On days that I do not post an image, I often find someone else's views on inspiration, creativity, or gratitude. These are intertwined.
Here is a 20 minute TED talk by educator (and stand up comedian), Ken Robinson. He makes a strong case for overhauling the education system to accommodate, and nurture, students with different talents. And he is FUNNY.
Not about street portraiture per se, but what photographer does not struggle with creativity?
Enjoy.
Bob
Well, Olympus calls it Release/ Drive modes. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 can be set for single frame (one shutter release when the button is pushed), Sequential Shooting H (bursts up to 9 frames per second), or Sequential Shooting L (bursts up to 4 frames per second). I have mine set for up to 4 frames per second.
I usually shoot short bursts for two reasons:
1. Occasionally, with three or four "identical" images, one may be a teeny bit sharper than the other. At least that's how it was with my Nikon D90.
2. One can sometimes get micro gestures from a subject that are fleeting, and easily missed when only one frame is captured.
And, so it was with Heavenly (yes, that's her name). At about 10:45AM, I saw Heavenly setting up outdoor tables at McCabes Irish Pub and Grill, in Naples, FL. There were no customers, so I presumed that she might afford me a few moments of her time, but certainly no more. When I approached her, she was friendly and agreeable. Perhaps she thought that I might later eat there (I didn't). She was from Rhode Island, and recently had moved to Naples. She thinks that south Florida is..., well, Heavenly.
As usual, I shot a few quick bursts of three or four images. At first I got a smile with teeth that seemed a little too cheesy for my taste. So I asked her to just be herself, and wiped my hand over my face, from top to bottom, leaving a deadpan expression. This worked. The final burst of three I liked. Numbers one and three of that burst comprise this diptych. Notice the change in expression. The image in the right has more of a hint of a smile.
And I can see it in the eyes. I prefer this image – a subtle "eye" smile that is a bit ambiguous.
The point is this; checking the metadata, these images were captured in the same second. This change in micro gesture occurred in less than a second. One shot only, or a camera that refreshes slowly, and this gesture is lost.
Burst mode can be a good thing.
Bob
While walking on Central Ave., St. Petersburg, I saw an African American in a wheelchair across the street. I crossed over to meet him. This is a side benefit of the 100 Strangers flickr group; I never would have had the courage to approach someone with a physical disability in the past.
Milton was friendly enough, but showed little emotion.
The wore a U.S. Marines cap. He served in the marines for four years, but never had to serve in Viet Nam (maybe he was too young – hard to tell). Now he does get medical benefits at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, but gets little other government assistance. Milton has lived in St. Pete for 30 years. Currently he lives in an apartment, close to where we met. I have a feeling that it is some kind of communal housing.
I handed him a few dollars and said that I hate to see veterans getting little support from Uncle Sam. He was VERY appreciative, and said that he could now get something for dinner.
Good luck Milton.
Bob
Wednesday, time to get someone else's thoughts.
A few days ago I came across the website, "The Zen Photographer", featuring the photography and (Zen) life of Swedish photographer, Jens Lennartsson. See it HERE.
The post that really caught my eye was, "7 Easy Steps to Take a Street Portrait." Jens writes this for those traveling to other countries, but most are simple, common sense ideas that are appropriate anywhere. See the post HERE.
I have copied the text below, with a few observations of my own, in italics.
The moment you find an interesting face, walk straight up to him or her. Don’t lurk around and pretend you are just waiting for something, people will notice the weird guy fiddling around in the shadows. Learn to react instantly when the voice in your head yells “Waaaow, that’s a interesting face!”, just go."
I find that waiting gives my negative thoughts a chance to take hold (He may say no – she might think I'm weird, etc). Action is more productive than over thinking the situation.
On your way over, just act like you are actually approaching the person you are approaching. Just look her in the eyes and if they look back, just smile and continue walking. Let your camera hang by your shoulder or in your hand by your side. Don’t let the fact that you are going to ask someone to take her picture, stay as relaxed as possible.
I keep my camera on a wrist strap, so it is not obvious. I always dress nicely and look people in the eye as I approach. Confidence is contagious.
If you are in a part of the world where you shake hands, do that and say your name. If you are in a part of the world where you usually bow or put your hands together as a greeting, do that. Always try to learn how to say ‘hello’ in the native language. The more familiar words and gestures you use, the more calm your model will become.
After introducing myself by name, I always offer my hand for a handshake. I have not yet approached a person who does not speak English.
