street photography

hiya

i am looking at doing some street photography in london this / next week.

what is considered to be the best way of getting the correct exposure? should i take a reading from a building with mid tones. or another area? i am looking to take some of built up streets so not sure if taking a reading from sky would be correct method

any tips appreciated
martin

Is this a digital camera question? If so, does your digital camera have an image histogram? If it does, that's the absolute best exposure tool. I usually shoot a quick test, check the histogram, then tune up my exposure. Being able to evaluate and tune up your exposure is one of the best things about digital photography.

yes i have the canon 20d.

good point! i could check the histogram

are there any other tips when shooting streets?

i have just read that best thing to do for street photography is use autofocus, iso 400 and use program mode. any thoughts on this?

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Originally Posted by chopperward

yes i have the canon 20d.

good point! i could check the histogram

are there any other tips when shooting streets?

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The histogram is absolutely the best exposure tool ever invented. Just make sure your exposure isn't clipping the highlights (right side of the histogram).

Besides basic stuff like careful exposure, I think the most important thing for street photography is blending in. You don't want to be too obvious. I like a wide lens and I like to shoot from the hip. You can preset your focus and switch it to manual to lock it. If you have a wide lens and stop down to f/8 you can shoot without worrying about focus. The depth-of-field will take care of the focus for you. That's a fun way to shoot on the street. I like to shoot while walking to get a little motion blur.

Don't be afraid to ask people if you can take their picture. Usually they're very cooperative. And asking can be the difference between a crappy "sniper" shot and a great street portrait.