andrew d

A friend with a small Sony A77R gets little attention and is not afraid to approach his subjects and get a backstory. My camera/lens combo is much more noticeable and I am not as intrepid. I always look like a tourist in NYC despite living on Long Island my whole life. Don't stare at people through the camera so targets shouldn't think I'm completely creepy. Now I'm thinking of a photo vest for a more finished tourist look.
Aside: At the West Indian pre-parade 2 years ago, a lot of costumed folks got the impression I was there on assignment and were only too happy to pose and be real friendly as well! A great day.

User ID

`



I love that 17. It is a 35/2.0 clone. I keep it
on a Pen-F, mainly cuz it looks so doofie on
there that its appearance is disarming.

If you haven't yet encountered the MF clutch
then you have a cool sooprize awaiting you !

I notice that you actually were NOT one of
the "classic" enthusiasts of the 35/2.0 style
of street imaging. You are really a 50/2.0
type. I say this cuz your 35/2.0 was used
as an APSC lens.

If that style fits you well, I can also speak
highly of the Lumix 25/1.7 which would be
the "50/2.0 style" optic for your Lumix. It
IS a wonnnnderful lens. And there's been a
seemingly permanent price drop to $150. I
initially bought it just cuz it was so cheap
and never anticipated how great a lens it
would prove to be. Here's a taste of the 25
at about 1.5 stops down:

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Yes! Besides the smaller size, I like that it’s gonna be a little wider than the 35 on my D7200. And you are right. That MF clutch is the bomb. So easy to go to manual focus for a confused scene.

splatbass Loc: Honolulu

If you are in a public place there is no expectation of privacy and thus no "right to privacy". It is perfectly legal to photograph in that instance. At least in the US and many other countries. If you understand the meaning of "right" in a legal sense. If you don't like it that is fine, I understand. But legally no one in the US has a "right" to privacy when in public.

LittleBit Loc: St. Louis, MO

Thanks for all of the advice. Guess I'm going to have to put my "Big Girl Panties" on and just go for it.

User ID

`

Legal rights mean little. The social
contract is the thing. Many of my
photos are made just to "express
myself" ... and one thing that I'm
NOT interesting in expressing is a
selfish disregard for that contract.

.

Shutterbug57

To which brand of social contract theory do you ascribe - Grotius, Rousseau, Locke, Hobbes, Pufendorf or Kant? Without understanding that much, we cannot hope to make sense of your comment.

In general, social contract theory states that law and political order are not natural, but rather are human inventions. The social contract and the resulting political order are simply the means towards an end -the benefit of the individuals involved - and are legitimate only when they uphold their part of the contract. Given that social contract theory relies on the law, and in this case there is no law to support your position, I am at a loss to see where you are coming from.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Hi, a lot of different answers on this question! I can only relate my experience on the topic. I would never call myself a "street photographer" as I am more inclined to shoot wildlife and nature. But I went on a street photography tour to Cuba with Steve Simon last December. I like to challenge myself. I don't like walking up to people and asking to take their photo as I am more inclined to the "stealth and cunning" option. I shot some scenes with a longer lens, Nikon 70-200, and some scenes with a Z lens, the 24-70. I liked all of them in the end. I think the one thing that a street photographer has to do is to learn to ignore what is happening around them (actually this applies to all photography) and to simply focus (pun intended) on getting the shot you see. You might face adversity. I had a lady in Cuba chase me down the street with a big stick that she was waving at me: I had to pick up the pace to outdistance her! For me, it's all about the shot and I take everything else in stride. You can see my Cuba images online at my website. The site is listed with my name. I'd say do what seems right to you and then correct as needed. Steve Simon was an advocate of the smaller lens, get closer, but then crop around the subject. He would often go up to people and then direct them as to how to move or look. I did some of that but also cropped in-camera with the longer lens.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Small and unobtrusive cameras and lenses are best for street photography. The less "pro" you look, the better.

With Canon APS-C camera, their 24mm "pancake" lens would be great... slightly wide angle. Their 40mm pancake would be another possibility, slightly telephoto.

User ID

Very sorry for your loss ... Theory can be tough sometimes.
I seriously doubt that I, or anyone else, can assist you with
that. Best to ignore yourself and just move on.

.

Fred Haider

Street Photography has been an interest but I have done very little of that genre. My son really objected when I shot an image of some passerby in Chicago without going up and asking permission. Then how would you get a candid shot? Am I not taking time away and disturbing them needlessly with the request? I just got a Canon RF. It is a mirrorless and small especially if I mount on a 50 MM lens. It also can be set to silent mode. If anyone asks if I took a picture I say yes. Would you like to see it? I offer to send them a copy as well. I only got one person that said they did not want their picture taken unless I paid them and a few that put their hand out and said NO. The person that wanted payment indicated he was a homeless veteran. I should have given him a few dollars and regret not doing so. On the other hand should one have to pay to cover the plight of homelessness? Like I said I should have opened my wallet. I am retired and gave up on the commercial side of photography. I shot for charities. I shot family portraits for single parents and foster parents. Maybe paying a homeless person for an image or two does not undervalue my skills/contribution. What say you?? I always understood if you are out in the public and not a youngster you should not have an expectancy of privacy. Anyway I am interested in all viewpoints.

rydabyk Loc: Florida Panhandle

Gumshoe!!!!! Love it, I haven't heard that in quite a while

Fred Haider

Thanks for your response. I did check your Cuba Street images. They are GREAT. I was surprised that I enjoyed the B&W ones too. Cuba known for bold colors took on a dramatic and different feel in B&W. Kudos to you. I had to laugh about the story of you being chased by a women with a stick. I don't know with my speed if I could outpace her.

I thought of going to Cuba and your pictures increased my interest. I need to visit Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Glacier NP first. Them if healthy enough Cuba is a good bet. The only place you can find as many old American Cars is Minnesota's Back to the fifties and even then less.

User ID

Well now, ain't you the toidy-toidy academic !
Such a name dropper ... soooo impressive !

The beauty of your educated face suffers from
a big puss-dripping zit on its nose: "ascribe" ?
"To which theory do I ascribe ?" ROTFLMFAO.

Where were you during vocabulary lessons in
grade school ? PUOSU !

I'd ASCRIBE your reply to putting mouth into
gear before brain is engaged.

splatbass Loc: Honolulu

I will never understand the disdain some people have for education. Maybe jealousy? Do tell.