Photo Street

Starting out with Street Photography

2022-08-22T15:21:00.001+05:30

Street photography can be one of the most deceptive types of photography. It seems as though it should be easy enough to walk around looking for the ‘perfect street shots’ but it is never quite that simple.

"This is a guest post by Lisa Crisp. Lisa is a freelance writer and mother of two. When not writing on subjects she's passionate about, she likes to take her dogs on long walks."

Street photography can be one of the most deceptive types of photography. It seems as though it should be easy enough to walk around looking for the ‘perfect street shots’ but it is never quite that simple. People with experience in street photography sometimes even struggle with the feeling of awkwardness when photographing strangers as it can often be viewed as an invasion of privacy; although experience certainly does not eliminate this feeling, it can help a lot with your own confidence and skill in street photography. For someone who has decided to try street photography, there are some useful tips and tricks to try when you are on your first outing, mainly for boosting your confidence and avoiding as much awkwardness as possible.

Preparing For Your First Street Photography Outing

If it is your first time trying out street photography you may struggle over what to take and where to go. If you have a range of different cameras and you are considering taking multiple different ones for different shots, stop right there and just pick the most suitable one out of them all. Although sometimes you may end up kicking yourself for not having one of those other cameras or an additional lens, you will also be thankful you aren’t lugging them around with you all day. Research in advance the area you plan to visit for your first photography outing to see whether there are any events taking place that you could visit - events generally mean there will be more people present and more activities taking place, which in turn means more chance for that perfect photograph and less suspicious over having your camera out

Trust your instincts, be brave and alert to every possibility and wear sensible shoes – all that pavement pounding will pay off eventually

Tips for a Successful First Day Trying Street Photography

The level of nerves you experience on your first street photography outing will vary depending on your level of self-confidence. If you find yourself feeling very nervous, you may wish to ask a friend to come on your outing with you. This allows you to have what some may consider a stooge, allowing you to use your friend as your supposed photograph focus when in fact they are just standing near the location or shot you are actually aiming for, taking a lot of the stress of photographing strangers away from you. If you have no friends available or willing to fill this role, try visiting a local tourist attraction as you will not look out of place here with a camera, allowing you to easily get natural photographs of strangers without too many suspicious or accusatory looks.

There are a number of options available if you are finding yourself struggling with taking photographs of complete strangers. One of the easiest ways to combat this is to line up a shot that seems perfect in your mind, and to wait for somebody to walk into it. This avoids the awkwardness of raising a camera as somebody walks into the intended area, and usually allows you to get your ideal photograph without a second glance. A second option when struggling with photographing strangers is to capture images from behind your targets. Although these pictures do not contain faces, they can often tell just as much of a story as a shot containing faces and facial expressions could. If close-up facial expressions are not a necessity for your photography style, another option for avoiding awkwardness is to get above street level and take the photographs from there. Most people do not look up as they walk through the streets so it can be the perfect way to get natural street shots and poses without being noticed. This method of street photography does work, but you can often miss some levels of emotion when faces are not clearly included in the final shot, however sometimes a photograph can tell a story perfectly without this.

Street photography can be very rewarding, especially when you head home after a day of taking photographs to see that you have multiple shots that capture exactly what you had intended in your mind. Remember, a smile goes a long way if you do get noticed when taking pictures of strangers and sometimes a quick explanation can save you a lot of hassle, and can even get you the perfect shot that you have been imagining. If the thought of street photography appeals to you, put your confidence issues aside and go for it – there are many ways around awkwardness and you are sure to blossom into a brilliant street photographer if you persevere.

"So if you are a newbie or a seasoned blogger, you sure have stories of how it felt going and shooting on streets the first few times, or even later after that long break you took. Do share your comments"

Happiness - is it a state of mind, a place or....

2015-10-27T22:22:00.001+05:30

If Happiness is a place ... it has to be Bhutan. A small country in Himalayas , east of India.

Read about this Himalayan kingdom on wiki

With this post, I attempt to revive this blog. Well the intentions is to really come back to this blog and treat it as a journal of significant updates about my photography and street photography in general.

Over last 2 years (almost), i am sure the blog has suffered and would have lost following, however, its never too late for anything.

The post is about people from Bhutan and as is customary in Bhutan, let me begin with very handsome king and beautiful queen of Bhutan. Bhutanese are good looking folks, as you will also notice in the photographs.

Local - many are almost always engrossed in prayers

A young Monk.

Buddhist Nun - Shot in a nunnery in Thimpu. She laughed and told me she is not good looking with so many wrinkles.

This post is after months. And I know photo-street deserves more. I also think its time, I collaborate with fellow photographers, that is probably the only way i will be able to do justice to the readers and to this blog.

Share your feedback - the brickbats as well. And do drop in a message if you would like to use this space to share your views on photography.

