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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Difficulty shooting candids & shame on me.
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Showing posts 26 - 50 of 54, (reverse)
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 01/06/2005 01:01:46 PM · #26
i went to a state historic site (sutter's fort) and took a host of pictures of the many kids that were around.. i had on my new 75-300 and was glad that my parents were there with me, so that we actually looked like the wandering family that we were. otherwise, i would've felt much more uncomfortable taking shots of these kids (they hardly seemed to mind, but the parents would glance at me and my camera every once in awhile). i too wish that i had approached one of the parents later in order to e-mail them the pictures (all the kids were from the same school, to my understanding) so that they could share them later.


01/06/2005 01:02:41 PM · #27
I had a lot of problems shooting for the candid challenge because of this ethical issue you brought up and wound up not entering because I couldn't get any good shot in the limits I set for myself. As photographers we have to put ourselves in the place of the subjects and ask if we would tolerate an invasion of our privacy in the given situation. I don't like the idea of anyone watching me, and photographing me, without my knowledge beforehand. Even in public places where street photography is legal in most places (I hear it's illegal in France) I think people have a right to a certain amount of privacy from an ethical point of view. Also, remember, that anyone can sue you for your photography even if you are backed up by the law and found to be inviolate of the law. YOu will still have to pay legal fees and spend time and effort in your defense. Also, immediate reprisal of a physical nature is always a possiblity and you could wind up hurt or have your equipment damaged.

Brad, if you have the TCON-14b you can add it on to your TCON-300 for a total 35mm equivalent focal length of 588! Should help you stay a bit more distant from your subjects.
 01/06/2005 01:06:29 PM · #28
Although I haven't used them yet, I made up some forms a few days ago that I take with me. Each form is about 4"x5" and is a very simple model release form with a tearaway section at the bottom which says:

MIKE SCHNEIDER
FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THATCLOUDTHERE PHOTOGRAPHY ©
PHOTOGRAPHS@THATCLOUDTHERE.COM

That way I can get a quick model release and at the same time provide contact information for my subject if I get a shot that warrants it...

Edit: typo...

Message edited by author 2005-01-06 13:15:10.
 01/06/2005 01:10:36 PM · #29
Very brave of those above to start shooting stangers' children, very brave indeed. Very quick way to a black eye, although it shouldn't be.

Shoot landscapes, much less hasstle.
 01/06/2005 01:12:30 PM · #30
Another idea would be to carry prints of two or three of your best candids around that have been approved by the subject (including a child if possible).

In a way, saying "here are some other candid photos which I've sent to these people after taking them"...the subject will likely be impressed and appreciate the fact that you're photographing them or their child...just an idea.

Message edited by author 2005-01-06 13:12:42.
 01/06/2005 01:12:41 PM · #31
I've been to Chinatown in NYC shooting street stuff. There's so many people, it's like you're invisible ... so much easier to point a camera at someone. Here in Albany, I'd be afraid of catching a beat down.

I think every situation is different. But I'm also pretty sure a "pure" street photographer would never use a lens longer than 50mm. It's considered an insult to what they do (I've only spoken to a few of them).

The length of the lens is the difference between catching a moment and spying on people. Of course, whimpy me doesn't feel comfortable either way :)
 01/06/2005 01:14:35 PM · #32
Brian,

That's a FABULOUS shot. Commented and added to favorites.

Mike,

I hope you spelled "photographer" properly on the cards :-)

Robt.
 01/06/2005 01:14:44 PM · #33
Another point (I can't shut up):

Many street photographers pick a location to shoot (in front of a billboard that could provide irony, for example) and then wait for somebody to come along...this makes a huge difference, psychologically...In this case the subject is wandering into the "photographer's area" as opposed to being intruded upon...
 01/06/2005 01:17:30 PM · #34
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
Another point (I can't shut up):

Many street photographers pick a location to shoot (in front of a billboard that could provide irony, for example) and then wait for somebody to come along...this makes a huge difference, psychologically...In this case the subject is wandering into the "photographer's area" as opposed to being intruded upon...


Yes your quite right, I do that every now and then, I pick my spot and wait for the right person to come into view.

Trouble is, most people stop out of politeness thinking they are getting in your way and you constantly have to say 'no please walk ahead I am not taking a photograph'
 01/06/2005 01:19:03 PM · #35
But you have to be careful that the ironic message obtained from the billboard and your subject is not derogatory in nature.

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
Another point (I can't shut up):

Many street photographers pick a location to shoot (in front of a billboard that could provide irony, for example) and then wait for somebody to come along...this makes a huge difference, psychologically...In this case the subject is wandering into the "photographer's area" as opposed to being intruded upon...
01/06/2005 02:19:25 PM · #36
Using a fixed, long focal length lens can be hard to shoot candids without running into crop issues (need a zoom for this).
Here is what I shot on Saturday while I was trying to find something for the Candid Challenge (went a different route on that anyway).

