so now i realize what i want to do.. i want to go into street photography.. please help me as to what lens i should buy..

btw, i'm currently using the default 18-55mm lens..

thank you
:Angry:

Nothing really wrong with the lens you are using other than being a bit slow for low light situations. It's certainly good enough to "practice" with because for successful street photography you will need "ball's" (sorry courage) to interact with total strangers. Some people will suggest using long lenses and getting as far away from your subject as possible but that is the wrong approach.

If you have some money burning a hole in your pocket buy a flash for your camera instead.


Mike

28-135

16-35

i have to agree with mike,, i use to take shots at people inside my dark tinted car with a zoom lens ( it helps that i prefer bw shots ) but to be really effective i think you should be there,, i honestly feel that the kit lens is better than my telephoto,,

but once you are near the subject since you are using the 18-55mm, getting a realistic shots ( no posing, no running ) is another thing

good luck with your shots
:)

You could go for a 50mm 1.8 or 24mm 2.8 prime lens. Small, and unobtrusive which is excellent for street photography.

28-135

Not wide enough.

16-35

Far too expensive, beside's I think Ria is using a Nikon D50!

Mike

noob input.

50mm 1.8 would be good. or a 35mm lens..

i personally would stay away from the telephoto lens when doing street photography because i want to be as close to the people as possible--the intimicay and connection of the photographer and the subject is there. wouldn't want to be a paparazzi. the challenge with shooting with a 35 or a 50mm is being able to be invisible with the people around you.

try not to use flash. use 1600 or 3200 iso with low-light situations. shoot raw. so you can still fix the exposure with photoshop..:Grin:

i'm using a 50mm for my thesis in street photography. i've also tried my 70-300mm, but i got bored with it since i needed to be far from my subjects...

Im sure the kit is enough for street, but for lowlight how about a prime line up? :)
20 f2.8, 35 f2 and a 50 f1.8

People get intimidated when they see big lenses, a compact zoom or prime would be really nice.

try not to use flash. use 1600 or 3200 iso with low-light situations. shoot raw. so you can still fix the exposure with photoshop..:Grin:

I actually use a flash quite a lot, esspecially inside the market etc.. For me the object is to become familiar with your subject's and the surroundings such that when I turn up people don't react to me and I can get on with taking there pictures without them wanting to put on stupid poses. In such a situation using a flash is not a hinderance. I have photographed the local palenkie at least 12 times, now nobody looks twice at me and I get the type of images I want.

For what its worth I think buying a flash is more important than a lens.

Mike

I prefer using wide-angled lenses on street photography.

The new slang. :D Nice one.

local palenkie

The new slang. :D Nice one.

did I spell it right?

I'm not from this world....... sometimes it feels like I'm a green two headed martian the way the local people look at me!:Angry:

Mike

Although I prefer wide angle lenses, it's always good to start with 35mm or 50mm prime.

Ika nga ni Robert Capa, "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough."

Ika nga ni Robert Capa, "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough."

Yes Yes Yes!!

This is my reference in street photography!

Thank you Tammy

Mike

Yes Yes Yes!!

This is my reference in street photography!

Thank you Tammy

Mike

Philip Jones Griffiths of Magnum told my friends that he only started using zoom lenses recently when he got old. Use prime lens when you're young or invincible enough to run around, go near etc.

@Tammy,

Sorry to highjack this thread.....

Have you met Philip Jones Griffiths?? I wanted to do the work shops at http://www.workshopasia.com/ but so far I've been at work for every one.

I only use prime lenses, 20/35/50/85/100 and 135!

I'm not a fan of zoom's, they are for the lazy!

Sorry, maybe this should be a PM but it's also relevent to the OP's question as I'm mainly into Street photography/Photojournalism.

Mike

Ika nga ni Robert Capa, "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough."

Robert Cappa's funeral

http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0612/images/moments/03.jpg

Mike

@Tammy,

Sorry to highjack this thread.....

Have you met Philip Jones Griffiths?? I wanted to do the work shops at http://www.workshopasia.com/ but so far I've been at work for every one.

I only use prime lenses, 20/35/50/85/100 and 135!

I'm not a fan of zoom's, they are for the lazy!

Sorry, maybe this should be a PM but it's also relevent to the OP's question as I'm mainly into Street photography/Photojournalism.

Mike

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/tatam/IMG_0326.jpg

Boo-yeah! My friend even got his PDN Vietman issue signed while Pao, workshopasia participant, invited us for lunch with him but I had a story to do. Though he is a legend, I admire the work of Alex Majoli more.

I want to join the next Workshop Asia but it's in Nepal. It will cost an arm and a leg and my dad finally told me off to finish school and stop taking all these workshops hehehe.

My next investment is a 35mm 2.0. I should stop being a wuss and set aside my zoom lens

Bahh... a 35 f2.0!! Tammy you need a 35 f1.4!

The next worshopasia is in Feb in Luang Prabang, however I'll be at work again!! ahh...

Here is a story you might like.. Robert Cappa (http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0612/moments03.html)

Everytime I walk the street (that dosen't sound too good!!) I think of his words.

Mike

Bahh... a 35 f2.0!! Tammy you need a 35 f1.4!

The next worshopasia is in Feb in Luang Prabang, however I'll be at work again!! ahh...

Here is a story you might like.. Robert Cappa (http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0612/moments03.html)

Everytime I walk the street (that dosen't sound too good!!) I think of his words.

Mike

Thanks Mike but I saw that already. I like his memoir too "Slightly Out of Focus"

i think i probably got lost with the discussion. huhu..

question.. why is it better to use prime lenses than zoom lenses?

i think i probably got lost with the discussion. huhu..

question.. why is it better to use prime lenses than zoom lenses?

It's not really better but rather depends on what you find more useful in a lens. With Primes you get better IQ(Image Quality) plus low light capability(if you use a larger than 2.8 aperture). Its much lighter, but the down side is you lose the flexibility of the zoom. Oh It's also less intimidating to have a small prime than a large aperture zoom, ex. students from my school get shy when I point a big piece of glass at them, like the beast :D

i think i probably got lost with the discussion. huhu..

question.. why is it better to use prime lenses than zoom lenses?

Sorry I got all OT with workshops and demigods.

ANYWAY

Prime is better for beginners because it helps them (me included) to compose

Bahh... a 35 f2.0!! Tammy you need a 35 f1.4!

That's why I keep holding off buying an f/2.0 knowing I'd need the f/1.4L eventually.

Primes are smaller, lighter, and make your (D)SLR look less obstrusive and intimidating.

Since primes start at bigger aperture openings, they are usually top notch by f4, whereas zooms are just starting off at f4. Bigger aperture openings (f2 and lower) also allow you to shoot in poor light more.

Primes, being simpler to construct than zooms, also generally produce better images. They are also cheaper than pro zooms (which are only up to f2.8).

Primes are harder to use because you have to "foot zoom". Many say that the lack of a zoom challenges your compositional skills. A disadvantage of primes is more lens changes, and if you are paranoid about sensor dust, it becomes an issue.

However, this does not mean that primes are necessarily better than zooms. It all depends on the user. A 50mm prime is reasonably priced enough to get your feet "wet" with using primes. Try, slapping one on your camera for a week and see if you like the experience. However, a word of warning, the downside with the popular 50mm f1.8 is it is a "trojan horse". Once you try f1.8, your f3.5-f5.6 zoom suddenly becomes inadequate and you start lusting for the expensive fast zooms or the other primes... which gets you started on the road to GAS/NAS or whatever acquisition syndrome it is called.


Enjoy shooting. :Grin:

Carlo: Love the last paragraph hehe, if you got used to F2.8 or larger, suddenly all zoom lenses are wickedly slow in low light hehe.

