How to go about Challenges as a Street Photographer
Timing and framing are the main elements of street photography. But even with such skill or talent, a street photographer cannot begin without being brave enough to go to the streets, and be direct with what he intends to photograph.
Thanks to the internet, access is easier in learning activities from sports, gaming and up to photography.
From social networks like facebook.com to specific online communities and now http://www.street-photographers.com/ for those interested in this topic, one can learn a thing or two to start their own passions, hobbies or interests.
Angie Muldowney in digital-photography-school.com, lists ways for street photographers to develop courage and candour.
1. Go to a public event. Most likely, many will be taking photos hence you won’t stick out too much. You’re free to time, frame and shoot.
2. Frame and wait, for someone to pass by or become busy. As Muldowney puts it, “Sometimes you can see the perfect shot in your mind’s eye, in which case simply set up your camera with the focus in the right place and wait for somebody to walk into the frame.” For those engrossed in an activity, photographing them while they’re busy lessens chances of them bothering to ask.
3. Aim from the back, above or at hip level. It’s not the most ideal of positions but taking photos of people’s backs or on higher ground could be a temporary solution that might surprise you. Taking photos from the hip level lessens the intrusive nature of having eye-contact. “If your gaze is directed downwards, the removal of eye-contact means taking candid photographs becomes much easier – cameras with a tiltable viewfinder are perfect for this,” as Muldowney shares.
4. Choose discretion. A couple of ways to do this is to use a point-and-shoot camera, something small and unobtrusive, or take images inside the safety of your car. Make sure you are not the one driving.
5. Have a friend with you. Company lessens the feeling of being ostracized or branded as a stalker. You can then coach your friend as an accomplice in placing certain subjects (people mostly) according to your framing vision.
6. Ask and Smile. It’s the best way plus it develops social skills. Rejection is a possibility but the best thing is the learning experience. Have some loose change ready if you talk to street performers as your subjects.