Why I Stopped Getting Close in Street Photography
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
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street photography, street photography tips, street photographer, motivation, inspiration, Ricoh GR3, Ricoh GR3x, Leica M, Leica SL2, Hong Kong
For 20 plus years I was a wedding/portrait photographer. What I found was that getting in close caused my subjects to become affected by my presence and by that I mean the natural look in their faces and the scene became awkward. So I set to use a telephoto and shoot reportage style from a distance. A new dynamic was unfolding when I shot like this because the people looked and reacted naturally because they were unaware of me taking their pictures.
In 2013 I decided to shoot people on the streets and so wedding photography being a stage set if you like was like photographing Ground Hog Day. Wash rinse repeat. I needed a more unscripted world in which to photograph and street photography became my playground. I never listen to the greats of any genre, I just do my thing. There are no rules in photography that were meant to be unbroken. A photographer who inspired me was not a street photographer, but photographed models in the streets of New York on 35mm not the expected medium format. He is David Bailey. I also like the work of Aussie street photographer Trent Parke, but ultimately I follow my own path. Great video as always.
I like that approach as well. Also taking pictures with a shorter lens when they think they aren't being photographed such as at an air show or car show. Everyone thinks I'm taking pictures of the airplanes.
I was exactly the same way in weddings. I used Olympus 4/3 and my favorite lens, by far, was 35-100(70-200)mm f2. I even did a whole (informal) event with a 150(300)mm. I really hated doing posed portraits...you can't get the same expression and interaction.
If you haven't already, search for Pierre Lambert here on youtube too.
I find i can get the same candid look not by hiding but from the opposite, by being there up close. People get used and forget i am not just another guest
@@ericsinchina: I think you need a mix of candid and posed photos. In candid photos your subjects are like side NPC characters, but in posed photos they suddenly become the main character. Which means that there is something for everyone. If they get used to you shooting candid photos during an event, you will find that they tend to become more natural in poses photos.
I don't know any professional "reportage" photography that was done with a long lens, and there are good reasons for that.
Incredible video! It was shot beautifully and the editing was amazing! I love how the photography got better as you stepped back a little. I think it gave you room to be more creative!
Couldn't communicate it in a better way, awesome video and really great shots ! Cheers and hoping to run into you at some points ! Cheers !
`I definitely like the complexity and engagement of the wider, more removed imagery and creative storytelling that arises.
Getting compliments on technique or photographic qualities is pretty weird, but I get why people give them. Most people find it uncomfortable to get close, and they praise you for doing so. But it is like getting a compliment on how sharp your image is: it doesn't mean anything to me.
In photography there are no rules.I agree 100% that the most important is the .I personally shoot with 28-35-50mm.It depends on the place,the crowd,the mood,the Covid recently and a lot of other thinks.Most favourite focal length is 35mm,50mm second and 28mm the third.
Bravo 👏
Well said. It’s just another technique of telling a story. If it’s the only one in your bag, you could be missing out.
Still, those pictures with faces have more impact and more interesting, no matter they re taken before or after your 'awakening'.
I lived 25 years of my life in Hong Kong from 1987 - and have a very emotional and close connection to the place. To hear your line about how people in HK have changed and are more worried about being watched or photographed is heart breaking. HK's soul sounds like it has changed. Great video.
Very well said, I think what you’re developing is a “ social conscience “, you are aware that not everyone is comfortable having a stranger stick a camera in their face, you are respecting others and that can only be a good thing, as with many things in life, there is a time and a place, great vid !
💯
well a lot of people will tell you that you have to get rid of that social conscience and be „bold“ if you want to be a „good“ street photographer in the first place
@@Battlehammer333 and a lot of people would be wrong ! There are hundreds of thousands of street photos taken with a longer lens that “ stand up “ beside one’s taken with a shorter lens, it’s not about how “ close “ you can get physically ( as mentioned in the vid ), I can get really close to a bollard but it isn’t particularly interesting is it ? It’s about a combination of things, light, subject, composition, etc etc etc but just thinking getting “ close “ is gonna give you keepers every time is wrong.
@@0191Marko I totally agree, go tell that to all the "photography influencers" here on youtube who claim otherwise.
