head on-series of 3
lizzard_nyc
Registered Users Posts: 4,056 Major grins
I took these earlier today.
I never ever shoot head on, I prefer the stealthy approach and it has suited me, but lately I'm seeing more and more direct stares at the photographer and it works! They are not posed shots, but somehow very "in your face". Also I just recently acquired a canon 5d with a 50mm 1.4 lens, now while already I love it, it's a completely different beast than my E620, and it is a beast. Once again I felt like a newb, I felt like I stood out and that everyone could spot me from a mile away. So I did two things--one I wrapped the strapp around my wrist and held my camera in my right hand hanging down until I saw something, then I confronted my target. With a 50mm it's hard on a canon 5d, it's hard to hide it, so I tried to own it--these are my initial shots. C&C sorely wanted.
1.
2.taken from too far!
3.
I never ever shoot head on, I prefer the stealthy approach and it has suited me, but lately I'm seeing more and more direct stares at the photographer and it works! They are not posed shots, but somehow very "in your face". Also I just recently acquired a canon 5d with a 50mm 1.4 lens, now while already I love it, it's a completely different beast than my E620, and it is a beast. Once again I felt like a newb, I felt like I stood out and that everyone could spot me from a mile away. So I did two things--one I wrapped the strapp around my wrist and held my camera in my right hand hanging down until I saw something, then I confronted my target. With a 50mm it's hard on a canon 5d, it's hard to hide it, so I tried to own it--these are my initial shots. C&C sorely wanted.
1.
2.taken from too far!
3.
Liz A.
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Comments
The first shot shows the promise of your combination with the great smooth bokeh (I assume you shot with a wide aperture). The couple's outfits are quite outlandish. Second is kinda blah, though the central woman rates a second glance. Third is the best of them as damon notes. I can't figure out why it seems as if he is walking in the street and will walk into their car if he doesn't change course.
I suggest rethinking your methodology. I prefer hiding the big honking camera in plain view. Then people notice you are a photographer. And if stand around, they will forget about you. Whipping it up from your waist will surely attract attention from both the movement and them noticing the camera for the first time. For the second shot, you could be standing there 'pretending' to shoot something to their side, then rotate when the shot you want materializes -- this is a variation of shooting from the hip.
Looking forward to your future posts with this set up. (And put the 17-40L lens on your wish list!)
The guy in the first one looks to me like he's ice skating. Must be a combination of the hat, the scarf and the leg position.
In the second, I'm attracted to the idea that the woman is being followed closely by her protection detail, creating a triangle in the center of the image... although the woman looks like she could take care of herself pretty well, too.
The third one immediately drew my attention to the subject on the left. Then to the right. Then to the blur of crosswalkers in the center. It's almost three separate stories in one surprisingly unified image.
It's three shots held with the glue of technique, talent, and tools.
Coool.
Check out billseye photos on SmugMug
I was happy with the tones too.
Thank you.
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Thanks Rainbow,
I have already rethought my methology as having the honking beast hanging from my wrist hurt after a while. It's back on my neck:)
I am shooting with it everyday, I know it's a matter of time before I get used to it, it's so new to me.
Also the man walking on the street, he's their cab driver
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Thank you Rutt
Lately I have seen some "full on face shots" of people looking directly at the camera and that issue is part of another thread already, but I do like the look sometimes, but they don't all work---at all.
As B.D. has suggested, I don't want a posed shot or have the scene change, so maybe the first second or two as they stare works before they "comprehend" and change behavior. I don't know.
I don't think any of these work, they dont' achieve what I sought, but I"m still trying.
Also, I started a 365 project of life in NYC, this combined with a little bit of a shooting funk is not a good combo, but at least it does get me shooting everyday, even through the funk. I just feel like I haven't had a good shot in a little while. Still at it though, it will come back.
I will take your advise and get closer and open it up and continue to learn. It's a whole different ball game then my e620.
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Sorry, Liz, it's really got nothing to do with the camera - there's just nothing here. Some people crossing the street; some people crossing the street, and people putting stuff into a car and a guy looking at you. Yes, they are candid, and they are of people in public, but...I am being really straight about this because your work is much better than this. Much.
As to the camera, the 5D really isn't that big, and in NYC no one is going to pay any more attention to it than they do to your Oly. Really. And if you carry it in your hand down around your hip, and whip it up to your face every time you want to take a shot, they will indeed pay attention to the motion. Keep it high on your chest, so that you have to move it as little as possible.
And shoot on!:D
"He not busy being born is busy dying." Bob Dylan
"The more ambiguous the photograph is, the better it is..." Leonard Freed
NO no, I'm not blaming the camera for the poor shots. I was saying I was just trying out something new ( a new method for me for people to look at the camera), but I know I missed, which was combined with me also using the 5d.
As to the camera---it is heavier and bigger and I'm loving it for portraits I've been trying, but it is different for me (mentally) to street shoot. It will just take a bit of getting used to. It is definately in my head, but obviously something I have to deal with.
I'll be back:)
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