Noob Question on Street Photography

[Bibudesh]

This has been happening since beginning, I always take my camera out for a random shoot nearby, find some very good expressions which is 'capturable' but I dont find the gut to compose and shoot. I come back home barehanded.

I have seldom seen street photographs of any person from educated class. Whenever I visit a shopping mall, I see many small kids aged 3-5 yrs old busy doing some cute acitivities while their parents are busy. I feel like capturing their activities but kinda scared of the unknown reaction from their parents.
They are from educated class and they can threaten to sue me.

Ok I know everyone will say that I must ask them before clicking. All right!.

But why many photographer do not care to ask the vegetable vendors, the hawkers, the beggars, the lower people. I mean I have seen many tele shots of them in street photographs, and the distance reveals that the photographer did not care to ask the subject that he is been shot.

Even if they are been told, its their ignorance that they are unaware of the fact that the photographer can be sued if he publishes the photographs without permission. If they know that suing will fetch them good amount of money then I am sure majority of them will do that.

So is it ethical to photograph them without letting them know the law? And how many street photographer care to ask them before or after photographing?

Honestly, If some stranger takes my or my family photograph and publish them without my permission, I will sue that photographer for sure!.

[KrishnenduKes]

I shoot with a wide angle, right under the nose of the subject! Sue me! :)

Discussion Approved

[shutterbug]

I myself have the same hesitation to shoot street portraits! Even if they know the law, I dont think they would bother with all the legal hassles and loss of time involved. Unless and until ambulance chasers start seeing this as a lucrative, untapped field and encourage such lower income people to sue!

[Nakul]

I echo the thoughts.
What excatly are the do and dont's ?

[hitanshu]

Guys,

You must see Ken da operating. He is simply mind blowing. Till date, i have shot only once with him - it was amazing to see him go right face to face with people and shoot all sorta angles.

Its not how they are - its how you shoot them. If you can carry yourself without being a sorry bundle of nerves (that's how I have been often) you can get away with murder!!

[Aryan]

I shoot with a wide angle, right under the nose of the subject! Sue me! :)

Discussion Approved
Precisely. I have learnt it over the months. It's advisable to shoot with a wide angle lens, and just start talking to the subject and go clicking naively when you see the "opportunity". Out of the 10 odd shots that you manage to take this way, atleast 2-3 would come out "usable" [an example].

On my recent visit to Old Delhi, this is precisely the technique I used. It is not really possible to bring the camera out to the eye level, then compose the image and then shoot when out on the street, you see. However, using a tele lens does need to look through the viewfinder and compose the image. But, I believe street photography is majorly about capturing the actions, emotions and the likes. Hence, a wide angle lens is perfectly suited for the job - a wide angle lens and an idea about clicking photographs naively without actually looking through the viewfinder. :)

[Bibudesh]

^^ A wide angle may sound good but not in every situation. A photographer should be better hidden and with street photography the subject should be captured in their natural being.

I appreciate ken da way of interacting with people and happily taking their shots with their knowledge. To restate my thoughts, I would sue the photographer if they shoot me without MY KNOWLEDGE and publish the photograph.
I dont know if the law is different for journalists.

All I need to know is- Is it safe and ethical?

[Aryan]

All I need to know is- Is it safe and ethical?
@Bibudesh: So,what do you suggest - we go to each person who we need to shoot and ask for their permission individually, on the street? If it's a question of ethics, then there are MANY things which are unethical. As for 'street photography', I don't think every street photographer can go upto a person and ask his permission to shoot his photograph! That won't be "street photography" anymore, you see!

[KrishnenduKes]

What excatly are the do and dont's ?

There are no "dos and dont's". If a subject says "no", say "sorry", do not shoot, and move on. On the streets, there are umpteen and more things happening in a country like India to shoot. Make the most of it.

A photographer should be better hidden and with street photography the subject should be captured in their natural being.

I dont know if the law is different for journalists.


Being hidden will never get you to the scene of action. To get the shot, you have to be in the "thick" of it. And thus, you get the "natural being" that you are talking about. No posing nothing. If it is posed, I do not shoot or publish! That does not interest me.