Gabi Ben Avraham - Street Photography is an adventure

2014-02-16T16:38:00.002+05:30

Gabi Ben Avraham brings streets to life. Gabi, who lives in Tel Aviv and most of his work is from streets of Tel Aviv. Gabi's work is remarkable and distinct. His forte with light and ability to turn everyday scenes into dramatic compositions is outstanding. He is equally apt with Black n White composition as well as color and his style is probably best described as fun and deeply philosophical. We are pleased to showcase and interview Gabi on Photo Street.

Q. Tell us about yourself, where do you live and some background.

I am 53 years old, married with three children. I work in a software company as an IT manager and live in a quiet neighborhood of Tel Aviv, the city which I grew up in, have never left and which is a part of me and my photographing

Q: How did you get started with photography and what motivated you to shoot when you started?

It all started long ago but I did not know it was "it". During the 1980’s I photographed using film cameras. Even then I used to wonder in the streets of Tel Aviv in search of the extraordinary. I then stopped and have not touched a camera for 20 years until I received a digital camera as a gift for my birthday from my wife 4 years ago. The rest is history….

Q: What gear do you use? How important in your opinion is gear for a photographer?

I started with Nikon D-90 and Sigma 10-20 mm lens but nowadays I am using a Nikon D-800 with a 24 mm prime lens. Sometimes I am using 20 mm prime lens. I believe that SF needs wide lens and I work only with prime lens, I really do not think it matters what gear you use in order to be a good street photographer. The camera is only a tool while the photographer is the main factor. My next camera will be a mirrorless camera. It is small, invisible and quiet, ideal for SF.

Q. Your preferred style is obviously street photography. Tell us about how you started street photography. What or who inspires you.

My personal style has changed and developed during time according to the exposure to the art world, other artists' works and theoretical and practical knowledge of photography. First, I was looking for shadows and reflections, I exercised some techniques and focused on different issues such as complicated compositions, working with light and finding a story with an idea, till I found my own style.

I am inspired by what I see, hear or even smell on the street, I absorb the images and let them leave after they are being "processed".

The most inspiring photographers for me are: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alex Webb, Felix Lupa, Steve McCurry.

Q. How often do you shoot. When you shoot do you usually wait for subjects or move around trying to find interesting frames. Tell us about your style

Usually I shoot during the weekends and on special occasions. Like a fisherman who goes to his daily work without knowing what he will catch, I take my camera and dive into the streets without knowing what will happen 5 minutes later. It is an adventure. I have my favorite places and I never come with the same photos. It is always different: the people, the light and shadows, the atmosphere.

What do you feel about street photography in comparison to other forms of photography like

travel, landscape, portrait, fashion etc.

I believe one must find the place where he feels the most comfortable. For me it is the street. I am excited to wonder throughout the streets towards my new adventure. It changes constantly: situations, people, light. It is very dynamic and therefore interesting. I wait for things to happen and they always do. I try to achieve photographs which are a combination of the ‘decisive’ moment with mis-context and a feeling of surrealistic disorientation. I try to make the spectator uncertain of the familiar and create a new vision of reality.

There is always a story to catch. The street is not a studio. Sometimes I stand and wait for things to converge – a cyclist, a dancer, a child – moving along. They are not aware that they are moving towards a certain object, but I am. Via the camera lens I am constantly looking around me, searching for that moment that will never return, unless I catch it. When pushing the button, I try to make some sense, restore order to the chaotic scheme of things in the composition. The components 'speak' with each other in a special dialogue, either by color, shape, or light. Capturing the elusive, special moment after which things will never be the same and making it eternal – that is my goal. Forgotten, transparent people in urban surroundings are being granted their moment of grace. The shadows, fragile outlines, reflections within daily lives that are not noticed in the busy and thick urban landscape and sometimes are even crushed by it – these are precious to me.

Q. What is your most satisfying achievement as a photographer. Anything that you are proud of.

I have just returned from Cuba and nowadays I am working on my second Cuba series. I am very proud of my first Cuba series:

Q. What are your plans for future. What do you plan and look forward to doing in future.

I am working on an on-going series of religious ceremonies and cults as a long-term project. I plan to travel abroad in order to make some new series. From time to time there are some exhibitions which I take part in.

Q. What is your advise to aspiring street photographers.

Look at other photographers' works on the Web and try to build your own style. Exercise a lot with the camera, find your own Master and be open to critics.

All Photographs and Video posted here are Copyright of Gabi Ben Avraham. Copy of the content without permission is not permitted.

To see more of Gabi Ben Work visits

www.gabibest.com

On Facebook

Faces from Spiti - the desert middle land

2014-02-01T23:56:00.002+05:30

Kunzum La, On way Manali to Kaza

Spiti happened to me in July 2013. I traveled solo to the cold desert of Spiti, and returned back with endearing memories and warmth of people.

For more than 6 months my life refused to return back. Its only now that the images have started to fade.. names of places that are on tongue tip but refuse to speak when you want them. It was thus that I thought that I should do this post.