No, it's fine. It's funny that way. :D

did I spell it right?

I'm not from this world....... sometimes it feels like I'm a green two headed martian the way the local people look at me!:Angry:

Mike

Zoom lenses will make your life easier. Just use something with a good range, especially on the wide-angle. It is usually easier to walk closer than to step back (you might get hit by jeep).

Prime lenses will make it more challenging by teaching you how to compose scenes properly. Because you know that you don't have an easy way out (zooming in, zooming out), you will do tougher and more creative ways to frame that shot.

i distinctly rememer what a pro once told me...

make the lens work for you instead of the other way around....

Zooms do not affect perspective when you change focal lengths.

Try going closer or further away from your subject with a prime and take note of the difference in perspective.

Im sure the kit is enough for street, but for lowlight how about a prime line up? :)
20 f2.8, 35 f2 and a 50 f1.8

People get intimidated when they see big lenses, a compact zoom or prime would be really nice.

i'm a noobie. so i think i'll go with a 50mm 1.8.. will that be alright? or should i go for a wider angle? how much does a 50mm 1.8 cost?

:D

btw.. when buying lenses.. what should i look out for?

in the manual, it says that i can only use cpu lenses (type g and d)...

4-5k :Grin: 50 or a 35mm would be fine.. i use a 50mm though.

i'm a noobie. so i think i'll go with a 50mm 1.8.. will that be alright? or should i go for a wider angle? how much does a 50mm 1.8 cost?

:D

btw.. when buying lenses.. what should i look out for?

in the manual, it says that i can only use cpu lenses (type g and d)...

The 50 1.8 will be alright, though if it should be alright or not depends on you. If on the kit lens you're always on the long end when doing street then perhaps the 50 is what you need. It usually costs about 5,500+ Brandnew, less if you opt for 2nd hand units. :)

The 50 1.8 will be alright, though if it should be alright or not depends on you. If on the kit lens you're always on the long end when doing street then perhaps the 50 is what you need. It usually costs about 5,500+ Brandnew, less if you opt for 2nd hand units. :)

what do you mean long end? hihi.. di parin ako familiar sa photographers lingo
:D

what do you mean long end? hihi.. di parin ako familiar sa photographers lingo
:D

"long end" means the telephoto end of a zoom range...so on the kit lens, shooting at the "long end" means you're capturing using 50-55mm (equivalent to the 50mm prime).

hi ria..i just want to share my favorite street photog:

http://www.pbase.com/eltwitcho/the_streets

goodluck and keep us posted!

I really find street photography very exciting, a lot of things happen all over you and you capture it, simple. Shooting using a simple P&S is quite great but having an DSLR and not being able to use it is unacceptable to me.

Problem is when your based here in Manila a lot of factors come in

a) Security Guards (Makati CBD)
b) Fear of Thieves and Robbers
c) People/Kids eavesdropping making the scene a "UZI" haven.

Any ideas or tips please?

Smile and be friendly to your subjects when they notice you shooting.
Shoot with a prime lens. It's small and unobtrusive and great for lowlight shooting.
Bigger lenses draw more UZIs and they'll think you're a pro.
Wear clothes that blend in with the crowd. If you're in a dodgy neighborhood, bring a friend.
Shoot quick and fast by setting your aperture at f/8 or f/11 and prefocusing at the hyperfocal distance.

Thanks Bernard

You can also shoot inside your car to be safe. Just make sure the cover of your lens is open.
http://sunnybernard.multiply.com/photos/photo/7/7

security guards in makati. sus. unless youre shooting some embassy, dont mind them. if you are shooting street, e.g. the metro aide doing about his business - and you have established rapport with the subject - no SG can touch you. what is illegal with that? if the SG asks you: "para saan yan?"...you answer "para sa akin!" if he persists...go ask if he has a warrant. or a copy of the city order prohibiting photography in makati (if that so exists).

thieves and robbers? i think there's a specific thread already addressing this concern...

UZIs? thats part of the experience bro. just shoot and move on. if you dont learn how to deal with this reality, you'll have a frustrating time with street photography.

shoot with a buddy so you'll feel more comfortable and secure.

Bring your camera everywhere.
I usually conceal my Yashica under a jacket and I use some cheaper rolls of film to practice shooting from the hip... when you get it down to a science already and know how your camera works... this can make for some interesting pictures. I have a frame where I bent over to "tie my shoelaces" (Read: Take a shot) but the lady in the frame thought I was just tying my laces :) (Will post after scanning) :)

I use a very small point and shoot camera (kasya sa bulsa) and then take it out kung may gustong subject hehehe ito pa la yung sample http://www.parehas.com/jackcool/oliver/index.html

a) i can't really blame this people,, they are just doing their jobs

b) shoot with friends,, really learn and vow to practice this after that incident in esplanade near moa last friday am

c) you just have to learn to deal with it,,

a) i can't really blame this people,, they are just doing their jobs

b) shoot with friends,, really learn and vow to practice this after that incident in esplanade near moa last friday am

c) you just have to learn to deal with it,,


hi darryl,

What do you mean incident in moa...you mean bawal to shoot in moa?

Im not sure if this people gallery of mine can be considered street shooting. What I did was to sit on a good vantage area then shot my way - http://www.pbase.com/singkit/people (http://www.pbase.com/singkit/people)

but these photos were taken while i was walking down the street

http://www.pbase.com/singkit/image/68963472.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/singkit/image/68963459/large.jpg

hi darryl,

What do you mean incident in moa...you mean bawal to shoot in moa?

no, someone tried to chase me at 3am in the morning, good thing jay jallorina was behind me and so was rodney, ( i think the guy didn't notice them since it was really dark there and there was a big fence, when he climbed the fence that's when he saw the three of us ) seeing that there was the three of us and all holding a tripod, he went away, after a few minutes a patrol car came asking us questions about that incident, apparently they caught the guy but won't answer any question coz they were still investigating the incident,

of course this is not the whole story, i don't want to be out f topic here

always shoot with a group, esp in dark, isolated place hehehe

bring a gun? haha.. i guess the best thing is to be discreet and not to act as if you're a tourist or something (all bubbly, all smiley while doing that peace sign that frames your eye in between your fingers.. god..) like what most of the posters here suggests. i believe it makes you more prone if you behave like that if let's say you're at quiapo or shanties. tagging along with more experienced shooters would also be great. slr/dslrs will always, always attract attention no matter if it's a 350D or a 1Ds (well of course the latter would still get much much more). how you carry yourself matters a lot in the streets. :)

hi darell, based on my experience during my vacation in manila for two months (dec-jan), we usually go out for street or travel shooting on a groups of three, four the most. that way, we attract less people when go for the photo spree.

with regards to security guards, they're just doing their jobs. you can politely explain and ask what are your intentions (as well as bribe some stuffs if you can) and if it doesn't work the first time, just leave.

as for thieves, street shooting usually happens in a day so it will be less likely but be always on guard. i suggest one to standby and be a lookout while the others shoot. when you hit the slums, for example, try to go "down-to-earth" and be gentle with your subjects. they're more hospitable and entertaining and be gladly to see their photos instead. also, bring tripods just in case.

lastly, the uzi scene is i think natural to us. to avoid it however, usually on street children, when they increase in numbers while doing a shoot, walk away and go back to your subject when they disperse in time. it's a matter of timing, i guess, to get the perfect shot for it. or if possible, ask your subject to a place away from the prying eyes to get the moment.

hth and good luck!

The keyword here is INTEGRATION. Without proper blending and getting into the real world of your subject, it will always be difficult to capture great images. Integration literally suggests that you get into their shoes (or perhaps slippers, or perhaps being barefooted). You are not going to shoot at a slum area wearing all those colorful signature clothes and fancy jewelries. You will definitely hit the frontpage if you shoot in a wet market wearing barong or coat&tie. Getting into the culture of your subject takes patience and some amount of groundwork and immersion process.

