Congratulations POTY Commended Portfolio photographers

[Amy Davies]

I think it's all in one location - if you read the description on the portfolio I'm pretty sure it says so.

[pburness]

Originally Posted by Amy Davies

It was one of my favourites too - I'd love to do something like this one day.

Seeing that and Martin Parr's latest exhibition really inspired me to try something like this - it's just getting the confidence up to point my camera at strangers that's the problem... I don't get any confrontations with my usual subjects

I did a smal lproject in Liverpool (where people generally have a tough reputation), photographing various scenes / people doing everyday things.

To boost my confidence I had some small cards printed with my e-mail address on, theory being if anybody gets a bit offended I would present a card and explain that I was just taking photographs of the location / people and that if they wished I would remove the image or, if they sent me an e-mail I would send them some images and I would note their name and photo numbers.

Having captured dozens of images, I never once needed the cards. In most cases people were happy to pose

So my confidence was boosted more by the doing than the backup cards (although, as I have them I still carry them in my camera case).

I guess most people are similar - so how would you feel / what would be your reaction if somebody photographed you? Bare it in mind when photographing people and generally you'll be alright.

Phil

[karenoliver]

Originally Posted by Amy Davies

It was one of my favourites too - I'd love to do something like this one day.

Seeing that and Martin Parr's latest exhibition really inspired me to try something like this - it's just getting the confidence up to point my camera at strangers that's the problem... I don't get any confrontations with my usual subjects

Its really difficult isnt it? I got hounded though town last week by a female big issue seller hurling abuse at me and yet I hadnt even focussed on her or even realised she would be in the shot! The language barrier didn't help and for a few minutes I felt like giving up any form of street photography. Its just confidence and the more you do it the easier it will be. For every confrontation there are many more people who just smile at you and don't mind.

Karen

[Amy Davies]

Oh no! See that's my fear really... there's a great pub round the corner from my house that's full of lots of interesting characters, but I'm not sure they'd take too kindly to being photographed.

It might be time to invest in a more subtle camera, something like the LX5 or G12, might help go a bit more unnoticed and you could still shoot in RAW etc... food for thought anyway...

[pburness]

How well do you know the characters? Many of them may be 'honoured' to be asked to be the subject of a photograph if you ask them and will oblige, others may say no (don't want the wife to catch me in the pub again..... )

I'd ask the landlord if it's OK as well, if the regulars get restless then you may find yourself barred otherwise

Some tips,

• Take along a portfolio of work so they can see what type of pictures your looking to take, and always offer to supply a print free of charge.
  
  Take a friend, ask the landlord if it's OK to take some photo's of your friend, start snapping and having your friend pose, look around and see an interesting face, ask if they'll help and then slowly move your friend out the shot. Repeat as necessary.
  
  Imagine your income depended on you getting the shot - A great determination booster!
  
  If you use the pub often, ask the landlord if he'd like a photo for his wall FOC (including him and his regulars), he'll surely say yes, break the ice with this shot, then ask others if they mind a couple of single shots.
  
  Do it today, it will boost your confidence for tomorrow and the next day....

Phil

[Stormsong]

there's a documentary in the making . . . photographing the Big Issue sellers. Offer them a fiver for taking a photos not the magazine?

[karenoliver]

Originally Posted by Amy Davies

Oh no! See that's my fear really... there's a great pub round the corner from my house that's full of lots of interesting characters, but I'm not sure they'd take too kindly to being photographed.

It might be time to invest in a more subtle camera, something like the LX5 or G12, might help go a bit more unnoticed and you could still shoot in RAW etc... food for thought anyway...

I do need a smaller camera and think I might save up for one specifically for the photography I do on the street or in cities. Just not sure about digital because the compacts tend to be noisey so I might look at film.

Think I will avoid big issue sellers for the time being , Stormsong! :-)

Karen

[pburness]

Originally Posted by karenoliver

Its really difficult isnt it? I got hounded though town last week by a female big issue seller hurling abuse at me and yet I hadnt even focussed on her or even realised she would be in the shot! The language barrier didn't help and for a few minutes I felt like giving up any form of street photography. Its just confidence and the more you do it the easier it will be. For every confrontation there are many more people who just smile at you and don't mind.

Karen

She may not of been complaining just about being in the picture, many homeless people (who normally sell the big issue) are not particularly proud of being in the position they are in, having somebody point a camera at them could be adding to the pain.

Also, if she was foreign, is she here legally? maybe this was a potential threat to her position?

You have the right to take a photograph, people do not have the right to object if you are in a public place - that's why the Papparrazi get away with it all the time.

It's always polite to ask if you know somebody is going to be the subject though - unless your documenting a demonstration or something.

Phil

[pburness]

I remembered this link which I think is worth having a look at, if not just for the photo's.

There is some good advice in here...

http://www.digital-photography-schoo...t-photographer

Phil

[pburness]

Here's another link for some good street photography idea's

http://www.digital-photography-schoo...et-photography

Phil