But I landscapes and landscapes. And that is not exactly what this blog is about, so I thought of doing this post on candid portraits from the Spiti Valley.

After a 12 hour backbreaking ride from Manali, we reached Kaza, the largest town and headquarter of Spiti Valley. At height of 3650 mtrs/ 12000 ft, Kaza was the lowest altitude stop for us. Kaza town situated next to Spiti River with a growing population of 3000 is the most densely populated.This was shot on the first day we landed in Kaza. The valley was awash in golden sun light and the lady was checking her shots out on the DSLR LCD.

Local Women in Kaza

Monks / Lamas are a friendly lot and their warm smiles make them great subjects to shoot.

Her intense look was not anger, I am sure of that. But she wasn't amused why she was subject of interest. I didnt tell her that I loved the way how the lines on her face resembled the lines on the wall behind her.

The sun is harsh, even when the temperature are cold. It is usual to see small babies on the back, while mothers work hard during the day.

A young girl in Demul village at the sundown. The cattle are returning home.

Another monk in Tabo Gompa.

These are images shot in Komic, the highest inhabited village in Asia at 4500 mtr above sea level.

Hope you enjoyed the series. Tell us what you thought about it.

Lines

2013-10-23T23:44:00.001+05:30

The lines on her face mimic the lines on the mud wall behind, is a mere coincidence. If you believe me. The old woman is resident of Tabo, Spiti. This portrait was shot in Tabo Gompa - one of the oldest in Spiti Valley.

What is Street Photography?

2013-09-29T20:27:00.000+05:30

“Art is a lie that makes us realise the truth” - Pablo Picasso

Photograph by Elliot Erwitt

The masters did not call themselves 'Street' Photographers. Many chose to infact avoid the use of any specific genre - and called themselves simply 'Photographers'

Every now and then, I see well established photographers posting snapshots from streets or people portraits and calling it street photography. So I thought I will try and put together a post with definitions and what I believe best defines street photography.

(Wikipedia) : Street photography is an art photography that features the human condition within public places and does not necessitate the presence of a street or even the urban environment.

Framing and timing are key aspects of the craft, with the aim of creating images at a decisive or poignant moment.

Framing and Timing are common threads across all genres but are fundamental to street genre.

There is a wonderful essay on Street photography written by Evangelo Costadimas. Some key sections that I feel strongly about are below

Street Photography is not portraiture, it is not still life and neither does it concern itself with urban landscape. Street Photography is instinctual, un-premeditated, reactive and spontaneous, it is unposed and untagged and most importantly it is candid.

The bottom line is if the subject have posed or are aware of being photographed, it no longer remains candid in purist sense. But that is not what made me have the 'aha' moment.. Evaneglo nails the distinction but providing a very apt definition of surrealism. He says..

The un-escapable hallmarks of Street Photography are that it is enigmatic and quirky and more often than not surreal. That it creates relationships within the frame that may well not exist in reality.It achieves this through intentional juxtapositions, a combination of selective framing and exact timing.

and he goes on...

Street Photography does not concern itself with the Truth. Rather, if it is a good Street Photograph, it is a lie that might make us realize something about life, or some truth.

As per Picasso’s quote, Street Photography involves creating a fictional narrative that allows the photographer to express him or herself. Street Photography has therefore, more in common with Art than it does with journalism. It is not documentary or humanist photography, however, these are the two genres that many amateur photographers most often confuse Street Photography with.

It is not difficult to understand why it is easy to get caught in the semantics, definitions and forget that making memorable photographs is what photographers love.. and Eric Kim has beautifully summarized this in his words here.

I think in street photography there are now lots of sub-gernres as well. I feel that we have candid street photography (what I might classify as “classic street photography”- think Henri Cartier-Bresson), street portraits (focused mostly on portraits of people on the street, instead of the environment– either with or without permission like Diane Arbus or Bruce Gilden), urban landscapes with or without people in them (think Stephen Shore, Lee Friedlander, Joel Sternfeld, etc), still life street photography (think Martin Parr or William Eggleston), or socio-documentary street photography (think Bruce Davidson).

You can read Eric's full post here on his website.

Share your views......

Street Photographs from Reay Road

2013-08-25T07:00:00.000+05:30

It was a sunday, and I decided to step towards an unknown part of Mumbai. Its always interesting to visit new streets. I have no idea what to expect, how will the people in the area react. It makes the shoot more challenging. The streets we moved around are around Byculla. Its on the harbor line, the erstwhile industrial belt, close to coal bunder and near well known Reay Road railway station.

This part of the city is grim and crowded. The roads are full of lorries and trucks moving goods - coal, iron, scrap..

This is also the first post with photographs from my new Panasonic DMC LX7 with a Leica Sumilux F 1.4 super fast lens. LX7 is a small monster packed with features. This being the first day, I ended up shooting in JPEGs. Am very pleased with the color rendition and overall quality. The autofocus is fast and the step zoom lends to 'zone focusing' - best for streets. I have a feeling that this will be my new companion on the streets now on. Anyways, here are select photographs from the day.