As Jeff suggested, being "down-to-earth" is also an important virtue. While at the company of other people (e.g. children in slum areas); never discuss anything about your gears and their prices, nor discuss any topics that are not familiar with them. BTW, you're the one learning from them, so it's always best that you always listen to what they say. make them feel that you are enjoying the moments that you're spending with them.

As for adults, never engage in any form of debates/arguments. The constant use of "po" and "opo" will prove to be worthy. Don't talk loudly, but rather humbly and slowly, most especially if you're in a place with different language (e.g. bisaya, ilokano, kapampangan). Chances are, people will adjust to your language as their own gesture of politeness and courteousness. Try to learn their language as well.

Hey... we should try to compile all these thoughts and perhaps come up with a streetshooting manual someday.

no, someone tried to chase me at 3am in the morning, good thing jay jallorina was behind me and so was rodney, ( i think the guy didn't notice them since it was really dark there and there was a big fence, when he climbed the fence that's when he saw the three of us ) seeing that there was the three of us and all holding a tripod, he went away, after a few minutes a patrol car came asking us questions about that incident, apparently they caught the guy but won't answer any question coz they were still investigating the incident,

of course this is not the whole story, i don't want to be out f topic here

always shoot with a group, esp in dark, isolated place hehehe

Wow, lucky you guys are ok. So 3 fotogs are better than one...with tripod. he he

I agree with ka Peps. Street shooting is 50% shooting and 50% interaction. In order to be able to take great street shots, you have to be part of the surroundings, so that your subjects hardly notice you at all. Coz if they are conscious of a photographer in fancy clothes and a big ass lens is in the area, all you will get is portraits. It wont be street life. It will be people of the streets posing or staring into the lens. Nice photots, but portraits nonetheless.

Not sticking out like a sore thumb is good, but to be fully integrated, you have to interact with your subjects. Greeting everyone you meet good day in the local dialect if possible will not just make them more at ease with you, it will add to your safety as well. This used to scare me, but striking a conversation with your subjects is also a great way to get better images. It may take up precious shooting time (in my case i have noticed that most of these people love to talk once they get started... and i have to find some excuse to get moving. And ka peps is right, never disagree, even if you feel strongly about the topic), but will allow you to get to know them better and even open your eyes to things you never noticed before. It will also give your photos a real story behind them instead of just the interesting shadows and textures of the old man's wrinkles or the little boy's smile.

Of course i do most of my "street" shooting here in the province, where it is still relatively safer, and people are friendlier. I probably wouldnt allow myself to go solo in the shanties of tondo or baseco. But I like to think that street shooting is vastly different from portaiture... and for us to be able to capture real life on the streets, full immersion is critical. Thats probably why there is a lot of adverse opinion vs the use of long lenses in this kind of photography.... but thats a completely different topic altogether.

I'm no expert, and these are just observations in my limited experience. I hope it helps.

Never tried street shooting in the Philippines..
What's it like? What reactions do you get from the public? Are people generally passive or do some react (positively or negatively..)? Any legal issues?
Thanks..

just don't bring out you camera on train stations... they are touchy when you shoot there.. guards will come up to you and ask you to stop..

just don't bring out you camera on train stations... they are touchy when you shoot there.. guards will come up to you and ask you to stop..

really? i was lucky then- because i maybe did more than 500 shots on the LRT with just the customary winks from the nice guards.

yeah the KJ guards... >_<

my experience on street was generally good. given that you explain yourself, being friendly and polite with them people would be very friendly with you as well. although when you walked down the street shooting people, everyone notices you and pay attention to you out of curiousity which is a bit weird (if you know what i mean).
but most of the people i shot loved it (i think) especially the kids at play.
go out there and have a try for yourself.

and oh not being paranoid whether your camera will be snatched or not helps a lot shooting in street. :Grin:

You just make sure that you have a companion or better if a group. As much as possible do not show off.:)

Anybody using a model release form when street shooting or just plainly shooting anybody we dont know?

I love street shooting! No special preparations, just act and blend with the locals! Act as if you've known them all your life and show a sincere effort to portray them in the most positive light. :)

Shooting in LRT/MRT stations hasn't been a problem for me. SGs in trains usually ignore you. It's the guards that man the turnstiles are the worst.
Filipinos generally are passive subjects especially adults.
Kids run up to you the second they see your camera which is bad if you want to shoot unobtrusively.
Equipment-wise, prime lenses are the best as they're not as big as zoom lenses.

Hi!

Just want to ask, is there an ethics in street photography?

Consider this, if we randomly shoot pictures of people, do we have to inform the person that we are shooting them? Especially when the product will be used in art galleries or for some exhibition or just for a plain forum like this.

I just feel that if Im the person being shoot at, I wouldn't like my face to be in a forum, or in art galleries etc... it's not about a person being beautiful or being ugly, but the dignity of the person on how he was shooted, how the framing of his "recognizable" features are highlighted in a scene, etc...

Wat ya think?

As a high esteemed hobbyist, would it be appropriate that we ask the person and our intention use of the picture?

just starting a thread.

peace!

how would you feel if some stranger starts taking pictures of you without asking if it's ok? unless you're a celebrity, you might understand. but still, it's kinda rude don't you think? :Oops: so i guess it is better to ask permission first... :Grin:

Unless you'll be shooting with a lens with a long reach & you won't be noticed, I guess it's okay. :)

Sniper mode works with long lenses...but these are people you're taking pictures off...and not celebrities so I believe that asking their permission first is better and more polite.

it's kinda confusing. i know it's kinda rude or impolite to take pictures of someone without their permission but then if you were to ask permission, how could you take candid shots?

so maybe take a picture first before asking for permission ifyou can keep the picture? i don't know. :p

or maybe you may not show their faces and keep them "anonymous"?

I did a shoot random people at a mall one time ago... and I forgot to ask for their permission. haha. :P

approach with a smile, then ask politely. works most of the time.

you could take pictures of them then let them look at your camera's preview screen. reward them with a smile and a small conversation. works all the time :)

it's kinda confusing. i know it's kinda rude or impolite to take pictures of someone without their permission but then if you were to ask permission, how could you take candid shots?

so maybe take a picture first before asking for permission ifyou can keep the picture? i don't know. :p


Now this matters, how can you take "street photos" (mostly candid) after asking permissions (however you ask) ?

Maybe you shoot first then approach your subject - or is this unethical too? And, sometimes after asking them if you could keep the photo, they would shy away and maybe ask you to not keep it, or worse, they'd ask you to replace his/her photo then striking a pose while wearing a portrait perfect smile (where's my candid photo now?).

- just asking.

I guess what you could to is to ask permission and then, to get the "candidness" of the photo or scene, linger around the area and snap away when they are back to "doing their thing".

This thread might help: :) http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=12369

This question had been asked since the invention of the camera. There are so many schools of thoughts about this issue and it was debated also in high places so many times. Public places are suppose to be a neutral ground until the emergence of the activist claiming to protect public virtue and that vehemently defend extension of privacy in public places. If you are a photo journalist covering an event in a public park, do you need to ask persmission to shoot the people in the crowd? My opinion is that there are a lot of people carrying cameras walking down the street or the park. If you don't want your face to get published in the web, stay home or cover your face when you get out in public. Otherwise, you maybe on candid camera.

This question had been asked since the invention of the camera. There are so many schools of thoughts about this issue and it was debated also in high places so many times. Public places are suppose to be a neutral ground until the emergence of the activist claiming to protect public virtue and that vehemently defend extension of privacy in public places. If you are a photo journalist covering an event in a public park, do you need to ask persmission to shoot the people in the crowd? My opinion is that there are a lot of people carrying cameras walking down the street or the park. If you don't want your face to get published in the web, stay home or cover your face when you get out in public. Otherwise, you maybe on candid camera.