These are all basically full-crop, resized and little to no PP done:








(the last one wasn't candid - she was posing for someone and kinda' like the uh...uh.. yeah!)

Message edited by author 2005-01-06 14:21:41.
 01/06/2005 02:51:13 PM · #37
Candids can be very easy to shoot if you are in the right location at the right time. A busy market, a historic re-enactment, a parade route...The photo below was shot during a period market re-enactment, people were pointing cameras right and left so that the people in them didn't even notice big lenses pointed at them.


01/06/2005 03:08:33 PM · #38


Ethics? I don't think taking candid photos is an ethical issue at all if it's for my personal use. I took all of the above pics in NYC and don't feel the least bit bad about it. I fail to understand what's unethical about taking a photo of someone in a public place. If i'm taking it through a window into your private residence ok...but on the street? Give me a break.
 01/06/2005 03:10:23 PM · #39
Talk to me about tonal range, Pedro!!!!!!!!!

How?

Amazing photos...
 01/06/2005 03:11:49 PM · #40
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
Talk to me about tonal range, Pedro!!!!!!!!!

How?

Amazing photos...


Quadtone, curves, dodge and burn, baby!
 01/06/2005 03:12:50 PM · #41
I know you and I have discussed this via e-mail a bit, but is quadtone the secret?
 01/06/2005 03:19:44 PM · #42
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
I know you and I have discussed this via e-mail a bit, but is quadtone the secret?


for tonal range, absolutely quadtoning is the key. (unfortunately i don't think that's an option in Elements...)
 01/06/2005 03:26:42 PM · #43
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
I know you and I have discussed this via e-mail a bit, but is quadtone the secret?


Moody did a sweet tutorial on Duo/Tri/Quadtones here
 01/06/2005 03:28:19 PM · #44
Anyone know if the magical Gimp 2.2 can work in quadtone?
 01/06/2005 03:38:14 PM · #45
Originally posted by GoldBerry:
Originally posted by BradP:

E-10 with 3X TCON-300 converter.


Is it true what they say about the size of equipment a man carries? lol

That thing looks more like a rifle than a camera. :)
 01/06/2005 03:45:48 PM · #46
Originally posted by GoldBerry:
Is it true what they say about the size of equipment a man carries? lol

It's so darned big that I should get some help handling it.
The camera's a bit heavy too! ROFL


01/06/2005 03:49:35 PM · #47
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
Anyone know if the magical Gimp 2.2 can work in quadtone?


Not sure about 2.2, but in 1.x you can duplicate layers, tint each layer and set the upper layers to be 50% transparent then mess with the curves... That is basically what the duo/quad tone effects in PS do...
 01/06/2005 11:20:28 PM · #48
I think the ethics part comes in when there is some expectation of privacy, say in an intimate scene, such as what Brad was shooting with the couple. Also, if it were to be published somewhere. I was just saying that as photographers we should also put ourselves in the place of the subject(s) in question and ask if someone uninvited took our picture for a use and reason unbeknownst if that would sit right with us. There is a different comfort level for all photographers and subjects regarding candid photography and the photographer should use keen judgement as to when it's ok to shoot, and when not to. Certainly in the beautiful picture you posted of the man in colorful African garb
it seems innocuous enough, but is it ok to photograph bathing beauties in bikinis at a public beach? Would that be ok if it were your significant other who was the one photographed? I'm just raising the issue and not taking sides here as I have taken candids in public places, but just saying that I'm not totally comfortable doing so from an ethical standpoint.

Originally posted by Pedro:


Ethics? I don't think taking candid photos is an ethical issue at all if it's for my personal use. I took all of the above pics in NYC and don't feel the least bit bad about it. I fail to understand what's unethical about taking a photo of someone in a public place. If i'm taking it through a window into your private residence ok...but on the street? Give me a break.
01/06/2005 11:29:04 PM · #49
They say the photographer fears the people more than the people fear the photographer. I guess it's a big step to overcome that fear. Although, you could have walked up, handed them a business card, told them you captured a few candids and the guy could have punched you or something...so who knows lol.

Good points though Brad...and good photos.
 01/06/2005 11:36:17 PM · #50
I used a 432mm lens to get my candid shot because I did not want to be close to the subject. I also shot in priority mode to keep from having to take time to set the camera so I was able to get 3 shots or so. But because of the extreme zoom and crop it looks like I am near the subject and I have had a comment 'looks posed'. I guess there is a draw back to having a long zoom.
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