Our Rebuttal: Street Photography for the Novice
If there’s one thing we learned from our study of English Literature, it’s that criticism is vital to every art form. Taking alterative viewpoints on board is crucial, but going one step further and commenting on something with your own critique helps the medium thrive.
That’s why when we stumbled across this article by Kimberly Gauthier on street photography over at Digital Photo School we thought it would be good to wade in with our own. Titled Street Photography for the Novice, it’s a helpful collection of tips for anyone starting out in the medium.
To Ask or Not to Ask
Kimberly generally hits the nail on the head, but there are several points that we’d like to question. The biggest disagreement we have is with her third point; Don’t photograph people without their permission.
That’s exactly what street photography, or at least a huge part of it, is all about. If you’re asking people for their photos, then you’re working more in the street portraiture space. Humans of New York is a good example – it’s still street photography, but not in the typical sense.
In fact, actually asking people for their permission can destroy any natural expression on their faces. Obviously if you’re dealing in a semi-taboo subject (as demonstrated recently in Eric Kim’s shoe article), then it’s definitely worth treading lightly. However, at any other time we’d say shoot without even getting close (unless that’s your aim).
It’s about capturing the fleeting moment in the urban space. Stopping to check whether it’s OK breaks the split-second wonder that street photography continues to offer.
Be sure to check the law within your country; the UK for example, allows photography as long as it’s in a public space, whether or not the subject agrees.
Like A Ninja?
The other point we’d like to focus on is Gauthier’s suggestion of blending in. In our recent article, tips to shoot street in London, we suggested the same thing. However recently it’s become obvious to us, and the wider community echoes this, that you want to make eye contact. Whether or not you’re shooting close or with a telephoto (both have their merits, regardless of what others say), having someone looking at the camera can make a good shot into a fantastic shot.
Getting their attention can be well worth the pursuit. There’s nothing worse than thinking to yourself “look at the camera” only for them to walk away.
Now it’s your turn. We’d love to hear your thoughts on our piece, and the original article. Please leave a comment below or join the discussion on Twitter.
For the record we tend to shoot with a telephoto as it helps achieve the effect we want with our street photography.
33 Comments
SJCT
Sunday, 12 June, 2011I would never take someone’s photo without their permission. I don’t want someone else taking my photo without my permission, so I afford others the same. Sure, it may be legal, but that doesn’t mean that it’s still okay to do it.
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Marco Fiori
Sunday, 12 June, 2011I can understand if it was an unflattering image or if it was a photo of your child. However, in London and most urban cities, you’re constantly on camera anyway. Privacy doesn’t exist in the public space.
As long as someone’s not using your image for marketing or advertising without your permission, then I can’t see an issue with it.
Thanks for the comment though, appreciate it.
Ivan
Thursday, 16 June, 2011“I would never take someone’s photo without their permission”
So I assume all of your “street photography” is nothing but a bunch of corny smiling faces. Where do you draw the line between street photography and portraiture?
Marco Fiori
Thursday, 16 June, 2011It’s a tough line. Some of the best work has been made with people’s permission. We, however never ask. Make what of it you want. Thanks for the comments.
John
Tuesday, 20 March, 2012Stay in your home or cover yourself up if you don’t want to be photographed.
Karen McHale
Sunday, 12 June, 2011I like to shoot in Los Angeles and I definitely try to be inconspicuous and get the “street” factor. If I do get noticed, I smile a lot and try to put my subjects at ease. I rarely get anyone who doesn’t want their picture taken! Most people are true hams and love to pose for me, which is usually NOT what I am looking for but, hey, I’ll take it.
Marco Fiori
Sunday, 12 June, 2011Hi Karen,
LA’s an absolute goldmine for street photography, as long as you’re being safe! Smiling goes so far in street photography, it removes that menacing misinterpretation that people sometimes get.
Heh, sometimes a cheeky pose can make a better photo than just someone sitting, not paying attention.
Cheers, Marco
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photography Blog
Sunday, 12 June, 2011Thank you so so much for writing this piece. I wish I was brave enough to take pictures of people without their permission, because I have to agree with you – these are such interesting pieces. When I look at another photographer’s work, I’m mesmerized by the images of people living.
I’ve tried to take pictures of people, but I just can’t get over the feeling that I’m intruding so I just don’t do it.
