Question for street shooters

lizzard_nyc

Hi all,
So I've been in a shooting funk for a couple of weeks.
I'm shooting some but nothing to write home about.

My question is:

Do you guys usually work an area? Meaning you scout the location and then wait until the right shot comes along?

My style is, take my camera and shoot on my way to work, or back from work or during my lunch. Taking shots as I go along. Never having much time to scout.

I am curious as to how different people do it here. Do you go out to shoot? Or do you just take your camera with you when you're on the go?

I need some inspiration or different ideas as my method has not been working for me the last 2 weeks.

misterb

I like to plan my excursions so that the light is right (check the weather on the Blackberry) and then work a geographical area.

I've shot Woodbury Commons (Juicy Couture) Rockland Psych (HDR shots) and Times Square.

I'm considering Washington Square Park (near NYU) and my favorite: SoHo!

I think you have to actually set time aside to devote to shooting.. or else you're rushing shots and generally not focused and "in the zone" so to speak.

I'm no expert by any means- just relaying what works for me!

bfjr

I take my camera everywhere I go.

I make no plans.

Street shooting (to me) is spontaneous and I make no attempts to control that.

I also do not chimp (in fact I can't with this camera), I wait till I'm back at my computer to see what I've captured.

I've had my slumps in photography (some would say I'm always in a slump:D),
but it's never been about my method, more to do with my mind set.

On a side note, I've noticed that your trying new things i.e. processing/camera type etc.
Trying to many (new) things can mess with you. I hope that was understandable.

misterb

bfjr wrote: »

I also do not chimp (in fact I can't with this camera), I wait till I'm back at my computer to see what I've captured.

Define "chimp".

bfjr

misterb wrote: »

Define "chimp".

Looking at LCD after taking a shot and missing the good stuff

Richard

Slumps happen to everyone, I think, so don't fret too much about it. For me, it only takes a good shot or two to restore my spirits. (You can interpret that last statement two ways, I realize, and both apply. )

I take most of my shots in my neighborhood. As long as I don't expect to be carrying other stuff, I usually take my camera when running errands, but I also go out specifically for photography. As misterb mentioned, getting the mind focused is a big help, but some of the best stuff comes unexpectedly. It's a helpful to revisit locations at different times of day and year and in different weather, as the light can change dramatically.

lizzard_nyc

misterb wrote: »

I like to plan my excursions so that the light is right (check the weather on the Blackberry) and then work a geographical area.

I've shot Woodbury Commons (Juicy Couture) Rockland Psych (HDR shots) and Times Square.

I'm considering Washington Square Park (near NYU) and my favorite: SoHo!

I think you have to actually set time aside to devote to shooting.. or else you're rushing shots and generally not focused and "in the zone" so to speak.

I'm no expert by any means- just relaying what works for me!

Thanks Misterb for sharing what works for you.

Plus you learned what "chimp" is. It's a win win.

lizzard_nyc

bfjr wrote: »

I take my camera everywhere I go.

I make no plans.

Street shooting (to me) is spontaneous and I make no attempts to control that.

I also do not chimp (in fact I can't with this camera), I wait till I'm back at my computer to see what I've captured.

I've had my slumps in photography (some would say I'm always in a slump:D),
but it's never been about my method, more to do with my mind set.

On a side note, I've noticed that your trying new things i.e. processing/camera type etc.
Trying to many (new) things can mess with you. I hope that was understandable.

Ben,
You're too funny (re: your slump).

So maybe it's just a slump for me. My style is more your style, though I don't quite take my camera everywhere. I bring my camera to work abotu twice a week and then take it with me on most outings with my kids.

I even took it to the emergency room last week! My sister had an asthma attack. I was going for a shot,but then had a change of heart--I felt people should maybe have some privacy there, just a personal call.

lizzard_nyc

Richard wrote: »

Slumps happen to everyone, I think, so don't fret too much about it. For me, it only takes a good shot or two to restore my spirits. (You can interpret that last statement two ways, I realize, and both apply. )

I take most of my shots in my neighborhood. As long as I don't expect to be carrying other stuff, I usually take my camera when running errands, but I also go out specifically for photography. As misterb mentioned, getting the mind focused is a big help, but some of the best stuff comes unexpectedly. It's a helpful to revisit locations at different times of day and year and in different weather, as the light can change dramatically.

