RE: Samples

Hi Bob,

 

When you have a go at it again watch for photo moments when subject is most
engrossed in reading a newspaper or magazine. Or other activities. The more
the subject is involved mentally with whatever the interest, the less chance
they'll realize you are pointing a camera "somewhat"  in their direction.

 

In my earliest days I admired the greats of the time who seemed to be able
to take pictures right up close and shoot people without the subject having
any idea the picture was taken. So I figured if they could do it using a
Leica, it being the camera of choice in those days, why couldn't I?  I read
an article in a photo magazine and learned how to do it with a 50 or 35mm
lens on your Leica. Sit on one end of a park bench and photograph a stranger
sitting on the other end without them realizing you had taken their picture.
:-) You want nervous? Stomach cramps, panic about being smacked? At first it
was terrible. Best bet, watch for someone who is grossly involved with a
newspaper or some other activity, watching their children or dog playing. 

 

You don't have to say anything other than maybe a "good morning or afternoon
whatever" only if they should indicate it as you are sitting down. That's
all! Do not get into a conversation because now the picture taking
unobtrusiveness is lost and you become embroiled in a gab session.

 

Never look directly at them at anytime, always via peripheral vision or
better, you are looking at them without looking directly at them! If they
catch you looking in the same direction, actually you can move slightly as
though they have become a block to what you are looking at or to whom you
are looking for. Sneaky eh? Now they may turn to look in the direction to
see what you are looking at... "YOU CONTINUE LOOKING!" That is until they
lose interest and return to their reading.  "Click!" But you do not look at
the camera for a moment, or advance film or any action indicating you made
an exposure. In the event they turn to look at you. Don't flinch keep
scanning the background beyond them without acknowledging they are looking
at you.

 

It's a complete faking out of eye and attention direction even though you
are facing them .. But your expression indicates you are looking beyond
them, certainly in appearance of eye line.

 

Sure it takes guts in the beginning, probably more so in America than
Europe, but it works. I've even indicated with my hand for them to kind of
lean back a wee bit without saying a word as though they are in the way,
usually when they are about to speak. Throws them off immediately. Then make
a frame, even though it's a throw away, give a nod of thanks. Then if they
ask what you were doing, give a quick innocuous answer about a moving
subject now out of view. . Then you've probably broken the actual "picture
moment" so move onto your next subject. And use the same technique again.

 

By the time you've got this down comfortably it generally becomes a piece of
cake. But always be quick. Actually when you first sit down you can make
motions of focusing and fiddling with the camera indicating like you are
just learning. 

 

One time I had the manual with me and I saw this incredible subject and
really wanted photos of HER! ;-)  Sat down, took out manual, flipped a few
pages then picked up camera looking through viewfinder in a number of
directions, back to the manual, put it down so it was facing in her
direction, then put camera up and made like I was taking pictures, then back
to the manual. Did this for a few minutes without paying any attention to
this person, but sneakily working more and more in her direction, click the
camera a couple of times, return to manual. Finally the picture moment was
perfect, I put the camera up looked through the view finder placing the
subject somewhat to the right side of the viewfinder, then it doesn't look
like the camera is pointed directly at her. Then for a brief second I
lowered the camera slightly and looked over top of the camera at a point
beyond her, returned camera to eye, click! :-)

 

Sneaky devil did it again. :-) One does this lengthy routine only if there's
great potential for a good photograph. Otherwise, sit down, a slight fiddle,
look beyond subject, eye to camera look at subject through viewfinder...
click!"  put camera down and look again beyond subject. The only reason you
do that is.. Just maybe a better moment occurs. 

