Tilted

Girl standing at a tilted red traffic light
Tilted | Genoa | 2023

For today’s post I selected a color street photograph, one I call “tilted”. I generally love black & white street photos. Colors can draw the viewer’s attention away from the main subject of the photo. Bright or contrasting colors can create a visual noise that detracts from the overall composition of the photograph. This can be especially true if the captured colors are not balanced or if they do not complement each other in a pleasing way.

In some cases, however, the use of color can be intentional and can enhance the overall impact of a street photograph. The photographer might use color to draw attention to a specific detail or element within the scene, or to create a particular mood or atmosphere.

The slightly irritated view of the girl noticing a a photographer pointing a Leica SL2-S at her face would have just as well worked in black & white. But I felt that the unusual, tilted position of the little figure in the red lamp of the pedestrian crossing traffic light needed color to work, to get noticed.

The key is to use color deliberately and thoughtfully, rather than allowing it to distract from the main subject or message of the photograph.

I took the photograph with my Leica SL2-S and the Vario-Elmarit-SL 1:2.8/24-70 ASPH. Image specs are 1/400 sec, f/4.5, ISO 3200 and 61mm focal lenght.

For more tips and inspirations around street photography check out my free Learning Center.

Wish you all a happy Tuesday

Marcus

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StoNur on the Road – Color Splash

Color appreciated

My little Portland Christmas miracle

Hey What's Up
Hey What’s Up | Portland | 2017

Finally got to do some photography in the streets of Portland, heading to the Pearl District on my free Saturday in the Rose City, on a splendid but freezing cold afternoon.

I started shooting people through restaurant windows, where I got some cool reactions from the guest like from this genuinely surprised guy. As always, making eye contact and throwing some genuine smiles did the trick.

But I also experienced my little Portland Christmas miracle, when I approached an interesting looking guy and asked him if I could make is portrait, which he readily accepted. So I snapped off a couple shots why doing some small talk with him. We chatted about why I’m in Portland, and I asked him what he was just up to. Telling me he was just coming off work in one of Portlands large theaters (the Armory  – where we happened to stand just in front), he suddenly asked if I would like to see one the shows that were on last night. When I said yes he just took me inside to the box office and presented me with a complementary ticket.

I was totally taken aback by is genuine friendliness and generosity. Just because I asked him for his portrait and was interested in what he does. So I got to see a Truman Capote Christmas play with integrated musical performances by two stunning singers, a show I enjoyed tremendously.

This is why I love Street Photography – you meet so many great and interesting people.

The photo was taken with my Olympus PEN-F and the mZuiko 25mm F/1.8 prime lens. Image specs 1/125 sec @ F/2.5 and ISO 200.

Have a great Sunday!

Marcus

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