Street Photography Tips Part 2

      Street Photography, for an introvert like me it's difficult to put yourself out there and get the shots you need. It's easier when the farmer's market is large and the hustle and bustle acts more like a camouflage for the photographer. Unfortunately, The San Angelo Farmer's Market consists of less than 10 vendors. With so few people present, the likelihood of being notice as the only one with a camera taking random pictures of anyone is rather high! But for the love of the 'click 'click of the camera we must press on.
      In instances like the one described above, I recommend asking permission first. As you can see from the picture below they were more than happy to and if they see you taking more shots later on they pay little attention, knowing what you're there for. In fact, at quaint Farmer's Markets like San Angelo's it's possible for the vendors to get to know you and be greeted as a familiar friend.

      Be professional, dress nice! I don't mean where a suit and tie or fancy outfit, you want to be more or less incognito, but be presentable. Despite the expected heat, even that of the early morning hours, I wore jeans, a polo shirt, and my Converse (because I'm rarely without them). The public will more take notice of someone snapping shots if they wear tattered clothes, in some areas the police may even be called! So take some good advice and dress nice :)

      This next tip is optional, but I would recommend it for any aspiring street photographer, make/buy business cards. If someone stops you and asks what you're doing, or on asking for permnission to take a photo they say "why?", you'll have these handy business cards to prove you're not a creepy stalker looking for your next victim. Really, you'd be surprised how someone attitude changes when they see you as a professional. If you are nervous about putting your contact information on the card stick with item that are already public information. For example, your Facebook page (Burn & Dodge Photography), or Twitter account (WxDunn). These, in my experience, have been adequate to placate the apprehensive subject.
       Lastly, it's important to remember the legalities surrounding public photography. You cannot legally use these pictures for profit unless you get a model release from each identifiable subject in the shot (on the safe side I usually get one from everyone in the shot unless they are really to far to see). I recommend keeping some handy should a great shot present itself. I cannot stress this enough, especially when it come to photos with children, parents are rightly very protective.

       I will end this blog post with a fun story from the San Angelo's Farmer's Market. I had a conversation with a watermelon vendor while at the market, the conversation went as follows:
Me: What's the trick to finding a good watermelon, am I suppose to thump it or something?
Vendor: The trick is I picked them this morning and they're fresh.

Need less to say I bought a watermelon!

The Introverted Street Photog

Street Photography, ever tried it before? If you’re an outgoing extrovert it’ll be no problem to hone your skills and troll the city streets for your next victim…er…subject. Unfortunately for us shy introverts, street photography can lead to sweating, anxiety, and heart palpitations. As the extroverts will have little trouble putting themselves out there the first section of this post is geared mainly toward the introvert.

You can be a street photographer too!
            I know what it’s like to be nervous, anxious, shy, and above all vulnerable while in public, which is what made me pick up a camera in the first place, people tend not to notice the photographer. That leaves us at a slight disadvantage when it comes to street photography as people in public tend to take note when someone has lens pointed in their direction. You can, of course, follow the well-known sink or swim method and see whether you end up a celebrated street photog or retching your lunch into the nearest waste bin cause you lost your nerve. I prefer to ease my introverted students into the street life. First, locate the biggest tourist attractions in your area. In high tourist areas people expect pictures to be taken, and there are plenty of subjects. Second, dress like a tourist. We’re going incognito people, and once again we become the invisible photographer!

What’s the best lens?
            The answer I hear most is “it depends”, and it really does. I’ve shot with a zoom, fixed focal, and wide angle, they all serve a different purpose based on what you need. The zoom lens; for the photographer who likes to keep their options open. Please note that the further you zoom the more conspicuous you appear, learned that the hard way! The fixed focal length lens; use this to stretch yourself as a photographer. The fixed focal length will require you to get creative with framing a photo as you can’t zoom out or in. These also focus faster and typically have better apertures. Finally, the wide angle lens; this beauty will capture almost everything, just remember, you have to get really close to your subjects and there may be some image distortion on the edges. 

Things to know before you go!

• If you are on public property you can legally take the photograph, except for military installations.
• Be courteous, if a subject doesn’t want you to take their picture then oblige them.
• Without a release form you cannot publish the image for commercial gain.