Thank you so much for this kind rebuttal! I loved reading your thoughts.
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Marco Fiori
Sunday, 12 June, 2011Hi Kimberly,
Thanks for making your way here. You’re the person I most hoped would chance across my response. Don’t worry, practice if you want to but you’re unsure on capturing those.
Maybe the US is a bit more anti-photography that the response can be harsher to over here in the UK. It’s obviously a personal thing so if you don’t feel comfortable, there’s no reason why you should think it OK for others to.
Not to worry, cheers for the response.
All the best.
Woods
Sunday, 12 June, 2011When I saw the post I wanted to reply straight away but your post says it all. What’s the point of doing street photography if you have to stop people and ask their permission ? Then let’s get back to shooting puppies and flowers.
Everyone can shoot landscapes, night shots, studio portraits, HDR, Macro, etc. In the end it’s a matter of gear (of course some do it better than others but that’s not the point). Street photography is different, it takes guts. And not everyone have that.
Hey, nice website by the way.
– Woods
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Marco Fiori
Sunday, 12 June, 2011Hi Woods!
While I obviously focus on street, I don’t have anything against static photography or other mediums. However, yes, that’s the main point I disagreed with. As you can see above Kimberly explained her reasons and she’s obviously allowed to have them.
Yeah, I’m still adverse to getting too close at the moment – that’s also because I love capturing those in their natural state and it’s obvious when you’re with a 55mm in front of their faces. More confidence will come with time and practice. Age as well.
Thanks for the complement, yours is very good as well, as is your photography. I’ve bookmarked it in my RSS.
Cheers,
Marco
Lyza
Friday, 24 June, 2011Well done atircle that. I’ll make sure to use it wisely.
Sharon Byers
Sunday, 12 June, 2011I shot a picture of an Amish family without permission and suddenly the mother noticed me and quickly shielded the children from my view and then I saw her begin to cry; I was horrified at my intrusion. I never forgot that experience.
Corrina
Sunday, 12 June, 2011@ Sharon Byers, I totally agree, I’d be horrified too but yet, on another side of that, she has to expect some invasion of privacy if she’s out in public. I don’t know.. its such a grey area….. I too struggle with photographing strangers. I’ve yet to be successful at it, lol…
Marco Fiori
Sunday, 12 June, 2011Yeah, totally Corrina – it’s difficult and everyone has their own opinions of what’s OK and whatnot. I operate within the law and respect people if they shy away. I don’t go chasing down the street snapping if it’s obvious they’re not entirely comfortable.
Marco Fiori
Sunday, 12 June, 2011Oh wow Sharon, that’s certainly enough to put you off. I’d have been interested to see your shots from the incident.
They’ll always be bad moments and disagreements. Understand how that’s enough to stick with you though. Thanks for sharing.
Tim Allen
Sunday, 12 June, 2011If you ask permission it’s not street photography. That’s all there is to say!
Mind you, Bruce Gilden is classed as a street photographer and he shoves a flash gun in people’s faces, meaning all he gets is pictures of people looking startled and pissed off; the guy is an idiot.
Marco Fiori
Sunday, 12 June, 2011Haha Tim, love the end of your comment. Really wasn’t expecting that. Thanks as always.
fokko muller
Monday, 13 June, 2011like your article Marco. everybody has to do what he wants. i like to shoot with 28mm. get close and candid. from the eye, belly, hip or foot, just depending on the subject and my mood. i agree with tim, i don’t like the style of bruce. it doesn’t reflect the real expression of people. flash is annoying and unnecessary on the street
Marco Fiori
Monday, 13 June, 2011Yeah, totally agree with you Fokko on all accounts. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, always appreciated.
Danny Delgado
Monday, 13 June, 2011I definitely agree with not asking for permission. Candid shots make the best street photos and they are the core of what street photography is all about. Cheers for furthering the dialogue on street photography Marco.
Marco Fiori
Tuesday, 14 June, 2011Thanks Danny, not a problem. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
sumit
Thursday, 16 June, 2011I don’t think it is necessary to seek permission and that is where I to disagree with Kimberly. In my opinion, as long as the subject doesn’t explicitly disapprove (verbal or mannerisms) and the law doesn’t forbid one, its alright to shoot strangers.