AFA the law is concerned, you are shooting on the street. Not in anyone's bedroom. If someone is walking hand in hand with his partner in the street and I find a poignant moment in that to shoot that is relevant to a context, I WILL shoot it, sue me for that again!

As for 'street photography', I don't think every street photographer can go upto a person and ask his permission to shoot his photograph! That won't be "street photography" anymore, you see!

My point exactly. If street photography meant taking permission 40 times in half an hour, photojournalism would cease to be a profession!

[Bibudesh]

Chill Pill.
Say if I take a photograph of a kid in a shopping mall (read that kid is a foreigner) and publish that shot.The parent come to know about it and they have objections. What do I do?

I mean are there any possiblity of them objecting it?

Or second case, I see a kid, compose a shot and the parents come and scold me. How do I handle the embarassment?
They may think I am a kidnapper!.

Apologies guys, the question is sounding quite naive, but I am actually in dilemma. I am still seeking answers.

@ken u have ocean of experience in street photo, Have you came across any such incidences I have mentioned?

[KrishnenduKes]

AFA shooting in a mall is concerned, in India, you would not be allowed to shoot inside a mall unless there is a press meet or a fashion show. To shoot inside a Mall you need permission from Mall directors. I just shot some Malls this month which is why I am telling you this.

If there is a kid on the street which shows that it can be composed as a shot, essentially means that something interesting is happening, with the kid, around the kid, that the kid deserves a shot, which is what I meant by saying earlier "relevant to a context", I would take the picture of the kid and the parents would not say anything really.

Actually, I really cannot imagine me shooting a kid on the street and parents "scolding" me or anything of that sort. Not that it cannot happen, but if it happens, I will deal with it then.

Let me see if I can find some photographs of kids that I shot on the street. I am sure I will find something!

Actually I cannot imagine anybody preventing me from shooting anything other than by security guards in a protected environment and objects that are not allowed to be shot, like bridges and tunnels and airports and army installations.

[robin234]

I also find wide anlge lens to be the best bet for street photography .. don;t think that you will use 50mm lens for street work lol.though I have seen people using 70-200mm or 70-300mm lens for street photography for capturing a particular persons expession from a distance .

like Krishna has said earlier .taking pictures in malls is prohibited .so better you don't shoot there :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

i think more of the wide or tele its the "connection" between the photographer and the subject that makes double impact.

taking my last veggie market shoot which is here..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anvancy/sets/72157615978489254/

when you actually connect with people they are more interested in what you are doing rather than you standing besides a pole having some 200 300 and taking stealth shots.like ken said you have to be with them.

in our market there is one vendor,who was clicked by a Swedish man.the vendor happily posed for him.he forgot about it later.soon after he received a post from Sweden of himself taken by that person.now that day he was telling that soon he will be going to his daughter who is near Sweden and will meet the photographer.So..connection.

the common saying goes.You show Respect,You get Respect.politely asking somebody if their shot can be taken or not can do wonders.they get actually interested how they look in a particular shot at a particular pose.you click and immediately show them result from your LCD they are happy.you make their day.if some say no then no.you may be invading their privacy.but if you show openness then people also never do rejections.we live in a society.and we love to interact.if we dont then there is a serious communication gap.

if you see kids playing in the park and see mom dad or otherwise,what you can do is take 2-3 shots of kiddo and show it to mom and dad.you never know they might give their mail id to you and tell to send it.

so the wide tele technical part sits on one side.making connection to complete strangers sits on the other.

the photographer has the complete right to shoot what he wants unless and until not do so.its the freedom.

Anvancy

[Aryan]

@Anvancy: I totally agree with the "making a connection" part with the subject. But, what puts me totally off is the "posing" part. If I ask the subject whether I can shoot him/ her, then where is 'street photography' in that?

To me, street photography is a type of documentary photography that features subjects in candid situations within public places such as streets, parks, beaches, malls, political conventions, and other settings. "Candid" is the keyword here. We can very well try and talk to the subject(s) to make some sort of connection, but asking him/ her whether we could actually click their photograph would not give me any CANDID shots; posing will NOT do for me, when it comes to the 'action' happening on the street!