@@Battlehammer333 wouldn’t waste my breath, the one thing that they haven’t got is “ longevity “, here today, gone tomorrow !
I find getting close in street photography really difficult, mostly for the reason you said, the subject is aware of it and they get anxious and paranoid. Coming from a place of empathy it's not something I'm comfortable doing, especially if people already feel insecure in their lives.
Loved this video, overall very inspiring! Thank you for sharing!
I think some people think getting close is ALL you need for a nice photo. The closeup shots of characters doing random stuff gets boring fast. I much preferred your layered photos of Hong Kong over the close ones. I'm more in favor of showing a scene and making the viewer feel immersed.
A matter of personal taste. But it is important to know that close is not always better.
I came here to say something similar. There's a lot of street photography that does seem like random and pointless shots of surprised strangers. To me the picture should tell a story and that can either be close or not.
@@carlospelay9642 ya man, agree. A moment trumps everything else for me.
@@carlospelay9642 Nearly all of the popular "street photographers" do that.. At that point, it's like...okay..what exactly am I looking at, why is this person interesting? Why should I care about them.
Fan Ho is the kind I like.
I love the sentiment you share on “getting close” and the alternative meaning. Your video resonates with a video of Sean Tucker quoting another photographer about “Bruising the Scene” when getting too close to affect the subject. Some new street photographers these days get too close and it just seems disrespectful of others space. You can still capture life on the streets without gettin within arms distance from them. I wish more street photographers documented street life in a wider context.
I never thought about it this way... the close photo is like a "trophy"... I have been feeling this lately, as street photography has become more of a thing. So many photos are more of a game of chicken than telling an actual story. Im thankful for you sharing your thoughtful approach to photography here, because I think you can inspire people to up their game, not only through your beautiful and thoughtful photos, but through your astute and articulate observations on the genre.
Thanks man, always appreciate the support 🙏🏻
Loved this man! So interesting to see all of us youtube bros going through the same phases😂 I also stopped going close for the sake of going close. The images at the end were awesome👍🏻 You can really see how you developed as a photographer. Going close emotionally is where it's at😎
That's because all these youtube bros are sheep and just copy each other on this shitty platform.
It's exactly the same with wildlife photography. At first, you want to be the closer with the animal you want to photography. Because it means your hide was good, you were enough patient, you were lucky... But now I prefer to have my subject in a more "wide" scene.
The more I practice street photography, the more I find a lot of similiraties between the two practice (wildlife and street).
As usual your video is a masterpiece :)
Really interesting. Never had a go at wildlife photography myself, might have to try it out 😂
This is a brilliant comparison. Simply, street photography IS wildlife photography. It’s just with a different species. And you want to capture homo sapiens in its natural habitat. 👌🏼🧠
Sorry Ivan, but I have to disagree. Bruce Gilden has always been an outlier, and getting physically close doesn't have to mean upsetting people deliberately for a "trophy". If your art demands a long lens, then so be it, but you admit that your choice is being dictated by fear and some kind of imagined "respect for privacy", not by artistic choice, and that isn't a good thing.
Shooting with a 200mm lens can be awfully invasive and disrespectful. So can shooting with a 28mm lens. It's all about intent and how the photographer carries themselves.
Yes, we live in a different world than 3 years ago, but that makes human connections even more rare and important. Koudelka shot occupying enemy troops with a 25mm lens! Talk about a hostile subject. Yet the photos are full of humanity and immediacy.
But from the comments, I see I'm in the minority, and the timid will definitely give you a thumbs up for this one.
Well said!
How we were just talking about this today and the end result, how the photo will be used.. will someone want to hang up a picture of someone weird super close up or is it more zine/book material? The question always was made clear in the end, the photo itself can actually be appreciated more if faces aren't the main subject. The entire frame needs to be appreciated equally.
I can't tell you how timely this is for me. How did you know this video was what I needed to hear? What a time man. And I wanna say some people aren't appreciating your photos as much as the video. What made this video to me most is the photos and how well they convey what you said. Let's keep working brother.
Yea like we discussed, your mindset and approach completely changes once you figure out what your shooting for. Keep grinding, see you on the streets man 👊🏻
great video ivan, and a topic that isn't talked about enough. getting close isn't always the best idea, often it's better to back up and help build the story by including more of the environment. I find some of greg girard's street/documentary stuff to be a great example, a lot of his street stuff isn't that close but gives you such a good sense of space that you wouldn't get if he was close!
