Street Photography Quick Tip 16 – Capture what captures attention
My Street Photography Quick Tips are short, easy to read and easy to use tips that I think could help you while shooting in the streets.
When shooting Street Photography, I’m always on the lookout for photographs that have the potential to make the viewer stop and think about the story behind it, before swiping on to the next image.
In this photo, the contrast between the bright face and the darkness of the window behind should capture the attention of the viewer. Then comes text, which is also something we more or less automatically scan. “Order here”. What is it that can be ordered from this girl? Also, the hand written sign about not accepting American Express cards tends to attract attention more then the logo cards of the other credit cards.
How do you see it?
Photo taken with the OM-D E-M1 and the mZuiko 12-100 F/4. Image specs are 1/320 sec @ f/6,3 and ISO 200.
Make sure to regularly check out my free Learning Center for all of my tips and inspirations around photography.
Wish you all a great week and a good start into the week!
Marcus
Related Posts:
Instant Inspiration (25) – Foodporn
Oregon International Air Show (and how I photographed it)
I think street photography is absolutely more dramatic in black and white. Color is too distracting, but when in black and white, you are forced to think about the scene. On a different note, I love the written sign stating they do not accept American Express. That is a story all on its own, because generally, not having an AE sticker logo should immediately indicate AE is not accepted. Crazy love it!
Thanks, Ginny, for sharing your thoughts on this, this is so much appreciated! Hope your week is going well! Marcus
Amazing written and very helpful article.
Please check my blog and share love http://mesmots1987.wordpress.com
Thanks, really appreciate your kind words! Will check out your blog. Marcus
would love if you looked at my photography my Instagram is @freyaalicephotography, thanks ! X
It’s interesting that she looks so deep in thought. Almost like you can order advice…or that she’s Lucy from Charlie Brown setting up her psychiatrist booth. lol.
Love the Lucy comment, Amy! Awesome! Marcus
I find the signs distracting me from the face and would prefer to have them cropped out. The image of the face in the opening is very strong; expressing presence and distance simultaneously.
Thanks for sharing your feedback, Mathias, very much appreciated! Marcus
Hi Marcus! I love this photograph and you reminded me of something. I just bought a compact camera this weekend so that I could start doing some projects- maybe lurking in the shadows to take street photographs with my new, light and indiscreet camera. haha! Anyway, reading this reminded me that I need to go through your blog and start reading up on your tips! I love the idea of the text in the image! Thank you for sharing… 🙂
Wow, Janet, congrats on the new cam – and you should do some street photography, SoCal is a great place to shoot! Looking forward to your results! Marcus
Thanks. I can always use photography tips as most of my photos are less than stellar. The photo does make me wonder what she is looking at and what she is thinking.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Marcus
What grabbed my attention was the serious look on her expression …. she is thinking about something very serious and her forehead is very busy for sure. Great catch.
One question, are these pictures shot aiming through the viewfinder of the camera or just candidly from waist level?
Hi Raj, thanks for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated! I shot trough the viewfinder. Marcus
Oh thanks Marcus. 🙏😊
A face and setting with many stories
Thanks – and yes, there is lots of room for stories 🙂
Marcus, this is a very mysterious photograph and a very strong! I can think of many things just looking at it. I am also fascinated by face expression of this girl. It’s priceless.
And special thank you for sharing with us your tips for street photography.
You are welcome, Kaya! And thanks for your wonderful feedback, this means so much! Marcus
Marcus, this is a very mysterious photograph and a very strong! I can think of many things just looking at it, ask questions and probably never would solve the mystery in this photo. I am also fascinated by face expression of this girl. It’s priceless.
An a special thank you for sharing with us your tips for street photography.
One of my first thoughts when looking at the photo was that she looks confined by the space she is in.
It was a food truck, and yes, it was quite confined, considering the heat! Thanks for commenting, Jason! Marcus
Her affect drew my attention; yet the contrast within the subframe most likely was the initial element within your image that called to my eyes (unconsciously?)
Thanks, Brenda, love your feedback! Marcus
She seems to be counting cash or processing a transaction. And they do not accept American Express either. 😎
Foodtruck 😉