What is Street Photography?

Street photography is a type of documentary photography that features subjects in candid situations within public places such as streets, parks, beaches, malls, political conventions, and other settings.

Street photography uses the techniques of straight photography in that it shows a pure vision of something, like holding up a mirror to society. Street photography often tends to be ironic and can be distanced from its subject matter, and often concentrates on a single human moment, caught at a decisive or poignant moment. On the other hand, much street photography takes the opposite approach and provides a very literal and extremely personal rendering of the subject matter, giving the audience a more visceral experience of walks of life they might only be passingly familiar with. In the 20th century, street photographers have provided an exemplary and detailed record of street culture in Europe and North America, and elsewhere to a somewhat lesser extent.

Source of Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_photography

Any examples?
http://www.flickr.com/groups/realstreet/pool/

Is it legal?
It is usually not illegal, unless it is stated clearly that "No photography is allowed" or you are in some military base

Is it ethical?
Definitely not 100%. It's an argument between art and privacy. How many of the people being photographed would like their pictures to be posted in websites? But again, I think it also depends on the intentions of taking the photos (e.g. whether it's for commercial purpose) and the culture of the place / country. It's something remains to be discussed

Should you ask for permission?
If you ask for permission for the person to be photographed, it's no longer considered "street or candid photography" IMO, it's more like street portrait (even though the person didn't intentionally pose for the photo). To me that's considered another category of photography.

20 Street photography tips
http://digital-photography-school.com/20-q...hotography-tips

From ayamkambing - thanks for sharing :


Purpose of this thread?
To help forumers know more about street photography, to discuss about whether it is ethical or not, and to share the tips and techniques.

This post has been edited by samurai1337: Jul 19 2010, 02:44 PM

thanks for clearing the thoughts in my 2pid brain

Since this is continuation of the photo gallery thingy...

My 2 noob cent is that there's a difference between candid portrait and street photography.

It doesn't have to be a tack sharp image of a stranger's face to tell a story.

rule of street.

1. no dslr fag. seriously. please stay away. go shoot flower or something.
2. serious compact or range finder is a must.
3. BW.
5. Don't be rude. Smile always.
6. ask permission before take pictar.

Though these terms are used often interchangeably, I think candid photography is more like taking pictures of some people without those people knowing. Street photography I guess tells more story and has a strong purpose behind it

This post has been edited by samurai1337: Jul 19 2010, 02:21 PM

thanks for the info...
its helpful...

Rightt.. And who defined the rules? You? Last two I can agree with, but the first three is just ridiculous.

seriously, someone should ban you for trolling.

you go restaurant take food photo lor.

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Added on July 19, 2010, 2:32 pmyou know what fav cam for street?

leicas

This post has been edited by masahito: Jul 19 2010, 02:32 PM

Good points... Just some of my comments:

On point 1, I guess micro four thirds cameras (like GF-1 pairing with 20mm pancake) are perfect for street photography. They don't look that intrusive compare to a D3X with zoom, I've nothing against the DSLR users but if you carry a big camera with you, those people will definitely be more hostile - it's just a general impression

On point 6, It somehow defeats the purpose of street photography to ask for permission in every pictar you take. The photo is not natural anymore as the person knows he / she is being photographed. What I think is, try to be friendly and don't obstruct or distract whatever the person is doing. If you are noticed and asked for the photo to be removed, do it - and apology. Depending on the situation, it is also good to approach the person after you have photographed him/her and share the photo with him / her - in a friendly way

This post has been edited by samurai1337: Jul 19 2010, 02:35 PM

Rules = Cliche

That's not what candid/street is all about.

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Added on July 19, 2010, 2:37 pmHell yeah.. if got NEX-like tilting LCD then perfect di.

This post has been edited by sniper on the roof: Jul 19 2010, 02:37 PM

A fav cam doesn't make it a must cam.

Street photography need not be totally unplanned. I know of people who visits the same street, hang out with the folks there (usually vendors) for a week before they start shooting. That way, when they carry their "big" DSLR in, it does not give the hostile impression.

It is in the approach, not the gear you carry that gives the impression.

lol.

when you bring p&s to shoot street, people are less likely to notice it.
when you bring your bloody farking big dslr and wear your jacket and sling bag with big canon/nikon logo on it, people think you are the journalist and give you duck face.

damn true?

It's not a bad approach, but not possible for frequent travelers like me - there's no way I can hang out at the same place for 1 week just to build relationship.

And rather than just shooting snapshots of landmark while traveling, I love street photography more - it reflects the culture and lifestyle (I'm no way a good street photographer though)

This post has been edited by samurai1337: Jul 19 2010, 02:55 PM

-deleted-

This post has been edited by MingKAI: Jul 19 2010, 03:28 PM

I find your street photos inspiring lor.

aiyo..if so scared then get a 300mm lens..that person sure won't know he/she is being shot...

That's sniping liao...

i bet there are more iphones on the street than leicas

Now available with EF mount

http://iphonedslr.com/blog/archives/73fb