Talking Street
Sometimes when I am tired, worn out and feeling like I need a little more torture to make it
all worth the misery, I fall into an internet funk where I find myself browsing through some
of the many sites discussing the noble art of Street Photography.
Do I even think of myself as a street photographer? Not after reading some of the coda that's
for sure!
For starters, it's all about the gear. I should quote sources and provide links but it is
another hot summer's day here and I am too lazy to go google and pull up some of the many offerings
for your perusal here. Trust me, they are out there and not too far away and, for reasons which
will become obvious, I am keeping my head under the radar from the ninja shooters out there
if only because I am their worst nightmare. . . .
. . . . I shoot with a big ass DSLR, with a big lens. This hurts, and it gets worse. Now that
"every Mum Mom out there has a DSLR" what cool street shooter wants to be seen looking female and
middle-aged? Or worse still, like one of those always put-upon most derided of unfortunates,
a tourist?
The ideal gear is something smaller, quieter, like a Leica, which unfortunately is also very
expensive but fear not with the dollars because the Fuji x100s is now the more affordable option.
Full Disclosure - I would love a Fuji x100s but with no money in the kitty I am confined to the
aisles of fantasy shopping. Which is also where I go to browse the many different lenses
recommended for street shooting. The agony of where to spend fantasy money is not to be
under-estimated.
If you must use a DSLR for street shooting it is also recommended you duct tape over the brand
names, on the body, lens and the strap, which to me is a little akin to cruising through Detroit
in the truly bad days of active urban deterioration in a Porsche or a Ferrari but with the labels,
treads etc gaffer taped for added security. I have seen gaffer taped cameras out there, all of
which tells me some-one has had enough energy, and tape, to cover bits and pieces of his
Canon or Nikon.
Which brings me to another point in the pitch battle out there. . . .
"You're shooting a Canon? You should be using Nikon! So much better!" I have had this
said to me. By a Nikon user who was more than happy to show me how much better his shots were.
With the right gear one is therefore armed and fully equipped to pursue the shot, remembering
to remain alert and active at all times. That shot is not going to come to you!
I shoot with my Canon DSLR, and big lens, for the very simple reason that it is all the kit I
have, and all that I could afford then and now. Sometimes I will sit in a spot for a long time
because the street is not static, it moves and in some of those movements there are moments-
moments which are fleeting, and other moments of meeting strangers who give not only their
names but their time to such expansive moments which fill in the streets. Moments which make us
all more than mere strangers in passing.
But what, I hear you ask, if I don't feel comfortable shooting people, let alone strangers?
This is a discussion, along with the other hot topic "to pay, or not to pay?" for another day,
(when I recover from my bout of the blogging boo-hoo's - a collection of questions based on a
case load of doubts, as in "what to blog about, why am I bothering to blog/shoot so many photos,
who cares, do I care etc etc???" Please, this is not a cry for help and no response necessary!)
but do feel free to kickstart conversation!
Please note, blogging boo-hoo's not at all helped with SLOW WPressing my way through comments,
likes on your wonderful blogs and having to log in again, and again . . .
Some shots -
I took the above shot with my iphone. He has a small, discrete camera but the kids outside
the frame gave him a hard time. "You trying to take our picture? Not going to happen!"
Wendell, the one on the left, is Union Square famous. One day, I was sitting around with my Big A** DSLR
in my lap when he asked me if I wanted "to take a photo of him, just a few dollars." I said sure, and
assured him that my rates were reasonable enough. "What," he screamed, "you mean I pay you? No, you
pay ME!"
Just thought I would pop this one in!
Going underground with talking T-Shirts and a Whole Lotta Love.
On that happy note, happy week-end everyone and keep cool. Or warm, wherever you are!
* * * * *
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Cool shots.
I like your streets 🙂
inspiring thoughts about street photograpy.
Have a nice weekend.
Thank you MC, I feel better already! Week-end wishes to you!
I’ve been noodling with the idea of getting a single lens camera that is midway in size between my big arse DSLR and my pocket-size point and shoot. But, you know, there’s money involved!
