A huge regret on my street photography journey is not doing more street portraits!
At heart I’m a street photographer, asking strangers for their portraits; although spontaneous it’s not candid and so can’t be classed as street photography. (if you want to label it that is)
This is however a ridiculous rule to follow, it massively restricts your photography opportunities and limits your experiences. Plus you can meet some incredible people on your adventures!
Having changed my approach to street photography, I am now far more excited to venture out and meet quirky and interesting individuals, as well as take some fun candid street photographs..
Recently I have been using my Fujifilm X-T4 camera, tho not my first choice for a street photography camera (I prefer the rangefinder format of the X100V and Xpro2) I have leaned more towards my XF50mm F2 lens. Partly because of distancing from people, but also for the ability to pick out details, more than I could with my 35mm equivalent lens on the X100V
There have been times where I have struggled to find inspiration with my street photography, had I thought to cross into the realms of street portraiture and photograph some strangers who I felt interesting, I’m sure I would have soon felt more inspired for the rest of the day.
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Comments
20 responses to “Street portraits, How to photograph people and strangers (Street photography in London)”
A very enjoyable watch. You are very encouraging.
More than that, 'George' is the previous employer and friend of my wife. We haven't seen him for a couple years as we now live in Manchester.
Please keep doing what you do!
Being an anxious type definitely makes this a challenge, but I love shooting street more than anything.
Some useful tips here – I really just need to work on being openly enthusiastic to others and be able to do the small talk stuff as well as compliment others straight up.
I disagree that most people who dress ‘differently’ are doing so because they like the attention. Sure there’s always some, however I like to wear stylistic clothing, practically anything I find secondhand that’s different purely because I like it for myself and don’t think on how I look externally to others.
Thanks for the advice on having business cards at the ready too as to offer to send their photos as I can see that being potentially the best way to build your own foundations as a photographer.
Cheers!
That’s not always true! People who dress quirky do not always want to be photographed. I’ve met a few quirky dressed people who stood out a mile, but explained that they always had a unique style but were insecure and have always hated being in front of the camera.
dear Gareth, thank you very much for the great video. At the beginning I had a little trouble understanding you at all (I'm German). Your tips on how to approach people are very helpful. Thank you very much.
Awesome content as always, been loving going thru all your vids! Big inspiration for my little street portrait project!! 🤌🤌
I get that it’s polite talking to people first, but to me, street photography isn’t just about the look of the stranger but most importantly the expression of that moment. And I’m afraid with this approach, you captured the look but lost the soul. Not trying to troll here as they are great photos, but just to offer my thought on this, and I wish there was a less creepy way of pointing the camera at the strangers
Great video Gareth! Really helpful for me as a rookie. Please keep on your inspiring youtube channel. I’ve just found it!👌👍🔝📸
You should give him your name too
Ohhh George with that fit and Berluti bag. Amazing.
What camera/lens/gimbal do you use for the video vlog? Looks awesome.. and as always great video and shots. 👊🏻
Just stumbled upon your channel, and now goin through all your street photography stuff, love them, nice stuff mate 👍
Nice work G great tips
Nice one dude…. !! 🤓👍👌
Great tips! Here's my tip – be ready to get drawn into a never ending conversation with people who are super chatty. Maybe have a quick and courteous exit strategy in case it looks like you might end up standing there all day.
Simply true words. Keep it up mate.
I always go in to close when someone agrees to have there portrait taken 9 times out of 10 I will miss out a bit of there shoulder. Framing is awful, really annoying really need to work on using my fujinon 50mm lens. What would you say is a good distance to stand to get a good shot?
ETTR (which is the optimal technique for digital photography) is not quite the same as "histogram to the right", also there's no such thing as "exposure triangle", it's a fallacy…
Thanks dude. Excellent once again 👌🏽
Great tips thanks
Hi Gareth, I normally put my camera into f5.6-11, Auto iso and manual focus on manual mode. Would that be correct or what do you normally use?