If someone asks "Did you take a photo of me?" and you did, don't reply "yes" or "no", instead pay them a compliment first and then mention the photo. Something like, "I saw you and immediately thought you have a great look, so I did take your photo" Then you might get "You should have asked first" to which you can reply, "When I've done that, people tend to pose and the photos are less natural looking. Would you like to see the pictures you're in, I can show you some of my other work too if you'd like? I'll delete the pictures of you if you don't like them." It's pretty hard for most people to remain angry and confrontational with someone who's complimenting them and telling them how awesome they are. Whatever you do, don't respond to their confrontation with escalation, chances are that they were just caught off guard or startled in some way and responding to that. In the end tho, If they're insistent, just delete their pics and go on about your day.
They shouldn't have to ask, you shouldn't had taken someone else's photo without consent. I am glad I leave in a country where privacy is in the law and taking pictures or videos of people in the street is punishable by prison, and the photograph doesn't own the copyrights of someone else's face. Don't take people photo in Europe.
@@hervevazeilles3790 I’m well aware that many countries lack the freedom of expression we have here in the US. Hopefully you get the chance to visit one day.
@@lordclancharlie1325 You have privacy in private spaces. Public spaces are just that public. Maybe you don't recognize photography as a legitimate expression. In any case, there's no reasonable way to expect privacy in public spaces
In my home country Germany street photography is protected by law. The highest federal court put art above privacy. Nevertheless, if someone is obviously unhappy about being in my picture, I offer to delete it.
In the United States courts have ruled that street photography is legal because there is no expectation of privacy outdoors in public. It only becomes an issue when done within private establishments where photography can be prohibited unless permitted, also if an image of someone is being used for monetary gain without that person’s release they can sue for licensing and royalty purposes.
That surprises me: when I lived in Berlin I was always told it's illegal to take a photo of someone in a public place without their permission, even if the person is not the main subject. You almost never see street photographers there.
Eye contact should be avoided like the plague. Once you make eye contact with someone looking to give you a piece of their mind, it does downhill fast.
I had this odd confrontation a few weeks back where I was practicing taking photos of cars passing by a street. At one point a car pulled right up to the shoulder where I was, and the man with (I assume) his wife asked me if I took a picture of his car. I told him yes, I was practicing taking photos of cars, would you like me to delete yours? And his response was, "No. I stopped because what you're doing is just weird." And he drove off. That was my first ever confrontation, and it probably won't be my last, but I'm glad that what I did was similar to your advice.
I've been shooting street for years and have only had one confrontation and that person was clearly unstable and most likely on drugs... The looking past the subject tip works like a charm--often has them apologizing for being in your frame!
Great tips. One of the things that I do is that I pretend I am taking pictures of the surrounding areas before or after I take their photo and I never make eye contact with them. Basically pretending to be a tourist or there for a particular purpose. It puts them at ease.
I've been confronted twice. One was in Rochester, NY in the "Neighborhood of the Arts". I had been taking pictures of the buildings around the area and was literally in an art gallery parking lot when the guy - who I was completely unaware of before this - approached me. There's a photography school maybe a block away. This was before cell phones were common, so seeing someone with a camera wasn't even that weird. The second time was in Manhattan... also taking pictures of buildings, when I was confronted twice by the same guy for pointing a camera in his general direction. Approximately a million people were taking pictures in the same spot at the time, but cell phones were common by then, so I guess the camera was weird? I ignored him, and he went about his business. Later I did not find any pictures that contained him. I've never been confronted in places where it's not super common for everyone to be taking pictures.
I have filmed video for the past 1.5 years on the streets of Toronto. Only had one bad encounter on our subway system. Overall my method is to just keep moving with purpose and have a pleasant face. I also shoot a lot of slow motion so it actually helps in that I don’t have to stay in one spot too long. I can move fast and capture what I want and on playback it’s captured beautifully in slow motion. Just discovered your channel recently and love it. Great job. Cheers!
Hi Mark! I am new to your channel and I just wanted to tell you that your videos are a breath of fresh air! I love your concise, clear explanation of camera knowledge and that I can actually hear your voice instead of annoying, loud music played in the back round which can be totally distracting no matter how low the volume is. Thank you and keep up the fabulous work!! 😊
I've always wanted to do street photography but I've been scared. You calmed me down so well! You even answered some of my worries before they even occured. Thank you so much ❤
The 50mm is the perfect focal length for new and seasoned photographers. The geometry is perfect and a 50mm is easy for composition without any distortion. You can then move on to wider and more narrow. Buy a camera with a tilt-only monitor. You can use diversion methods, but when you do make eye contact, and they do not look bothered at all, just smile or give them a thumbs up. The is the professional engagement. Also be honest as to what you do -- I have cards as well. You can also look like a tourist taking random shots -- take an extra shot of something else. If you say you are a street photographer, and they look confused, the them it is similar to documentary works. Small town might be more challenging in that respect. Thanks for all the good tips for street photographers, and most of all have fun! - Loren Schwiderski, street photography
I had a confrontation last week but it was with film camera so deleting it was not an option. I said I wasn't doing anything illegal and I'm sorry they felt that way. They are in a public location after all. What annoys me is if I took that same photo with my phone I could have used that anywhere in an instant. Uploaded and shared etc. But this one on film the person got upset. :(
I’m not afraid of somebody taking my photo in public. I’m afraid of somebody taking my photo and it’s horrifically bad of me and it becomes a popular photo for artistic or other viral reasons.😅😅
It's funny, I never formally learned street photography but I find myself applying most of these tips naturally. Pressing the shutter with my thumb is new to me though, I'll be trying it out, thanks!
I haven't been out much in public doing any photography but when I do I might wear my Panavision T-Shirt and hopefully that will quell any photography disruptions.
Nice video Mark! I found a while ago that the longer focal length lenses suit me better for street photography just for the reasons you list here. Specially if they are compact, even though they turn to be manual focus
My 90's highschool photography teacher had suggested shooting blind from the hip, so no view finder. We were using full manual film SLR with 50mm lenses.
When shooting I become a fly on a wall. On my Nikon D5, I have Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 AF-S and on my Nikon D4s, I use a Nikkor 80-200mm /2.8 AF-S. I find this combo works well.