This question had been asked since the invention of the camera. There are so many schools of thoughts about this issue and it was debated also in high places so many times. Public places are suppose to be a neutral ground until the emergence of the activist claiming to protect public virtue and that vehemently defend extension of privacy in public places. If you are a photo journalist covering an event in a public park, do you need to ask persmission to shoot the people in the crowd? My opinion is that there are a lot of people carrying cameras walking down the street or the park. If you don't want your face to get published in the web, stay home or cover your face when you get out in public. Otherwise, you maybe on candid camera.
on your given situation, i think it is a common sense that it is ok to shoot without
asking permission. how could you ask the crowd? by using a megaphone? :D

I think it depends on the intended use of the pictures.

If the pictures are only for the private viewing pleasure of the artist/photographer then a model release (permission) is not needed.

If the photos are to used or viewed in an art galleries or for commercial purposes such as stock photos or commercial ads, then a model release is a must.

If you're a photojournalist and your photos are to be used for editorials, features etc of a paper or magazine, I think it is up to your judgement to publish the photo or not. For example, how would you depict poverty in your photo without violating or degrading the dignity of person of the subject.

you could take pictures of them then let them look at your camera's preview screen. reward them with a smile and a small conversation. works all the time :)

amen to that rahael. :)

how would you feel if some stranger starts taking pictures of you without asking if it's ok? unless you're a celebrity, you might understand. but still, it's kinda rude don't you think? :Oops: so i guess it is better to ask permission first... :Grin:

Its NOT rude... Any photo taken within public property is fair game...

Lets put it this way... If you see me shooting around a certain street, isn't it also rude to put your face in my frame? You see me shooting here right???? How would you feel if some stranger staggers into your field of view and into your picture???

in the travel class i recently joined, i learned that you first have to get the people around you used to seeing you just walking around, but not necessarily taking their photos.

after that, try to interact with them first, get to know them a little more than just "the moustached guy wearing a blue sando with basketball shorts".

once you've managed to establish rapport with them, you'll encounter minimal or no resistance from them when taking their photo.

in the travel class i recently joined, i learned that you first have to get the people around you used to seeing you just walking around, but not necessarily taking their photos.

after that, try to interact with them first, get to know them a little more than just "the moustached guy wearing a blue sando with basketball shorts".

once you've managed to establish rapport with them, you'll encounter minimal or no resistance from them when taking their photo.

Yup... try to 'acclimatize' the people around you... Once they understand that you're taking photos, they will tend to ignore you.. During that time, you can simply snap away...

Establishing rapport with the people are ok (at least it works for me when I'm in other countries), but it only brings out the 'camera whore' in everybody (esp here in Manila). Go to any street, and when kids start seeing you, they will pose unsolicitedly for you while doing the 'gwapo' pose...

but it only brings out the 'camera whore' in everybody (esp here in Manila). Go to any street, and when kids start seeing you, they will pose unsolicitedly for you while doing the 'gwapo' pose...
in my recent trip to boracay last week (sadly, for work), i was checking out puka beach for possible activities there, and yes, there were kids there who showed me just that - their "gwapo pose".

so much for getting candid shots in that kind of situation, eh?:Grin:

So ok, I was away from Manila for 4 years and not in photography then. This month, i'll be there in Pinas for almost a month and planning to do street, documentary photography around Metro Manila.

My question are, what are the places worth to visit(incl landmarks and tourist spots), what places that dont allow tripod or places that need permit. Is it safe to shoot alone esp if you have L lenses?

if you're looking for a real street shots, go to quiapo then, there's the quiapo church, at night, go to malate, I suggest on friday nights, as for tripod, i think you dont need one, but still its up to you, i suggest that you have a buddy, just in case. my friend and i are planning those kind of shoots, but we're still planning,

So ok, I was away from Manila for 4 years and not in photography then. This month, i'll be there in Pinas for almost a month and planning to do street, documentary photography around Metro Manila.

My question are, what are the places worth to visit(incl landmarks and tourist spots), what places that dont allow tripod or places that need permit. Is it safe to shoot alone esp if you have L lenses?

Just don't look lost or act like an easy target. Any city in the world has its own set of hooligans who will get your LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL lenses HALA KA

So ok, I was away from Manila for 4 years and not in photography then. This month, i'll be there in Pinas for almost a month and planning to do street, documentary photography around Metro Manila.

My question are, what are the places worth to visit(incl landmarks and tourist spots), what places that dont allow tripod or places that need permit. Is it safe to shoot alone esp if you have L lenses?

Filipino photojournalists shoot with all kinds of L lenses here in Manila, even in areas such as Tondo or Baseco. Main point is just not to look stupid enough for you to be mugged.

Filipino photojournalists shoot with all kinds of L lenses here in Manila, even in areas such as Tondo or Baseco. Main point is just not to look stupid enough for you to be mugged.

Aba...great minds think alike. Did you go to High school for 7 years? hahahaha

Anyway for Rommel, for your safety make sure your travel insurance covers your gear :Grin:

I highly recommend areas like Pasay or Cubao for Street Photography and you can't go wrong with your local palengke.

Do a Carlos Celdran trip and shoot along the way. You'll get a history lesson for more perspective (pun intended) for you photos.

Do a Carlos Celdran trip and shoot along the way. You'll get a history lesson for more perspective (pun intended) for you photos.

completely agree.

Who is Carlos Celdran? Can anyone give me info? I'm interested.

Who is Carlos Celdran? Can anyone give me info? I'm interested.

He is a very popular tour guide/history buff. Try google. He's got his own website. :Grin:

I actually posted a thread about the Manila Tours. They're everywhere! thank god for these innovative Filipinos!!

http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=13282&highlight=celdran

For more info on Carlos Celdran and his tours visit www.celdrantours.blogspot.com


You have to attend at least of his tours! you will not regret it! he is one of Manila's most interesting personalities. I admire him for a lot of things. In fact, I did a photo essay about him tee-hee

http://static.zooomr.com/images/5271202_7520199cfb.jpg

http://static.zooomr.com/images/5271208_b4ddcecb79.jpg

http://static.zooomr.com/images/5271212_c839758420.jpg

http://static.zooomr.com/images/5271215_285ed84585.jpg

Ooooh and don't forget my cousin Ivan of Binondo Food Wok

http://www.freewebtown.com/oldmanilawalks/

I browse the link Tammy, and the Manila tours looks exciting. My question is, since my main purpose is to take good pictures, do you think there is time to take pictures including the details of the area since the time is limited?

Anyone took the Corrigedor overnight?

Hi Rommel,

Downtown Manila is still the best place to do street photography. You can also shoot Malate... quite a lot of things going on. Drop Makati altogether, too much SG (Security Guards who don't have anything else to say except "utos po ng management").

If you want pretty tourist photos, again, downtown Manila still ranks first. Do the Intramuros thing (I just don't know if Carlos will stop and wait for you to finish clicking tons of photos per stop.).

Actually, you can do a walking tour on your own... here's my suggestion: Start off at Carriedo (lots of stores on the road itself), then head to Quiapo church (one of Manila's most beautiful churches)... then walk towards Sta. Cruz (there's another church there)... then take a quick snack in Binondo... then go up Jones Bridge (if I'm not mistaken) where you can see the Post Office (very beautiful Neoclassical structure), then go to Intramuros. YES, YOU CAN WALK ALL THESE... but if the legs start to hurt, hop on one of our famous jeepneys. (Actually, you can do 2 days for Manila... there's just a lot of things here.)

Tons of street (true essence of the word) photography opportunities along the way.

