Assignment 208: Principles of location photography: Theme 2: Street Photography

Theme 2: Street Photography: Second Attempt

My first attempt at street photography helped me to gain confidence but didn't produce any strong images.  Feedback from Steve on why the images didn't really deliver was constructive and helped me to plan my second attempt.

How did I change my approach?  

• Changed location:  I choose to use Birmingham for my second attempt.  I felt that this would provide a more diverse range of activity - also as a major city - it would be easier to lose yourself as a photographer in the crowd.  
• Change in equipment:  I moved from my limited 18-70mm lens to a 70-300mm zoom to enable me to provide me with greater scope - I could either zoom in to capture detail further away, or use it to focus up close on a particular person or group.  Using a zoom lens in a busy city centre I also had to be more mindful of health & safety considerations.  Being careful to not place myself in a position that would prove an obstruction to passers by, or put my equipment in a position where it could be damaged.
• Change in attitude: Rather than be shy about what I was doing I went prepared to engage with people, to acknowledge that they were being photographed - show my appreciation of their co-operation with a nod, a smile, a gesture - or a donation if busking or collecting for a charity.

What were the challenges?

ISO 400, f4, 1/800, focal length 70mm

The main challenge was the use of the zoom, it is a heavier lens and is very basic - so achieving a sharp image was difficult, especially at the higher end of the zoom - and this spoilt a number of images.  I tried to compensate for the camera shake by positioning myself against a post, or resting my camera on a wall or bin but this wasn't always possible.

As in this image, I like to composition - the blurred out background with the passer by providing the main focal point - giving you a sense of how isolated you can be - even in a busy city - I like the high colour achieved but I hadn't quite got the focus sharp and I was on the move myself so lost some of the clarity.

What went well?

People were less inhibited, more friendly and even eager to get their photo taken.  I was pleased with myself that I stuck to my guns and resisted reverting to auto anything!  Occasionally people would ask me what I was doing - in return for my explanation I would ask if I could take their photo.

ISO 400, f5.6, 1/60, focal length 70mm

ISO 400, f5, 1/320, focal length 70mm

In some cases it was a matter of bribery - there were a lot of uni students collecting for whizz-kids charity - so I emptied my purse of change a few times to capture images.  

I like this image - although the costume may not be the most elaborate that I saw on the day the image there is something surreal about not knowing who is behind the mask.

ISO 400, f5.6, 1/1000, focal length 300mm

ISO 400, f5.6, 1/100, focal length 205mm

Although this collector didn't enter into the fancy dress escapade to collect her money I observed her for ages from a coffee shop - she seemed uncomfortable with her role, and unlike her fancy dress companions lacking in confidence to approach the throngs of passers by.

What did I learn?

From my day in Birmingham I could see three themes that I could build my street photography around that could tell a social story:

• Street Sellers & Buskers
• Political and Religious demonstrations/preachers
• Faces of a city 

My next blogs will pick out some of my favourite images collected on the day that fit the above categories.

In future visits I will look to plan my work around the above themes and continue to apply patience to capturing that elusive image/s that can be used in my final presentation.

I have learned that as well as confidence - you need patience - you can't stage your image - you have to keep trying, and where ever possible always have your camera to hand ready for when it presents itself.

ISO 400, f5,1/800, focal length 70mm