I Just Called to Say...

I found very difficult to take photos of people in the streets. Sometimes

you see such an interesting scene or expression on their faces, but I

feel shy or embarrassed to take a picture or I have a feeling I am

intruding in their lives. Any suggestions?

A glass of wine might help. But then you get into another problem.

You can do flowers, squirrels or landscapes...... Recently someone on photo.net told me I would get used to it. He had not a clue. I have been doing this for 18 years and it did not get better. This is what makes street portraits so difficult.

 

the photo here is very good. You ran the top of the wall just right and took the shot at the right time. It would be better to have texture/detail in his clothing without loosing it in the shirt. It is difficult to do...... My photo is just below yours. He is Arab; I am Israeli; he is hostile; he might throw cheeries at me. It can't get much more difficult than that :-)

he's look is fool of love :) i bet he was on a phone with somebody he cares a lot. Nice shot Tam. keep on!!!

I understand what you mean.I have found, after taking a photo, if they noticed it, I give the person a business card, and take their email address. I then send them a low res copy of the shot via e-mail.Most seem honored or flattered.

I have sold several prints this way as well.

Best,

PJS

Thank you all for your suggestions! Regards, Tamara

I guess you can always ask them after you have taken the photo and tell them you're a photographer. Or just use a lens where you can be so far away that they don't see you.

long lenses don't count :-)

hi Ola , thanks for stopping by and for your suggestions! regards Tamara

Beautiful story, b/w and portrait. Very well done Tamara. Cheers

Jose Ignacio thanks :)

Tamara, It appears that you planned this shot which seems the only way to do. That is, you picked you place for best design and camera was preset for maximum depth of field. Maybe I am wrong.

Meir, this shot was not planned. I was coming home with shopping bags, he was passing by and seeing his look, i could not help myself not to take a photo :) thanks

p.s this photo is cropped later

He's looks like he is spinning a yarn to his wife where he was last nite and she isn't buying it. He has a defensive look about him. I too see a lot of shots on the street I would like to take but I'm afraid too. Especially of children, you might end up in jail.

I cannot even guess how many times I have not taken great shots like this just because I was afraid.

 

Monte, perfect imagination :) thank you for your comment! Meir, thanks again!

 

I find the best way to take street shots is to try and be as unobtrusive as possible and use a small camera if you have one. Nothing worse than a huge lens pointing at you.

 

Like the idea of handing a card over if caught out though ! Oh and I personally always try and exclude children wherever possible - also best to carry some sort of ID in the UK as well.

 

My input, for what its worth.

 

Cheers

 

Mark

Mark, thank you for your suggestions!!