Street Challenge

[Drew Smith]

Hello everyone

In following and contributing to the thread below: ...

http://www.photoradar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4452

... it prompted me to 'challenge' myself in this area of photography, as I'm moderately uncomfortable with it.

So, I set off in to the City yesterday evening (around 4ish) with only a 50mm prime lens between me and my potential subjects.

I vowed to only take pictures of people I'd asked permission from first.

I stood on the edge of one of the busiest street in the City and watched as the crowds streamed past. I saw a huge number of fascinating faces I wanted to photograph but it took a while to get the timing right, ailgned with their proximity to me.

This was the first shot:



This Blue Haired girl was happy to pose, I explained who I was and gave her a card so that she didn't think I was some kind of pervert (uncomfortable you see). Then 3 of her friends I'd not noticed ran over from a shop window and wanted to be photgraphed too:



I tried this same tactice with a couple more subjects but they looked at me, looked down at my camera and said 'no thanks'. Hmm, it then suddenly occurred to me that to them I must have looked like somebody 'hustling' them to take a photograph they'd then have to pay for. Yikes.

"I take your photograph - only 2 dollar!"

During the time I'd stood at this position on the street I'd noticed a Big Issue Seller and as it was getting late I decided to approach him. I said hello, told him what I wanted and offered him a deal. I said I'd by a BI (2 quid) if he'd let me take his pic. He said he'd let me take it if I paid for the BI but didn't actually have one. Cheeky bleeder!



So we bartered - eventually it was a 1 pound for the BI without having possession and I could take his pic. It was a laugh and we both enjoyed the banter:



Earlier on I'd given some money to a guy sitting (begging) in the street with a cap of coppers. I stopped to talk to him, without takling his photo; asked him how he was coping etc. He talked back and was very friendly. Without wanting to sound patronising I think the 2 minute conversation had a greater impact on him than me giving him money.

I learned a lot yesterday. Got a peek in to other people's lives and moved a little further down the photographic street photography road, so to speak. I also reacquainted myself with the Canon 50mm which I'd forgotten has an incredibly shallow DOF at 1.8. Plus the focus on auto can be a little flakey. I have to say that all in all this kind of 'in your face' photography' was great fun and I know it's silly to say, but it made me feel like more of a 'real' photographer.

Oh, and one last pic just to show that the 'nifty fifty' isn't just for portrait:

[Cutter]

Fantastic Drew, thanks for sharing your experiences with us, I will try to do it when time allows and post them in this thread. A BIG THANK YOU
Oh by the way: great pics ,L ove the monotone

[Drew Smith]

Thanks for the original inspiration Mark - you've moved my photography on a notch. Look forward to seeing your shots and descriptions, you have a good eye.

Anybody else up for the 'Challenge'?

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by Drew Smith

Thanks for the original inspiration Mark - you've moved my photography on a notch. Look forward to seeing your shots and descriptions, you have a good eye.

Anybody else up for the 'Challenge'?

No thank you for inspiring me to get out there and do it you know what they say, if he can so can I

[Mr Bump]

That's a very welcome post Drew and you went out there with a great attitude. You've proved that once you get past the reserved British nature there are so many amiable and interesting people to meet.

BTW did you know that the Museum of London is currently running a project to encourage BI vendors to take photographs on the streets from their point of view? You could have let him take your picture for a pound

I look forward to seeing more.

Bump

[ABERS]

A great first foray into that perceived big bad world, that turns out it isn't that bad after all!.

Lokk forward to many more.

[karenoliver]

Wonderful shots, Drew. There will be no stopping you now! ;-)

Karen

[karenoliver]

Some shots of people who's permission I got first. This was at Chester zoo.



Wrexham at night



Drag walk


Karen

[ABERS]

Some I didn't!

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by ABERS

Some I didn't!

superb abers , thats life