The more I get out with the purpose of photographing 'street scenes', the more I enjoy it. Even though, I really haven't had all that much time lately. It's usually 15 minutes here and 20 minutes there. I really can't wait to spend a good few hours just taking my time and really waiting for those moments. For now, the following photos are what I think are some of my 'good' ones from the past week or so. Below each photo, you will see the settings and also what camera I used. As it stands now, I have been either using my X-Pro2 or the Ricoh GRII. Both are very different cameras in a sense, and I shoot completely different depending on which one I use.
The Ricoh is small and very discreet and truly looks like a point and shoot which I love. Therefore I am very unassuming and can usually get in a close without people caring, for some great candid photos. Whereas the Fuji, I find I am a bit more deliberate, in that I tend to really compose a bit more and take those 'far away' type photos.
My goal for the last few times I went out was just to gain some more confidence in approaching people and also getting in really close. I'm not at the point yet where I am taking photos of people straight on in their face, instead I am just shooting from the hip or as I walk by.
The first set of images below are all shot with the Ricoh from the hip as I am literally walking by. I'm actually amazed that some of them are turning out. Whether or not they are actually 'good' photos is another question, but I don't mind them at all.
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F7.1 | 1/3000
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F9.0 | 1/1000
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F7.1 | 1/1500
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F7.1 | 1/1000
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F7.1 | 1/1000
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F7.10 | 1/1000
Of course it's not just all about about smashing the shutter button and hoping for a good shot. I'm constantly looking for interesting looking people and unique angles. With my 'urban' photography where I mainly photograph still life I would almost always seek out cloudy days because of the even lighting. I find with street photography, I'm shooting in the mid day sun, embracing shadows and playing with them. I think that's why, for now, my street photos are all in black and white.
One of my favourite photos from the past week is the following photo. I saw this woman step out for a smoke break and I noticed the stop sign to the far right. There is something about the juxtaposition of her and the message of the sign that drew me in. There is a bit of flare from the sun in the photo but I think it adds to it. It's not the sharpest photo or highest quality one, but it speaks to me.
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F5.0 | 1/750
There you have it. I'm continuing to evolve and really figure out what it is exactly that I want to photograph. Right now it's a bit of a mix, and I think that's ok. I think? Time will tell.
X-Pro2 | 35mm 1.4 | ISO 200 | F2.0 | 1/3000
X-Pro2 | 35mm 1.4 | ISO 400 | F2.5 | 1/2900
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F5.6 | 1/3000
X-Pro2 | 35mm 1.4 | ISO 400 | F4.0 | 1/3200
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F4.0 | 1/2000
Ricoh GR II | ISO 400 | F7.1 | 1/1250