When someone shows a camera up your face, you’ll usually feel a little caught of guard. Even if you don’t have much time to build a relationship, a few minutes small talk will usually put her at ease enough to feel relaxed with you taking her portrait. Humor is always a winner, joke and fool around a lot. Nothing will loosen up a suspicious person as quickly. It’s really possible to make “small talk” even if you can’t speak the same language, just use sign language or gestures.
I begin by saying that my project involves meeting people and taking their picture, and then ask, "can I meet you and take your picture?" The meeting always comes first.
When you feel that both you and your model feel relaxed, it is time to ask if you can take a few shots. A good way to familiarize her with the camera is to show a couple of shots you’ve taken before. If you are shooting for a magazine, explain that. If you are just shooting for your website or nothing special, let her know.
I let the person know that I will post the image on flickr, and possibly this blog. Then I show them my flickr Photostream on my smart phone.
After a few shots, turn the camera around and let her see what it looks like. Then you are able to change positions or backgrounds and fire of a few more shots. Repeat until satisfied. Remember to have fun and talk all the time, otherwise your model will most likely start to feel awkward.
Yes, I do this. A few times, the person has not been happy, so I shot a few more until she is satisfied.
When you are satisfied, smile and say thank you so much. Now you’ve taken her picture and it would be a nice gesture to give something in return. I usually carry a lot of business cards with contact information on one side and my pictures on the other side. It may feel as a small gesture for us but you’ll be amazed how thankful someone will be for just that little thing.
Yep, I have a card (produced by MOO) that has my name, e-mail, website, and flickr Photostream. I usually offer this at the end, but sometimes I give one when I show them the phone.
Hope you enjoyed this,
Bob
Last week I was in a strange location (for me), downtown Naples FL. Fifth street is the main drag. It runs more or less east to west, and this was about 11AM. The sun was nearly overhead, and buildings cast minimal shadows on either side of the street.
So, I looked for some kind of awning. And here it was, with three stores sharing this covered walkway.
This looked Good! Notice the light on the floor tiles. Between columns, the tiles are brightest on our left, with light fall off to the right. And with light hitting the tiles on an angle, I could be sure that it would be reflected up to the ceiling, to the glass on the right, and basically everywhere. With this situation, there is almost always diffused light coming from all directions. The only minor problem here are the stark white window and door frames. Well, nothing is perfect.
So I used the philosophy, "build the stage and the players will come". I planned to photograph in the same direction as this image. And I waited for a vict.., er.., stranger to come along. A young lady approached, but I was concerned that she might be TOO young. The 100 Strangers flickr group has a rule: no photographing children without an adult in the frame – I think it's a good rule. The definition of a child is nebulous, but I think of high school seniors as adults, and try to avoid younger folks. So, I let this young lady pass.
But a minute later, Kelley came along. I didn't ask how to spell her name, I assume that it has two "e"s. She was visiting from Michigan and was a bit hesitant at first, but then she relented and "got into it". And the young lady returned, she was Kelley's daughter, Octavia (named after the sister of Augustus, the Roman emperor). She had absolutely no reservations about being photographed. Octavia is a high school student, although I don't know what year.
Now looking at these portraits, you can see the flow of light from our left to right. The light is diffused in that there no harsh shadows. I am disappointed in the white bar next to Octavia. Darkening in post processing helps, but I still don't like it.
Photographing outdoors, under cover, usually gives pleasing results with respect to light. All the more so if there is one wall to reflect light. If the quantity is low, I would turn the subject towards the most light to get catchlights. This situation is not unlike photographing someone inside of an open garage door.
Thank you Kelley and Octavia, for coming along at the right time. You have my MOO card, so please e-mail me after the images appear on flickr.
Bob
I hiked through downtown St. Petersburg, late in the afternoon. I spotted a "senior" lady sitting quietly on a bench. I have learned the hard way that senior citizens are seldom interested in having a portrait made. Young folks (like under 30) are used to camera phones, Facebook, Instagram and the like. They share pictures all the time. But for older folks, not so much.
But as soon as I began speaking to Evette, she was smiling and shrugging, "OK". She said that she'd had her picture taken at least 10 times that day. Evette worked as a docent at the Dale Chihuly museum, a block away. Read about Dale Chihuly's glass blowing HERE.
I had been there, so we chatted about blown glass for a few minutes. She was from Brooklyn, NY, and had lived in New York for many years. I explained that I was born in neighboring Queens, and that my Grandmother had worked at Sears, in Manhattan. Evette was perplexed, she could not remember a Sears in Manhattan. I said that she was not in retail, but worked in a back office. That made sense to Evette, as she was well versed in the various stores, and could not remember a retail Sears in Manhattan.