Couldn’t agree more. Greg Girard is a huge inspiration and quite possibly why I’m shooting the way I shoot these days.
100% this resonated with me so much. The mantra of getting close is so confrontational and introduces such antagonistic vibe to the photography, like you are a big game hunter (you were spot on with calling them “trophies”)
People are reacting to you as much as your camera. I suppose, if you’re not very social or very personable and don’t really know how to handle confrontation then back away. Just remember that using a 600mm lens across the street rather than being five feet away and snapping pictures doesn’t make what you’re doing any less intrusive. Do what works for you just know that whether you’re five feet away or five hundred feet away it’s the same thing, the only difference is in you perception
I love how many layers you added to the question of getting close. I found myself in the rut of thinking I can only be good in street photography when getting close - but this video helped to take a step back (literally) and rethink that whole concept. Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for making me add Hong Kong to my list of places I need to visit one day.
Thanks Karin 🙏🏻 hope I’ll be in HK when you get a chance to visit!
Another absolutely beautiful piece of cinematography and story telling!
Thanks so much for sharing your feelings and personal experiences with us! I have definitely gone through some of these experiences when shooting. I find often times where I’m shooting in the world, time of day, crowdedness, or even my mood, can all influence how close I’m getting to the subject. I think it’s a very natural adaptation the more you shoot.
The situation in HK is very unique though and it’s incredibly thoughtful and selfless of you to have such consideration for your subjects. ❤
Guess we need to make a trip to HK someday, we need to catch up for coffee or drinks. =)
@@travelhomedad 100% man! Let me know any time! I’m headed to Japan for a couple weeks coming up. But when I get back I’ll drop you a line!
It is very important to respect your subject, their privacy and be ethical when taking photos on streets. Once that fundamental pre-requisite is met, then, I'd say, do whatever floats your boat; get close, don't get close, use a prime lens, use a zoom lens, whatever makes you happy. But please for the sake of the community's reputation, please don't use a telephoto (anything longer than 85mm) to shoot street photos. That's creepy af and gives us all a bad reputation. Getting close is difficult, you have to know how to do it and have the right tool for the job but that doesn't mean you should use a 70-200mm lens because that's easy - that's creepy.
A very thoughtful and considered perspective. I appreciate you sharing this. There’s an intimacy to getting up close that I enjoy but more importantly, it allows me to briefly share a space with someone else, hopefully for the better. I think about a lot of the things you’ve mentioned and I also wonder am I a better human if I’m capturing unnoticed. There’s no right or wrong tbh, but it is fascinating to have these conversations.
Thanks man 👊🏻 That connection you’re able to make with people is one of the best feelings in street photography. Not giving that up completely.
Ivan, I think you are a very talented filmmaker. I like the pace of your videos, the colourgrading, the music and editing. The scripts and narration are so well thought!
Most of RUclipsrs try to make fast-paced contetend to grab attention.
Your videos remind me of Tarkovsky movies. I appreciate that a lot.
You say: «When I’m out shooting, I always feel as if I’m collecting scenes for my movie» - and that’s exactly how it feels when I see your work!
Really? After about 2 minutes of sad, plodding, monotone delivery, I had to bail. Even though I kind of wanted to hear his point.
Thanks Ivan. . I followed a street photography group that went through a phase of really getting in peoples faces. Almost egging each other on with with the Like system of social media and jokes about people obviously not happy about having their picture taken. A lot of the pictures weren't even that good; at least showed little background or foreground composition. I don't like to think of there being a victim of my art, or lack of art as the case may be. Photography is just a hobby for me and yeah I could go and shoot in peoples faces. I'm a 6' 5" shipbuilder and don't generally worry about possible clashes but what for? A handful of Likes on social media; a picture that someone who doesn't have any artistic knowledge won't even know why they like. I'm a middle aged master tradesman and am not looking to start a new career in photography. I'd kind of decided to not follow my photography peers anyway and your video has firmed my opinion. One doesn't always have to be physically close to resonate with the subject. Different people view closeness differently too. As an introvert, 70-200 is close enough 😄
Same in Morocco for example, you have to be respectful of other cultures.
