Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/31

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Subject: RE: [Leica] Street photography
From: BOB KRAMER <BobKramer@COOPERCARRY.com>
Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2000 11:58:14 -0400

> -----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

Replies: Reply from "Dan Post" <dpost@triad.rr.com> (Re: [Leica] Street photography)
Reply from Mark Rabiner <mark@rabiner.cncoffice.com> (Re: [Leica] Street photography)