[robin234]

@Anvancy: I totally agree with the "making a connection" part with the subject. But, what puts me totally off is the "posing" part. If I ask the subject whether I can shoot him/ her, then where is 'street photography' in that?

To me, street photography is a type of documentary photography that features subjects in candid situations within public places such as streets, parks, beaches, malls, political conventions, and other settings. "Candid" is the keyword here. We can very well try and talk to the subject(s) to make some sort of connection, but asking him/ her whether we could actually click their photograph would not give me any CANDID shots; posing will NOT do for me, when it comes to the 'action' happening on the street!
+1 to that ..take picture first ,then make such connections :D

[Bibudesh]

I believe I was getting overly concerned maybe coz I have nearly zero experience in street photography. Let me give it a try and have a first hand experience. I will try to cover maximum aspects irrespective of the subject's educational background ;) ..

Thanks guys for your suggestion. All I wanted was a gut feel to go ahead. And eventually I can understand that there is no harm in doing it :)

[hitanshu]

trust me

come down here, see ken in action.

or any non hazy sunday, go at 6am to chandni chowk, 9am onwards to jama masjid - you'll see atleast 3-4 photographers!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

what i meant aryan was that take a shot and show it to him/her.i was not clear in my last post so making it clear here..the important part of connection.

rohit if you wanna shoot veggie markets you will have to go early like 7am when they are fresh,in mood happy and customer base is relatively low.your street photography can include this also.

Anvancy

[Technocrat]

@Bibudesh: Well you had a valid concern, let me state an incident that happened with my Friend in UK.

He & his roomies came back from a shopping spree, one of them had bought a camera. So he started taking some random pics from their window of the street outside. About half an hour later a Police car arrived at their place & started questioning them. What had happened was that the kids of a lady who stays on the other side of the street saw him taking photographs of her kids(he understanding) & called cops.

They had a tough time convincing cops & also had to delete all the pics.

Thankfully this should not be an issue in India :)

[robin234]

@Bibudesh: Well you had a valid concern, let me state an incident that happened with my Friend in UK.

He & his roomies came back from a shopping spree, one of them had bought a camera. So he started taking some random pics from their window of the street outside. About half an hour later a Police car arrived at their place & started questioning them. What had happened was that the kids of a lady who stays on the other side of the street saw him taking photographs of her kids(he understanding) & called cops.

They had a tough time convincing cops & also had to delete all the pics.

Thankfully this should not be an issue in India :)

well this can happen anywhere ..even here if somebody thinks ..something is wrong ,but its true in UK these kind of incidents are more common :(

[KrishnenduKes]

They had a tough time convincing cops & also had to delete all the pics.


It is true that it is not easy to shoot with a wide angle in the so called developed and western countries. But I have not hesitated to shoot there as well. I have shot in the street in various countries, I have not faced any problems so far. But it is much easier in countries like India. And shooting in Europe in the street with a wide angle under the noses of people is tough! However, if there is action happening, it is not very tough. But then again, most of the action is in countries like ours! :D

[Bibudesh]

OK guys, I read everything here and thank again to all of you.
Let me share today's experience. I actually went to do street photography with no plan where to go.
So near HAL traffic signal there is a small market, and inside that there is another maybe 50yrs old complex.
Since it was my first time I was quite hesitating. My get-up and appearance was totally mismatching with others (this is one learning). There I saw many static stuffs to capture, I took some shots and I think they are all abstracts ( :o )...

Coming to people, there I saw one chap in ferrari cap working in a meat shop. His appearance was something I wanted to capture. I thought how to start. Then I waved and he responded. I told him in broken kannada about my intentions. He happily poised, first uncomfortably, then comfortably.
I tried to be like him, spoke a little about Upendra (Kannada star), about Ramya (the kannada item girl), and voila!.. he became my friend. I took some wide angles, some closeups etc. In the end I thanked him and said his photo will be published in a forum where people from all the countries can see him...
This made his eyes glow but I couldn't catch that expression :p.

Similar experience with a flower vendor. He became so comfortable with me, that he started poising himself.