As for night shooting... again, Manila... Jones Bridge (photographed from the back of the Post Office: quite scarey as sometimes there are druggies passing by: TIP: BE CAREFUL), Manila Post Office, Manila Skyline (from Harbour View or from Harbour Square... these are two different places).


CORREGIDOR: Honestly, there's nothing much to shoot at night there unless you're into freaking yourself out with ghost hunting (we saw quite a few orbs in my friends' photos... really, I'm not kidding). They have this trip inside Malinta Tunnel at night (yes, no Lights and Sounds... totally no light for that matter!) and you walk through narrow passages (about 2.5meter-height clearance... I dare you take photos in those conditions! Hehehehehehehhe). So, I suggest you just take the day trip instead. Photography may be a bit limited since the guided tour pretty much dictates the route and schedule but if you're after touristy photos, I think it's enough.

Hope this post of mine helps.


More photo ops: Food Trip in Binondo... Manila Zoo... Avilon Zoo... fish markets (Macapagal's Seaside Market)... original Seaside Market along Baclaran in Roxas Boulevard... and the list goes on...

TONS OF PHOTO OPS...

Dindin, thanks for the detailed reply. I thought you've finalized my decision, go on my own and have or hire a buddy. On Corregidor, I was thinking of an overnight since I really like low light photography and maybe can capture nice sunrise and sunset but again, you are right. I'll just go there and spend the whole day.

With regards to Downtown Manila, I think I can follow your suggestions since I'm all familiar with those places as I lived Manila for 15 years. My only concern on those places is the safety since I'm carrying those gears(i might carry tripod).

Again, thanks for those tips esp on night photography.

DINDIN = THE BOMB!

I'll copy paste what you just posted and saved it in the kamaganakan survival folder

P.S. I finally got to meet Wendy nung 4th of July! and signed up with shutterfly


@ Rommel: Ivan of Binondo Food Wok requests to bloggers in general (food, photo etc.) to keep his tour a mystery! no oversharing of info sana

TIPS:

Shoot what you want.

Ignore anythings (your KABA).

No restriction in street photography or buildings (If sinabi nilang bawal eh di bawal un sila eh) But for sure you can take the scene you like to shoot.

"Don't be afraid when walking in the street holding with your camera (basta wag ka lang mayabang) maybe you can hear from bystander voice "Sir isa namang shoot dyan oh".

I really do a lot of street photography dyan sa bayan natin,even here in Saudi Arabia so hard to took photo's but still I can walk with my camera in hand, I can shoot anything but please don't shoot lady here. I Police call you and said Haram "Bawal" show all your shoot and erase what he doesn't like, that's it.

Now "Huwag tayong matakot sa sarili nating bansa"

We Pilipino are good follower's of any rules when we are outside our country.

Don't afraid all place are same, bystander, holdapers, pickpoketers you can meet them all around the world.

"Shoot ka lang ng walang kaba for sure you have a excelent output".

You know your place and you must love it...


Keep and shooting and always smile

@Tammy - I might consider Ivan's Food Wok

@Fherdy - I liked the first sentence ," shoot what you what ", that's the spirit of a true street/photojournalist, then just stop when asked by security guards:Grin:

But to prevent hassle, anybody knew where I can easily get permit (free or with fee) around Metro Manila esp on tourist areas?

Walking and shooting downtown Manila is pretty safe. Adavantage of it over doing a walk tour is that you control your time... you control where to go (sequence) and have more time to interact with the locals (which I believe comes with street photography).

Having said that, doing a walk tour is not that bad... I did the Ivan Quiapo tour a couple of years back (we actually asked him to customize a tour for us (group of photographers). It was a fun and learning experience. These tour guides know their stuff.

Good luck and have fun!!!

Anybody using a model release form when street shooting or just plainly shooting anybody we dont know?

Hi. I've a question. When do you need to use model release forms? How much percentage of the face (? yikes) should be showing to be required to use this?

Is that even the criteria?

Noob here hope someone can help. Plan to join a contest using a street photo.

Thank you!

some advice on street shooting

1. don't take a picture of those dvd/vcd/x street vendors... believe me they don't like it..
2. fortune teller from quiapo sometimes refuse to be caught on camera.. it's as if they already know what will happen to them afterwards
3. as much as possible don't shoot alone..
4. don't take pictures of kids giving the peace sign ( my personal opinion )

darryl, i laughed at your advice #4. good one :)

if you already have something in mind when you see an opportunity, prep your cam settings already, anticipate the composition (even when shooting from the hip), press the shutter, slowly put the cam down while at the same time already walking away from the subject. Look at the LCD later when the subject is out of range. i'm assuming you want to shoot candids, btw. making them pose ain't quite "street" if you get my drift. at least, imo.

wide angle lenses are the best for close-up work. you also take more of the subject's background thus adding to the context of what you're trying to achieve.

let's see... what else... know your gear, especially the coverage of your lens... how wide of a frame can it take in given a certain distance?

oh, try changing your cam strap. it really just attracts way too much attention. i should actually heed this advice myself but i'm too cheap to buy them optech thingies. goes to show i don't shoot street that often :p

well said.. Just shoot. :)

this is a nice thread...

Just keep in mind, Filipinos (even bystanders) are a lot more friendly than any other nationalities.

Hello everyone.

Everyday I pass in front of people I want to shoot but I can't get their permission to shoot what their doing because I don't know how to approach them, they are the people on the streets, the scavengers and beggars, I'm afraid they would get mad at me if i take their photos. Should I ask for permission? But this may trigger their consciousness and change their emotions or actions or facial expressions, or should I rather take their photos without their permission even if they see me taking their photos? wouldn't that be rude or is it fine to take their photos without their permission?

What should I do to take their photos without offending them or ruining the emotions and expressions on their faces?

Thanks for your advice.

Basic rule of street photography ..shoot now make amends later :)
You can only take their most candid moments if they are unaware of your presence .. think of it like Wild life Photography ... i once met an international Street kid Photographer in Luneta .. and he always say that Filipino kids are so hard to Photograph.. once they saw a camera .. automatically they'll make those Famous Hand gesture ...and that will ruin everything..

My trick is to shoot them candidly , if they saw me shooting at them .. i'll just trick them to pose again or even say "manong pwede ba kita pictyuran?" (but of course i already did)

HTH

. . .

Hello everyone.
What should I do to take their photos without offending them or ruining the emotions and expressions on their faces?


look for "obvious street photography tips" >>> http://www.beyondphototips.com/2008/08/17/obvious-street-photography-tips/

20 Quick Street Photography Tips >>> http://digital-photography-school.com/20-quick-street-photography-tips

look for the part 'technique' >>> http://photo.net/learn/street/intro

How to Shoot Impromptu Street Portraits (http://content.photojojo.com/photo-projects/how-to-shoot-street-portraits/)

just google 'street photography howto'. there are so many tips on how to to this, then comes application, then finding and creating your own comfortable style and technique.

Thanks for sharing sir royginald and sir paolo.

Never, ever spend too much time behind your viewfinder focusing, composing, or shooting your subject.

I "visualize" my intended composition first. Then I assess the light quality falling on my intended subject. Lastly, I set my camera settings. When I'm ready, I just point my camera on the subject and click - doing that last step under 2 secs.

More time spent than that spoils everything.

look for "obvious street photography tips" >>> http://www.beyondphototips.com/2008/08/17/obvious-street-photography-tips/

20 Quick Street Photography Tips >>> http://digital-photography-school.com/20-quick-street-photography-tips

look for the part 'technique' >>> http://photo.net/learn/street/intro

How to Shoot Impromptu Street Portraits (http://content.photojojo.com/photo-projects/how-to-shoot-street-portraits/)

just google 'street photography howto'. there are so many tips on how to to this, then comes application, then finding and creating your own comfortable style and technique.