However, one should take care not to intrude too far into someone’s personal space. Not in the enthusiasm or spirit of photography commit acts which can border on harassment.
Furthermore, in my own social setting I have been questioned many a times regarding Street Photography. In my efforts to explain my actions to those who matter, I realised people in general do have an antagonistic stand towards street photographers in general – the reasons are fairly diverse but in light of events of the past decade or so the paranoia is understandable. Considering that, I believe while we have a right to indulge in our hobby, we also have the responsibility to not turnt he public against us but to understand us. I suppose I digress.
Smile, say thank you and show respect to your subjects – that sort of keeps trouble at bay
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Marco Fiori
Thursday, 16 June, 2011Totally agree sumit. I’ve always considered the law. If its within it I have no issues photographing people. Obviously as you say, harassing behaviour is a lot different and I always make sure I give the subject respect and space.
Smiling and showing you don’t mean any harm is the way forward. Saying that, I’ve often moved on before they’ve even realised they’ve been photographed. Thanks for dropping by and leaving the comment!
Paul
Thursday, 16 June, 2011…Eric Kim’s shoe article), then it’s definitely worth treading lightly. LOL.
Marie
Friday, 17 June, 2011Sharon,
The reason the Amish woman was upset is because the Amish do not believe in having themselves photographed. It’s based on the commandment about not making graven images. As a Christian myself, I think they’re interpreting that a little too strictly (it’s about not WORSHIPING an image–taking pictures of your kids isn’t worshiping an image in my opinion), but I respect their sincerity. If you didn’t know that, though, then it was an honest mistake; don’t beat yourself up over it. It wasn’t personal against you. It is something that photographers should keep in mind and respect, though, if they know about it. The Amish are easy to spot, and if you KNOW they have a religious belief that forbids photography, respect it. Just chalk it up to a learning experience and remember it for the future.
I haven’t tried street photography (I’m just now getting into learning about shooting in manual mode). I think I would be uncomfortable taking pics of people without permission, but I’ve seen some great shots people have gotten by doing it. I think it’s just not MY cup of tea. Loved the tips, though!
Marco Fiori
Monday, 20 June, 2011Yeah, if there’s some sort of religious roadblock in the way, I always make sure I respect the person. I was very careful in Japan to ensure I wasn’t photographing anyone and anything I shouldn’t be.
Some places were more difficult to tell than others, due to a lack of English signage.
You never know Marie, I never realised how much I liked it until I just started doing it one day. Thanks for dropping by.
victorian221b
Friday, 17 June, 2011Hi! I came across this blog through DPS
I have to agree though, if one asks people for permission it takes the natural part of it away. However, I usually take picture os people in a non-intrusive sort of way. I don’t purposely try to take pictures of them but more of them in the environment they are in and what they are doing. I’m not into portrait photography so I do not need closeups of people. However, if one is to do portraiture then asking for permission is definitely a must. So far I haven’t had issues with pictures of people since most of the time I try to look like I’m just photographing the scenery. And I’ve dot great shots 
Marco Fiori
Monday, 20 June, 2011Welcome! A lot of you did, and we’re glad that so many people decided to leave a comment.
Thanks for sharing what you enjoy doing – it’s always great hearing other photographers’ thought processes and inspiration.
Lor
Wednesday, 22 June, 2011This happened a long time ago …
one night while a friend was driving around town, I pretended to take pictures of people by just setting off the flash. Well, one guy got really upset and chased us in his taxi. He cornered us and demanded my camera, which was a Canon SLR AE-1. I actually didn’t have film in it but he wouldn’t listen. Somehow my friend managed to back up and get away. Too bad I didn’t have film!
Marco Fiori
Wednesday, 22 June, 2011Thanks for sharing the dodgy experience Lor!
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Rick Rouse
Wednesday, 13 July, 2011In general I prefer to shoot with a long lens in order to avoid making my subjects feel uncomfortable, but sometimes the only way to get a decent shot is to move in close. Everyone has his/her own style of shooting in the street, and whatever you’re comfortable with is fine IMO. I do think try to respect the privacy of those who desire it as much as possible.
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Marco Fiori
Wednesday, 13 July, 2011You’re like me Rick, I love shooting long because I can hide and let them be. Nothing wrong with doing what you enjoy.