Just a refresher for all my friends who've purchased a film Leica M camera, a 28mm lens and who have decided to become "street photographers." You might have already read this one....
Street photography is something I do often. I don't pretend to have the fine tuned sensibilities you do but I think people do deserve respect. I tend to go with what my instincts tell me. Sometimes I ask for permission and other times not. Asking for permission can have some unintended consequences.
A few years ago (timeline deliberately left hazy), when tattoos and piercings were more uncommon I found a perfect subject in the Camden Market, London. He emerged from his alt-wear shop with a stern expression, tattooed from head to toe, pierced in every possible place on his face and looking extremely rough and menacing. I found the perfect shot by hiding behind some clothes in the stall across the aisle. After many fruitless attempts, I had to abandon trying to take shot since there was a lot of heavy foot traffic between us. So, with trepidation, I came out of my hiding place and nervously asked him if I could take his picture.
The guy couldn't have been nicer and even posed for me in several poses. Trouble was, no matter how much I asked, he could not wipe a silly little grin off his face. Instead of the Nightmare on Elm Street born killer shot that I wanted, I ended up with shots of your next-door kid in "punk" costume with a silly slightly embarrassed look on his face.
1 comment:
Hi Kirk,
Street photography is something I do often. I don't pretend to have the fine tuned sensibilities you do but I think people do deserve respect. I tend to go with what my instincts tell me. Sometimes I ask for permission and other times not. Asking for permission can have some unintended consequences.
A few years ago (timeline deliberately left hazy), when tattoos and piercings were more uncommon I found a perfect subject in the Camden Market, London. He emerged from his alt-wear shop with a stern expression, tattooed from head to toe, pierced in every possible place on his face and looking extremely rough and menacing. I found the perfect shot by hiding behind some clothes in the stall across the aisle. After many fruitless attempts, I had to abandon trying to take shot since there was a lot of heavy foot traffic between us. So, with trepidation, I came out of my hiding place and nervously asked him if I could take his picture.
The guy couldn't have been nicer and even posed for me in several poses. Trouble was, no matter how much I asked, he could not wipe a silly little grin off his face. Instead of the Nightmare on Elm Street born killer shot that I wanted, I ended up with shots of your next-door kid in "punk" costume with a silly slightly embarrassed look on his face.
Post a Comment