Me too. I’m a foreign living in South Korea. It’s a offense here if you take someone’s picture without permission or consent. So close up shots have become impossible for me here in Korea. My friends were so surprised when I was taking pictures of people with their faces shown at first, they told to mosaic it lol …
The effort you put into this is incredible and the outcome is beautiful!
Thanks!
I did a four year degree studying photography in college. I wish your videos were around then. They would have provided so much value and context to these isolated concepts. I think a lot of your ideas very much identify that fundamental difference between knowledge and wisdom. I'm so grateful that you put these out there for free for anyone to access.
Means a lot to hear that man, thanks!
Absolutely nailed it.
Get close is only half of the good advice. Step back is the other half. As much as getting in close to a subject makes a portrait better, stepping back makes a scene better. When you can use both to find options, or balance between subject and context, then you have good advice.
Randos shot close with a mess of a background, made black and white to not be distracting isn't the same as when you actually consider the scene and work it for the best of both worlds. The decisive moment is worthless to story if you aren't in the right place to capture the world it happened in.
and you nailed that reply! Well put and thoughtful comment.
Proximity isn't the issue. The issue is that these shots are unremarkable. I think you're just figuring out that you're not very good at what you thought you were good at... and that's progress in-and-of itself.
Watching through this video I was thinking the exact same thing. Well said though about that being progress.
You are correct. I've spent years doing a 'Bruce Gilden' for all of my street and events work. However, after following Steve McCurry for years, I came to realise recently that his work is so powerful because he always includes mulitiple layers or stories within one image. I've always shot a 1.4 wide angle so the face of my subject is sharp, but the background was always blurry - but I was missing out on telling a bigger story. Now I've changed lenses and perspective and the rest and I'm seeing a change to the better in my images. Thanks for taking the time to tell your story.
f8 and above is your friend. Photos take a whole different level when you add layers while making sure that foreground, middleground and background is tack sharp. Gives your work depth.
Hello, I am Sunny from Hong Kong. And I started crying near at the end of your video. Thank you very much for your great work and I feel the love of you to this City and People. Hey! We still love you. You will not be alone. Thanks a lot Ivan! You have woken me up.
一切盡在不言中。
Best video I have seen this year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts🙏🏾
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
This approach of photography as movie (having different types of shot instead of always being close) is quite interesting. I don’t think it’s too hard to tell whether you should get close or not, as your immediate feeling after pressing the shutter will answer you.
The world doesn’t need yet another Bruce Gilden as great as he is.
The Robert Capa quote has been overused that it’s lost it’s meaning as he was a war photographer not a street photographer.
I get close with my Sigma 100mm-400mm, and yes, most people won’t agree with my method of doing street photography but I’m not disturbing the subject and having them ruin the shot.😂
Ironically, "standing close enough" took Capa's life: he stepped on a landmine...
@@anta40There ya go!
The words of Bruce Gilden that you put on the screen… it’s far too small to read even on a large tv. Can you please make the text larger to help those of us who are getting on a bit, and need glasses? It would be most appreciated…
Great video as always… best regards.
Thanks! I’ll take note of that
@@ivunchowthank you… 👍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It touched me. I am sorry that things have changed in Hong Kong. I was there many years ago and loved the city
Thank you for sharing this point of view ! It's refreshing to hear that. I think you're spot on when you say : "a photo up close can also be a trophy for many street photographers", or "I just don't want to make people feel uncomfortable", and "if I do [get close] it needs to be a moment that I think is worth documenting".
I'm gonna be very blunt, but I don't really like what people call "street photography" nowadays. I'm not even gonna address Bruce Gilden who, as another famous photographer said, is just a bully. But most of the time, what people call street photography is simply a slightly blurry close up snapshot of an annoyed / angry person with a random city landscape in the background, or a snapshot of someone walking in a ray of light between two buildings. There is no sense of composition or framing, the moment is completely boring and random, and it cannot even be used as some form of journalism because it lacks any form of context. It's simply getting into people's faces for the sake of it. We're far from what Leiter, Meyerowitz, Bresson or Erwitt would have produced - of course, we're not all as talented as them, but we should be inspired by their talent.
