Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/a-comprehensive-introduction-to-street-photography/

I thought that this was interesting would also add some points to discuss.

J. R.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Lots of sound stuff in there but I wouldn't sweat about the large DSLR thing, I use a D700, D810, a Leica M9 and my latest acquisition a Fujifilm X100T, I like them all and use them almost equally with perhaps the DSLR used most. It's not the camera or it's size that's important, it's the photographers approach to street photography that counts, together with an eye for a shot.
Some would have it that the eye isn't something that can be learned, that's wrong and discouraging. The way to develop your eye is to get out there and take pictures, examine those pictures, compare them to the pictures of others. See what works and what doesn't.
Always remember that you must take pictures that please you, taking pictures to please others will end up with you having pictures that you don't like.
The best bit of advice that site gives is to get out there and take lots of pictures. I walk the streets for several hours, sometimes the whole day, taking pictures. I like to get very familiar with places and will spend a lot of time in particular "hot spots" where you get a good flow of people (if that's what you want) and good backgrounds.
Familiarity with your equipment is very important too, you don't want to be fumbling with settings while that once in a lifetime shot vanishes.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Graham I agree it is all too handy to put it off on equipment, I also agree to shoot, shoot and find different places. Know the gear and be able to do it with out looking. I come a film background. I also believe that no matter how good the eye it can continue to be improved.

J. R.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

When taking street pictures wander slowly then loiter and observe for a while. Repeat this all day remembering, between each cycle, to take time for a beer or coffee. A nice lunch is always a boost for the inspiration too :-)

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Graham, really back council! I did that when carrying my Canon FTb. I had a beer then cycle shorted to the point I could not find my camera.

J. R.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

I was puzzled as to why I was losing so many cameras, now I know how to prevent that loss. Leave the camera at home and concentrate on the beer! ;)

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I still have the cameras. I forgot to take them. I did do the little framing thing with my hands for a short time. Then just thought what a great picture.

J. R.

kruchoski Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Graham, so much that I like in your comments, but then it's so easy to like the things we agreed with, huh? Tops among your comments (IMHO) are highlighted above. The first I call developing "an eye for the image" because the camera simply can't do that part for you. I caveat the second with always being open to learning, improving, and seeing in new ways. The third I practice religiously, keeping in mind that I'll take plenty of 'so-so' pics -- but not beating myself up over that. :-)

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Nice article, thanks for posting. ;)

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Thanks! Timely and a refeser for those that have been around the block (DAM I AM SHARP THIS MORNING) and a learning tool for many that are starting out.

J. R.

anotherview Loc: California

We might even call this insight a fundamental of doing worthy photography: "Always remember that you must take pictures that please you."

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Well said. Although I have several pro level lenses my handiest lens for street stuff is a standard kit level lens, 28-200, because it is versatile, compact and light. I was shooting street before I knew it was a style and I did it because I couldn't afford good cameras (this is where someone notes that I use a Canon 6D and remarks that I still don't :XD: ) and I did street stuff because the scene was more important than the mechanical/chemical quality and it gave me satisfaction. Hmmm I hope I said that right. ;)