Thanks Richard,
I went out today at lunch and shot--I haven't downloaded them yet.
My first slump and it's a mini one so far. I'll keep posting til my mojo comes back anyway.

I havent' tried the planned shots yet--really so short on time these days.

But so far the on the fly ones have been producing nicely.

I'll keep at it. I know I have some planned shooting time on October 10th. I hope I can make something happen then.

Patti

lizzard_nyc wrote: »

Ben,
You're too funny (re: your slump).

So maybe it's just a slump for me. My style is more your style, though I don't quite take my camera everywhere. I bring my camera to work abotu twice a week and then take it with me on most outings with my kids.

I even took it to the emergency room last week! My sister had an asthma attack. I was going for a shot,but then had a change of heart--I felt people should maybe have some privacy there, just a personal call.

Up here photography is not allowed in hospitals without written consent - privacy legislation.

I do a bit of both. I usually have a camera with me daily on my commute to work (public transit) but I also go out to specifically shoot. My best luck is realized when I go into Toronto. Big city = bigger photo ops. I'm on my way in tomorrow night for work/leisure and I'm traveling light this time - M4-P and rolls of film (October Fest photo meme = pick one prime lens to use for the month and post daily). There's a way to get out of a rut.

michswiss

I don't think I've even taken a serious look at any of the new shots I've taken in the last two weeks. Either working flat chat, travelling or ill. To top it off, I'm moving today. Not very far, but it's been another disruption.

I generally agree with the concept of having a camera on hand all the time. But I'm more and more of the view that the commute between work and home isn't a good time to try and take shots. I'm seldom in the right frame of mind at those times to observe the way I need to. I just want to get home, dump the laptop, finish any calls, get some dinner and then maybe go out and shoot for a while.

So long story short, I don't get a lot of keepers spontaneously.

I tend to set aside several hours in the evenings during the week and at least a day on the weekend. The evening shooting is normally in my area. I know it well and the people are familiar with me. The weekend jaunts are about exploring new parts of the city. If anything, the opposite of Patti in that I'm trying to get away from the people and explore the intersection of the city with the rural surrounds.

I don't set out with a specific agenda except to not stop moving until the tall buildings start dwindling. Once I get to a location, I spend an hour or so just watching and walking. I don't rush into shooting. I think it's important to try and sense the vibe of the place and my reaction to it including my state of mind. Then I let emotion take over my eyes.

Awais Yaqub

I spend more time imagining, my photos are usually already planned. I always go out to shoot particular type of photo which i already thought even without visiting the place. Sometimes i create my own characters and imagine how i am shooting them. Sometimes these imaginations convert into motivation which force me to leave my house and shoot and take that photo or close to it.

angevin1

Patti wrote: »

Up here photography is not allowed in hospitals without written consent - privacy legislation.

It is not allowed in any U.S. Hospital: Federal Law; HIPPA!
Taking a photo of even your sister in the hospital is a violation! As is telling us she had an Asthma attack AND her name!

rainbow

angevin1 wrote: »

It is not allowed in any U.S. Hospital: Federal Law; HIPPA!
Taking a photo of even your sister in the hospital is a violation! As is telling us she had an Asthma attack AND her name!

Hippa regulations apply to the providers, hospitals, and insurance companies, not to the public and patients. There is no law preventing me from telling someone that "John D" is out with the flu.

rainbow

I am now in the habit of carrying a P&S most everywhere in a pocket.

My DSLR photos usually result from somewhere I am going that would present photo opportunities -- for example, maybe I am going to the Farmer's market.