In my local experience, the folks in my college town seem mostly receptive of my Fujifilm camera because it is black and silver like a "real camera." Image matters, I suppose. That, and I have learned to shoot from the hip, literally, when I am using a manual lens; no aiming, just guessing and sometimes being surprised by a good image.
Some great advice... thanks for sharing Moving to micro 4/3, one of my first purchases was a 42.5mm f1.7 prime. My go-to lense in my 35mm days was a fast 90mm.
Thank you for not having a gatekeeping or snob-ish view on things like you see some creators have. Example, they will ridicule the idea of a telephot lens on the streets, saying that you must be "in the action, to be a "real" street photographer, but you will see them using stealthy hip techniques with zone focusing. Like, what is the difference then? There should be no rules when it comes to gear.
These are PHENOMENAL tips! Thank you very much. I have been wanting to get into street photography for years but have just felt super intimidated and too socially anxious to do so. This is the video I have needed for a long time.
I want to get into street photography but I’ve always felt pretty self conscious about it. Your great video has given me the confidence to try it! Your use of the mirror lens is cunning! I have a wide variety of focal lengths in my kit but I’m not sure which to try. I wonder if 135mm would be a good compromise?
All very sensible advice. I don't do much street photography, but when I do I take a small Oly EPL 9, take pics at belly level looking at the screen and never lift my head just after the pic has been taken. People come and go and they leave me do my business. I think I attract more attention when I am wih my mobile.
I just got into shooting street and this has been my main concern for years which held me back. My first couple sessions were with a 58mm and it didn't go so bad, I had been already doing some tips from the video. I got super lucky and found a mint copy of the Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 for cheap when compared to ebay. Can't wait to try this "invisibility cloak" out!
Unlike the case with, say, landscape photography, psychology is as essential a factor in street photography as any other in the genre. Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks for an excellent and informative piece, Mark. You identified so many of the possibilities I've encountered, whether happy/positive or angry/aggressive (fortunately, the former have predominated). In retrospect, many of your tips are so logical, but being creatures of habit - especially those with long history of film shooting - we tend not to think of these. Also, great advice in dealing with those who might be confrontational, as well as the idea of not making eye contact after the shot! Loved the shots you used to illustrate your points.
I learned some new things in this video that I would take into consideration but some things I have learned along the way and this is an important one is at best try and wear clothing that doesn't make you stand out and I know that sounds obvious but the days I have gone out taking photos wearing wacky shirts or shorts I have had more people look at me when taking photos but then the table is flipped when I wear more minimal clothing, I'm saying to dress in all black or to wear a nice polo but to read the room or the street before you even go outside. The best idea would go out with what you usually wear to a location and do some recon and then come back with the camera, since I have done this I've had fewer people give that weird look.
A couple of weeks ago, I found a neat composition with graffiti on a boxed-over power meter using my fisheye lens. I was headed back to work with that lens still on the body, and almost took a picture of an interesting lady on a mobility scooter, but held off because it would have been a bad shot. She confronted me, so I said: no, but do you want me to? I assume the scooter was stolen, because I didn’t know those scooters had that high a gear….
00:00 📷 Fear of confrontation is a major concern for street photographers, but it's often unfounded. Tip 1 (Use longer focal lengths) 0:50 🎥 Longer focal lengths like 85mm (full-frame) or 56mm (APS-C) can create distance and reduce the need to get close to subjects. Advantages of These Lenses 2:19 🌆 Longer lenses provide a narrower field of view, helping beginners capture cleaner frames with less distraction. Bonus Lens/Invisibility Cloak 3:43 🕵♂ A compact 250mm lens offers stealth benefits, keeping subjects unaware and enabling intimate shots from a distance. Tip 2 (Use the camera screen) 4:13 📱 Framing shots using the back screen instead of the viewfinder can reduce attention and make shooting less conspicuous. Don't Worry About This 5:28 🕵♂ Shooting from waist level can make your approach less intrusive and yield more compelling street photography. Tip 3 (Trigger with thumb) 6:17 📸 Using your thumb instead of your index finger to trigger the shutter can make your actions less conspicuous. Tip 4 (Avoid eye contact) 7:05 👀 After taking a photo, avoid looking directly at your subject to reduce the chance of confrontation. Tip 5 (Set up and wait) 8:32 🕒 Patience pays off: setting up in a good spot and waiting for the right subject can lead to captivating street photos. Tip 6 (Lonely figure style) 9:36 🚶♂ Capturing solitary figures in urban landscapes can minimize confrontation while creating striking compositions. Tip 7 (Handling confrontations) 11:09 🤝 If confronted about taking a photo, remain calm and explain your intentions; offering to delete the photo can defuse tension. The Story Behind the Thumbnail 13:15 📸 People are often more curious and willing to pose than confrontational when approached for street photography.
Some great tips, love some of the shots of iconic locations in Melbourne too. Another tip is people are more forgiving of people taking photos in tourist hotspots - they think you are just another tourist 😊
Great video, excellent tips Mark. I have not done much street photography recently. Back in the film days (80's and 90's) I did a lot more street photography and hardly had any negative encounters. Ricoh USA had a try the GRIII day in Vegas a few months ago. I signed and attended. I borrowed the GRIIIX with a 40mm FF equivalent lens. We were in downtown in one of the business places in the city. I shot for two hours and hardly anyone bothered me. I think the GRIII(X) is made for this type of photography. I would be hesitant to take my Sony FF with any lens out there unless it is a pancake or as you pointed out a telephoto to create some separation. I have used my iPhone on a number of occasions and that is perhaps the best option because everyone uses their phones for photos and no cares when you take a pic of them.
I have an R5 and some high-end RF lenses, but if in doubt I also have the option of using my old 5Diii with a heavy old, but cheap and very high-performing, EF 28-80mm f2.8-4 L lens (of which I have 3 copies).
I actually enjoy going out for some street photography with my Nikon D800 + Tamron 70-200mm G2. I don't mind people looking since most times I'm still further away from my subject and overall having such a big setup also gives a message that I'm probably doing some work or something, rather than looking like a stalker
In the 10 months I’ve been into photography I haven’t been told anything. Then again I go about my walks in a respectful manner because in America getting a photo isn’t worth dealing with some trigger happy idiot.