So anyway. I think your approach is a much better one :) So again, thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for your thoughts.
Excellent production Ivan! There are two rules in Denmark protecting privacy in relation to photography: you can't take a photo in public that clearly identifies a person without their consent; and you can't publish that photo without their consent. So it's a good challenge to work within these constraints. You might take a step back like you do; or document activities on the streets with a group that have already given their consent; or ask to take portraits; or create more abstract street photography like Saul Leiter, Trent Parke or Siegfried Hansen for example, etc.
So, is there no paparazzi in Denmark?
Are there any Danish street photographers?
My concern with this is that the photography subject's feelings are described pejoratively or as weak i.e. subject was "angry", "confrontational", "annoyed" etc. But in truth, when you're ramming a camera in their face, who's the one being confrontational.
There's an interesting asymmetry or bias going on, where the photographer or other artist forgets that what they're doing can be just as judgemental, unfair or attention-seeking as any reaction it generates.
And the need or desire to perform photography is, in some sense, an emotional reaction. Maybe an overreaction.
Great video. I am shy, and don't feel comfortable about getting too close. And you can't blame people for worrying where you will show the photo in these digital times.
Ive always hated the "you must be close" in street.. I never do that and I always use a 200mm.. I hate the photos where they get a reaction from ppl that's just disrespect
Well said, I agree totally with what you said great video and keep it up, you’re a decent man 😊
super drama for no reason though
My life
@@ivunchow haha sorry just wasnt in the drama mood rn. Is a nice video, buuut super dramatic
There is nothing wrong with getting close. It’s totally valid to shoot from a distance. What matters is how good are the pictures?
YES!!!! Finally, someone makes the point.
I always maintain my distance to the subject as it could be very intimidating to the subject. Great video, thank you.
I've been feeling this lately too, maybe the pandemic had some play in this, but there really needs to be a clear and objective intent for getting close to a subject. I find stepping back and complementing a given subject with some context adds depth, and as a result evokes more emotion and intimacy for viewers. You're right, getting close doesn't always mean feeling close.
HK is a great place to do street, at the same time there is sensory overload coz I see so much to photograph. Hope to be there again soon. Keep wandering keep seeing keep going.
Thank you! Well said.
I like how you introduced the concept of your subject's discomfort. Earlier you said, that in the past, getting close meant getting out of your own comfort zone. True. But if the price is impinging on the subject's comfort zone, some thinking should go on. If it becomes a power play between photographer and subject, some thinking should go on. "I can do this, and you can do nothing about it." The word "trophy" should ring a bell. The excuse "I am doing a service for history" rarely rings true if the subject is condemned to suffer, to whatever degree.
Of course, there will be different circumstances which make for a much more mutually appreciated situation. Those opportunities will be precious.
Thank you again. This was important.
Always special when the subject acknowledges and accepts being a part of the process. It’s one of the best feelings in street photography.
Fantastic Video ... Mr Ivan , you spoke through the mind of most of us * the photographers in terms of street photography!!
thank you for sharing valuable stories and not just bombarding us with fluff and "content"....
Another great Video ! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this famous quote.
disagree, photography needs presence and you ant get that with less than a 35mm lens...
this is so well done. I agree with your analysis here too coming from a place of agreeing with a lot of Bruce Gilden's techniques :)
Thanks man!
what a drama queen...😅
"Your not close enough, closer to get a good shot". That's like same as a careers adviser once said, "doesn't matter just get an education at uni". Without that purpose, probably just end up in debt. Without that style, there's no storytelling, maybe a black eye 😂
Seriously, Hong Kong is undergoing a massive transformation and there is a great opportunity of photojournalism and documentation. Lots of old areas are being rezoned, cultural heritage sites removed in favour of new megamalls and highrises. Slowly and surely, it will lose it's character and distinction. Plus, Hong Kong is small and dense in areas and populated, no need to get closer. Awesome work. Keep going.
I persional alway have problem with how people interpret "If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough” in Hong Kong to a point that it is toxic and found all lot of photo is just getting way too close to a point that is lost the feeling for the city, and if you look at Robert Capa works many of them isn't realy that close
I persionlly take a more back off approach as is see streetview and people should co-exist in a photo to bring out the live of the city
Great WORK!👌
It's a dance. Giving space, taking space. Your presence makes you visible or invisible no matter the focal length/distance.