My dedicated photo shoots are much rarer. My first was the "Make every shot count" exercise. Well, that reminded me how much fun a dedicated photo trip was. And here, I decided on the destination that would present a large number of photo ops (in this case, the shopping center of San Francisco). So if you are uninspired, try Times Square (or another target-rich environment) on a Saturday afternoon. Maybe even follow the guidelines of ten shots max in a two hour period.

My recent posts are from a week-long trip to Seattle and Vancouver. I thought of this as a week long photo trip opportunity. Otherwise, my dedicated photo trips are few and far between.

Angelo

Liz:

Perhaps you can draw inspiration from studying some of the masters?

Ovation TV has and continues to run very interesting documentaries on photographers:

http://ovationtv.com/pages/12-photography

I've learned much about the differing ways they approach their shoots; from the pre-prep, camera set-ups, scouting, shooting styles...

and then there's this:

http://www.google.com/search?q=street+photography&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

.

lizzard_nyc

Patti wrote: »

Up here photography is not allowed in hospitals without written consent - privacy legislation.

I do a bit of both. I usually have a camera with me daily on my commute to work (public transit) but I also go out to specifically shoot. My best luck is realized when I go into Toronto. Big city = bigger photo ops. I'm on my way in tomorrow night for work/leisure and I'm traveling light this time - M4-P and rolls of film (October Fest photo meme = pick one prime lens to use for the month and post daily). There's a way to get out of a rut.

Patti you are too cool with your rolls of film!
I just dug up an old minolta 35mm I shot with in HS and I have lots of b&w film, but it is quite daunting to me. I was trying to remember how to load the film--thank god for youtube:)

BTW, I love your bus transit shots--

lizzard_nyc

michswiss wrote: »

I don't think I've even taken a serious look at any of the new shots I've taken in the last two weeks. Either working flat chat, travelling or ill. To top it off, I'm moving today. Not very far, but it's been another disruption.

I generally agree with the concept of having a camera on hand all the time. But I'm more and more of the view that the commute between work and home isn't a good time to try and take shots. I'm seldom in the right frame of mind at those times to observe the way I need to. I just want to get home, dump the laptop, finish any calls, get some dinner and then maybe go out and shoot for a while.

So long story short, I don't get a lot of keepers spontaneously.

I tend to set aside several hours in the evenings during the week and at least a day on the weekend. The evening shooting is normally in my area. I know it well and the people are familiar with me. The weekend jaunts are about exploring new parts of the city. If anything, the opposite of Patti in that I'm trying to get away from the people and explore the intersection of the city with the rural surrounds.

I don't set out with a specific agenda except to not stop moving until the tall buildings start dwindling. Once I get to a location, I spend an hour or so just watching and walking. I don't rush into shooting. I think it's important to try and sense the vibe of the place and my reaction to it including my state of mind. Then I let emotion take over my eyes.

Wow Jenn, that is a serious approach/commitment you have to shooting.
So I see you have most of your available time in the evenings, and since you excell at the night shots that works for you. I'm still struggilng with that. Also I'd have to put the kids down to bed before I could that , so it would be late, hmmm. But food for thought.

I like that you are starting to get away from the main hub of the city and doing the rural areas, that is something we don't often see here.

Thanks for the input Jenn.

lizzard_nyc

Awais Yaqub wrote: »

I spend more time imagining, my photos are usually already planned. I always go out to shoot particular type of photo which i already thought even without visiting the place. Sometimes i create my own characters and imagine how i am shooting them. Sometimes these imaginations convert into motivation which force me to leave my house and shoot and take that photo or close to it.

A completely and totally opposite method to mine.
You do come out with many beauties though.

Wonder what would happen if you just took your camera unplanned one day and just shot for the hell of it.

Thanks for shairing--I like your part about creating a character:)
I can almost picture it in my head.

lizzard_nyc

angevin1 wrote: »

It is not allowed in any U.S. Hospital: Federal Law; HIPPA!
Taking a photo of even your sister in the hospital is a violation! As is telling us she had an Asthma attack AND her name!

I'm very familiar with HIPAA.
It only applies to the medical profession such as doctors, nurses, office admins in doctor's office, attorneys, insurance companies and it applies to the sharing of the patient's private medical documents. I do this for a living.

