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

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

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

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

It's definitely not a "rule" saying that DSLR must be avoided during street photography.

It's just a general impression by the people that if you carry a big gun with you, you must be some journalists (I know many of the DSLR users want to argue this, but unfortunately it's true to some degree)

It's just like finding a balance between taking good photograph and making the people feel comfortable - and many believe that a serious compact is the perfect balance

This is not entirely true though, I guess DSLR users just have to try to be casual - wear casually, use a light prime lens and be friendly. Having said that, even if you carry a Ixus or LX-3 but you still act like a pain in the ass, you'll still offend people

I agree, street photos look well even in colors sometimes, many people do it in B&W doesn't mean it has then become a rule


http://www.flickr.com/photos/cubagallery/4...in/photostream/


I am tempted to get UWA lens too, I think is pretty cool for street photography too as it gives some entirely different perspective - like these:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/american-psycho-uk/3735318569/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deejey/3251680584/

But it's challenging task because you often have to get quite near to the subject to make that impact

This post has been edited by samurai1337: Jul 22 2010, 02:31 AM

Not a bad try, I love the colour of the background - maybe you can work more on the composition

I did the similar thing in the picture in first post as well, yes I felt guilty too.

But I know at least we are not making fun of the person or making any revenue from it

I was expecting some action from the roof...wait, Is that a Canon 550D? Congrats for finally dumping your S90

This post has been edited by samurai1337: Jul 25 2010, 04:34 AM

Very nice pics EH-Yeon

Long time never post here liao