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07/06/2004 11:46:27 PM · #1 |
| Can anyone share his thoughts/experiences with photographing people ? I do not mean shooting portraits in a studio, but people outdoors, in the street, candid real life photos. How do you deal with the problem of not wanting to make your subjects aware they are being photographed and not wanting them to start posing for you ? Tele lens ? |
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07/06/2004 11:55:59 PM · #2 |
look here.
Street photo techniques
Different people have used different techniques that suited them. Most use a manual focus rangefinder cam (like a Leica, Rollei etc) that they prefocus, so they can just raise it quickly to their eye, click and put it away before anyone's the wiser.
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07/07/2004 12:02:11 AM · #3 |
dont know about his experience but a hers experience is this... long range telphoto lens works. of course you couldnt sell 'em or anything.
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07/07/2004 12:18:17 AM · #4 |
I will sometimes shoot holding the camera at waist-level, so it looks like I'm just looking around for a good shot. I have to frame by "dead reckoning," but if you have a camera with a swiveling LCD you can probably get a good shot most of the time. 
Another technique is to pre-focus on something about the same distance away as you subject but about 90 degrees to the side. you can watch the subject out of the corner of your eye, then quickly pivot and take the shot at an opportune moment.
Or else take pictures of people who won't notice ...
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07/07/2004 12:58:10 AM · #5 |
I really want to do more of this kind of photography. I'll never bore of mountains or scenery or flower macros, but I'd really like to go out and shoot people (with a camera, of course!).
The issue for me is shyness, but I really enjoyed that link, Spazmo! I'm going to try it out: taking my camera and shooting four 'rolls' of film (memory cards), just to experiment.
I suppose there may be trouble with getting releases, but if I'm brave taking the shots, won't courage at getting a signature follow? I hope?
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07/07/2004 01:33:20 AM · #6 |
ANother trick is to tailor your composition so as to either have the subject unaware, and/or to make any persons not individually recognizable (eliminating the need for a release).
Sending up a Trial Balloon?
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07/07/2004 01:33:46 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by Rooster:
dont know about his experience but a hers experience is this... long range telphoto lens works. of course you couldnt sell 'em or anything. |
You can sell them in most cases as long as they are not used to sell or endorse a product then you would definitely need a signed release. They can be used as photography illustrations in published material to support ideas or stories. If the people are significant and recognizable in the frame you may want to get a signed release form to be safe but I don't believe it is required for non-commercial uses. People out in public streets are fair game for photography but it is polite to get approval first. I think trying to hide your camera can appear shady and raise even more suspicion. It's best to be upfront about what you are doing but, at the same time, don't overstay your welcome. Casually get the shots and move on.
I'm always uncomfortable shooting people but I still try when I see something good. As much as possible you should try to casually start talking to your subjects and then tell them you enjoy taking street photos and would they mind if you took some photos of them. They are usually flattered and willing. Keeping it casual is the trick and having some business cards that validate what you do works well.
T
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07/07/2004 01:53:43 AM · #8 |
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07/07/2004 01:57:00 AM · #9 |
If you happen to have a Sony f505, f707, f717, or a f828 you can just turn the body of the camera so that you are looking down and shot away. People will think that you are chimping (viewing previous shots.
Otherwise some shoots or situations are considered unwise to take pictures. |
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07/07/2004 02:00:31 AM · #10 |
I know that when I cosplay (dress in costumes and attend anime or sci-fi conventions) it throws me off and makes me wary when people don't ask to take my picture or have their video camera out and are taping me while I'm in the middle of fixing my costume. Granted, I am in a place where I'm expecting to have photos taken of me, but it is considered polite to ask because usually the cosplayer has a specific pose to do. *shrugs* It's kind of an unusual example, but there it is...
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