Amazing take on this. Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for this video! It really made me rethink my approach to street photography. Who's the photographer on screen at 3:29 ? That's an amazing quote and I'd love to know who said it!
Thanks Hailey 🙏🏻 that’s Daido Moriyama
This spoke to me. Thank you. I think the Webb version makes sense. I think of it as “never sacrifice emotional connection merely for physical proximity.” Sometimes the feeling you are trying to evoke is loneliness, isolation, despair, emptiness, and closeness may work in some cases but hurt in others. You said it very well. From the other side of the Earth, thank you my photography brother!
Nice opinion, thank you for sharing! However in terms of street photography there is no higher level of display of skill than a close up. It displays confidence, skill, commitment and pride. Not everyone has it in them to do street photography, some people can't look someone in the eyes when they talk, not a lot of people can have so much confidence in themselves and their work to risk it all for a photo of a random person. It is art, beauty and life personified in a single moment. Hence why it is the utmost pinnacle of street photography no comparison. Anyone can sit across the street 10m away from a subject not looking at them. Anyone can take a photo of people crossing the road. Not a lot can take close up portraits and detailing shots of random people.
Getting out of your comfort zone is getting into someone else’s…Photographers can become thieves and intruders when they put getting the shot above the well being of their subjects.
10:51 “The need for privacy is more important than ever…”
Subscribed right there!
The quote of Robert Capa in the beginning was something what my Lecturer told me quite often during my study.
Apart from getting physically close to your subject I guess it is also being thematically as close as possible to the point you're going for. So I took it this way, which raises far more questions than the sole physical aspect in total of course.
Edit: Welp, Alex Webb says it all.
Thanks for making this thoughtful and beautiful video essay. Comes as sage advice to someone like me who wants to get into street photography more. There is some street photography that feels like it’s nothing but taking advantage of people. I think everyone can think of at least one famous photographer whose work is like that. I don’t want to be like that. I’ve seen scenes that I would have loved to photograph because they would have made for strong images - but man, would they have been confrontational. And I would have felt like crossing a line and violating people. So maybe this is mostly down to my lack of skill (which I’m happy to admit) - I’m terrible at going unnoticed with a camera in hand. But I don’t want to violate my values in order to become a better photographer. In away I feel like I would miss my very goal if I did that; good art comes from who you are more than what you do.
One of the most beautiful and touching videos on youtube that I have ever seen! Thank you.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you for making this video. Beautiful photographs, wonderful story, and having respect for those that are the focus of our art resonates within the art- and makes it stronger still.
what a contrived video, couldn't even watch it all
please make the video balancing outside life like work, family, etc with your passion for street photography
if you want to ofc, this video was amazing btw thank you.
one of the most scenic shot in HK, glad to see a fellow HK/Canadian here. wish I started photography when I was in HK but never hurts to start now being in Toronto. Hope to see you around someda. Keep up the amazing content.
The only times I've ever had angry people in my face after taking a photo was when they saw me point the camera from a distance. Once a lady ran over to me and it got ugly. Just saying. I like close IMHO you cannot beat the layering and intimacy. You approach and fire the shutter and look them in the eye and smile and mouth 'thank you'
Great video!
In all societies I know of, the Bruce Gilden style of photography is regarded as rude and aggressive. In the EU it is factually outlawed, you could be indicted if you would approach people and take pictures of them like that. If you want to take pictures of people without being rude, just strap an action cam on your head or chest, walk around filming and extract pictures from the stream as you fit. At least, people won't realize what you are doing.
I think, when you are doing street photography, you are already as close as you need, since you are within the streets, on the boardwalk, in the middle of it. Things are happening around you all the time and you can document them as you want. If you see an interesting face or outfit, just ask - people are mostly happy to say yes, and if not, it is their right and a simple sign of respect to not take a picture in that case. A street photographer is not a rogue person stealing images from the people around them or virtually threatening or clubbing them with their camera. Bruce Gilden has no respect for people, he is stealing from them and hurting them emotionally in the process. I would not want to be associated with him by producing similar pictures as he does.
