candid is often a joy too. I got a couple heavily necking from about 3 feet at the same location as the above incident and no way could I have asked.

With the old man that was a situation where it was probably best to ask first. Maybe it is just a case of getting experience and then doing what feels right in each situation.

MatMayer said:

With the old man that was a situation where it was probably best to ask first. Maybe it is just a case of getting experience and then doing what feels right in each situation.

Click to expand...

That seems like a practical solution.

Here, neither saw me so I didn't hesitate to click.





Below: an opportunistic moment. I had my camera on a tripod to photograph this doorway and just as I was about to click, a girl opened the door and peeked out.







Festivals where people dress up: they expect (and enjoy) to be photographed.





Each situation is different.

- Richard

--

If you're comfortable with what you're doing you'll find out that the majority of people dont mind to have their picture taken, i dont anyway..



















.. of course you can also engadge with your subjects and ask to take their picture, some people will argue thats not SP but personally i dont really care about it.























--

Thanks everyone, some really nice photos shared. jacwashere you have a new fan, I am loving your Flickr and the ones you shared here. Its the kind of creative stuff that inspires me.

MatMayer said:

Thanks everyone, some really nice photos shared. jacwashere you have a new fan, I am loving your Flickr and the ones you shared here. Its the kind of creative stuff that inspires me.

Click to expand...

Haha thanks so much for that!

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/106993985@N04/

jacwashere said:

MatMayer said:

Thanks everyone, some really nice photos shared. jacwashere you have a new fan, I am loving your Flickr and the ones you shared here. Its the kind of creative stuff that inspires me.

Click to expand...

Haha thanks so much for that!

Click to expand...

Totally genuine as I find far too many people stick to certain "street photography". I followed then unfollowed loads of Facebook street photography groups as the photos are too often silly coincidences or soulless shadows. Not bad photos, just same old themes. Nice to see refreshing edges that make me want to try new things.

MatMayer said:

An incident the other day got me thinking I should change to option 1 and always be upfront about what I am doing. Another part of me thinks this may just be a reaction and that being stealthy is fine, hence my question.

I often visit touristy areas and looking past my subject works great as they almost never guess. I used to enjoy stealth with a flip screen or GR, but feel a bit dirty doing that now. When not in tourist areas I straight up fire away and smile with a left side viewfinder, never asking permission. It works out well nearly every time.

The other day I spotted two old men on a bench and decided to take their photo. It was in front of an extremely popular cathedral in Paris (the one at the hill viewpoint). By looking past them I didn't properly see one man's protests about having his photo taken, which may have stopped me if I had been straight up taking their photo.

He was rude, I tried to smile and shake it off saying we are in front of a beautiful building (even though it was the rear). He threatened to call the police which I encouraged as I know the law and I was at least 10 feet away, so it certainly didn't come under abuse, but this guy had been triggered and was ranting and swearing and giving me the finger so I just walked off.

It got to me a bit i.e. imagining later what I could have said differently. Is this par for the course with steet photography and should I try to shake it off and grow thicker skin? Or should I be more upfront? I 100% prefer holding the camera to my face but have started being more stealthy since the incident, fiddling with my camera like Gary Winograd (sp?) or shooting past people.

Would be interesting to hear how others have dealt with this internal issue.

Click to expand...

Everyone has to find their own way; anything works, as long as you:

1. Achieve compelling photos

2. Don’t get beat up [grin]

Of course, once someone knows you are taking a photo it changes everything, is no longer candid. For me, street photgraphy is generally a candid genre - but not always.

Good luck!

MatMayer said:

jacwashere said:

MatMayer said:

Thanks everyone, some really nice photos shared. jacwashere you have a new fan, I am loving your Flickr and the ones you shared here. Its the kind of creative stuff that inspires me.

Click to expand...

Haha thanks so much for that!

Click to expand...

Totally genuine as I find far too many people stick to certain "street photography". I followed then unfollowed loads of Facebook street photography groups as the photos are too often silly coincidences or soulless shadows. Not bad photos, just same old themes. Nice to see refreshing edges that make me want to try new things.

Click to expand...

Yeah i can absolutely relate to what are you saying. For example there is a guy on these boards called jeff hladun, he usually never posts any pictures ( but makes really insightful comments) but whenever i go see his flicker im always suprised and delighted with his photos. He keeps experimenting with different aproaches to SP and it's also pretty obvious how at ease he is shooting strangers.. have a look at his flicker page if you will: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12191517@N05/

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/106993985@N04/

MatMayer said:

richj20 said:

If I am close enough that the people can notice me, I strike up a conversation and ask permission to photograph.