We agreed that the new "box stores", Wal-Mart and the like were taking over. When I was a kid, the only store hat was a bit similar to Wal-Mart was E. J. Korvettes. Her eyebrows shot up, "you remember Korvetts?" Well, yes. Then she asked if I knew how E. J. Korvetts got it's name. I did not. She said that it stood for Eight Jewish Korean War Veterans. They started the company. No, I certainly did not know that.
Then she quickly excused herself and left. The suddenness surprised me. We had spoken for about 20 minutes and she ran off as if she had a forgotten appointment.
That evening, that bothered me a bit. So, I googled E. J.Korvett. The first store opened inn 1948, prior to the Korean War. Evette had pulled my leg and left before she started laughing in my face. Hey, it's not nice to pull the photographer's leg! :-)
Bob
While roaming the streets looking for interesting faces, I am also looking for good light and backgrounds. When I find a person to approach, I have already prequalified the light. I have yet to develop the confidence to ask a person to move far away. I want to be able to make a portrait where I meet the person, or within a few feet. I allow myself 360 degrees to turn the person, but that's about all. I never use flash or a reflector. Instead, I seek natural reflectors. Buildings work great.
Direct sunlight never works. The subject is uncomfortable and has to squint. Plus, the harsh, direct light leads to dark shadows around the eyes, and on a cheek, caused by the nose. For me, when faced with direct sunlight, I just say "No!".
Deep shade can be useful. It is safe, you very seldom accidentally overexpose an area – there won't be any "hot spots". If the subject is in deep shade and faces a lighter area, catchlights become prominent. Nice! But the light tends to be a bit flat, the entire face has the exact light. Some people prefer that, I don't (although I often have to settle for that look).
I prefer more dynamic light, where different parts of the face receive different amounts, (and/or qualities) of light. This often makes one side of the face brighter than the other. Often the cheeks and nose become brighter than other areas. I always check for catchlights prior to clicking.
OK, so I'll explain how and why I found a favorable location, three blocks from my home. The main street through our town, Venice Avenue, runs approximately east – west. In the northern hemisphere, the sun is always to the south except for summer solstice, when it is directly overhead.
I found an alleyway, about 15 feet wide, that runs approximately north-south. In the afternoon, the west side of the alleyway is in shade. The east side is in direct sunlight. The bright east wall reflects sunlight into the shade on the west.
This diagram roughly depicts the situation. Now I know what you're thinking, so let me make this clear; no, I do not have professional art training. I am self taught! :-) But crude as this lighting diagram is (Joe McNally, eat your heart out!), you can imagine that the reflected light will be diffused, and that one side of the subjects face will be brighter than the other. So, I first waited for an interesting person to appear, and along came Barbara. I positioned her like the stick figure in the diagram, and here is the result.
The light is diffused with no real hot spots or dark shadows. The eyes are fairly bright, with catchlights. And her right side (our left) is toward te reflected wall and therefore is brighter than her left. Notice that her head is turned a bit, so the nose divides the face into a small side (her right) and a large side. The small side is brighter, so-called short side lighting.
And this is all with no fancy gear! I am much too lazy for that.
In a few days I will have a post about a different lighting situation, one I encountered just yesterday.'
Bob
Matt is 23 and graduated from Venice High School. So did I. I gave him my mantra about liking Venice, because at 65, I'm still one of the youngsters (median age in Venice, 68 - scary). He is a lifelong resident, and his mother also went to Venice High. Stupidly, I got excited and asked what year she graduated, maybe I knew her. I graduated in 1964, she was BORN in 1971. Now there is a put down!
I met Matt 2 blocks from my house. I LOVE this location for then light. It will become one of my outdoor studios.
Bob
Blog post #223 in February was by guest blogger Fritz Liedtke. The post was about the fear of photographing strangers. Review it HERE.
One of Fritz's fine art projects concerns photographing women with freckles, and is called, Astra Velum. See it here.
Astra Velum, the "Veil of Stars". What a nice metaphor for freckles. When I first saw Caytlin, Astra Velum immediately came to mind. You can see why. Caytlin was very friendly, and had no reservations whatsoever about being photographed.
I like this image a lot, and it brings up two unrelated issues for me.
1. Usually I come in closer and include only the face. This brings (I hope) attention to the eyes. But this tattoo is so striking, and readable, that I feel it adds to the story of this interesting young lady.
2. I LOVE the light here. This location is two blocks from my house. I will try to make it one of my private outdoor studios. The background is a sickly pink/orange wall on a ladies outdoor public restroom. Black and white to the rescue! :-)
Thank you, Caytlin, for allowing me to photograph you and continue my learning process in street portraiture.