Thanks for sharing. Hmm, sometimes i ask permission and give some bucks.

Thanks for sharing. Hmm, sometimes i ask permission and give some bucks.

im not sure about the paying part, its debatable. some argue that its ok as long as it helps the subject. the camera already attracts enough attention, why attract more by paying?

please go through this article >>> http://www.vividlight.com/articles/3702.htm and look for the word PAY, there are several instances wherein paying would not be advised.

'Should I Pay People to Take Their Picture?
As I said, I'll usually pay street musicians and street vendors. After all, their whole purpose for being out there is to make a little money. In some third world countries it's also customary to pay people for their photograph. This is something you'll be able to find out from guidebooks when you're researching your trip. Usually this amounts to no more than a small token for Westerners. But be careful about flashing U.S. dollars on the street. In places where the local currency is unstable or devalued dollars are in high demand. Flashing a wad of stable dollars or euros can get you into trouble in a hurry.
Recently I've been hearing complaints from folks returning from parts of Jamaica that they've been approached on the street by men and youths asking to have their picture taken. When they oblige, these people demand a "fee". Refuse to pay this "fee" and things can get ugly. None of us likes to feel we're being hustled but sometimes the path of least resistance is your best strategy. Proffer the requested tip and move on to a better area.'

This thread makes me wanna go outside and experiment on the graffiti wall. :D

My trick is to shoot them candidly , if they saw me shooting at them .. i'll just trick them to pose again or even say "manong pwede ba kita pictyuran?" (but of course i already did)

HTH

. . .
+1 :Grin:

This works like a charm. Or better yet, build rapport with your supposed to be subject (of your liking) then ask permission if its ok to take his/her picture.

Candid shots of kids here in the Philippines is okay for most of them. But if you're travelling in other countries, never shoot kids without asking permission from their parents or guardians. Some would feel violated when you do so.

Candid shots of kids here in the Philippines is okay for most of them. But if you're travelling in other countries, never shoot kids without asking permission from their parents or guardians. Some would feel violated when you do so.

Correct Rex.

Wouldnt it be nice if we would do this even here in the Philippines? Just common courtesy. Ask the parent, and the child if its ok to take a photo, even if one knows that the parent would allow it.

I wouldnt feel comfortable when someone would take photos of my child without my consent, and more importantly, my child's consent.

Ive been shooting street sometime now and what i have learned

1.) dress simple - we dont want to attact. being invisible is way to go
2.) less gear - simpler gear the better. maybe start with kit lens or have 35, 50mm or wide angle lens on your camera body. dont bring to much lens coz you dont need to change lens ofter.
3.) be observant - no need to walk around much observe then shoot
4.) know your gear - you can maximie the potential of a quick snap shot if you know the capability of your lens in terms of distance to your subject

asking permission to take their pictures are case to case basis. There are some cases that you need to ask but most of the time to capture the real essence you just observe, approach quietly then shoot probably 2-5 shots then leave quitely and and that's the only time i look at my shots.

I guess there is no basic rule whether you need to ask permission or not. That really depends on your "Got feel". If you think you guage the scene that you need to ask for permission or need to talk to the subject first then do so but if you think that it will destroy the natural scene then shoot and then appologize.

Oh I jsut want to share. A friend of mine is using 35mm prime lens and he tried to shoot a begar holding her child in a close distance and he almost got smacked by an umbrella :D

I've learn a lot for street photography on this thread, thank you guys.

Be a part of the scene, get involved but in a discreet way. No matter how difficult or scary it may be, if you really wanna take it, you will take it. think out of the box, don't always shoot the obvious and the cliche' , be patient and creative.

One of my favorite 'street shooters' is journalist Peter Turnley - you can see his work at http://www.peterturnley.com/portfoliotoc.html

I don't quite remember where I got these from, some forum I stumbled upon - but these are basically some of the ground rules that he established during one of his street photography workshops:

1. Decide if you want to shoot in color or BW, but not both.
2. No camera bags, just a body and one wide angle lens.
3. No zooms or teles, nothing longer than a 50mm equivalent.

I've been viewing a lot of his images in the above link, and I think one thing you really need to do is to be constantly moving. You can't just be a bystander.

Here is an analysis from another shooter of Turnley's Semana Santa (http://www.peterturnley.com/seville/01.html) shots:

>> Peter Turnley's heads, hands and feet. (http://blog.jonathancastner.com/field_notes_and_late_nigh/2010/04/peter-turnleys-head-hands-and-feet.html)

But the best lesson here is how he obviously moves about. Considering he was using essentially a fixed, call it 26mm, lens he is tight, wide and everywhere in between. He moves and moves and moves. His feet are his most used photographic tool. In this era of “auto everything” and even more of “fix it in post” this proves that getting to where the photo is and putting yourself where things line up and the moment happens can’t be automated or processed.

wow! learned a lot from this thread, but unfortunately it was too late for my first street photography..

anybody, please comment.. shots taken 06-14-2010..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dokz05/

i almost got killed when i tried photographing a guy eating balut somewhere in sta. mesa. He asked where I work and why am I taking his picture. Lucky for me he doesn't know a thing or two about DSLRs and I showed to him that all I had was old pics on my camera and nothing related to him. Sadly, all the pictures I took of him eating balut was blurred and not usable (it was 6pm already).

I hope someone gives some tips on how to take urban pictures safely. hehe.

Hi guys, just want to share a new blog post on tips for street photography :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4796108191_a9741c1093_z.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4796108191_a9741c1093_z.jpg)

I was recently interviewed by SlashMaraud (http://slashmaraud.blogspot.com/2010/07/tao-of-street-photography-by-danny.html), a blog based in Boston. One of the questions was “What are some unwritten rules of street photography according to Danny Santos?” Well, my answers were really more like tips than rules, and they’re not according to me but more like stuff that you will just learn eventually the longer you shoot. I decided to share my answers here and expand further. There are a lot more useful tips you can find online, but I believe these 5 tips is a good place to start with. So here goes...

#1. Perfect photographic moments in the streets come only once in a blue moon… but when it comes to you, it’s worth the wait. So have the patience of a saint.
I remember one weekend when I was shooting for about 2 hours with no single decent shot. I was tired, demoralized, and about to call it a day when suddenly this blue angel showed up in the middle of the crowd, walking almost aimlessly while texting in her mobile. This one shot made my day. It was enough to quench my photographic thirst for the rest of the week.

Please click here to read more...
http://www.dannyst.com/5-quick-tips-on-shooting-in-the-streets/


-

Hi Danny- ive seen your works and some thoughts run into my mind

Have you been slap in the face by a stranger when they get irritated by a stolen shot of yours?

I guess you encounter some questionings like what is that for? and a lot of why's why you are shooting them. What is your alibis? and how you get away with it? My ears are bleeding for years now when im shooting street here in manila.

I dont know in Singapore, i have an experienced in Japan when i shoot street there, i love low angle shots and some police approached me saying i they want to see my photos in my lcd, maybe they thought im doing some shit mages but when they saw my shots they just smile and bow. = ) h a ha ha Have you been approach by a security questioning your motives?

Hi Danny- ive seen your works and some thoughts run into my mind

Have you been slap in the face by a stranger when they get irritated by a stolen shot of yours?

I guess you encounter some questionings like what is that for? and a lot of why's why you are shooting them. What is your alibis? and how you get away with it? My ears are bleeding for years now when im shooting street here in manila.

I dont know in Singapore, i have an experienced in Japan when i shoot street there, i love low angle shots and some police approached me saying i they want to see my photos in my lcd, maybe they thought im doing some shit mages but when they saw my shots they just smile and bow. = ) h a ha ha Have you been approach by a security questioning your motives?

hehehe nope, fortunately for me, I haven't been slapped in the face by a stranger... yet.