Know your rights if police stop you for taking photos in public. Highly recommend memorizing outlines provided by the ACLU. I take a lot of architectural and urban landscape photos and sometimes get stopped by police for questioning. Also, if you live in the US and you’re on foot, know that some people can’t conceive of humans walking from point A to B. Some people assume you must be up to no good since you’re surely shifty and poor for walking anywhere.
In pictures where I am photographing a crowd scene, I find more often than not that there is at least one person looking directly at the camera. I didn't see them at the time I took the picture but they appear when I see the photograph later, bearing silent witness to me taking the shot.
I looked up the X-s2 and the price, ofc, is ridiculous for what you’re get compared to the competition. Body alone is $619 in “good” condition at MPB. But this is MORE than what the Canon RP goes for used on the same site. Who in the world is going to choose the Fuji over the RP at that price? I can’t imagine hardly anybody would.
Or you can do your street photography in the Philippines. I used to try and be stealthy but I swear every times someone noticed me taking their photo they would pose for the camera and thought it was time for their 1-hour photoshoot session.
I mostly use manual lenses, most of them, vintage. I see no fun of doing street photography with af lenses. My favorite is the brightin Star 35mm on the zf
I'm looking to have my first camera (other than a cellphone camera lol) and I really enjoyed your video, Thank you. Since I live in Honolulu, Hawaii I believe this city is unique and perfect for street photography :)
Great story about the thumbnail. I haven't seen your videos before, and street is pretty far from my photographic genre, but I thought it was a really good presentation adn great tips. Subscribed!
Offering to delete a photo is a bit of a scam, because you can un-delete the photo using a computer later. Also, many cameras save a backup copy of each photo, and the delete function might only function on the primary card.
@@PhillipRPeck Right, but is it better to explain the technology to the person so they understand the process, or is that just opening a can of worms? What do you think?
@@sshapiro63 I would imagine the most important thing is that you respect the wishes of the person to not be photographed and obviously that you don't end up using the photo later on. If you show them that it's deleted within the camera, I'm sure that would suffice even if you know there are ways to recover it, just don't recover it...
Great to hear 35 mm is not must for street photography. People mind photographed with DSLR as they assume the picture will be "sold". I find my Lumix LX 10, 1 inch sensor, look like a toy. Try small camera !!
Oh and smile! Look like your having fun, people enjoy that. Never Ever point your camera near children though. thats a golden rule. People go nuts if you look like you even breathed near them.
Small tip from a super noob (me) with a flip screen: I turn the screen 90 degree and turn my side to the object. This made me almost invisible at a recent company event. It's tough to find the frame but man people act so natural when no face from across the room is facing them.
I also do that! A funny episode: I once took a snap of a guy from the side, facing a street with my body but the lens was pointed at him. He came close and asked: “Is this street so interesting?!” I replied that he was the interesting one and showed him his picture. We had a great laugh and he even asked for my Instagram. LOL Wish every street photography encounter was like this!
@@katsuyasensei damn that's so awesome! Such an unexpected compliment, probably sways a lot of people from being angry that you took a pic from them to being charmed! I'll steal that line for sure 😸
I know that street photographers mean well when advise other street photographers to delete images when confronted, but the person confronting you has already broken a social rule by approaching you: this exchange can easily escalate into harassment or violence. Anyone with any sense wouldn't do street photography, and I can say this because I am a street photographer. That said, anyone who approaches a stranger to interrogate them like they're a criminal and make any sort of demands but especially the demand to delete images (your property) is the type of person who is impulsive, paranoid, and probably capable of violence whether or not their demands are met. The better policy is to ignore these people and once they've approached you, assume the worst of them because these are people who don't play by the rules of social decorum: you don't approach strangers, especially women, making demands.
in a certain way all this tips are in conflict of what I been learned about what good street photovraohy is. As Robert Caoa said: if you images isn't good you aren't close enough. I kind of aggre with this since a good inages evoke feelings, being close to our subject let us get into that personal space and capture those feelings Personally I experienced people. being quite offensive when the noticing me seeking around since it kind of sends out the vibe that you are doing something i shouldn't. But in the very end it's all about mastering your own techniques and mastering those.
The first point heavily depends on the country you're in. I.e. in Germany, people really don't like to be photographed by strangers and German law even forbids it. In Korea, there has been a shift towards people being very wary of photographing in public, and it's even completely forbidden to take photos in the subway, because there have been to many cases if creeps photographing girls without their consent.
Good tips. One more tip don't take pictures of kids (that are yours and you don't have permission). I saw a situation where this happened, and it went sideways quickly. There was an actual angry mom mob going after the guy. I make sure kids are excluded in my street work period. I use a 22mm/23mm (APSC) for my shooting and it works pretty well for me. I am considering 55/56mm but I am pretty hesitant since I like being closer to the subject.
Here is a tip. Never ever point a camera at their face in close distance. Unless they see you and intentionally pose for you to shoot, which I had this happened to me. Always use long telephoto lens. I used 200mm f 2.8 prime and / or 300 mm f/4 prime lens. People never ever noticed I took photo of them. In close distance, I used ultra wide lens 14m . Full frame camera.
I've begun deliberately attracting attention in the street and 99% of folk are up for it. Hardest part is getting the picture to them. There is a curiosity with what a camera can do and its sense of occasion that a phone shooter does not create. It boils down to a simple but very significant personal question you need to ask yourself. Are you Taking a picture - stealing the moment. Or are you Making a picture - your energy is sparking the action you then capture.
@@markwiemels Next weekend I trial my portable studio flash in the street. I really love street portraits and studio lighting. I live in the night club strip in Surfers Paradise. People are there to play. So I have rigged a remote triggered speed light into a flash brolly and we will see how it goes. The brolly is nearly 2 metres in diameter. It’s gonna get some looks.
Most people don't care? In Europe/Germany, that's different. Longer lenses make focusing more difficult, which isn't easy for beginners, especially with a crappy AF like Fujifilms AF.
It always feels strange seeing your photos of Melbourne in your video. I have it in my head that you're American, but clearly from all the photos that's not true!