Bob
I have mentioned Danny Santos in a previous blog post. He was an early member of the 100 Strangers flickr group, and received deserved notoriety.
Last week I came across a four minute YouTube video of his "faces". I find it inspirational. This text accompanies the video: "When I'm out on the streets, I often encounter faces that make me look twice; faces that stood out of the crowd without trying; faces that are out of the ordinary. They range from the exquisitely beautiful to the strangely wonderful. I started to approach the strangers for permission to take a photo of them. Some said no, but most said yes. After taking their portrait, I'd say "thank you" and walk along. I didn't ask for their names, or where they're from, or what they do... because I want the viewers to see them how I saw them: as beautiful strangers".
I am a bit surprised that he does not spend more time with each person, but that is his style.
While visiting Macon GA, I visited a rather unusual coffee shop. It's called Roasters, which makes sense, but at night it is a bar/nightclub. So during the daytime, they sell a few flavors of coffee and a very limited selection of pastries. But in one back corner is a small stage with sound equipment for the evening activities. I love the double entendre of the logo seen on employees shirts, "Get Roasted".
I was there in the morning, not getting roasted. I sat at a window side counter with my coffee, watching people go by. Except, no people were going by. So I turned my attention to the Macon Telegraph, the local news rag. I absentmindedly looked up to see a couple walking by at a purposeful rate, the man with glorious dreadlocks. And I was not ready. Drat! But as is often the case, I encountered them again a half hour later, and when fate is in my favor, I feel compelled to act.
Trina was a little bashful, but Dean had no qualms about being photographed. He is from the Finger Lake area of northern New York state and relocated to Macon for his job. He has been thinking about getting a Nikon D3100, so we chatted for a while about camera types, sensor size, etc. I am fairly well pleased with this earnest expression.
Trina is originally from California. I forgot to ask how they met. I photographed her under a large tree, and had to ask her to move several times to find even lighting. And then I am disappointed by the hot spot on her forehead.
But hot spot or not, I like the dreadlocks.
Bob
While wandering about searching for strangers to photograph, how can one not notice a face framed by dreadlocks? Just to make sure that we're all on the same page, here's what Wikipedia says about dreadlocks:
Wikipedia Dreadlocks
"Dreadlocks, also called locks, a ras, dreads, or Jata (Hindi), are matted coils of hair. Dreadlocks are usually intentionally formed; because of the variety of different hair textures, various methods are used to encourage the formation of locks such as backcombing. Additionally, leaving long hair to its own devices by not brushing or cutting the hair will encourage it to tangle together as it grows, leading to twisted, matted ropes of hair known as dreadlocks. The latter method is typically referred to as the neglect, natural, organic, or freeform method. A common misconception is that those who have dreadlocks do not wash their hair, but this is usually not the case. Many dreadlock care regimens require the wearer to wash their hair up to twice a week.[1]
Dreadlocks are associated most closely with the Rastafari movement, but people from many ethnic groups have worn dreadlocks, including many ancient Hamitic people of North Africa and East Africa (notably the Oromo of Ethiopia, and the Maasai of northern Kenya); Semitic people of West Asia; Indo-European people of Europe and South Asia (notably the ancient Spartan warriors of Greece, and the Sadhus of India and Nepal); Turkic people of Anatolia and Central Asia; the Sufi Rafaees; and the Sufi malangs and fakirs of Pakistan."
So when I saw Coleman on the other side of the street, I made an about face and headed in his direction. I don't like to stalk people, but... I sort of did stalk him. And when I intercepted Coleman, he could not have been nicer, or more cooperative.
Usually, I want to get a good look into the eyes, but this shot with laughter was the most genuine gesture that I got. How can you not like dreadlocks?
Bob
Art Shay: The Sporting Life and Times (#320) 06-09-13
It's a Sunday, technically a day off. But just last night I came across a short video about the career of Art Shay. It is not street portraiture, but oh boy, is it about people. Famous people.
It lasts only 4 1/2 minutes, and it is entertaining.
I recently spent a couple of hours at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) in Tampa; I am a member. See it HERE.
The current exhibit is from the Vivian Maier collection. I have blogged about her before, but it is an incredible story. If you are unfamiliar with Vivian Maier, please visit the site HERE.
After checking out the display, I picked out a rather pricy book about Maier, and at the checkout counter, struck up a conversation with Jeremy and Maria. When Maria saw the book, she began rattling off facts about Maier – she was VERY knowledgeable. I asked if she acted as a museum docent, but she was not. She saw my Olympus OM-D and was curious. I showed her some of the features, and she was quite interested. Maria is saving her dollars for her dream camera, a Leica. I suggested saving LOTS of dollars. After discussing the genre of street portraiture, she had no reservations about being photographed.