I can tell people my sister has asthma, this violates nothing.
I did not share her name here, first or last--but even if I said her name, it still would not matter, there are millions of others with her name and her last name is different from mine.

So no worries about me violating HIPAA laws. I didn't take the shot out of decency. It as also right outside the emergency room as the patient left the ER.

lizzard_nyc

rainbow wrote: »

I am now in the habit of carrying a P&S most everywhere in a pocket.

My DSLR photos usually result from somewhere I am going that would present photo opportunities -- for example, maybe I am going to the Farmer's market.

My dedicated photo shoots are much rarer. My first was the "Make every shot count" exercise. Well, that reminded me how much fun a dedicated photo trip was. And here, I decided on the destination that would present a large number of photo ops (in this case, the shopping center of San Francisco). So if you are uninspired, try Times Square (or another target-rich environment) on a Saturday afternoon. Maybe even follow the guidelines of ten shots max in a two hour period.

My recent posts are from a week-long trip to Seattle and Vancouver. I thought of this as a week long photo trip opportunity. Otherwise, my dedicated photo trips are few and far between.

Thanks Rainbow.
I agree that sometimes the old point and shoot is a little easier.
I actually want to upgrade my cell phone to an EVO4 for days when I don't have my DSLR. I've been inspired by many an iphone street shot--they are incredible, and also people pay attention to you less when you are shooting with a cell phone, plus you can pretend your are calling or texting etc.

Like I said my dedicated shoots are very few and far between. But I am very excited about one coming up in two weeks:) Just me and my camera and roughly 4.5 hours of shooting--yessssssss! I wonder if the quality of the work will be different.

I don't stay in the city much in the evenings--just go home, but I think I'll start taking my camera to little league soccer in the evenings (1.5 hrs to myself) and maybe I can come up with something there.

lizzard_nyc

Angelo wrote: »

Liz:

Perhaps you can draw inspiration from studying some of the masters?

Ovation TV has and continues to run very interesting documentaries on photographers:

http://ovationtv.com/pages/12-photography

I've learned much about the differing ways they approach their shoots; from the pre-prep, camera set-ups, scouting, shooting styles...

and then there's this:

http://www.google.com/search?q=street+photography&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

.

Thanky you much Angelo.

I will look at these at home tonight.

I can always use the inspiration.

bdcolen

lizzard_nyc wrote: »

Hi all,
So I've been in a shooting funk for a couple of weeks.
I'm shooting some but nothing to write home about.

My question is:

Do you guys usually work an area? Meaning you scout the location and then wait until the right shot comes along?

My style is, take my camera and shoot on my way to work, or back from work or during my lunch. Taking shots as I go along. Never having much time to scout.

I am curious as to how different people do it here. Do you go out to shoot? Or do you just take your camera with you when you're on the go?

I need some inspiration or different ideas as my method has not been working for me the last 2 weeks.

Always carry a camera. Always keep your eyes open. And, as the great Bruce Davidson once said, "be there when the conditions are right for you to be there."

DonRicklin

bfjr wrote: »

Looking at LCD after taking a shot and missing the good stuff

In slightly other words. If your shooting action/sports or steer "You chimp, your a chump" when you missed the Great Shot because you were looking at what you shot Not what you could be shooting.

A bit like texting and driving. Neither are great ideas.

Don.

angevin1

lizzard_nyc wrote: »

I'm very familiar with HIPAA.
It only applies to the medical profession such as doctors, nurses, office admins in doctor's office, attorneys, insurance companies and it applies to the sharing of the patient's private medical documents. I do this for a living.

Ahh....so it does apply to you!

lizzard_nyc wrote: »

I can tell people my sister has asthma, this violates nothing.
I did not share her name here, first or last--but even if I said her name, it still would not matter, there are millions of others with her name and her last name is different from mine.

So no worries about me violating HIPAA laws. I didn't take the shot out of decency. It as also right outside the emergency room as the patient left the ER.