Goats and Men. It was 7 am and people had started getting on with morning chores. (Other nice elements as well - Did you notice the white ears!)

Visual aesthetics is important for me. The large cranes on the jetty and the reflections against a strong sun made it an interesting shot. What do you think. (This is the coal jetty)

The camera holds the colors well, the dynamic range was high here, but overall very pleased with Lumix LX7. The composition made this a keeper, I pretty much got what I wanted here. The fella on the right .. well I would have liked him not looking up towards me.

This is my favorite of the day. The streets here were full of such homes, the floor above the shop.

and did I mention the trucks waiting for the goods. This fellow who just got up from his sleep (in the truck cabin) wasnt much amused.

Reay Road deserves a visit again - for the many untold stories that I saw but missed to capture and many more I am sure which remain to be discovered.

If you have come so far, please do take a minute to leave a comment below. I have been away from blog for sometime and it would be great to connect once again.

From my neighbourhood

2013-04-19T00:24:00.000+05:30

I remain irregular on the streets. Much angst. And I promise to myself every second day that I will change it and the next weekend will make up for lost time. The weekends seem to have become shorter and weekdays longer.

Most of these are made in and around Chandivali - one the streets leading to the lake and around the lake. This area is interesting. I am yet to explore during later afternoon when the light is fantastic. Will keep that for next weekend.

Being at right place and right time. Well not really! Followed these 2 women on the lake promenade for some distance till they both gave me this split second perfect frame.

Twins

I remember this bunch clearly. It was quiet late in the evening, the light was almost nil. They wanted a group photo. The noise due to high ISO looked nice. This one is a keeper just for the memory

Nice sensitive moment being shared between the couple and the shadows / hand nice juxtapose. I was a few feets away from where I would ideally liked to be.

Hands

Three generations. The moment was special. Mom probably seeing off the son or is something else happening. I like the fact that this shot could be taken anywhere in India and there is a sense of timelessness here.

And some in color too.
The streets are really colorful. The green and blues , well coordinated.

Color Coordinated

To work

parks are great places to shoot. Most folks are usually least bothered about someone taking their photographs.

And there remains many a lanes left unexplored for another day.

Do keep coming back. More work coming soon.

A Newbie Again

2013-03-08T20:46:00.000+05:30

I feel like the newbie again. Shooting in streets after months (maybe a year almost). Making eye contact with stranger feels hard, and raising the viewfinder to eyes just a wee bit difficult. It feels like I have just started shooting in streets.

Its not as if everytime one steps out, you come back with keepers (photographs you wish to keep), but the whole process of shooting itself is pleasurable. It wasn't to be this time. I felt jaded and rusted. It was only after an hour that it felt a bit better.

Smiling Eyes - Mumbai

At the end of the day, it was evident that it was time to get back. Back on the streets, observing and shooting. Capturing stories. And when I have stories to share, the blog would be updated more often.

Would be great to hear from you all... so do drop in a word or two.

Anoop Negi : Photographer with a soul

2012-05-27T21:42:00.000+05:30

Anoop Negi, photographer par excellence, entrepreneur with interests in wine and cheese making and a friend-philosopher-guide to many. Anoop's viewfinder always tells a compelling story, vivid colors celebrating life is his trademark style. Behind the viewfinder is a gentle and wonderful human being, his perspective (as one of his friend said), seems to come from a deeply spiritual place.
Anoop graciously agreed to share a bit more than what he normally does in this interview. Some insights that I feel every budding photographer would enjoy.

Q: How did you get started with photography and what motivated you to shoot when you started?
A: I guess it must have been the visual impact of the Life magazine that one used to see in the school library. Those larger than life images of people and events were the first kindling of the fire to capture “moments” and events. The translation into actual taking of photographs was many years later when one could afford to buy a camera. No iconic images, no haloed photographers, no such motivation existed for me.

Q: What gear do you use? How important in your opinion is gear for a photographer?
A: Currently two digital cameras with a variety of lenses is what I use. A Nikon D 300 and an older Nikon D 70. I prefer a Nikon 18-70 lens and a 50 mm lens for most work. Occasionally I use 12-24 mm wide angle Tokina lens.
Gear is important maybe in the initial stages of the learning curve. If one does not get good results and the pocket permits, the urge to buy something expensive to compensate is a fairly common phenomenon. For a serious photographer, suitable gear is like a mixed curse. You would love to have everything. Sometimes it is important to have a state of the art gear depending on a particular requirement of the picture taking but at most times even an ordinary camera with an ordinary lens will get you good results.
The ultimate difference between a good and a bad photographer is not governed by gear but more by how the brain and the creative process is at work at the time the photograph is made. The excessive chatter about lenses and cameras is more a function of consumer exploitation then actual requirement. Camera companies will dish out newer stuff as they are led by a profit incentive. The poor photographer with a lack of creative juice falls prey and is prone to extensive conversation about gear and the urge to buy to compensate for their own inefficiencies.