Jeremy was seated next to Maria. He is an art student at the University of South Florida, and is about to graduate. Finally. It has taken six years to work his way through school. Hopefully he will continue his studies, specializing in interior design.
If one wanted to photograph people, what better venue than a photography museum?
Bob
Here is one from the archives, about two years ago. We were in Ft. Pierce, Fl, on a Saturday. There is a big-time Farmers Market which is really more than that. It has grown into a full service fair of sorts, and is a cultural center for the community.
So, as I walked through the maze of tents and kiosks, I saw this fellow manning a grill, cooking the usual grill fare. I was attracted to the headgear with chili peppers. I had just begun approaching strangers for portraits, and was a little hesitant. But I was pleased (and amazed) that he had no reluctance to being photographed.
As I was new to this game, I had yet to carry a notebook for recording names. And, of course, I have long since forgotten. But thank you, Mr. Grill Meister, for allowing me to photograph you and build some confidence.
Bob
OK,it's a Wednesday, so I am indulging myself in NOT posting my own stranger image. Instead, I am confessing that I have been dabbling in more classic street photography – the kind where the photographer tries to be an impartial 'fly on the wall', and capture culture as it happens. It leads to images like these:
I shall not be displaying such images on this blog, as they conflict with the basic tenant of asking permission.
James Maher is a New York based street photographer whom I have followed for a year or so. His site is HERE.
A few years ago, Maher was interviewed about the difference between the street photograph and street portrait. See it HERE.
Enjoy.
Bob
Near Beach Dr. in St. Petersburg, there is an outdoor atrium surrounded by several stores and bar/restaurants. The light is diffused. A young women and a young man were at an empty table, so I stopped and "popped the question". The man smiled and threw his head back, the woman looked tired, and her shoulders visibly sagged. Taken aback by this response, I kept my mouth shut (for once) and waited a few seconds that seemed like an eternity.
Finally, Eric said that they had just finished a photo shoot! A magazine was running an article about a local restaurant, MEZE, which serves organic and vegetarian fare. Eric said that Kate was the Kick-Ass chef and the star of the shoot (Kate rolled her eyes and continued to look tired).
I got a few shots of Eric, and showed him the results on the LCD. He politely pretended to like them, but he had just been professionally photographed with a studio lighting set-up. I don't think that he was impressed by my efforts.
Then I looked toward K-A Kate and raised my eyebrows. She shrugged in acquiescence and stood. I got a few shots, showed her the results, and she politely smiled.
Thanks, Eric and Kate, for putting up with me .
Bob
One environmental element that street portraiture requires is people. And there weren't many in the morning, along Cherry Street in Macon, GA. I finally spotted a young lady across the street who seemed to be on a break from work. I easily hurried across, because there weren't any cars either.
Leilani was a little perplexed about my desire to photograph, but she shyly agreed. Given her slight reluctance, I like the relaxed expression.
Leilani was born in Hawaii, not a surprise given the name. After stints in California and Las Vegas, she has been in Macon for six years. And sure enough, she does work at the The Rookery, an adjacent bar and grill. Leilani does not use e-mail, I will send her a print.
Unfortunately, when no people are around, street portraiture still requires strangers. Not strange people, just strangers. :-)
Bob
Sometimes I feel attracted to faces to photograph. Sometimes it's the light. I was across the street from the newly opened Classico Cafe and Bar on Main St., Sarasota. Angela and Michael were seated at an outside table, under cover. They were in deep shade – I was in sunlight. So the sunlight on my side of the street was being reflected back onto their faces.
Bob
St. Petersburg, FL, has the reputation of being the bastion of old people. Green benches were the haven for the relative immobile elderly. No more! Downtown St. Pete is a happening place for the young, and young at heart. Beach Dr. Is lined by bistros, ice cream shops, and more upscale restaurants, most with an al fresco presence.
On Beach Dr., I saw Jarrett and Kat, leisurely having bite to eat in the great outdoors. The relaxed demeanor built my confidence. Sure enough, after a couple of small smiles, they agreed to be photographed. Jarrett is from Port St. Lucie, FL, while Kat was visiting from Maine.
Jarrett said that he wasn't photogenic - Usually it's the lady who says that. But he did like his image on the LCD, and he was curious about the camera (Olympus OM-D). We talked about different camera styles and the significance of Sensor size.
They were about to head to a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game – but Kat would be rooting for the Boston Red Sox. How awful! :-) But look at these two – this isn't your Father's St. Petersburg anymore.
Bob