Again a small boy, he was again fond of me and my big looking Tamron, ended up in lot of shots.

In all the above mentioned incidences I was again mistaken as a journalist. Anyway, I did not mind that and whenever asked I said I am not a press reporter but an 'Internet photography press reporter'.. Well this was a new term I invented in crisis. This I even replied to a well educated chap who came out of his Swift dzire to check whether if I am from a top notch newspaper agency LOL!. His reaction was as though there is indeed something called as 'Internet photography press reporter' which he is totally aware of !.


Then I went to a post office for some work, there I saw a sweet little girl with her mother. She was so sweet (the little girl) that I was unable to resist clicking her. But then somehow I couldn't. But I think given a try I could have made it.

So my first experience on the streets was really nice. I think its just about starting, once started things go on smoothly.

My all the shots are due post processing, will share them very soon.

[hitanshu]

Welcomes :)

[Nakul]

@
Bibudesh

Thanks for the write up.. As always the first step is going to be the toughest..
Talking about upendra n Ramya helped you out ?? lol.
An i think i will be using you word if i give street photography a try."Internet photography press reporter" sounds important..

[Bibudesh]

@
Bibudesh

Thanks for the write up.. As always the first step is going to be the toughest..
Talking about upendra n Ramya helped you out ?? lol.
An i think i will be using you word if i give street photography a try."Internet photography press reporter" sounds important..

Take more words. Its a real fun.. a real life fun. You'll do lots of experiments which are non-technical.

[hitanshu]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43731565@N03/4301039903/

:p

and result
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43731565@N03/4301591960/in/set-72157623150260675/
:D

[Bibudesh]

Here are some.
Experts C&C most welcome.

#1
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S13EoV-VhPI/AAAAAAAAFBc/FH-lfsUp6I4/s800/DSC_0147.jpg

#2
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S13DJL_h8EI/AAAAAAAAFBI/uE8D1W6dSgo/s800/_DSC0130.jpg

#3
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S13AlLKGI7I/AAAAAAAAFAo/isSUqOo4fxY/s800/_DSC0095.jpg

#4
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S13AlKFg_KI/AAAAAAAAFAw/s0hBkHF2XYo/s800/DSC_0184.jpg

#5
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S13B84J6fMI/AAAAAAAAFBA/YJNGJPdbY5A/s800/_DSC0102.jpg

[hitanshu]

The first two are a bit too tight - don't you think?

I like the second, except normally junta in delhi shoot them a bit early morning so the ambient light is less - a bit more space to the left and it'd be perfect!

Didnt like #4

#3,5 are nice - but the experts can suggest optimum crops - why don'tcha post flickr links so junta can suggest LIVE crops :p - those shots got some potential but need work!

[synn]

Here are some.
Experts C&C most welcome.



#3
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S13AlLKGI7I/AAAAAAAAFAo/isSUqOo4fxY/s800/_DSC0095.jpg



Shot of the day for me. No doubt. Love the framing and the treatment in post. :)

[KrishnenduKes]

Shot of the day for me. No doubt. Love the framing and the treatment in post. :)

Totally agree. That shot is the best of the lot.

Besides, you are beginning, you will get the hang of the whole thing. Dressing subtly to blend is one of the key factors. If I am shooting on the street, I will not ask or speak to anyone, just try to blend. There is not point in making them pose as said by Aryan. I want to shoot the action. The action tells a story.

But if you are looking to shoot portraits, it is fine. Your shots have decent exposure and very sharp. Keep shooting.

Thanks for sharing.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

the first one is a simple portrait.interesting.what i am actually thinking is that who got the idea of starting to sell those headphones type mufflers to aam janta?

the second one is off for two reasons according to me.the first is,the eyes are totally dark due to the shadow from the cap.the second is the shadow that is falling on his left cheek.is that yours?

third one is beautifully executed.

now i m thinking what is going on in the fourth shot??helping hand?if that is your path then you can edit and just keep the hands lighted and the other parts dark.another way of making an emphasis.

for the last ill say that you straighten up the shot.


waiting for PART 2.