Also, I haven't been asked by any of my candid subjects what it's for, maybe because I always try to shoot quickly and discreetly... so if they ever did notice me, they probably thought twice if it was them I was shooting, OR they just reluctantly let it go. I always avoid eye contact before or after the shot by the way... this helps to avoid inviting confrontations.

However, I was asked by people in the vicinity who've seen me so many times shooting strangers... I just say it's a personal photography project, and they just node and smile.

And so far, I haven't been approached by security.. but I'm guessing if I was, I'd react just like you did... I'd be cooperative and respectful. We don't have anything to hide from them after all.

thx for sharing sir.

i was just wondering.. do you, sir, take photos alone or are you in a group (or with someone)?

:)

I thought street photography is easy.. just point the camera to those strangers and shoot, until I tried it.
I have a big respect from street photographers... they are gutsy and street-wise. Thanks Danny for sharing these tips.

Hi Danny - Bruce Gilden is really amazing... he should have a life insurance if he shoot in the street like that, and seeing him makes me want to shoot street without hesitation and fear. If i have a chance to visit Singapore i want to meet you and lets shoot at your orchard. = ) Thanks for sharing your craft! One of the best!

@tey: I usually shoot alone, sir.

@oliver: Your welcome, sir. And thanks :)

@joel: Bruce Gilden is a breed apart. Also check Mark Cohen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOr5MHlJQUA)'s work... also another crazy dude who takes pictures way too close for comfort. Just buzz me if you get here in Singapore. Thanks for the support :)

Thanks for Sharing your tips Danny.

For me, just do it as discretely as possible :)

i always want to do street but a little hesitant since we all know that doing this in the streets takes a lot of attention but those things really makes this field much more exciting.. thanks for sharing your tips Danny!

The new slang. :D Nice one.

"Local Palenkie" WIN! Hahahahaha! Sorry... that's gonna get me through the day...

i almost got killed when i tried photographing a guy eating balut somewhere in sta. mesa. He asked where I work and why am I taking his picture. Lucky for me he doesn't know a thing or two about DSLRs and I showed to him that all I had was old pics on my camera and nothing related to him. Sadly, all the pictures I took of him eating balut was blurred and not usable (it was 6pm already).

I hope someone gives some tips on how to take urban pictures safely. hehe.

I'm very interested in this kind of situation. I have very limited movement and I constantly worry that someone is going to snatch my gear while it's dangling around my neck. I think I can get along with usual bystanders but I'm more scared of the security guards and the MMDA... I once tried standing in the middle isle of commonwealth and the MMDA chased me... I got away through the other side of the street... How do I explain to them that I was merely taking pictures?

i almost got killed when i tried photographing a guy eating balut somewhere in sta. mesa. He asked where I work and why am I taking his picture. Lucky for me he doesn't know a thing or two about DSLRs and I showed to him that all I had was old pics on my camera and nothing related to him. Sadly, all the pictures I took of him eating balut was blurred and not usable (it was 6pm already).

I hope someone gives some tips on how to take urban pictures safely. hehe.

Sometimes people gets easily annoyed when they know that someone is taking their photo without permission especially if they don't know you..If you really want them to be your subject don't hesitate to approach them,introduce yourself and state your purpose. Some alternatives would be taking photos of them without getting noticed by using zoom lens or getting a spot where they can't see you. imagine yourself as a sniper and they are your target. haha :Grin:
Also be aware of your surrounding before taking out your camera there's a lot of snatchers and holdapers out there waiting for they prey :Evil: haha.. Enjoy shooting HTH.

I'm very interested in this kind of situation. I have very limited movement and I constantly worry that someone is going to snatch my gear while it's dangling around my neck. I think I can get along with usual bystanders but I'm more scared of the security guards and the MMDA... I once tried standing in the middle isle of commonwealth and the MMDA chased me... I got away through the other side of the street... How do I explain to them that I was merely taking pictures?

Cool experience :Grin:, Always check the scene first if it is safe and be alert cause you're in public place,you'll never know whats gonna happen next,I prefer keeping my slr when not in use hehe.. Try to trust the security guards and mmda they will be a big help in case of trouble :Grin:. Maybe the reason why they chase you is that you made something wrong or you put yourself in danger,that's why they're trying to get your attention. In this case sometimes we need to tell a lie for example tell that your a photojourn student whose trying to make documentary about the streets for project.:Evil:

i almost got killed when i tried photographing a guy eating balut somewhere in sta. mesa. He asked where I work and why am I taking his picture. Lucky for me he doesn't know a thing or two about DSLRs and I showed to him that all I had was old pics on my camera and nothing related to him. Sadly, all the pictures I took of him eating balut was blurred and not usable (it was 6pm already).

I hope someone gives some tips on how to take urban pictures safely. hehe.


unfortunately i guess its partly your fault. you should have asked the person for his permission first. try putting yourself in his position, imagine yourself having a very bad day and then suddenly see somebody sniping taking pictures of you. would you be mad and confront the guy?

would you be mad if you see someone snapping at your wife and kids without your permission or your wife and kids permission?

would you be mad if you see your picture posted on some forum or gallery without your permission?


lets say we put ourselves in the position of a "taong grasa".

great subject, definitely the drama is present so says the photographer. so the photographer points his camera and start shooting.

consent, who needs it, taong grasa lang yun, just give him some barya and its all good.

so what do the taong grasa do? file complaints? i guess not.


Bottom line is.

we are photographers, with all our great gears comes great responsibilities too. (ala spiderman).

we should be aware of other peoples feeling too. we shouldnt be like vultures preying on other peoples misfortune, or be like rapists preying on the weak.

we become so obsess and so immerse in getting the picture we want that sometimes we cross the line and unknowingly or knowingly exploit other people in doing so.

I got swung at with a bag from a drunk guy, i got a gangster held me by the back of my collar and the cops come to me when taking a photo of a 7-11 shop with sirens blaring.

That last bit was hilarious.
Also had a toothpick tough guy come up to me asking me what i was taking during a walk
on the rough side of town.

I just pretended to be a tourist.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/shakeye/toothpickman.jpg

I say just be careful, if someone gets angry aplogize and erase then move on.

I don't think there really is a standard way of shooting the street other than having the "balls" for it. You just have to visualize the shot in your head and find a way to shoot it.

unfortunately i guess its partly your fault. you should have asked the person for his permission first. try putting yourself in his position, imagine yourself having a very bad day and then suddenly see somebody sniping taking pictures of you. would you be mad and confront the guy?

would you be mad if you see someone snapping at your wife and kids without your permission or your wife and kids permission?

would you be mad if you see your picture posted on some forum or gallery without your permission?


lets say we put ourselves in the position of a "taong grasa".

great subject, definitely the drama is present so says the photographer. so the photographer points his camera and start shooting.

consent, who needs it, taong grasa lang yun, just give him some barya and its all good.

so what do the taong grasa do? file complaints? i guess not.


Bottom line is.

we are photographers, with all our great gears comes great responsibilities too. (ala spiderman).

we should be aware of other peoples feeling too. we shouldnt be like vultures preying on other peoples misfortune, or be like rapists preying on the weak.

we become so obsess and so immerse in getting the picture we want that sometimes we cross the line and unknowingly or knowingly exploit other people in doing so.


So are you saying we should get people's consent before shooting?

I prefer shooting street with wider angle lenses as opposed to tele's so as not to look like a sniper, and I always have my camera out in the open. I have never ever been approached by my subjects, I've had the bird flipped at me a few times, mostly abroad, but that's about it.