@@markwiemels Love the way you capture our beautiful city! Street photography isn’t really my forte - I’m a wildlife guy, hence why I moved out to The Hills a few years ago - but I really enjoy your work. And your lens reviews 🙂
There is no right to privacy in public. Take pictures of what and who you want, it is completely legal. I never hide the fact that I take pictures and have never had a problem with it, on the contrary, most people are just nice. Don't go around taking pictures like a freak. It is perfectly legal to take photos in the public domain, stand up for your rights as a photographer and take photos that may please thousands of people.
@@paulhenry7 they already made it confrontational 😅. im not obligated to find a stranger interesting. anyone offended by that statement is emotionally unstable. " i dont find you interesting for my work" there I fixed it.
I would add : Don't take people photographs in places where it is illegal to do so. Like Europe. In France for instance taking someone's picture without a written consent form is punishable by 1 year prison and 15000 euro fine. In Europe, contrary to the USA, we have the right to privacy everywhere, in private places, in public places, in the streets, everywhere. You need to ask consent before taking a picture of anyone. And if you don't want them coming after you if you publish your photo anywhere (instagram a museum, your local pub doesn't matter), you'd rather have a written official form. If you don't get the proper form filled and signed then you don't own your photo, your subject own the photo and can ask you to remove it from everywhere you put it or ask for compensation up to way more than 100% of the profit you could make. So don't be a dick and don't take pictures of people.
Big difference between hiding and being inconspicuous. I'm 6'5" there is no hiding. If you want to document the street in a candid fashion, it can't be about you and your camera, you need to blend in.
I had a street photographer take a pic of me once. It was a cool experience. I was a cop for a long time, (retired now), and one time I was jumping on the freeway in my patrol car and cleared my blind spot left. When I did I saw the passenger in a car next to me with a camera. He looked at me and motioned like he was asking permission to take my picture. I nodded yes and gave him a thumbs up. He snapped a couple right before I jumped off the freeway. It was easy because it was summer and my arm was half out the window. Took a whole hot second. I wish I had that picture
About Tip 3: Some cameras (at least Fuji) have a mode that lets you use the touchscreen instead of the shutter button, so you tap on the screen and it takes a photo, that way, you dont even need to have any finger on the shutter release.
Tried this… 👍 good tip - it feels a little strange at first but I tend to switch between thumb shutter and screen shutter. It also has the advantage of tapping to focus too 🤙
Yes, just thought the same. Almost all micro four thirds cameras have touch screens and the ability to shoot by touching the screen, so it's easy to do really candid photos.
i’ve tried that, but the problem with it is it takes LOADS of photos you don’t want when you touch it accidentally. Which is only a problem in that you have to sort through them (and it uses up the battery) I guess you could switch that mode off when you weren’t shooting
I can’t even tell you how many times I’d be shooting a scene, that included zero people, and been approached by someone wondering what I’m doing. Not even aiming the camera anywhere near them. This has been my experience literally, 75% of the time. It’s really given me a complex and created a certain amount of anger about it. Who the hell are these people that think they own the world? Btw, I’m a 69yr old grandma, so am unimposing in any way.
I feel like being unimposing makes people think they have authority over you. It was rare for me to be confronted before COVID lockdown. Now people are much more brash and skeptical. Keep on. It's cool to hear about other photographers and their challenges with where they are in life.
Hi Mark. You discuss sone interesting issues with this video. I feel the way people take pictures on the street is reflection of themselves, and subsequently, that can show in the images they take. Benign introverts compared to gregarious extroverts, a friendly demeanour against an unfriendly one, and people who can be inconspicuous verses those who cannot. I would say being yourself is the starting point and the technicals will find you through trial and error. Finally, you will be rewarded when you talk to people, unexpected conversations will take place that more often than not can lead onto amazing things. Enjoy the rest of your day and regards from London.
Great video as usual Mark! The only confrontations I've had over the last 30 something years have been with people clearly outside frame (in public places) asking if I have permission to take photos of people, and business owners that notice their restaurant or something is being photographed (again from a public location). Of course I'm not violating any laws, but rather someone is convinced it can't be allowed. A patio was in a recent photo I took from a public sidewalk and someone came out of the establishment to ensure I was only using the photos for personal reasons. Rather than start arguing the legality of it, I just said "yes" lol.
If someone asks "Did you take a photo of me?" and you did, don't reply "yes" or "no", instead pay them a compliment first and then mention the photo. Something like, "I saw you and immediately thought you have a great look, so I did take your photo" Then you might get "You should have asked first" to which you can reply, "When I've done that, people tend to pose and the photos are less natural looking. Would you like to see the pictures you're in, I can show you some of my other work too if you'd like? I'll delete the pictures of you if you don't like them." It's pretty hard for most people to remain angry and confrontational with someone who's complimenting them and telling them how awesome they are.
Whatever you do, don't respond to their confrontation with escalation, chances are that they were just caught off guard or startled in some way and responding to that. In the end tho, If they're insistent, just delete their pics and go on about your day.
This should be printed on a notice and put in the camera box.
They shouldn't have to ask, you shouldn't had taken someone else's photo without consent. I am glad I leave in a country where privacy is in the law and taking pictures or videos of people in the street is punishable by prison, and the photograph doesn't own the copyrights of someone else's face. Don't take people photo in Europe.
@@hervevazeilles3790 I’m well aware that many countries lack the freedom of expression we have here in the US. Hopefully you get the chance to visit one day.
@@dans.7693 freedom of privacy is the prerequisite for freedom of expression
@@lordclancharlie1325 You have privacy in private spaces. Public spaces are just that public. Maybe you don't recognize photography as a legitimate expression. In any case, there's no reasonable way to expect privacy in public spaces
In my home country Germany street photography is protected by law. The highest federal court put art above privacy. Nevertheless, if someone is obviously unhappy about being in my picture, I offer to delete it.
In the United States courts have ruled that street photography is legal because there is no expectation of privacy outdoors in public. It only becomes an issue when done within private establishments where photography can be prohibited unless permitted, also if an image of someone is being used for monetary gain without that person’s release they can sue for licensing and royalty purposes.
That surprises me: when I lived in Berlin I was always told it's illegal to take a photo of someone in a public place without their permission, even if the person is not the main subject. You almost never see street photographers there.
@@piero_75 Damn really? I live in Berlin and I'm trying to get started in street photography.
