[Leica] When in doubt ask photographer

[photo.forrest at earthlink.net (Philip Forrest)]

Back when I was shooting for the Navy, the photographers' mantra was "Walk 
around like you own the place."  We'd just be on the location as if we 
belonged there, were comfortable and partially invisible.  Walk around the 
site for a bit to reconnoiter good angles and light then start shooting away.

When I was photographing the casualties at Bravo Surgical unit in Fallujah, 
I 
was in the OR with everyone doing their jobs and no one ever noticed or 
complained.

PhilFo




On Sunday 13 January 2008 14:06, Ted Grant wrote:
> B.D., offered with wisdom:
> >> Next time you want to photograph a group of friends in a social
>
> situation, try sitting still. Don't get up and move around for the best
> shot; pick the one best spot and sit in it. Don't photograph for a while,
> and when everyone has forgotten about you, start shooting.<<<<
>
> B.D.,
>
> Absolutely!
>
> Here's a simple example of how sitting in the chair works.
>
> I was to shoot the Prime Minister and his inner circle people in a meeting.
> A real meeting not staged for pictures.
>
> I'm in the room before anyone else, check the lighting and who's going to
> be sitting where at the big table.
>
> I pick a chair by a wall in relation to best light, "which is always number
> one" and sit down.
>
> People begin to arrive, I'm already there like I am supposed to be sitting
> in my chair. I do  not acknowledge anyone because I'm a wall fixture.
>
> 3 M's loaded before hand with the lenses most likely to be required.
> Meeting starts, arguments begin, along with all kinds of stuff and
> absolutely no one is paying any attention to the fact there's a
> photographer sitting in the room quietly clicking away picking off
> beautiful expressions and hand gestures.
>
> Now I want to move and how do I do that without drawing attention to
> myself? So damn easy you wont believe it!
>
> First you pick the spot you want to move to, check the "path way" to avoid
> banging into anything and that you have an unimpeded way. Then watch for
> all the heads to be in a direction away from you and where you're going. It
> happens and off you go!
>
> Hugging cameras tightly to chest to avoid banging together creating a
> distraction. Move quietly, not necessarily fast! But do it in one motion
> directly to your newly selected shooting chair.  Sit down and don't move!
> DON'T MOVE!!!!!!
>
> When people turn their heads in the direction where you were you're not
> there and the meeting continues as though you were never there in the first
> place!
>
> Then you watch the light, expressions and click quietly away. :-)
>
> See how easy that is without anyone "acting to your existence!" :-)
>
> Thanks BD for reminding me about that sit down thing. :-)
>
> ted
>
>
>
>
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