Street Portraiture - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/30/2010 09:01:35 PM · #1

I didnt see a thread started for this... and since this is a new field for me, I had a couple of questions... hope its ok to start a thread.

Those of you who do this ... how do you approach someone and ask to take their picture (a random stranger?)

What do you look for in a person for the shot?

Do we have any examples???

ETA: wanted to add I live in an area that well has a large variety of people and well this could be an interesting experience or a very scary experience LOL

Message edited by author 2010-06-30 21:02:27.

mgarsteck

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

06/30/2010 09:10:04 PM · #2

Well, I am taking a different approach to this one. Its not going to be a typical pic taken on the street

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

06/30/2010 09:46:49 PM · #3

enjoy some light research

this topic has spawned thread after thread after thread that actually do get into the meat and potatoes of the subject, with many, many answers to your questions. you'll probably find better answers probing the threads than trying to get a lot of regurgitation going, given that most people are probably caught up trying to do it ;-)

06/30/2010 10:00:04 PM · #4

Originally posted by Skip:

Hey thats pretty cool! I never thought of googling DPC street photography LOL I tried searching in here but that makes so much sense!!!

06/30/2010 10:09:25 PM · #5

Oye most of these threads talk about candids... and this is supposed to be posed... maybe ill stay away LOL

06/30/2010 10:22:13 PM · #6

Here's the thread which started the Challenge...

I posted many examples and a number of them were taken within the past two weeks. For starters, I can say this is not straight Street Photography and it is not Candid Portraiture but an attempt to meaningfully engage a stranger and capture a formal portrait of that person...or formal to some degree... and posed to some degree. When I say formal...it doesn't mean stiff...it can be funny, quirky whatever but there should be some play being made to the camera...AND that doesn't necessarily mean the subject needs to be looking into the camera however, that would help viewers see what's going on. I have a few where my subject isn't looking onto the camera but IS in fact, posing and that could be risky...IF you're worried about scores. Again, the subject playing to the camera as opposed to a candid is the key element AND to get something cool in 3-10 fast clicks. It's an art, it's fun and it's very exciting.

How to approach people? Many guys/gals that I speak with all do pretty much the same thing...
Politely, walk up to a person and in a nice friendly voice say. "excuse me...would you mind if I took a few pix of you...? Personally, I always follow that quickly with "...it's not for anything strange....just for me...you look kinda interesting and I'm just trying to get images of people outdoors in the street...nothing big" and again stress that it's on the up-and-up. Almost everyone says yes and the few that say no....never get upset or bothered. Just be polite and say thank you, either way and move along.

The couple above were super nice. I told them they looked great together and they were happy enough to hear that. I gave them a card and told them to contact me if they were interested in the pic. People rarely do but it's a friendly offer...so why not? Also, I did ask her to drape her hand over his shoulder so, some lite coaching or posing can help bring somethings out a little more.

Hope that helps.

eta:If you enter you might even get a guaranteed Top 20....this kind of Photography apparently scares a lot of people. It might just be you and me and a few others entering. lol

Message edited by author 2010-06-30 22:46:01.

06/30/2010 10:23:31 PM · #7

You missed finding the post. Here's the thread in the challenge suggestions forum that spawned this. There are quite a few examples posted and some discussion both before and after the challenge was announced. If I have time to get out shooting for this, I am most definitely entering this one.

ETA: I see Steve beat me to it by a couple of minutes.

Message edited by author 2010-06-30 22:24:00.

06/30/2010 10:27:50 PM · #8

Originally posted by pawdrix:

I gave them a card and told them to contact me if tyey were interested in the pic. People rarely do but it's a friendly offer...so why not?

I do the same. Letting them know who I am and a means to contact me if they want the pics tends to put people at ease about it. Many people will be flattered that you want to photograph them. The people that make the most interesting photos are often the ones that think they are ugly and boring.