That money business again . . . what do you have in your fantasy shopping trolley so far John?
Hi Patti, I wish I could afford a biga$$ DSLR but something says I can’t because money isn’t the problem, it’s the fact that I know the next shiny object will distract me. and the camera would collect dust. I know myself and that’s a fact of ADD. I really loved the essay. Have you thought of expanding it with photos into a middle-sized book?
Knowing your limitations puts you well ahead of the curve and out of the way of temptation Tom! Thank you for suggesting the book which I think, in photographic terms, is called having a “project” to work on and would get me well and truly out of the Mom zone!!! 🙂
Patti, I’ll be honest. I get lost in a note so great in so many words in English, but anyway congratulations for your photos street, always have the spontaneity and beauty to see …
Adiós
Carlos
That’s perfectly ok Carlos. I suspect more than a few English grammarians would happily accuse me of having lost my way through the word jungle with this jumble. You are honorably excused from comprehension duties and thank you so much for your very kind words!
+ 😉
Hi Patti! I’m with you on the street photography police – think they should be more concerned with taking good photographs than the kit they’re using. If the shot’s good, who cares what brand of camera you use. (As an aside, the whole cover up your brand with tape thing is just plain insulting for everyone concerned – who do they think they are shooting?). I kind of think people who have to impose rules on others as to how to create something are using those rules to mask their own feelings of inadequacy/ creative laziness. Love your shots. Please don’t stop.
I’m with RG. Keep doing what you’re doing, no justification required, and use whatever camera you have to hand.
Thank you Gaynor, it’s always good to talk!
Thank you Richard for the blog love! The SPP sure do have a lot to say, which on a good day I find entertaining but then there comes a time and I am pushed over the edge. Taping a camera is simply letting everyone know you have a camera worth stealing, don’t you think? And every exhaustive list of rules always ends with the bonus treat inviting you to break the rules (but you have to know the rules before you can break them etc etc . . . .). You must have some interesting street stories to tell while you are out taking your fascinating portraits!
Yes, I think you’re right about the taping – it totally draws attention to your camera (and if someone was out to steal a camera they probably wouldn’t be that bothered which brand it was). What bugs me is that the SPP are making an assumption that the people you are going to photograph are out to steal cameras in the first place – I think that’s wildly paranoid and deeply insulting to the subject. I think things must be a bit different over here – I see plenty of SPs with big DSLRs and they’re usually pretty approachable. My run-ins with the SPP have all been online. Thanks very much for the compliment!
I agree with you about the SPP having more of a presence online than in the streets. I read whatever but I never bother commenting, I don’t have the energy! I just come here and gripe . . .
As for the taping, I have never worried about the people I shoot having ulterior motives but am always careful to keep a close grip on the gear in any crowded street, subway etc wherever and yes, there are plenty of people over here using DSLR’s. Come to think of it, I think I have seen almost every camera known to man getting a workout here in NYC! Of course that’s an exaggeration but you know what I mean!
As for the compliment – you’re welcome!
I think results matter and not the camera or lens you use to get them. I think the Wendall photo is a great example of this. Excellent street photography and the story of your interaction with Wendall is very funny.
Thank you Beth and I agree with you about the results. I go lens shopping because I would love to have something much faster and better in low light than what I have at the moment. And not to be too greedy I would also love a full-frame body, all of which would give me an even bigger a** DSLR!
So pleased you enjoyed Wendell’s company – he can hear a camera click at 40 paces which to him is like the sound of a cash register!
You rock street photography, my dear! Every photo has a story. I look at your photos and rich nonverbal scripts (oxymoron?) dance in my head. You just smile and keep on rockin’ it, Patti!
Oh thanks Annie, it’s such a different world from the roads you travel in your TinCan and I am so grateful to you that we get to share these worlds!
the best camera is the one you have now in your hands.
don’t listen or read nonsenses and be happy shooting your camera whatever the brand it be
you are an intellignet woman, argue against stupid people is a waste of time, get out there, shoot and be happy
have a nice weekend, and sorry for my english
🙂
Thank you HG for your warm and much appreciated words! It helps that the camera in my hands is the only one I have – not quite true now that I remember my Panasonic Lumix point and shoot sitting in the drawer. I had fun with it but it could only do so much.
