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.
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.
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.