I'm a street photographer in Detroit, MI. Getting close and in your subjects face could be a horrible outcome here. I found ways to incorporate scaling, style and architecture be a part of the imagery I create. I think street photography is defined by the artist and there is no true right or wrong way to the art.
Love the video and editing. Shot beautifully and amazing voice over. Great work!
Thanks!
That's a bummer that you feel that way about shooting in Detroit. I've never had a bad experience.
@@andrewshieldsphoto Never said that's how I felt about shooting in Detroit generally. But yes, if you're running up and photographing people right to their face, I believe it could have a negative effect. I've been doing street for the past 4 years here and I've found myself in some situations but nothing has ever escalated to crazy.
Enjoyed your photos. I used to be offended when women would eye-me nervously on a street at night walking on the sidewalk. That was my youth. 20 years ago, I began walking on the other side of the street to alleviate any concerns they may have about their safety coming from me. I believe in doing so they can focus on whatever threat might actually be there if any at all at least they feel more comfortable walking on the street at night alone so I understand your motivations here I think good luck to you.
Yada,yada yada. Hooray for mediocraty!
I’ve been doing street photography with my 70-200 no kidding. Shot a whole week like that in Switzerland and got shots I’ve never imagined getting.
Your videos always come out at the right time, at least when I need them or I'm confused. It's like the inner voice of the subconscious that guides me. Thanks. Perfect as always.
I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for a new perspective. And your editing skills are insane, just wow.
Really thoughtful and engaging video.
Street photography or any other kind of photography, close or far, really depends on the compositional intentions.
Brilliant video! Thanks!
thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective!! i'm from russia and my interest in street photography increased over the last year when full scale invasion into ukraine begun and was based mostly on the resentment towards russian society and russian people. my excuse for getting close and to invade personal spaces was based on the feeling than this is my people so i can "kick them around" as much as i like while asking questions: why are we like that? why did we let this happen?
but now i started to think that hardcore-in-your-face-street-photograghy isn't the right form for me because this questions can't be answered that easely and can't be adressed to a single person/institution.
i think it's important to change your means in any artform but especially in photography 'cause of it's much reliancy on the outer world.
冇錯，欣賞你嘅勇氣，街客真係要夠勇氣，踏出第一步去試
great subject and beautiful cinematography
Thanks man 🙏🏻
pure artist...felt in dzen, thank you Ivan
I understand, Ivan. I too am from and in Hong Kong. Take care.
Hey man. This is the second video of yours that I watch. And i gotta admit, I'm in love. You're amazing at this. I felt like I was watching a more than AAA quality documentary. This should be played in a museum of photography. I look up to you with so much respect. I get those rare conflicting feelings where on one side I feel extremely attracted to the content and want to consume it all. But on the other, I want to take it very slow so I can enjoy it more and avoid that feeling I get when I finish something I love like a book, a great movie, or documentary (or series). Thank you for bringing this to me (and us the public).
Love your point of view ❤
Thank you for the effort and sharing. Thoughtful insights. Lovely images. BIG thumbs up.
Hi Ivan, this video is on point on so many levels. Getting close is not always a great thing. I think the new and younger photographers need to understand this before listening to bad advice. You are absolutely correct, a variety of wisely chosen frames, wide, medium, and close up give the audience a broader spectrum of the story you are telling.
Great insights and I feel the same. Thanks for this superb video 👍
Ivan but what gear used to shoot video itself? What camera / lens? And did you use Dehancer?
Leica SL2s + 24-70 F2.8. Graded in fcpx
@@ivunchow thx
Love this take on the advice! Just as photographers pick different focal lengths for different scenarios, for street photography I think focal length and distance should also vary depending on the subject and narrative.
That being said, like many beginners I often find it difficult to physically get close, which I want to improve on through practice. But I’ve decided to take my time doing so, and as some others mentioned in the comments, not getting close for the sake of getting close.
It’s true that close up is nice. However, sometimes I feel the need to fill the frame with some background so I can tell a story. Love your work as always Ivan! Keep them coming
Great video. Your appreciation of the need to balance “getting the shot” with a subject’s need to feel safe and respected underscores the fact that you value them as people. Art has less value if people are consistently exploited in our documentation/creation of it.
Thank you 🙏🏻