Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/31
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> -----Original Message----- > From: Dan Post [SMTP:dpost@triad.rr.com] > Sent: Monday, July 31, 2000 2:04 PM > > Who in their right mind would challenge you on that account!? > [BOB KRAMER] How about someone who has actually done it? ;-) > I used both the Rollei and > an Hasselblad for weddings, and often shot candids without anyone being > aware of their photograph being taken- and shooting candids at a wedding > can > be an awful lot like street photography in a crowded street!! > [BOB KRAMER] Maybe, maybe not. I've shot a few weddings myself, and I think weddings are more like what I did in high school shooting candids for the yearbook. Everyone knows your there to take *candid* (and some formal shots in the case of weddings) photos, and 99% of the people *want* their photo to be taken! Not so true for real street work where the subject doesn't have a clue as to why they are being photographed. I have also found many people on the street to be very savvy as to recognizing the intent of the photographer when the photog uses waist level finders and such. I have found, like others have said, the best approach is to just shot away as if you own the place. And if someone objects, don't take any more photos. > The natural thing for a person, and any animal is that directly looking at > someone is akin to a challenge > [BOB KRAMER] Well, there are a lot of other body language cues that go into it as well. One can effectively shoot in the street without any challenging signals being thrown out. Smile a lot, don't stare, move on quickly to another subject, etc. > A person peering DOWN is no challenge, and the subconcious raises no > 'hackles' nor does it sound an inner alert. > [BOB KRAMER] If you actually try this, you might be surprised at how quickly you are challenged as to why you are taking a picture. You very likely will be perceived as trying to hide the fact you are taking pictures, and that will sound a major alarm to many people. Even when looking down into a waist level finder, you still are working the controls of the camera, so your intent is very obvious. Please do not try this technique Dan. We like you and don't want to see you get your butt kicked! :-) Bob (been shooting in the street for 20 years and hasn't been smacked yet) Kramer