Q: What kind of subjects or genre of photography you like doing most and why?
A: For me the ultimate crucible of photographic achievement is the outdoors. No not the landscape genre. It is the outdoor events like fairs, festivals and the life and times of the ordinary people that I love to capture. Nothing is in control here, not the light, not the people. It is the most challenging of photographic situations to be in. For me that is it.
Indoor photography where things can be controlled is not challenging enough. So pretty pictures, sunsets, pets, flowers, studio glamor is not my forte. One does take aesthetically beautiful photos sometimes but most times it is the capture of the “moment” or the telling of a story.

Q: Who are the photographers (past or present), whose work you admire? Who or what inspires your work today?
A: I have studiously stayed away from being inspired by photographers old and young. It is a part function of not having the time to really study what is on offer and part function of doing what one wants to do the way one wants to. The setting of a visual milieu is what inspires me to shoot.

Q. When you are out photographing, what is more important to you – the actual process of shooting or the resulting images? And why?
A: Now that is a difficult question with no definite answer. Most times going out to photograph is partly a function of being curious, being a traveller and a documenter and availability of time and money. One shoots to take fairly good representative frames of actual reality. So the resulting images are what one is doing it all for.
The process is equally important as that would decide what is available in terms of a setting and how to go about taking a good photograph. One could say that if the process of shooting is well thought out then the results ought to be fairly good or to put it another way, if you want good images then the actual process of shooting is to be thought out and implemented to the best of the circumstances available

Q. Which are your favorite places to shoot? Would you like to share any memorable moments as a photographer?
A: Favourite places to shoot would be places where the lighting is sublime. Say places like Kerala and Ladakh in India. Memorable moments as a photographer would be the number of times one outwits a likely fall while the eyes are glued to the viewfinder and one is moving around. Always a dangerous preoccupation with a hazardous proposition of an imminent fall. Diving out of the path of oncoming and charging bulls in the Kerala Bull races with the camera intact would be a memorable event for me.

Q: What would you remember as most satisfying achievement as a photographer?
A: Nothing is more satisfying then sitting and leafing through your photographs and wondering how it all happened. What I am saying is that I have not really thought of a “most satisfying” achievement till date. Maybe it is still in the making.

Q. Having reached thus far, what is that you plan and look forward to do in near future?
A: Keep on shooting till one drops. Travel some destinations, if affordable.

Q. What is your advice to budding photographers out there?
A: Just get out there and shoot. Observe and shoot. Think and shoot.

Anoop Negi work can be found on Facebook ' Anoop Negi Photography' and on his flickr stream.

Reality Remade

2012-01-15T00:43:00.000+05:30

Street Reverb Magazine teamed up with Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Studio to bring to you “Reality Remade”, a free to enter Street photography contest. The contest was won by psychiatrist / photographer Jack Simon. (It is indeed all about mind.. ). And here is a short film made with Peter Dench on the project.

Street Photography Workshop

2012-01-05T00:52:00.001+05:30

Early November last year, Eric was in India to conduct Street Photography Workshops in Mumbai. All in all, 3 batches and I managed to get into the last one on a weekend. But this post is not about a review of the workshop. I do not think its fair to do a review, since each of the participants must have come looking for something and its hard to say what worked for them and what not. I was there to network and I was quiet happy to connect with fellow photographers who were as passionate about street photography as me. This was also my first formal training on photography. I am a self taught photographer, learning by observing, talking and doing. And for those who love reading there is enough on the web and elsewhere in form of books. There is no alternative to picking up your camera and learning by shooting.

Allow me to ramble on.... 2011 was the year, I finally found my calling in street photography. I had struggled earlier and often rationalized by saying that its too early for me to narrow down my genre - let me shoot what I feel like. But Street Photography always felt more honest and sensitive. It went well with my sensibilities. So coming back to the workshop, it was a good idea to attempt understand what made a street photograph work and what not. Did I get the answer, probably not. There are some rules, but as is always said, rules are meant for broken. Street Photography is very personal, you have Bruce Gilden in your face street portraiture, or the witty juxtapositions of David Gibson or for those of who prefer HCB a strong focus on compositions - geometry and forms as the father of street photography himself put it.

Over the 2 day workshop, I must have spent 2-3 hours shooting on the street. And as expected my outings with the larger groups were a disaster. I somehow never get into the zone when shooting with large groups, the whole idea of everyone honing onto same subject just takes the zest out of shooting. So most of my shots that worked, I have 4-5 of them, are shot during hours I was alone. We were asked for select the 2 of the best shots. It would be great to know which ones do you like most. At the risk of biasing your opinion, I have added my views on why the shot worked for me. Critique of a photograph - of why it works, just manages to work or does not work is an important skill set for any aspiring photographer. While there is fair bit of objectivity, there isnt enough of it always. For me photographs work at two levels much like music. There are some which immediately catch attentions, the instant wow factor which often becomes the reason to spend more time looking at a shot. And there are times usually with more complex layered shots, where the story untangles after a few looks.

