[Leica] Photographing people in public

[Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>]

During the month of September, I took 30 rolls of M6 film, all over
England, Holland, Germany, & Switzerland. I took pictures in subways,
trains, street corners, elbow to elbow  street crowds, in stores, in
restaurants. Hell!!! absolutely everywhere and of everybody. Even the
Amsterdam Red Light district at night (MS 100/1000 @ 800 w/35/1.4 ASPH @
f/1.4). Not once did I ever get even a second glance. People basically
ignored me. And I surely was not discrete. I had the camera to my eye and
pointed it at whatever looked good. People looked at me, then went on with
their business. Except for kids. They love to pose.

Was it the M camera?

Jim


At 08:24 PM 12/1/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Ted, 
>
>You're a wise man and I appreciate your comments!  However, holding the camera
>to your eye or breast and snapping (if you don't get caught) is equally
>sneaky.  I agree with you in that I think what has changed since HCB's heyday
>is people's attitude.  Did HCB get consent from all of those people he shot?
>Did it matter?  I think in year's past people looked at street photography as
>"whimsical" or "magic."  Nowadays, invasive.  Again, I think publishing such
>shots without consent is wrong if the individual even cares.  My shots will
>never go further than the walls of my home or office.  It's funny how Leica
>capitalizes on the "Magic Moment" in the style and grace of HCB.  Today,
>sadly, the magic moment could be a favorable ruling for the defendant (street
>photographer).
>
>Cheers,
>
>Arturo
>----------------------------------
>Ted Grant wrote:
>
><< I think you may find yourself in danger of confrontation with the method
> you are contemplating, as there is a major difference of holding the camera
> to your eye and being caught, then being polite and talking your way out of
> confrontation.
> 
> Than doing it in a "sneaky manner" as you are suggesting!
> 
> Imagine how you'd feel if you caught some guy taking your picture in a
> manner that made you very uncomfortable and wondering what the hell he was
> doing and why me?
> 
> Tis far better to take your street pictures like a true unobtrusive
> photojournalist than doing it in this manner. But then I come from the old
> school of picture taking, I'm not afraid to put the camera to my eye!
> 
> I'm sure you can get away with it, but is it worth the chance? Today's
> society are not very nice about having their pictures taken on the street
> in a fashion where they consider it an invasion of their privacy.
> 
> But then this is my opinion and others may agree with your method.
>  >>