Need help with street photography

[danic]

Hi all,

I am interested in doing street photography, but I'm concerned over privacy issues.

I realise the advice given here is only pertinent to the particular country in which you reside, however, there might be a general rule of thumb which people could offer.

So here is my problem: I would like to capture photos which show or describe a particular story, but not necessarily about that particular person. It could be any person, but they are in that situation which warrants taking the photo. Do you ask if you can take their picture? Do you just snap away, and if so, do you get harassed by them for you taking their photo? Do people demand you erase your photo or try and confiscate your equipment and how do you deal with them?

Any advice or experiences is appreciated.

Mods, if you feel this belongs in a different forum, feel free to move.

[Pose]

All good questions, and I look forward to the responses you'll get.

In my experience the best picture is taken when the subject is either unaware (...that sounds dirty), doesn't care, or has respect for what you're trying to capture. On that note, not everyone will comply. I have had people cover their faces, interrogate me, run the other direction, smile, or hold the exact pose I was trying to get before they noticed me.

I think with time it becomes less awkward, and you become more comfortable knowing what to photograph -- just like any other subject. Personally, I wouldn't care if someone was taking my picture, so long as it didn't cross any boundaries / was in the right context. Ask yourself whether or not it would be awkward if you were the subject of a particular image, and use that judgement.

If you have an idea for a particular image, set up in a spot (tripod, if applicable) and wait (not hidden in the bushes). The idea is to let those that care take notice, and give yourself plenty of opportunity.

[Xia_Ke]

...If you have an idea for a particular image, set up in a spot (tripod, if applicable) and wait (not hidden in the bushes). The idea is to let those that care take notice, and give yourself plenty of opportunity.

This is an excellent approach. If I'm out set-up with a tripod most people don't pay any attention to me and I can shoot at will. Another thing to keep in mind is what you are using for a camera. If I'm out walking around with an SLR and a big lens, I tend to get some funny looks when I point it at someone. On the other hand if I go out with a little rangefinder or a TLR people either pay no attention or are intrigued and ask questions. By ask questions I mean they ask about the camera or photography, not "What the hell are you doing?". I don't really do a lot of street photography myself but, when I do go out, I haven't been bothered yet. I can generally tell when out shooting if someone is uncomfortable with having the camera pointed at them. If that's the case, I just move on.

[mtbbrian]

You might consider shooting with a range finder, they are small, unobtrusive and quite.
A lot of serious "street photographers" use range finders.
There are lots of camreas to consider, but the classic set up includes a 35mm lens.
Good Luck!
Brian

[Franglais]

I hope you're not shy and that you have a clear idea of what you want to do. The days when Cartier-Bresson composed scenes out in the street are gone. Nowadays when people see you taking their picture they think they can ask you for money.

Here are a few of my basic rules:

- have a clear idea of your project and be ready to explain it
- never do pictures of children (could be taken for a pervert)
- use the most inoffensive-looking material possible. Definitely not a DSLR with big tele
- be open and visible (I prefer working at less than 2 metres from the subject)
- if possible get the subject's approval before shooting. You don't have to talk to them, just show interest with the camera visible. If they turn away or hide their face then don't continue
- be aware of the law and local interpretations and stay within it. Be ready to explain it to people (see below)
- if you don't have a Model Release then DON'T PUBLISH, not on Internet, no competitions. It sounds dumb but most of the pictures I do are just for me

Nowadays I mostly do pictures in the street at events where it is socially acceptable to do photos. There are all sorts of events - I have a calendar with more than 100 each year. Each event brings a certain slice of the population and that's what I'm interested in.

The law in France is subject to interpretation but it seems to work like this.
- anybody standing on private ground is definitely out. Private ground includes anywhere where there are rules & regulations, including parks, shopping malls, museums, etc.
- someone standing on public ground is open to the eye of everyone therefore thay cannot control their own image so you can take a picture.
- Better not to individualise a person (but it's so interesting). However telephoto lenses about 200mm (film equivalent) are out
- The question is what do you do with the image afterwards. If you publish then the person may feel denigrated or suffer loss (I've stopped showing my pictures of Gay Pride at the gym after unintentionaly doing someone's coming out, despite his false moustache and cap. Or the poster we were going to do with the married couple holding hands - fortunately someone told me they weren't married to one another)