Shot this at Gateway of India. A popular tourist location, cliched infact. The unusual stance of the kid and the latent energy made this work for me. Kids always manage to do what they love and thats why they make such great subjects on streets.

The Little Warrior

It was already 8 30 am when I shot this somewhere around Taj. The story of street dwellers told and untold in many ways, continues to touch my heart. This poignant moment and shot remained one of my favorites of the day.

Life!

There are times when while editing you realize what else your camera caught. I had intended to shoot only the old man - a nice interesting face that attracted me. The girl was caught in the frame luckily. The uncanny contrast worked for me. There are times when contrary to feedback, some images work for me - this is one of them. I do not really have an answer why.

Contrasts

I am not into street portraiture, but this one was of an ear cleaner at the Horniman Circle. I was later told that every single of 60 workshop participants had shot him, almost making him a celebrity, but this one was probably one of the better ones. I have to remember to give him a printout of his photograph.

The Ear Cleaner

Shooting cabbies is easy and when they are sleeping its even easier. I was surprised to see him in the back seat (probably not his cab) and his grey hair and weary hands had so much to tell. With my 35mm I could not get the wide perspective I would have loved, but am happy with this shot.

Weary Hands

Weary hands and now weary feet. Another easy shot some would say. Its always easy to shoot sleeping people. For me there was the story of a long night, and the perspective powerful enough to include it here.

A Long Hard Night

Which of these shots would you have chosen if only two were allowed to be picked. Do share what made you choose the one you did.

And a thank you note to Eric, who is a cool person to hang out with. His workshops are not about him lecturing but about you finding out what works for you. More than anything else, his passion and love for street photography is a great inspiration. Kudos to you mate.

The RikshaWallah

2011-12-30T06:30:00.000+05:30

That cart is not drawn by an animal. Those of you who have not visited the city of Kolkata nor have had the chance to read or hear - this is a Riksha Wallah. He pulls that cart with his hands while another human being sits behind. This still continues to be a mode of transport in parts of Kolkata, probably one of the only cities in the world that still holds onto this scar.

Some would argue that this is atleast better than begging on the streets and what were to happen to him, his family and others like him if the state was to ban, hand pulled rikshaw. And when we have time to get over with the intellectual debates that we educated Indians are most proficient at, we could spare a few moments of thoughts on this.

This was shot on a bright sunny day in streets of Kolkata, in Novemeber 2011. While I sat in an airconditioned cab, this gaunty aged man (or perhaps he just looks older) waited for customers. Another shot below, a close cropped frame, a more artistic take which tells the same story yet in a different way.

So what is right, allow these men a choice to continue this or put an end to this 'inhumane' profession.

Sundays - where are they gone

2011-12-21T00:15:00.000+05:30

Its been a while, I have been out on streets. Where have my Sundays gone? This is one Sunday morning, when the weekends were mine. Hope to get back to shooting again.

Hands that can see - Joe Wigfall

2011-12-12T20:09:00.003+05:30

"Anytime you have people and they are alive, you are gonna have something going on"

THE - RAT

Featured photographer Joe Wigfall, Street Photographer from NewYork.Joe Wigfall can see with his hands. Never lifting his camera to his eye, he shoots hundreds of photos during his lunch hour or walking to the train after work. A true artist, Joe brings a bit of himself into each of his photographs. He's the winner of WNYC's Street Shots Challenge.

"When you put camera to your face, you are blinded to whole lot thats going on. I had to learn to see with my hands"

If someone has looked impressive with ability to frame shots from hip, chest, arms as Joe says, and get these results, you have to believe its possible.. Joe calls himself an artist. He says, if he did not do anything about it, it would corrode a part of him. He very passionately says, that you do not kill a part of yourself just because you can't make a living out of it. " I am an artist, thats who I am" he says. What a great message for all those who feel trapped in their day jobs. You do not have to - there is always a space for doing what you love to do.

Enjoy this video and check out more of Joe's work on flickr. Also check out his interview on Eric Kim Blog

How do you like Joe's street photography style and his philosophy on life. Do share and yes, also do leave feedback if you like to see more work of photographers under - Featured photographer tag.

Updated 17 Dec2011
Joe Wigfall, sent me email with his message. He said for some unexplained reasons he wasn't able to leave a comment.
"Mayank, I just wanted to thank you again for this surprise spread on your blog. I visited your amazing country two years ago, but didn't get a chance to go to Mumbai, (although one day I hope to be able to), but I was able to shoot a little street work while I visited in the North (Guwahati) . I found the street flow amazing. Mind you, I don't always shoot from the hip (or through my hands), but it works for me when I don't want to draw focus to myself. Since most digital cams have visual screens in the back, it's now easier to set up shots and compose beforehand how I would like to see any particular moment, but the correct timing is the most important factor in shooting this way. I'm no traditionalist when it comes to shooting. I'm more of a combat soldier--so whatever it takes to get the shot, I do it and get the shot. Thanks again Mayank."