Learning magic tricks prepared me for street photography: misdirection, deception, and timing.
Eye contact should be avoided like the plague. Once you make eye contact with someone looking to give you a piece of their mind, it does downhill fast.
I had this odd confrontation a few weeks back where I was practicing taking photos of cars passing by a street.
At one point a car pulled right up to the shoulder where I was, and the man with (I assume) his wife asked me if I took a picture of his car. I told him yes, I was practicing taking photos of cars, would you like me to delete yours? And his response was, "No. I stopped because what you're doing is just weird." And he drove off.
That was my first ever confrontation, and it probably won't be my last, but I'm glad that what I did was similar to your advice.
I find it funny that he said that, because what he did is more weird than what you were doing. Sometimes people really don’t have any self awareness.
I've been shooting street for years and have only had one confrontation and that person was clearly unstable and most likely on drugs... The looking past the subject tip works like a charm--often has them apologizing for being in your frame!
Great tips. One of the things that I do is that I pretend I am taking pictures of the surrounding areas before or after I take their photo and I never make eye contact with them. Basically pretending to be a tourist or there for a particular purpose. It puts them at ease.
Until they see their photo in a photo book lol😅
I've been confronted twice. One was in Rochester, NY in the "Neighborhood of the Arts". I had been taking pictures of the buildings around the area and was literally in an art gallery parking lot when the guy - who I was completely unaware of before this - approached me. There's a photography school maybe a block away. This was before cell phones were common, so seeing someone with a camera wasn't even that weird.
The second time was in Manhattan... also taking pictures of buildings, when I was confronted twice by the same guy for pointing a camera in his general direction. Approximately a million people were taking pictures in the same spot at the time, but cell phones were common by then, so I guess the camera was weird? I ignored him, and he went about his business. Later I did not find any pictures that contained him.
I've never been confronted in places where it's not super common for everyone to be taking pictures.
It is truly crazy how no one bats an eye at an iPhone recording/taking photos, but an actual camera draws soooo much attention.
Well, should you take along a telephone with a long cord, they would notice that as well.
For street photography, I've found the ttartisan 27mm pancake lens to be the best lens by far
Yes, I love that one as well.
I have filmed video for the past 1.5 years on the streets of Toronto. Only had one bad encounter on our subway system. Overall my method is to just keep moving with purpose and have a pleasant face. I also shoot a lot of slow motion so it actually helps in that I don’t have to stay in one spot too long. I can move fast and capture what I want and on playback it’s captured beautifully in slow motion. Just discovered your channel recently and love it. Great job. Cheers!
Hi Mark! I am new to your channel and I just wanted to tell you that your videos are a breath of fresh air! I love your concise, clear explanation of camera knowledge and that I can actually hear your voice instead of annoying, loud music played in the back round which can be totally distracting no matter how low the volume is. Thank you and keep up the fabulous work!! 😊
I've always wanted to do street photography but I've been scared. You calmed me down so well! You even answered some of my worries before they even occured. Thank you so much ❤
The 50mm is the perfect focal length for new and seasoned photographers. The geometry is perfect and a 50mm is easy for composition without any distortion. You can then move on to wider and more narrow. Buy a camera with a tilt-only monitor. You can use diversion methods, but when you do make eye contact, and they do not look bothered at all, just smile or give them a thumbs up. The is the professional engagement. Also be honest as to what you do -- I have cards as well. You can also look like a tourist taking random shots -- take an extra shot of something else. If you say you are a street photographer, and they look confused, the them it is similar to documentary works. Small town might be more challenging in that respect. Thanks for all the good tips for street photographers, and most of all have fun! - Loren Schwiderski, street photography
I had a confrontation last week but it was with film camera so deleting it was not an option.
I said I wasn't doing anything illegal and I'm sorry they felt that way. They are in a public location after all.
What annoys me is if I took that same photo with my phone I could have used that anywhere in an instant. Uploaded and shared etc. But this one on film the person got upset.
:(
11:40 My canned response is “Photography is not a crime. There is no expectation of privacy in public.”
I’m not afraid of somebody taking my photo in public. I’m afraid of somebody taking my photo and it’s horrifically bad of me and it becomes a popular photo for artistic or other viral reasons.😅😅
It's funny, I never formally learned street photography but I find myself applying most of these tips naturally. Pressing the shutter with my thumb is new to me though, I'll be trying it out, thanks!
I haven't been out much in public doing any photography but when I do I might wear my Panavision T-Shirt and hopefully that will quell any photography disruptions.
Nice video Mark! I found a while ago that the longer focal length lenses suit me better for street photography just for the reasons you list here. Specially if they are compact, even though they turn to be manual focus
Great video Mark! The thumbnail is great! What a way to not only document stories, but to live then while doing photography.
My 90's highschool photography teacher had suggested shooting blind from the hip, so no view finder. We were using full manual film SLR with 50mm lenses.
When shooting I become a fly on a wall. On my Nikon D5, I have Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 AF-S and on my Nikon D4s, I use a Nikkor 80-200mm /2.8 AF-S. I find this combo works well.
In my local experience, the folks in my college town seem mostly receptive of my Fujifilm camera because it is black and silver like a "real camera." Image matters, I suppose. That, and I have learned to shoot from the hip, literally, when I am using a manual lens; no aiming, just guessing and sometimes being surprised by a good image.
Some great advice... thanks for sharing
Moving to micro 4/3, one of my first purchases was a 42.5mm f1.7 prime. My go-to lense in my 35mm days was a fast 90mm.
So useful - thank you. I have been put off street photography but I'm going to give it a go with your advice and tips given.
Tip #4: totally do that all the time. Easy peasy. This was a great video. Thank you!
Thank you for not having a gatekeeping or snob-ish view on things like you see some creators have. Example, they will ridicule the idea of a telephot lens on the streets, saying that you must be "in the action, to be a "real" street photographer, but you will see them using stealthy hip techniques with zone focusing. Like, what is the difference then? There should be no rules when it comes to gear.
These are PHENOMENAL tips! Thank you very much. I have been wanting to get into street photography for years but have just felt super intimidated and too socially anxious to do so. This is the video I have needed for a long time.
