No, “say cheese” is not what I say when taking a candid street portrait of a complete stranger. Actually it is much simpler. Walking up, smiling, raising the camera, taking the shot, smiling again, maybe waving “thanks”, walking away. That’s standard street photography. About half of the people put up a smile and actually like having their picture taken, the other half doesn’t react much, and then there is maybe one in fifteen tries where the person signals they are not in agreement to have a stranger take their picture. In those cases I smile “thanks anyway” and walk away. No big deal. No reason to be anxious taking portraits of strangers.
Photograph taken with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the mZuiko 12-100mm F/4. Image specs 1/60 sec @ F/4 and ISO 250, 29mm focal length. I was standing directly in front of this guy, you can see my reflection in the window of the ice cream parlor.
Wish you a great Saturday
Marcus
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Street Photography Quick Tip 7 – Work the Scene
Street Photography Quick Tip 8 – Capturing Gesture
This is a great shot, Marcus! I still haven’t worked up to capturing people, but that may change this year. 🙂
Thanks, Amy, best wishes to the future street shooter 😉
I’ve always been a bit cautious of taking photos of people. This is a great shot!
Thanks, Miriam, as written, nothing really to worry about. It is easier than it seems! Marcus
The way you say it, it looks so simple. But doing it….. Well I have learned some very new and interesting words when trying. But I’ll keep on trying. Great shot by the way.
Haven’t gotten so much vocabulary lessons when shooting 😉 ! Thanks so much for commenting! Marcus
A good photo as usual Marcus!
Thanks so much, as always highly appreciated! Marcus
In America, I think this would not be a good idea.
Then there’s Bruce Gilden, who’s style is in-your-face-with-a-flash. https://youtu.be/kkIWW6vwrvM
Tell me about it….Magnum released a web based street photographer course a few weeks ago, there is a video lesson with Bruce Gilden out in the streets….just wow….
Marcus, nicely captured. Thank you for the advice.
Thanks, Tim, much appreciated! Marcus
Marcus, you’re welcome.
Very vibrant photo, check out my blog
Thanks, will do!
Welcome
Nice photo Marcus! I’d not be comfortable taking photos of anyone so directly here in Vegas. People here can be weird.
Weirder than NYC people???? Thanks, John!
Can’t say as I’ve never been there!
😀 That’s a great shot and explanation. The only gesturing of this kind I’ve done so far was to gesture to a man standing next to some street art that Nooooo, relax, you’re not in the frame! 😀
Thanks, Manja, glad you found it helpful! Wish you a great weekend! Marcus