Street Photography - My Gallery 1

2011-12-11T21:22:00.001+05:30

Street photography as a genre is not very well understood. Its not photojournalism, even though the line dividing photojournalism and street photography gets little vague and blurred often. Defining street photography is hard, but here is a beautiful definition, i read somewhere - Street Photography captures moments, candid on street (not posed) which a normal person walking would even fail to notice. There is lot of stuff around which gets recognized as good street, but fails to excite or evoke any emotions. For me it does not work. So here is a gallery of street photographs which I curated in flickr, some good examples of great street photographs. Enjoy them and please visit the link of these talented photographers.

Do i need to say anything. Thats the beauty of this shot. Perfect frame.. just love it. Felix is an awesome streetphotographer - you must see his photostream.

Thats a classic from Prasad, a talented photographer who is rarely posting these days. The tones are great but there are atleast 3 stories in there. Do i need to point em out.. enjoy.

You feel sad, when you see this. Why would someone ignore the rains and get wet. The looks speak of some trauma.. very touching. Again a beautiful shot from Prasad Mahale.

Color Coordinated by Nils Jorgensen

What a brilliant photograph - street or no street. I just love how the frame is filled with small hands. By 85mm (Thomas Leuthard)

Get lost in thicket of signs by jopaulwallace

I don't know if I like these obvious attempts to make these smart photographs. But this was so so smart - there was really no reason to not bring it here. Isnt it wicked. Another from JoPaulwallace, the winner of Street Photography Now project.

The more subtle the juxtaposition, the better it is.. this is from one of my fav street photographers Kaushal

It can really get boring seeing street shots of people against billboards ,signs, etc etc. This shot is a great example of whats beyond the cliched street photographs, again by Kaushal.

Each of the photographers mentioned above are linked, so please visit and have a look at their work. You can also follow then on twitter or elsewhere, highly recommended
Thomas Leuthard @85mm_ch
Kaushal Parikh @kpstreet
Nils Jorgensen on In-Public
Prasad Mahale @mahaleprasadz

Watch out this space for more such featured photographers and great street work. I hope this will inspire the budding street photographers to go out there and shoot. Keep Shooting.

An Ode to 'Togetherness'

2011-12-04T11:24:00.001+05:30

I do not usually shoot for a theme on the streets. It is however, not surprising, that there are underlying themes running through street photographs. And when I looked through my street photographs from beautiful city of Sydney, I was a bit surprised how many of the photographs were a silent 'ode to togetherness' - of couples spending time together in parks, walking hand in hand and sharing a special moment. Some of these maybe seem familiar from an earlier post, I hope you enjoy the lovey dovey redux.

An old couple, holding hands and looking through an open door, curious perhaps.

Just as the I walked over to the Rocks (the old City, next to Sydney Harbor), I looked back to see this couple, alone but together

A dark alley and they walk home (perhaps), hand in hand.

and these two after a friday evening shopping, the friends (in the background) have found what they were looking for - yes!

And some last moments together for this couple, gave me this beautiful moment of togetherness

It does look like the Rocks, Sydney is a favorite with those who wish to spend some time together. What are your favorite places where you like (d) to hang out with your other half.

PS: lemme see how many from mumbai let me into their secret. Can't wait to build this theme in Mumbai now.

5 minutes of Visual Ecstasy, that will blow your mind

2011-12-03T12:00:00.001+05:30

This is shot using HD Hero2 Camera from GoPro, which claims this to be the most versatile camera ever made and is used by professional athletes, sports filmmaker and adventure enthusiasts. I think, some of the frames in this (timelapse) video are brilliant compositions and visual delight. I am quiet certain that 5 mins of this treat will leave your adrenaline levels up. Enjoy. And yeah, open up the speakers, the sound is cool too.

Was it worth it? So the next time you plan that bungee jump, the sky dive or even that dive underneath, maybe you would want to pick one of these for recording your moments of life (living).

"Proudly Red" Portrait of an Indian

2011-11-19T11:59:00.001+05:30

Candid shot of a traditionally attired Rajasthani elder on Mumbai Streets.

He stood out as the odd one, amidst all the other city dwellers in his traditional attire. Smart & natty in his bright red turban (pagdi), almost making a statement - "proud of his traditions & culture'. His weathered face also a testament of tough life which probably make them so proud.

This is shot using a 200mm lens. I do not shoot portraits with zoom lens anymore. This is from archives.