SandyP

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 USM

06/30/2010 10:29:52 PM · #9

Caree, as for me, and this is one of my favorite kinds of photography in the world! And, it's an area that I feel like I've taken some of my best pictures, but what I do is walk around downtown with my camera, and if I see a face I want to photograph, I make eye contact with them first. That usually determines whether or not they are approachable. Some, I know instantly that they are NOT and I don't even go there out of respect for them. But if it is a face I really want to photograph, and if, after initial eye contact, I can tell they are approachable, then, I just go up to them and talk to them. I tell them that I belong to an international photography community, and I have an assignment this week to take a portrait of someone I don't know, and would they mind. Usually, they are fine with it, and actually, it has given me a chance to meet and talk with some very interesting "stories".

Matter of fact, yesterday, I ended up talking to a homeless couple where the guy had "one of those faces" I wanted to photograph. The pictures didn't turn out good enough I don't think, but I did end up buying a big dinner at the Food Court for the couple, and a big bag of dry dog food for their sweet little dog who was so hungry and lethargic that he wouldn't even get up to drink (and it was soooooo opppressively HOT). The guy was about to cry because he was so worried about the dog. It did my heart so good because the little dog wolfed down his food, then slurped tons of water and was up wagging his tail, giving me his thanks by giving me kisses all over my face.

I don't think I got a good challenge picture, but I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything! Two of my three highest rated photos were photos taken using this technique,and I've gotten some of my favorite photos in my collection this way, so my encouragement to you is to get your camera out and just strike up conversations with willing souls. You'll like it!

Message edited by author 2010-06-30 22:35:58.

06/30/2010 10:37:27 PM · #10

Ok you guys have encouraged me. I have several big festivities on Friday and Saturday in downtown Nashville so I will have plenty of opportunity. I have my new business cards. I will give it a go!! (I hope I dont pee my pants from fear LOL)

06/30/2010 10:41:58 PM · #11

Adding to what Sandy said, to test people approachability, smile at them from a distance and quick nod "hello" usually opens them up. Do not rush up to them. Wait a few moments and then approach them in an easy manner. Those few seconds in between the hello and the approach will act as a buffer to give them time to register you and it will also allow you to slowly and gently enter their space.

That guy "lost a bet". Nice fellow that I shot a week or so back.

eta: Don't worry about the business card thing OR offering prints. It's a nice gesture but has little to do with getting the image. Although, dog-food sometimes helps...kidding, kidding, kidding...

Message edited by author 2010-06-30 22:48:00.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

06/30/2010 10:48:17 PM · #12

Originally posted by pawdrix:

Adding to what Sandy said, to test people approachability, smile at them and quick nod "hello" usually opens them up. Wait a few moments and then approach them. Those few seconds in between the hello and the approach will act as a buffer to give them time to register you and it will also allow you to slowly and gently enter their space.

That guy "lost a bet". Nice fellow that I shot a week or so back.

eta: Don't worry about the business card thing OR offering prints. It's a nice gesture but has little to do with getting the image. Although, dog-food sometimes helps...kidding, kidding, kidding...

Heck I always pass out business cards! Ya never know what might happen because of it. My mom complimented a mother on her gorgeous lil boy in walmart- we stuck up a conversation. The mother mentioned the boy was about to turn 2... I handed her a card... and well got a phone call 3 weeks later... LOL

SandyP

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 USM

06/30/2010 11:17:51 PM · #13

Originally posted by pawdrix:

Steve, that is so true! I hadn't thought of that because it's kind of an instinctive thing I do too, but you're right. Those few 2nds makes a lot of difference. Sometimes, by the time you approach them, they are curious enough about you too that they're more open.

Techo

Canon EOS-7D

07/01/2010 01:04:30 AM · #14

Originally posted by SandyP:

Originally posted by pawdrix:
Adding to what Sandy said, to test people approachability, smile at them from a distance and quick nod "hello" usually opens them up. Do not rush up to them. Wait a few moments and then approach them in an easy manner. Those few seconds in between the hello and the approach will act as a buffer to give them time to register you and it will also allow you to slowly and gently enter their space.

Steve, that is so true! I hadn't thought of that because it's kind of an instinctive thing I do too, but you're right. Those few 2nds makes a lot of difference. Sometimes, by the time you approach them, they are curious enough about you too that they're more open.

Feeding the thread ;)

This lady was not a performer from the day so doubt she expected the camera would be aimed at her that day.