With that said, in the Philippines, there is no law that says you can't photograph people in a public place without permission. Would I be concerned if I see someone shooting my wife and kids without permission, maybe. But as a photographer, I know they have every right to shoot them if they're in a public place. If I did not want my photograph taken, then I stay inside the privacy of my home. If I leave the house, I'm fair game. It's that simple.

Shooting with the subject's consent usually results in posed shots and it becomes more street portraiture vs street photography.

Here are some quick tips for shooting street - I also posted this in another forum, in a thread for shooting in Divisoria/Quiapo:

Bring a small bag only, maybe a small shoulder bag or a belt-pack. Even better, don't bring any bag at all.

Be quick, don't put the camera to your eye and adjust settings. Adjust your settings first, so when you bring the camera up to your eye, it's only for framing and squeezing the shutter. Try pre-focusing as well.

Always have your camera ready to shoot. If you prefer having it hanging on your neck, shorten the straps a bit, so your camera is at around chest level. Personally, I prefer just having it in my hand, with the straps loosely looped around my knuckles. I always have the camera held in front, at around chest level, or above (with my chin resting on the top of the camera) - even when I'm walking around.

This way, when people see you, they see the camera immediately, and they know what you're up to, they won't be scared when you suddenly start taking pictures. Plus, since the camera is at almost eye-level, you're ready to raise the VF to your eye, and shoot in a split second. Or you don't even have to raise it to your eye, you can just start shooting if something interesting starts happening.

Get up close, don't be afraid to stick the camera to people's faces, just remember to smile and make some small talk if needed.

Work the scene. Don't shoot immediately. Hang around for a few minutes, get the people around you to be comfortable with having a photographer around them.

For most of us - sticking a lens in a strangers face is the hardest part. Because of that, we get so caught up with the act of 'taking the shot', that we are usually happy with 'just getting the shot.' In landscape photography, we don't just arrive at the location, start taking pics, and then leave, right? We wait for the right light, we wait for the right cloud formation, we wait for low tide etc.. The same thinking should be applied to street photography. We should wait for the right moment as well. Our objective is still to make a good and interesting photograph, not to 'just take the shot.'

lets say we put ourselves in the position of a "taong grasa".

great subject, definitely the drama is present so says the photographer. so the photographer points his camera and start shooting.

consent, who needs it, taong grasa lang yun, just give him some barya and its all good.



Asking permission is good I got a couple great shots this way... Purist Street Photographers don't approve of this approach cause for them this ruins the moment you're trying to capture... That being said there's a way for you to be less conspicuous it just takes familiarity and experience (dark clothing also helps)... But if you ask me I gave up on the shoot then walk away approach because it only tells you what the subject is doing at that specific moment nothing more...

Now about that "taong grasa" comment... I've shot a couple of them for my street portraiture project... this entails talking to them and getting to know them a little bit... some of them have interesting stories... some of them agree to have their portraits taken but say random stuff about themselves with very loose association... Here's some of the "taong grasa" portraits... see their stories/stories behind the shot here: Street Portraiture
(http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=37455)
Unee (Sony A700 + Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 RS: 1/250, f/2.5, iso320)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5418659035_3e5eeb184e_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5418659035_3e5eeb184e_z.jpg)

Eddie of Pasay (Sony A700 + Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 RS: 1/80, f/2, iso 100)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5318933074_4826e72c59_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5318933074_4826e72c59_z.jpg)

Marvin (Sony A700 + Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 RS: 1/125, f/2.8, iso 100)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5251400251_7259766ec5_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5251400251_7259766ec5_z.jpg)

Joe (Sony A700 + Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 RS: 1/200, f/2.5, iso 100)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5252004506_873921d583_z.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5252004506_873921d583_z.jpg)

So are you saying we should get people's consent before shooting?


Is getting other people approval too much of a hassle for you?

too soak up on your artsy thing that you forget that these are people and not objects?




With that said, in the Philippines, there is no law that says you can't photograph people in a public place without permission.


So youre saying that theres no law against it, kaya shoot na lang ng shoot.?


would you be concerned? "maybe". :D

"If I did not want my photograph taken,
then I stay inside the privacy of my home." :D:D




(getting consent)
shoot then show them your shots, and if they approve of it, youre all good to shoot.

(candid shot)
after getting consent, linger around the scene, tumambay while pretending to be doing something when actually youre just waiting for the right moment to shoot.

Unee (Sony A700 + Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 RS: 1/250, f/2.5, iso320)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5418659035_3e5eeb184e_z.jpg

Eddie of Pasay (Sony A700 + Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 RS: 1/80, f/2, iso 100)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5318933074_4826e72c59_z.jpg

Marvin (Sony A700 + Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 RS: 1/125, f/2.8, iso 100)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5251400251_7259766ec5_z.jpg

Joe (Sony A700 + Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 RS: 1/200, f/2.5, iso 100)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5252004506_873921d583_z.jpg


lovely shots!!

including their surroundings would have been great pa sana.. but thats just me.

anyways i like it.

Is getting other people approval too much of a hassle for you?

too soak up on your artsy thing that you forget that these are people and not objects?





So youre saying that theres no law against it, kaya shoot na lang ng shoot.?


would you be concerned? "maybe". :D

"If I did not want my photograph taken,
then I stay inside the privacy of my home." :D:D




(getting consent)
shoot then show them your shots, and if they approve of it, youre all good to shoot.

(candid shot)
after getting consent, linger around the scene, tumambay while pretending to be doing something when actually youre just waiting for the right moment to shoot.

Lol, if everyone asked permission to shoot, photographs would be really really boring. :D

I was shooting in Ayala Ave last week, I shot a few frames of people staring out from bus windows. Do I have to board the bus and ask their permission?

And yes, shoot lang ng shoot. That's the way to do it.

Although I'm not a purist, I do also ask for permission from certain subjects. e.g. If I wanted to shoot posed portraits. In fact I probably do more of these kind of shots than candid ones. But saying "it's not ok" to not ask people's permission when shooting in public is just ridiculous IMO. :)

Even if someone shot me this way, I'd be pissed, but what can I do, it's not illegal: :Grin: Hehe.

YouTube - WNYC Street Shots Bruce Gilden


EDIT: Not that I advocate this style of photography, BTW. I dislike it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/shakeye/schoolsout.jpg

This was the shot that got me in trouble.
The shop attendant got irked, called the cops, had her big friends hold me by the neck while waiting for the cops.

Cops came sirens blaring and all, showed them the pic of underage girls buying beer from the shop.

They let me go and they had a word with the lady of the store.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/shakeye/_DSC0172.jpg

...and the drunk dude who wanted to show to his girlfriends how manly he was, swung his bag at me and wouldnt
leave so i pretended to get mad too and the 2 lil girls drag him away.

I was lucky he was only one guy, 2 or 3 of em then i wouldnt stick around.

that was scary mark.. glad you're ok.

Well hello there. I'm quite new to the world of photography and the like. I just got my Canon 60D last Christmas, and hell I've been wanting to take shots of different things everyday.

I've been reading the DPS website ever since December, everyday, checking out new posts and such.

I'm just wondering....

1) how to approach people when you want to take their picture
2) how to not feel people are staring/thinking at/about you since you seem immature to actually take their photographs
(btw, im 16.)
3) how to take care of your lens and how to decide which lens you should buy
4) if there are any photography workshops I can join in this summer. :) [ I'm not going to join if everyone is like 18 and above. Its just.. too lonely. )


Thanks for reading a newbie's post. ;)

I'm loving this thread!

I just did my first street photography yesterday. I had an image in my mind of people going up the steel MMDA bridge but it didn't materialize. Instead, I just let my cam hang around my neck and started pressing the shutter without raising the camera to my face. Got some good shots but the feeling's great.

Which got me thinking, what if we just use a wireless remote? Put the remote on your pocket, let your camera hang from your neck, then shoot away.