Anvancy

[Aryan]

@Bibudesh: Lovely stuff! Good to see you actually went out and tried out street photography. Now, I am getting EXCITED to go out and shoot more! ;)

[Bibudesh]

hmm so mixed critics and comments.. I think its quite difficult capturing the right expression at the right time..

For now I have these two. The second is bit off due to shadow adjustment to revive the clarity.

Going to give a trial again ...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S17RmWXjCrI/AAAAAAAAFCk/_4UqaOCIyEg/s800/DSC_0180.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S17Ry6lNp2I/AAAAAAAAFCo/FqoBcpdq3YA/s800/DSC_0125.jpg

EDIT:
One more
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S17UltFIzLI/AAAAAAAAFC4/Qmcmut6rIwo/s800/DSC_0170.jpg

[KrishnenduKes]

@Bibudesh: Lovely stuff! Good to see you actually went out and tried out street photography. Now, I am getting EXCITED to go out and shoot more! ;)

You are joking right!! Tau and I waited hours for you to turn up when we went out during the anniversary shoot!

hmm so mixed critics and comments.. I think its quite difficult capturing the right expression at the right time..

For now I have these two. The second is bit off due to shadow adjustment to revive the clarity.

Honestly, I did not like any of these. In the street, I have to see people's faces and action happening within!

[Aryan]

You are joking right!! Tau and I waited hours for you to turn up when we went out during the anniversary shoot!


I was not well, remember? And I am pretty sure you two didn't wait for "hours"! :p

[Nakul]

As KrishnenduKes said, the pics dont look complete. Just sayin that from a viewers perspective.
KrishnenduKes can you please post some pics from your collection :)

[hitanshu]

I was not well, remember? And I am pretty sure you two didn't wait for "hours"! :p

Well we waited 1 hour 15 min out of 2 hour 45 min possible for the shoot.

I'll explain the math to you when we shoot next :)

/but its okay. I am historically 1 hour late for every DFC photoshoot (typically 2.5-3 hours) so it was deja vu in reverse!! :D

[Bibudesh]

You are joking right!! Tau and I waited hours for you to turn up when we went out during the anniversary shoot!



Honestly, I did not like any of these. In the street, I have to see people's faces and action happening within!

I think I too agree. I just happen to see the street photography again and came to a conclusion- I need to practice more!.

Anyways, since I am liking this area, getting a tele lens is the first on list right now, since I have a max 90mm. And capturing people using a wide angle will certainly need more practice. Lemme try more over the weekend. Lets see if I get something :p ..

Thanks all for the comments, they are really very helpful in assessing myself.

Ken why u are not in bangalore :mad: ..

[Bibudesh]

Few more from the same lot.

#1
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S2ECyrm7yTI/AAAAAAAAFFo/_33NxqK0yvM/s800/DSC_0173.jpg

#2
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S2EEenkrhLI/AAAAAAAAFGA/7c-ycNMwPqo/s800/_DSC0093.jpg

#3
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S2ECytuLBMI/AAAAAAAAFFk/hxMezzt3S9E/s800/_DSC0081.jpg

[Nakul]

#1 Nice shades.. :)
Loved the 2nd shot.. Dont know why though.. :)

[KrishnenduKes]

KrishnenduKes can you please post some pics from your collection :)

Check in my photographer galleries.


Ken why u are not in bangalore :mad: ..

I will come, all in good time. But you see, Bangalore is not really a city that excites me for street photography... for that I prefer places like Old Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur walled city, Old Blue city of Jodhpur, Varanasi and of course Calcutta.

Few more from the same lot.

#1
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U5QmawFlv_k/S2ECyrm7yTI/AAAAAAAAFFo/_33NxqK0yvM/s800/DSC_0173.jpg


Now you are beginning to scratch it a bit around where it is actually itching. When you reach the point where it is actually itching is where the action lies! All puns intended.

[Bibudesh]

Now you are beginning to scratch it a bit around where it is actually itching. When you reach the point where it is actually itching is where the action lies! All puns intended.

Damn!. Possibly the fungus is spreading across :eek: ..

This is only itch for which I am not searching any ani-fungals.