Street Photography, People

September 27, 2012

Red (and How Cindy Sherman Influenced My Street Photography)

http://www.jamesmaherphotography.com/images/0000/4161/red.jpg

^{1/400th at F7.1, ISO 1600 (28mm).}

Hip shot. It's much harder to frame correctly and to focus correctly but for certain shots it makes being candid and getting close so much easier.

However, that's not the main reason why I like it. I go back to it time and time again because I love that slightly lower perspective that it gives, elongating people just enough to give them presence and stature, while also giving a very pleasing upward view of the tall buildings in the background.

This Cindy Sherman self portrait, while completely separate from the realm of traditional candid street photography, has probably informed my street photography more than any other individual photograph.

^{Untitled Film Still #14, 1978, Cindy Sherman.}

7 Comments for "Red (and How Cindy Sherman Influenced My Street Photography)"

Alec Hosterman says:

September 27, 2012 13:47

I think the combination of how it was taken along with the woman's expression smacks me as pure street photography - I wonder what she's thinking or why she has that grouse on her face. The angle distorts my perceptions of it being "real" - but then again it could be from the point-of-view of a child too. Very engaging photograph.

James Maher says:

September 27, 2012 15:19

Thanks Alec - yes I mainly wonder about the grouse. The lipstick almost looks joker-esque with it.

Lucy says:

September 28, 2012 15:33

I so wish I could even just slightly see things the way you do! I shall give this angle a try with my day-to-day photos and see what a difference it makes!

James Maher says:

September 28, 2012 17:42

Such kind words Lucy - thank you. Getting slightly lower can sometimes change everything.

Ashley Beolens says:

September 29, 2012 03:08

A stunning street photo, I think the angle you have used makes it feel more candid than a straight shot would have done. I can see why you have been influenced by the Cindy Sherman shot, I do wonder why she chose to shoot a self portrait from this angle though?

James Maher says:

September 30, 2012 21:18

Ashley thanks for the comment. I think you are right that it does add to the candidness a bit. I have no idea about why but it certainly makes the photo seem more grand that way and gives a fantastic view of the buildings behind her.

Karen says:

October 02, 2012 13:32

James, both great shots! It's always interesting to see people's influences.

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