Unlike this guy

Message edited by author 2010-07-01 01:06:38.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

07/01/2010 08:28:08 AM · #15

I finally said hello to this guy for the first time after seeing him sitting around my block for the last 15+ years. His name is Elliot and he's mentally disabled, living in one of the many Homes around Hell's Kitchen. He stands about 6'5" and makes these mean grimacing faces sometimes but otherwise looks completely harmless and as it turns out, the man is very nice and engaging. I'm glad I said "hello" after all this time.

Message edited by author 2010-07-01 08:47:13.

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

07/01/2010 08:34:13 AM · #16

I asked this couple to stroll lazily in the band of sunlight and gave 'em my e-mail addy. They liked the preview on the back of the camera, but I haven't heard from 'em. They were delighted to be subjects, though.

ragamuffingirl

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/01/2010 08:47:27 AM · #17

How are they going to know if the person we photograph is a complete stranger or not? I work in a shelter. I know a good chunk of the local homeless population. But, on the flip side of that - I am not allowed to take pictures of any of my clients or their children. I get asked by clients to take pictures of their kids all the time, but I'm not allowed. I commute by bike as do a lot of people who live in my neighborhood, so I know - at least well enough to say hello to - most of the local bike commuters. And most of the people I work with at my part-time job look like the COULD be homeless. :-X

Sony Sonnar T* 35mm F2.8 ZA

07/01/2010 09:15:47 AM · #18

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

How are they going to know if the person we photograph is a complete stranger or not?

Many Challenges topics boil down to trust, wouldn't be the first time if someone decided to enter a dnmc...not much you can do. If people want to cheat to get a good score or a Ribbon, whatever. It's not really relevant if 20-30 people cross over into a new zone and way of thinking about Photography, especially if it was something they initially feared. Still a good thing.

Anyway...worst case scenario, some knucklehead will be walking around with a Ribbon or high score they don't deserve. They'll have to live with that...

Message edited by author 2010-07-01 10:28:15.

salmiakki

Sony Alpha a7R III

07/01/2010 10:42:10 AM · #19

Originally posted by pawdrix:

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:
How are they going to know if the person we photograph is a complete stranger or not?

Anyway...worst case scenario, some knucklehead will be walking around with a Ribbon or high score they don't deserve. They'll have to live with that...

Sort of defeats the object, doesn't it? But I am pretty sure it will happen in any case.

I didn't realise how expensive this challenge would get! I have been chatting to a few people today in and around the outdoor market, got a few shots, but nothing special. I now have a basket full of fruit and veg I probably will not be able to use before it goes bad and a new bangle :) And crappy photos! Ho hum. It's quite challenging chatting up folk who don't necessarily speak any English.

07/01/2010 10:46:09 AM · #20

Originally posted by salmiakki:

I didn't realise how expensive this challenge would get! I have been chatting to a few people today in and around the outdoor market, got a few shots, but nothing special. I now have a basket full of fruit and veg I probably will not be able to use before it goes bad and a new bangle :) And crappy photos! Ho hum. It's quite challenging chatting up folk who don't necessarily speak any English.

That gives me some ideas for where to go shooting for this challenge. Thanks!

07/01/2010 11:12:28 AM · #21

Originally posted by salmiakki:

Originally posted by pawdrix:

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:
How are they going to know if the person we photograph is a complete stranger or not?

Anyway...worst case scenario, some knucklehead will be walking around with a Ribbon or high score they don't deserve. They'll have to live with that...

Sort of defeats the object, doesn't it? But I am pretty sure it will happen in any case.

I didn't realise how expensive this challenge would get!

A few people asked if I could spare a buck and I obliged. Cost me $7, so far...but I got a few very cool shots. Generally, I try never to do that but what the hell...times are tough. If they look really interesting and strike a few fun poses, it's worth it.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/02/2010 09:12:04 AM · #22

If you're interested, here's a link to a Flickr Group focusing on Street Portraiture.

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

07/02/2010 09:18:10 AM · #23

Street Portraiture does not translate into "homeless" by the way. And Sarah, you have some lovely photographs in addition to your bangle and veggies!