I want to get into street photography but I’ve always felt pretty self conscious about it. Your great video has given me the confidence to try it! Your use of the mirror lens is cunning! I have a wide variety of focal lengths in my kit but I’m not sure which to try. I wonder if 135mm would be a good compromise?
Two biggest tips I can give: try to keep a smile as you go along, and don't obstruct anyone going about their day
All very sensible advice. I don't do much street photography, but when I do I take a small Oly EPL 9, take pics at belly level looking at the screen and never lift my head just after the pic has been taken. People come and go and they leave me do my business. I think I attract more attention when I am wih my mobile.
I just got into shooting street and this has been my main concern for years which held me back. My first couple sessions were with a 58mm and it didn't go so bad, I had been already doing some tips from the video. I got super lucky and found a mint copy of the Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 for cheap when compared to ebay. Can't wait to try this "invisibility cloak" out!
Unlike the case with, say, landscape photography, psychology is as essential a factor in street photography as any other in the genre. Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks for an excellent and informative piece, Mark. You identified so many of the possibilities I've encountered, whether happy/positive or angry/aggressive (fortunately, the former have predominated). In retrospect, many of your tips are so logical, but being creatures of habit - especially those with long history of film shooting - we tend not to think of these. Also, great advice in dealing with those who might be confrontational, as well as the idea of not making eye contact after the shot! Loved the shots you used to illustrate your points.
I learned some new things in this video that I would take into consideration but some things I have learned along the way and this is an important one is at best try and wear clothing that doesn't make you stand out and I know that sounds obvious but the days I have gone out taking photos wearing wacky shirts or shorts I have had more people look at me when taking photos but then the table is flipped when I wear more minimal clothing, I'm saying to dress in all black or to wear a nice polo but to read the room or the street before you even go outside. The best idea would go out with what you usually wear to a location and do some recon and then come back with the camera, since I have done this I've had fewer people give that weird look.
A couple of weeks ago, I found a neat composition with graffiti on a boxed-over power meter using my fisheye lens. I was headed back to work with that lens still on the body, and almost took a picture of an interesting lady on a mobility scooter, but held off because it would have been a bad shot. She confronted me, so I said: no, but do you want me to? I assume the scooter was stolen, because I didn’t know those scooters had that high a gear….
00:00 📷 Fear of confrontation is a major concern for street photographers, but it's often unfounded.
Tip 1 (Use longer focal lengths)
0:50 🎥 Longer focal lengths like 85mm (full-frame) or 56mm (APS-C) can create distance and reduce the need to get close to subjects.
Advantages of These Lenses
2:19 🌆 Longer lenses provide a narrower field of view, helping beginners capture cleaner frames with less distraction.
Bonus Lens/Invisibility Cloak
3:43 🕵♂ A compact 250mm lens offers stealth benefits, keeping subjects unaware and enabling intimate shots from a distance.
Tip 2 (Use the camera screen)
4:13 📱 Framing shots using the back screen instead of the viewfinder can reduce attention and make shooting less conspicuous.
Don't Worry About This
5:28 🕵♂ Shooting from waist level can make your approach less intrusive and yield more compelling street photography.
Tip 3 (Trigger with thumb)
6:17 📸 Using your thumb instead of your index finger to trigger the shutter can make your actions less conspicuous.
Tip 4 (Avoid eye contact)
7:05 👀 After taking a photo, avoid looking directly at your subject to reduce the chance of confrontation.
Tip 5 (Set up and wait)
8:32 🕒 Patience pays off: setting up in a good spot and waiting for the right subject can lead to captivating street photos.
Tip 6 (Lonely figure style)
9:36 🚶♂ Capturing solitary figures in urban landscapes can minimize confrontation while creating striking compositions.
Tip 7 (Handling confrontations)
11:09 🤝 If confronted about taking a photo, remain calm and explain your intentions; offering to delete the photo can defuse tension.
The Story Behind the Thumbnail
13:15 📸 People are often more curious and willing to pose than confrontational when approached for street photography.
Some great tips, love some of the shots of iconic locations in Melbourne too. Another tip is people are more forgiving of people taking photos in tourist hotspots - they think you are just another tourist 😊
Great video, excellent tips Mark.
I have not done much street photography recently. Back in the film days (80's and 90's) I did a lot more street photography and hardly had any negative encounters.
Ricoh USA had a try the GRIII day in Vegas a few months ago. I signed and attended. I borrowed the GRIIIX with a 40mm FF equivalent lens. We were in downtown in one of the business places in the city. I shot for two hours and hardly anyone bothered me. I think the GRIII(X) is made for this type of photography. I would be hesitant to take my Sony FF with any lens out there unless it is a pancake or as you pointed out a telephoto to create some separation.
I have used my iPhone on a number of occasions and that is perhaps the best option because everyone uses their phones for photos and no cares when you take a pic of them.
I have an R5 and some high-end RF lenses, but if in doubt I also have the option of using my old 5Diii with a heavy old, but cheap and very high-performing, EF 28-80mm f2.8-4 L lens (of which I have 3 copies).
I startet using a light shaft analog camera a few days ago. Ist awesome for street photography.
Am confronted maybe one of every 2000 street shots. Usually when I offer to delete it, they say wait! Can I see it?
I actually enjoy going out for some street photography with my Nikon D800 + Tamron 70-200mm G2. I don't mind people looking since most times I'm still further away from my subject and overall having such a big setup also gives a message that I'm probably doing some work or something, rather than looking like a stalker
In the 10 months I’ve been into photography I haven’t been told anything. Then again I go about my walks in a respectful manner because in America getting a photo isn’t worth dealing with some trigger happy idiot.
change the tr in trigger for an n and you'll get the real violent "people" in America.
Know your rights if police stop you for taking photos in public. Highly recommend memorizing outlines provided by the ACLU. I take a lot of architectural and urban landscape photos and sometimes get stopped by police for questioning. Also, if you live in the US and you’re on foot, know that some people can’t conceive of humans walking from point A to B. Some people assume you must be up to no good since you’re surely shifty and poor for walking anywhere.
In pictures where I am photographing a crowd scene, I find more often than not that there is at least one person looking directly at the camera. I didn't see them at the time I took the picture but they appear when I see the photograph later, bearing silent witness to me taking the shot.
An adapted 50mm on a Canon APS-C gives me an 80mm field of view and it is not too big. Also my small kit lens at set at 40-45mm works well.