Click to expand...

That is something I really want to do, starting with a project. I like the idea of engaging people and then taking shots whilst in conversation, keeping it somewhat candid, or the project is people with street shops and their work. Will be difficult due to shyness but I am all for facing ones fears and anything which could improve my photos, except for using RAW :-D

But there are those fast moments when the light is just right and someone walks past and I can't resist capturing. Capturing someone totally candid is often a joy too. I got a couple heavily necking from about 3 feet at the same location as the above incident and no way could I have asked.

With the old man that was a situation where it was probably best to ask first. Maybe it is just a case of getting experience and then doing what feels right in each situation.

Click to expand...

Get out and practice.

Get out and walk about, you don`t even need a camera, smile at people, some might smile back, others might want to to punch you on the nose, tis life

MatMayer said:

An incident the other day got me thinking I should change to option 1 and always be upfront about what I am doing. Another part of me thinks this may just be a reaction and that being stealthy is fine, hence my question.

I often visit touristy areas and looking past my subject works great as they almost never guess. I used to enjoy stealth with a flip screen or GR, but feel a bit dirty doing that now. When not in tourist areas I straight up fire away and smile with a left side viewfinder, never asking permission. It works out well nearly every time.

The other day I spotted two old men on a bench and decided to take their photo. It was in front of an extremely popular cathedral in Paris (the one at the hill viewpoint). By looking past them I didn't properly see one man's protests about having his photo taken, which may have stopped me if I had been straight up taking their photo.

He was rude, I tried to smile and shake it off saying we are in front of a beautiful building (even though it was the rear). He threatened to call the police which I encouraged as I know the law and I was at least 10 feet away, so it certainly didn't come under abuse, but this guy had been triggered and was ranting and swearing and giving me the finger so I just walked off.

It got to me a bit i.e. imagining later what I could have said differently. Is this par for the course with steet photography and should I try to shake it off and grow thicker skin? Or should I be more upfront? I 100% prefer holding the camera to my face but have started being more stealthy since the incident, fiddling with my camera like Gary Winograd (sp?) or shooting past people.

Would be interesting to hear how others have dealt with this internal issue.

Click to expand...

As one who started out with film in the 90s, I learned the techniques of the era. There were no flippy screens or angled EVFs. Nobody took photos with camera between thumbs and forefingers with arms extended in front of their face like they do with phones. We had to use the OVF and skills shooting various angles blind by aiming the camera with accuracy. Thus, to get candid shots was challenging and exciting at the same time. It was like hunting or fishing where you rely totally on your best skills and luck. To keep the subject unaware with their non-posed expression of emotion was the key to success, vs someone posing or knowing that they are being captured. There can be a huge difference in the expression and emotion depending on the situation.

Thus, the one technique that I still use today is shoot from the hip. Or shooting from waist level. In the digital era it's easier than ever to shoot from the hip, with 2 second timers, super fast large aperture lenses, tilt screens, and slow burst modes with silent shutter, etc... These technologies make shooting undetected easier than ever.

1) you can set 2 sec timer, with burst or exposure bracket, aim, and look the other way.

2) you can use slow burst with electronic shutter or silent shutter, shoot from waist level without holding the camera to your face or to the subject.

3) you can place the camera down on the table set 5 or 10 sec timer, set up a time lapse and step back and let the action unfold.

4) you never have to tell anyone you're taking their photo. Some restrictions apply depending on the location, and subjects. But for straight out street photography, in most countries, it's legal to take photos in a public place.

Anyway, using modern technology creatively with old school techniques can take your street game to a new level. But the key is, to learn the old ways of shooting from the hip. Once you can do that, candid shots are gravy.

I will delete the photos in front of them if they really got mad and appologize. If you take multiple shot, if you really really intend to keep thr shot. You can delete 1 or two in front of them and keep the remaining. But usually i do not do so.

if you are pointing camera at another person he/ she will know it unless you ahoot from the hip without consideration into framming. (Or if u use loong zoom -( thats creepy)) you cannot really hide it unless you are shooting using a smartphone and u pretend u are talking on phone etc. A camera is still a camera and if they look at you , theres no way to hide it.

Also i usually do not carry large camera with wide apeture zoom. These large DSLR like cameras usually tends to p**s people off the most.

Jack