Street Photography at Chowpatty, Mumbai

2011-11-18T06:30:00.000+05:30

Chowpatty, is a well known tourist spot in south Mumbai. The place is quiet crowded in the evenings, with locals as well as tourists thronging the small beach. No one really notices or minds anyone carrying a camera and its easy to pass off as a tourist. It is a great place to find interesting characters, family & kids having a great time. Some of the shots that did not get posted earlier.

Kids love the place, and elders love playing with kids

Look ma - what did we unearth

When kids play, they really look like they are having a great time, until one of them chooses to wear a message

Get Along??

Hard at work, building castles and digging tunnels.

Kids at Work

Taking a dip in water is lot of fun, while the grown ups would rather derive hair splitting inspiration by looking at the horizon.

After a dip

Even a toy car seem to find no favor.

Business No Good

All in all, Chowpatty is a busy (buzzing) place.

Chowpatty Buzz

Your feedback / comments / brickbats are welcome. Do you like any particular photograph specifically. Please do share which one and why?

You can see more of my street photography from Mumbai here and some more photographs from Chowpatty here.

"Void", Mumbai 2011

2011-11-14T20:56:00.001+05:30

Worlds Most Expensive Photograph ..

2011-11-10T15:23:00.000+05:30

I have never been good at appreciating 'art', or so I believe, but this latest news of most expensive auction value for a photograph this week at 'Christie' has proven my ignorance of art to a new plane.

Rhein II (199) by Andreas Gursky - $4.3 million

The above photograph fetched $4.3 million (yes you read it right, thats Rs 20 crores) at an auction a couple of days back, making it the most expensive photograph in the world.
And the icing on the cake - it is believed that this is also photo-shopped. In his own words "I decided to digitalize the pictures and leave out the elements that bothered me."* (A. Gursky quoted in A. Ltgens, "Shrines and Ornaments: A Look into the Display Cabinet," Andreas Gursky: Fotografien 1994–1998, p. xvi). The art world describes Gursky work as large, disorienting landscapes. At once majestic and alienating, they don't require a lot of explanation. Sure they would not, there is indeed not much to explain here.

Of his work, Gursky has explained: "Maybe to try to understand not just that we are living in a certain building or in a certain location, but to become aware that we are living on a planet that is going at enormous speed through the universe."

I have nothing against Mr. Gursky. Its my sensibilities that bother me. Maybe, art aficionados are able to see through this photograph which is invisible to me. maybe...

Well it does not end here. A quick search and I have here for you the other four most expensive photographs in descending order.

#2 Untitled#96 (1981)- Cindy Sherman, $3.9 mil

#3 - 99 Cent II Diptychon (2001), Andreas Gursky, $3.3 mil

#4 The Pond Moonlight (1904)- Edward Steichen, $2.92 mil

#5 Kremlin of Tobolsk (2009) - Dimitri Medvedev, $1.75 mil

I wanted to title this post "Is This Art", but I leave that for you to decide.

"Handful" Mumbai, 2011

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000+05:30

"Treat People with Respect" Steve McCurry - One Minute Masterclass # 4

2011-11-07T21:53:00.000+05:30

In the video, Steve advises photographers to treat the people you are photographing not as 'objects of curiosity' but as 'fellow human beings' and with respect. He believes humor can go a long way in breaking the ice. This series is brought to us by Phaidon-UK and is # 4/10. The others in the series are

#3 - Being in the moment
#2 - Importance of Vantage Point
#1 - Don't forget to say Hello

Sydney Streets and new lens

2011-11-06T06:30:00.000+05:30

It was a business trip. Just 3 days. It also rained and it was 'un'-usually cold for September end. But I did manage to get about 2 hours of street photography. Sydney is a beautiful city, and its easy to get tempted to shoot every street corner, every building and every quaint shop. It was also the first time I was shooting streets outside India. Well ok, I have shot in Singapore, but not really serious street. I was determined not to let go this opportunity - what with my newly acquired 35 mm prime lens. So here are select shots from the day. Most of it is shot in "The Rocks" - the old Sydney and near the Sydney Harbor Area. "The Rocks" looks like as if the clock has been winded back 100 years. Lovely old world charm.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

In my own opinion, I was probably a little too far away from my subjects. I think it is probably because I wanted to get a little more of the beautiful environment but more importantly the new 35 mm prime lens. Having used an 18-55mm glass earlier on the streets, it was easy to zoom and get close to subject. I now needed to step closer - it is not always easy and natural. I also needed to frame my shots in my head first. I needed to compose my shots carefully, I needed to anticipate frame and walk to get them. I have been shooting quiet a lot with 35mm since then. My recent Chowpatty Series of photographs are all shot with them. So, once you get used to a prime lens, you would not want to go back to your old kid lens. I was told street photography gets more interesting and engaging, as you get wider. I know why it is said so. Well, the jargon and technicalities aside, how did you like the photographs. As always, your comments, feedback, brickbats - all are welcome. Do you think slide show is a better way of including photographs instead of individual photographs added in the post.