I looked up the X-s2 and the price, ofc, is ridiculous for what you’re get compared to the competition. Body alone is $619 in “good” condition at MPB. But this is MORE than what the Canon RP goes for used on the same site. Who in the world is going to choose the Fuji over the RP at that price? I can’t imagine hardly anybody would.
Photographers like Vivian Maier used TLR photos as the film equivalent of the flip screen photo shot
just woo !straight to the point , very detail. thank you Mark
Pressing shutter with the thumb will be difficult with back button focusing.
Panasonic Lumix G7 what would be a good lense for Street photography
What about something like an 18-150….small and does it all. Available for m50 and r7.
Sure! I prefer prime (fixed) lenses, as it helps me to get in a grove with a single focal length, but you can use any lens really.
Or you can do your street photography in the Philippines. I used to try and be stealthy but I swear every times someone noticed me taking their photo they would pose for the camera and thought it was time for their 1-hour photoshoot session.
Tip 3.5 Even more stealthy is use a small remote release :P
I mostly use manual lenses, most of them, vintage. I see no fun of doing street photography with af lenses. My favorite is the brightin Star 35mm on the zf
I’d suggest the sigma 90mm f2.8 as a good 85mm-ish lens for street for E and L mount.
Suddenly, the TTartisan 250mm became unavailable on Amazon.😞
Lots of them on Fleabay, for slightly lower prices. I’m trying to talk myself into it, but I’m still recovering my budget from that second M50 body….
I'm looking to have my first camera (other than a cellphone camera lol) and I really enjoyed your video, Thank you. Since I live in Honolulu, Hawaii I believe this city is unique and perfect for street photography :)
Fantastic tips! Thanks Mark!
Thanks!
Great story about the thumbnail. I haven't seen your videos before, and street is pretty far from my photographic genre, but I thought it was a really good presentation adn great tips. Subscribed!
Thanks!
Excellent video. Thank you so much.
Offering to delete a photo is a bit of a scam, because you can un-delete the photo using a computer later. Also, many cameras save a backup copy of each photo, and the delete function might only function on the primary card.
I think the point is that you wouldn't just pretend to delete the photo but you would actually follow through
@@PhillipRPeck Right, but is it better to explain the technology to the person so they understand the process, or is that just opening a can of worms? What do you think?
@@sshapiro63 I would imagine the most important thing is that you respect the wishes of the person to not be photographed and obviously that you don't end up using the photo later on. If you show them that it's deleted within the camera, I'm sure that would suffice even if you know there are ways to recover it, just don't recover it...
I and a guy demand to see the photo I take so he could see my delete it. I was like hell no, he swung at me
nice vid and helpful info . thank you .
Great to hear 35 mm is not must for street photography.
People mind photographed with DSLR as they assume the picture will be "sold". I find my Lumix LX 10, 1 inch sensor, look like a toy. Try small camera !!
i like the thumb idea
There are two types of people in this world: Those that like having their photo taken and those that don't.
First. Timely video
Oh and smile! Look like your having fun, people enjoy that. Never Ever point your camera near children though. thats a golden rule. People go nuts if you look like you even breathed near them.
Small tip from a super noob (me) with a flip screen: I turn the screen 90 degree and turn my side to the object. This made me almost invisible at a recent company event. It's tough to find the frame but man people act so natural when no face from across the room is facing them.
Clever!
I also do that!
A funny episode: I once took a snap of a guy from the side, facing a street with my body but the lens was pointed at him. He came close and asked: “Is this street so interesting?!” I replied that he was the interesting one and showed him his picture. We had a great laugh and he even asked for my Instagram. LOL
Wish every street photography encounter was like this!
@@katsuyasensei damn that's so awesome! Such an unexpected compliment, probably sways a lot of people from being angry that you took a pic from them to being charmed! I'll steal that line for sure 😸
I know that street photographers mean well when advise other street photographers to delete images when confronted, but the person confronting you has already broken a social rule by approaching you: this exchange can easily escalate into harassment or violence. Anyone with any sense wouldn't do street photography, and I can say this because I am a street photographer. That said, anyone who approaches a stranger to interrogate them like they're a criminal and make any sort of demands but especially the demand to delete images (your property) is the type of person who is impulsive, paranoid, and probably capable of violence whether or not their demands are met. The better policy is to ignore these people and once they've approached you, assume the worst of them because these are people who don't play by the rules of social decorum: you don't approach strangers, especially women, making demands.
easiest thing to do if you think someone spotted you is to start acting like they fucked up your shot by walking into it LOL
though to be fair with me a lot of the time that is in fact what occurred
in a certain way all this tips are in conflict of what I been learned about what good street photovraohy is.
As Robert Caoa said: if you images isn't good you aren't close enough.
I kind of aggre with this since a good inages evoke feelings, being close to our subject let us get into that personal space and capture those feelings
Personally I experienced people. being quite offensive when the noticing me seeking around since it kind of sends out the vibe that you are doing something i shouldn't.
But in the very end it's all about mastering your own techniques and mastering those.
Why offer to delete the photo? Why is taking a photo exploiting the subject?
The first point heavily depends on the country you're in. I.e. in Germany, people really don't like to be photographed by strangers and German law even forbids it. In Korea, there has been a shift towards people being very wary of photographing in public, and it's even completely forbidden to take photos in the subway, because there have been to many cases if creeps photographing girls without their consent.
My hands are not small at all and pressing the shutter of my R10 with my thumb is mad awkward. Yours must be massive.
Good tips. One more tip don't take pictures of kids (that are yours and you don't have permission). I saw a situation where this happened, and it went sideways quickly. There was an actual angry mom mob going after the guy. I make sure kids are excluded in my street work period. I use a 22mm/23mm (APSC) for my shooting and it works pretty well for me. I am considering 55/56mm but I am pretty hesitant since I like being closer to the subject.
Here is a tip. Never ever point a camera at their face in close distance. Unless they see you and intentionally pose for you to shoot, which I had this happened to me. Always use long telephoto lens. I used 200mm f 2.8 prime and / or 300 mm f/4 prime lens. People never ever noticed I took photo of them. In close distance, I used ultra wide lens 14m . Full frame camera.
