Street Photography, People
May 19, 2011

Crossing the Street, St. Marks

http://www.jamesmaherphotography.com/images/0000/2737/crossing_the_street_st_marks.jpg

1/320th at F5.0, ISO 400 (32mm)

I have started playing the game of how many faces can I get into a street photograph.  Here there are 6, which is decent, but I like how clear they are and the way the people are positioned.  If the two figures with their backs turned to us were facing forward then this photo would be epic.

Here's a fun trick: wait on a street corner with a lot of foot traffic.  Then when the light turns, walk directly through the middle of the crowd, even if there isn't an opening and take some shots with the camera on your chest (to keep it as candid as possible).

The hardest part is to stop moving long enough to take the shot.  I see people shooting street photography and they never stop when they take the shot.  It drives me crazy.  A lot of times something will happen so fast that you won't be able to stop moving, but in general you should try your hardest to be fully stopped when you take a photo.

And in crowded situations like this, that occasionally means people will bump into you from behind.   It's okay though, they will think you are a tourist.

On another note, tomorrow we will be starting Vintage Fridays.  I need an excuse to post more of these vintage photos, and I think that a dedicated day will be the best way to get me to do this.

 


*If you like the photos in this post please help me spread the word by sharing. Thanks.



2 Comments for "Crossing the Street, St. Marks"
Lucy says:
May 19, 2011 13:48
I love your approach! It would be fab if we could see a video of you doing this! :0) Look forward to tomorrow's vintage photo.
James Maher says:
May 20, 2011 10:51
One day I might delve into making videos Lucy :) Seems like a logical step, but not sure I'm ready to undertake the commitment to create them.