You're right! You can tell anyone whatever you'd like. Whether or not it violates her right to privacy, is HER call. In good faith, I was attempting to be informative. I apologize if I came across as condescending or worse.

lizzard_nyc

angevin1 wrote: »

Ahh....so it does apply to you!


lol--no it doesn't because I'm not her doctor or lawyer.



You're right! You can tell anyone whatever you'd like. Whether or not it violates her right to privacy, is HER call. In good faith, I was attempting to be informative. I apologize if I came across as condescending or worse.

Ok--I appreciate the thought.

EDIT--oops I added text to your text above, sorry.

lizzard_nyc

bdcolen wrote: »

Always carry a camera. Always keep your eyes open. And, as the great Bruce Davidson once said, "be there when the conditions are right for you to be there."

I'm getting a new cellphone soon, one with decent photo taking capabilities for those days when I'm without my DSLR. That way I will always have one on me.

DonRicklin

lizzard_nyc wrote: »

I'm getting a new cellphone soon, one with decent photo taking capabilities for those days when I'm without my DSLR. That way I will always have one on me.

Actually that is one of the things I like about my new iTouch 4th Gen.

My cell is just that. Very generic and pay as you go.



Bar shot 2nd day w/ it, this week.

Don

Nyarthlopic

Liz,

For what it's worth, I find a lot of your work inspiring. Before seeing your work and that of others in this forum, "street" never really interested me. Now, I find myself watching things when going for a walk in the "city." I use the term "city" loosely since I don't live near anything of any size. Heck, before this forum, I never really saw the beauty of B&W! Just gotta learn how to convert better....

All that said, to answer your question, I do more dedicated photo walks. Knowing that I'm going out shooting helps me get into the right mindset. If I'm doing something else where I think that a shot opportunity may come up, I grab my camera. But the commute to work, for me, I will never get a good shot.

I also try not to chimp, but if there is no one around, I'll peek quick to see if there are any obvious deletes, like if the shot is blatantly out of focus. I never spend more than 30 seconds to 1 minute doing my 'cleanup.'

Hope this helps! Good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing what else you put out there! (I'm more of a lurker, so just because I don't reply, doesn't mean I don't look ;-)

lizzard_nyc

DonRicklin wrote: »

Actually that is one of the things I like about my new iTouch 4th Gen.

My cell is just that. Very generic and pay as you go.



Bar shot 2nd day w/ it, this week.
Don

Don,
I didn't know itouch's also took shots?
Do they have the same phone apps as the Iphone?
I have an itouch, but it's an old one without photo capabilities.
It's in good working order so it will be a while before I can get another.

It's an odd shot you have here--looks like a reflection on a tuba.

lizzard_nyc

Nyarthlopic wrote: »

Liz,

For what it's worth, I find a lot of your work inspiring. Before seeing your work and that of others in this forum, "street" never really interested me. Now, I find myself watching things when going for a walk in the "city." I use the term "city" loosely since I don't live near anything of any size. Heck, before this forum, I never really saw the beauty of B&W! Just gotta learn how to convert better....

All that said, to answer your question, I do more dedicated photo walks. Knowing that I'm going out shooting helps me get into the right mindset. If I'm doing something else where I think that a shot opportunity may come up, I grab my camera. But the commute to work, for me, I will never get a good shot.

I also try not to chimp, but if there is no one around, I'll peek quick to see if there are any obvious deletes, like if the shot is blatantly out of focus. I never spend more than 30 seconds to 1 minute doing my 'cleanup.'

Hope this helps! Good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing what else you put out there! (I'm more of a lurker, so just because I don't reply, doesn't mean I don't look ;-)

Thank you so much for that compliment. Glad this forum is insipiring you.
So now you must post shots:)

As for chimping--I'm a chimping addict. I can at the most take 3 shots without chimping--I have to see what I got and if I can rework a scene quickly I need to chimp--but I have looked up from doing so and realized "damn I just missed a good shot".

I hope to make some time for some dedicated shooting soon--keeping fingers crossed.

Thanks for commenting.