Journal Square**+

This couple in the PATH train tracks (Port Authorty, Trans Hudson --

the 'subway' that connects New Jersey to New York) did not really

know they were being photographed, despite the woman's 'look'. Your

critiques and ratings are invited and most welcome. (If you submit

a harsh or very critical rating, please attach a helpful and

constructive comment/Please share your superior knowledge to help

improve my photography) Thanks! Enjoy! John

How can I say they were unaware of being photographed?

The technique for photographing this couple was interesting - one I have worked on for 'unobtrusive' close-up work.

We were together on the platform of the PATH train, Newark-bound (N.J.) at Journal Square station, there was quite some delay, and I had cameras around my neck.

I continually was using one camera to scan the scene with the camera to my eye, framing scenes, or so it appeared, but I always keep not only the 'framing eye' to the viewfinder open, but also the other eye, as is my habit for 'street shooting -- to keep an 'eye out' for interesting scenes -- I switch my attention from one 'view' to the other from the two eyes.

Using that particular camera, I moved around the platform, just focusing and not appearing to take any photographs -- apparently just scanning -- having spied this couple as likely 'subjects' for a good photo.

After standing right in front of them for a while, still scanning with my camera, I scanned the beams beside and behind them in the tunnel, and then over their head, and then (with the aid of strong daylight from the side), moved my camera directly to their faces and pressed the shutter as I paused facing them just for an instance. (My 'preview' LCD screen was turned 'off' so it wouldn't reveal that I had taken a photo by flashing light on my face).

I continued to 'scan' with my camera to my face, scanning the tunnel, the tracks and other things in an apprent unbroken motion, simply moving on and away from the couple.

The woman's look is her observing what I was doing, and, I am sure, completely unaware she and her man were being photographed.

I was particularly attracted (as I often am) by the sidelighting with its modeling on their faces and clothing features, as well as the interesting similarity between the man's hat and the 'Journal Square' sign behind it, both for glare and blue color -- elements that seemed propitious and seemed to tie the animate and inanimate 'subjects' together.

John

This photo is full frame, and unlike many digital photos, it also has not been digitally manipulated in any way, not even for contrast, despite a histogram that looked like the 'dark end' fell off a cliff (see the dark surrounding areas for the reason).

John

John, your explanation is appreciated by those who behave in the same way and shoot the same subjects. The very nature of good street photography is to capture the subject in a natural or candid state. To do this, the photogrpaher must be secretative.

I can appreciate the full frame idea as well.

I used the same technique here: http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3391412