 

It takes a bit of work at the beginning, then it comes naturally and shot
before you blink! :-)

Cheers,

Dr. ted :-)

 

 

 

  _____  

From: leica-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:leica-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Bob Adler
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 10:44 PM
To: Leica Enthusiasts Group
Subject: Re: Samples

 

Ted,

 

Your remarks are outstanding advice as usual, and I will take them very much
to heart. As you know, I'm more of a peeling paint shooter. It's very
uncomfortable for me to do this kind of shooting. I think people sense my
hesitation and discomfort; at least I think they think I'm thinking that...
:-)

 

I certainly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience; I know
everyone appreciates it when you lend your guidance to their efforts. 

 

I'll start with your last piece of advice; "relax".

Again, many thanks.

Best,

Bob

 

Bob Adler
Palo Alto, CA
http://www.raflexions.com

 

 

  _____  

From: Ted Grant <tedgrant@xxxxxxx>
To: leica@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 8:55:21 PM
Subject: RE: Samples

Bob Adler showed & said:

 

Subject: IMG: Samples

 

>>>>>Spent last weekend down in Santa Monica . They have a terrific Famers'
Market, so I tried my hand at some street/people photography. Certainly not
in my comfort zone. Only one person got upset with me so I didn't take his
picture but it certainly shook me up for awhile.<<<<<

This one is my favorite:

http://raflexions.com/PESO/content/L1001121_large.html

 

Other images start here with a senorita:

http://raflexions.com/PESO/content/L1001084_large.html<<<<<<<<<<

 

Hi Bob,

A couple of things that might help. 

 

If you are caught, smile and whatever you do.. DO NOT TURN AWAY QUICKLY AS
THAT INDICATES YOU ARE SNEAKY AND UP TO NO GOOD! Sometimes a friendly wave
or nod of head in a thanks kind of mode is enough to ease the situation. 

Another, if you have taken a picture using digital, as most of us are these
days, offer to show the person the screen, "AN ABSOLUTE MUST!"  Do not let
them have your camera in their hands!! You do the show and tell while they
look only!

 

If necessary explain what you are taking the pictures for. You are doing a
photo presentation for your local camera club as that is this months picture
project. Now the markets are open for the summer. Or whenever they open.
But make the reason simple and understanding, much like a "school project."
Or as I sugges ted , a camera club project. 

 

 Show no panic over a challenge of.. "Hey why are taking my picture?"  Keep
everything light and easy going. Most people, not all, are relatively easy
to get along with if you stay cool yourself indicating you are nothing more
than an amateur photographer doing your club thing. Or whatever you want to
indicate.

 

You might even offer to send a print if he jots down his name and address on
a piece of paper you immediately supply with a pen. These things, only if
it's a complete moron you have to deal with. However don't give anyone your
address. I suppose if it's a police officer who's thick between the ears and
thinks you are a terrorist checking out the farmers market for whatever
stupid reason. Ok remember now we've all heard these stupid challenges from
police and security people in the past.

 

Best bet is a simple wave of hand and smile, you might even mouth the words,
"thank you."  Again only if it seems you have a complete klutz challenging
you.

 

Observe, click! That fast, don't be screwing around fiddling the lens focus
ring back and forth while aiming the camera at the subject. Learn to handle
the camera like a greased bolt of lightening! Camera up focus-click faster
than I can type this, then move on to something else. You might even walk
closer to the subject without looking at him, then put the camera up to
photograph something in a stall or pile of veggies or fruit while he watches
you. Do this almost right at his feet! But do not look back at him in any
case, just carry right on without any indication of acknowledging you took a
picture in his direction.

 

Now if the person becomes challenging regardless of what I've offered, you
still have to use your head, but most of what I said at the beginning works
by staying calm and using the club or school project as a reason you are
taking the pictures. AND SMILE NICELY! 

 

Relax now and go do it again next week! :-) 

 

Cheers,

Dr. ted :-) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob

 

Bob Adler
Palo Alto , CA
http://www.raflexions.com

 

 

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.12.93/2205 - Release Date: 06/27/09
05:53:00

 

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.12.93/2206 - Release Date: 06/27/09
17:55:00

Other related posts: