April 29, 2012 — Sage Scott
Walking by Brush Creek
While I appreciate the amazing street photography shots I see posted by my fellow photobloggers, like Cornelia at StrassenFotoJournal and Photobach, I struggle to have the confidence to frame up and shoot what I see without feeling like a stalker. Here’s one shot I was able to sneak in at the Plaza earlier this week. Tips, tricks, and advice is requested!
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ShutterbugSage.com 
I too would struggle with exactly what you are struggling with when it comes to street photography. I feel the need to ask permission if I’m to take someone’s photograph, it just seems polite. I think there is an element of voyeurism otherwise that I am uncomfortable with, taking snaps of people without their knowledge. So, I stick to landscapes for the most part. 🙂
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has that feeling when it comes to street photography. The gorgous photos I see other capture really tell a story and are just amazing, but when it comes to pulling the trigger myself, it doesn’t feel right.
Do you follow Humans of New York at all?
https://www.facebook.com/#!/humansofnewyork
The guy behind it must certainly ask for permission because he includes a brief, written story with each photo. His photos and stories are still lovely, but the downside is that his photos are all very “posed” instead of the natural expressions and scenarios I see from true street photographers.
I will continue to give this some thought. In the meantime, flowers and cows are a very cordial bunch! 🙂
I haven’t seen that one. thanks for the link. I’ll take a look. Like you say, you see these amazing pictures but pressing the shutter myself, not sure.
Happy to hear you like my work!! Here in Germany it is difficult to take photos of people in the street due to the right of privacy – unless it’s a group of people (5 or more) or if it’s a public event. That’s why I mainly photograph tourists and my German countrymen preferably from behind … unless I happen to run into people I know and they don’t mind being photographed. At public events I attend as a journalist I wear my press badge, so people know that their photo might appear somewhere. It is much easier in Chicago or NYC, the CITIES of street photography.
Cornelia, that makes a lot of sense — sticking to public events and avoiding direct facial photography. I have noticed you capture a lot of folks who appear to be tourists, as well.
If only I had a press badge! Ha! 🙂
Thanks so much for your tips and I will continue to look forward to your photos each day!
I feel the same way. But sometimes a powerful zoom helps. 🙂
Dear Cider, so it’s official. I MUST get myself a better camera with a more powerful zoom. That’s all the justification I need! 🙂
Yes, a new camera is a must! My work here is complete. 😉
🙂
Je suis très content que tu apprécies mon blog. La photo de rue n’est pas une discipline évidente car il y a le problème du droit à l’image mais pour ma part je trouve que ce sont les plus belles photos que l’on puisse faire car ce sont des photos de vies, des témoignage du temps qui passe. Continu sur cette voie
Bon courage
Mon francais est un peu rouillé, mais j’essayerai d’ecrire en francais…
Je pense que ca que j’aime le mieux de votres photos, c’est qu’elles sont tres vrai. Les emotions, les expressions, toutes est vrai est c’est ca que crée les photos formidable.
Generalement, je voyagerai en Europe un ou deux fois chaque ans pour mon travail. J’espere de passe un peu de temps en Europe avec mon appareil pour pratiquer la photo de rue! 🙂
Mais jusque-là je continue d’essayerai ici Somewhere-in-the-Middle-of-the-USA.
Nice shot! She looks like she’s talking to someone important lol
You know, I was so nervous to be snapping her pic like some sort of crazy stalker, I don’t recall even one word of the conversation!
ton français est super, j’ai tout compris et je te dis à bientôt pour voir tes photos de rue faites en europe
Merci, Photobach! C’est un reve de passer un jour dans les rues européen avec mon appareil. Je pense que j’ai appris beaucoup depuis mon voyage dernier en septembre.
That’s such an honest thought to express. I completely understand. You took a great photo even so. I like the black and white format. It adds to the feel of sneaking in a photo. 🙂
I’m glad others understand my sentiments. Although by being so “gun shy” about street photography, I missed a very interesting woman walking her standard-sized poodle down Ward Parkway, a couple being photographed on one of the bridges over Brush Creek for what looked like engagement photos, and a group of young adults enjoying the patio at Starbucks with the Plaza behind them. They all would have made great shots. I’ll just keep after it!