[Leica] philosophy of street photography

[alex at zabrovsky.com (Alex)]

I think it relates to the desire to capture the native moment as it 
happens if there wouldn't be camera (and the photographer) involved. I'm 
just getting into street phtoography and I find it really fascinating 
shooting the real situations when I happen to capture people's 
behaviour/expressions when they are not aware of the camera. Having said 
that, I do not encourage a stealthily photography approach, I never hide 
my intentions to photograph and would hate to be caught trying to get 
the picture in an uncalled situation. I just try to pursuade the subject 
in its natural environment, avoiding to interrupt its normal behavior 
and shoot. In most cases people do not protest and often, after the shot 
are willing to cooperate for a smile. But once they notice me shooting 
them directly (prior to the shot), in most cases, even of they are ready 
to cooperate to get photographed, their natiral expressions and 
behavious changes and that is what I'm trying to avoid.

Alex

Brian Reid wrote:

> I've been curious for years why it is that the norm in street 
> photography is not to interact with the subjects. I am primarily a 
> portrait person, and everything about portraiture involves interacting 
> with the subject. The street photographs that get the most accolades 
> seem to be those in which the photographed subjects do not show 
> awareness of the photographer. I always find that unsettling.
>
> Why is this? Is there some philosophical basis, or is it just habit?
>
> Brian
>
>
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