I've begun deliberately attracting attention in the street and 99% of folk are up for it. Hardest part is getting the picture to them. There is a curiosity with what a camera can do and its sense of occasion that a phone shooter does not create. It boils down to a simple but very significant personal question you need to ask yourself.
Are you Taking a picture - stealing the moment.
Or are you Making a picture - your energy is sparking the action you then capture.
This is very cool. I like this!
@@markwiemels Next weekend I trial my portable studio flash in the street. I really love street portraits and studio lighting. I live in the night club strip in Surfers Paradise. People are there to play. So I have rigged a remote triggered speed light into a flash brolly and we will see how it goes. The brolly is nearly 2 metres in diameter. It’s gonna get some looks.
@@inSurfersParadise sounds awesome!
I actually always shoot with my thumb.
Most people don't care? In Europe/Germany, that's different.
Longer lenses make focusing more difficult, which isn't easy for beginners, especially with a crappy AF like Fujifilms AF.
It always feels strange seeing your photos of Melbourne in your video. I have it in my head that you're American, but clearly from all the photos that's not true!
haha... Yeah, Moved to Melbourne 26 years ago.
@@markwiemels Love the way you capture our beautiful city! Street photography isn’t really my forte - I’m a wildlife guy, hence why I moved out to The Hills a few years ago - but I really enjoy your work. And your lens reviews 🙂
@@patfase oh, very kind of you! Thanks. Yah, Melbourne is a cool place, really gives me some options for testing the lenses.
There is no right to privacy in public. Take pictures of what and who you want, it is completely legal. I never hide the fact that I take pictures and have never had a problem with it, on the contrary, most people are just nice. Don't go around taking pictures like a freak. It is perfectly legal to take photos in the public domain, stand up for your rights as a photographer and take photos that may please thousands of people.
Why are all the street shots in Melbourne?
It's where I live.
@@markwiemels Oh shit! Me too.
Never use long focal for street photography. You destroy all the magic to be close to the subject. Maximum must be 50mm on a full frame.
Don't look them in the eye. Got it. The opposite of Mr. Miyagi advice. Unless they try to steal your camera. Then "always look eye. Very important."😁
my fav line is "why would i take a photo of you? youre not interesting to me"
That's quite confrontational.
@@paulhenry7 they already made it confrontational 😅. im not obligated to find a stranger interesting. anyone offended by that statement is emotionally unstable. " i dont find you interesting for my work" there I fixed it.
I would add : Don't take people photographs in places where it is illegal to do so. Like Europe. In France for instance taking someone's picture without a written consent form is punishable by 1 year prison and 15000 euro fine. In Europe, contrary to the USA, we have the right to privacy everywhere, in private places, in public places, in the streets, everywhere. You need to ask consent before taking a picture of anyone. And if you don't want them coming after you if you publish your photo anywhere (instagram a museum, your local pub doesn't matter), you'd rather have a written official form. If you don't get the proper form filled and signed then you don't own your photo, your subject own the photo and can ask you to remove it from everywhere you put it or ask for compensation up to way more than 100% of the profit you could make.
So don't be a dick and don't take pictures of people.
i would just act like im shooting a video
FBI level tips here
Use the strap.
haha yes very clever
This is not good advice telling people to hide pretty much
Big difference between hiding and being inconspicuous. I'm 6'5" there is no hiding. If you want to document the street in a candid fashion, it can't be about you and your camera, you need to blend in.
I had a street photographer take a pic of me once. It was a cool experience. I was a cop for a long time, (retired now), and one time I was jumping on the freeway in my patrol car and cleared my blind spot left. When I did I saw the passenger in a car next to me with a camera. He looked at me and motioned like he was asking permission to take my picture. I nodded yes and gave him a thumbs up. He snapped a couple right before I jumped off the freeway. It was easy because it was summer and my arm was half out the window. Took a whole hot second. I wish I had that picture
💓
About Tip 3: Some cameras (at least Fuji) have a mode that lets you use the touchscreen instead of the shutter button, so you tap on the screen and it takes a photo, that way, you dont even need to have any finger on the shutter release.
Tried this… 👍 good tip - it feels a little strange at first but I tend to switch between thumb shutter and screen shutter.
It also has the advantage of tapping to focus too 🤙
Yes, just thought the same. Almost all micro four thirds cameras have touch screens and the ability to shoot by touching the screen, so it's easy to do really candid photos.
Most people I feel don’t know even what the shutter release button does 🥴
i’ve tried that, but the problem with it is it takes LOADS of photos you don’t want when you touch it accidentally. Which is only a problem in that you have to sort through them (and it uses up the battery)
I guess you could switch that mode off when you weren’t shooting
I can’t even tell you how many times I’d be shooting a scene, that included zero people, and been approached by someone wondering what I’m doing. Not even aiming the camera anywhere near them. This has been my experience literally, 75% of the time. It’s really given me a complex and created a certain amount of anger about it. Who the hell are these people that think they own the world? Btw, I’m a 69yr old grandma, so am unimposing in any way.
I feel like being unimposing makes people think they have authority over you. It was rare for me to be confronted before COVID lockdown. Now people are much more brash and skeptical.
Keep on. It's cool to hear about other photographers and their challenges with where they are in life.
Tell them you are a Soviet spy and they'll think you are crazy and leave you alone. 🤣
Hi Mark. You discuss sone interesting issues with this video. I feel the way people take pictures on the street is reflection of themselves, and subsequently, that can show in the images they take. Benign introverts compared to gregarious extroverts, a friendly demeanour against an unfriendly one, and people who can be inconspicuous verses those who cannot. I would say being yourself is the starting point and the technicals will find you through trial and error. Finally, you will be rewarded when you talk to people, unexpected conversations will take place that more often than not can lead onto amazing things. Enjoy the rest of your day and regards from London.
Great video as usual Mark! The only confrontations I've had over the last 30 something years have been with people clearly outside frame (in public places) asking if I have permission to take photos of people, and business owners that notice their restaurant or something is being photographed (again from a public location). Of course I'm not violating any laws, but rather someone is convinced it can't be allowed. A patio was in a recent photo I took from a public sidewalk and someone came out of the establishment to ensure I was only using the photos for personal reasons. Rather than start arguing the legality of it, I just said "yes" lol.