Always fun to chew the fat and so enjoy your views of the streets!
What a great post Patti, and as usual, fantastic shots. I say, you work with what you have, do your best with it, and filter out the paralyzing banter. I use a great big Canon DSLR too… ’cause it works!
We must stay strong Elena! I think of my big camera and the walking I do as one of the best work-outs ever!
Made me laugh! (Also enjoyed listening to your written voice, Patti – it’s a bit funnier than your photos 🙂 ) Seems to me that anything ‘out on the street’ is fraught with rules – rules for how to dress/appear cool, because God Forbid you’re not cool, out on the street! Keep with that big lens of yours – we get to see great portraits that way! Have a great weekend yourself 🙂
Oh my those dress rules, I’m so not cool I forget they ever existed. You know your life is in a ditch when the most exciting shoes and bags you go shopping for are trainers and backpacks! Thank you so much Meredith! 🙂
Hello Patti, I have never thought about covering the labels on my cam, but now you have given me something to think about. I also own a Canon and would not go discreet for the moment, only if my neck and shoulders ask me to ;). Nice to read you as always, my dear and yes.. I adore your shots. Keep cool, I know I will try to … xo
Thank you so much Paula, your wonderful support means the world to me! Hope your neck and shoulders cope for some time to come. I’m not at all comfortable with any camera strap around my neck so it’s over the shoulder for me. Do you think you might tape over your camera?
Probably, but I never felt the need to. Maybe cause I don’t live in NY?
I only began to notice the taped cameras after reading about it online and many of the online pieces come from Asia and other parts of everywhere!
I see 🙂 I will not bother with it just yet. Nice to chat with you Patti. Hope you are staying cool. It is insanly hot in my part of the world.
Patti if I may ask, what make you use and what lens?
Sure Paula – it is a Canon Rebel T2i (US) otherwise known as an EOS 550D used with a Canon EF-S 18-200mm zoom lens. I chose this lens because we were travelling and I thought it would be good for landscapes etc but have ended up using it far more in the city -because it is the only lens I have and that’s where we spend most of our time! Do you have a favourite in your kit?
I’m using Canon EOS 450D with 17-70mm lens (sigma), and sometimes 10-20mm (sigma). It is hell carrying them both around. I also have 55mm prime tamron macro lens, but I rarely use it. I would like to own a good tele lens, but I would not be able to carry it or use it as my arms tend to shake. Now I am doing some dumbel exercises – hope it will help. I discovered a lot of nice lenses in hubby’s collection, but I dont have full access to them. He converts old analogue lenses to modern cameras for his own purposes and he does a great job. He lended me on our holidays some 28-105mm old Canon lens which I loved, so light and so good.
Wow, so many choices and how much fun to be using some of your husband’s converted lenses! Does he have a good collection of analogue cameras? I know what you mean about the shaky arms and dumbbell exercises – I use my camera as the dumbbell and get a work-out at the same time! I actually hired a much smaller lens yesterday and can’t believe how much lighter it is. Do you think you will stick with the 28-105mm? Lovely to know you feel so comfortable and at ease with it, makes such a difference!
Hi Patti 🙂 Hubby has two film cameras that work, but he does not use it, and about 15 or so of film cameras that do not work :D. I will not stick with 28-105 mm because he has it, and I depend on his good mood :D. Yes, I thought I was doing the dumbbell exercises with my camera too, but now that I am using actual dumbbells I can see the difference ;). Patti, do you mind if I ask, are you making money with photography (just my plain curiosity as I never learned what you did in NY). I am sorry if I am too curious. I don’t pretend to make money out of my photography nor will I ever be good enough, and it is ok, I just like the feeling of mental and quite often physical relaxation it gives me 😉
Paula, the day I make any money out of photography I will be letting everyone know!!! I wish!! It is such a fiercely competitive field and that’s amongst the professionals who take first rate photos on a consistent basis. As for all the protests and demonstrations that take place almost on a regular basis here in NYC, they are some of the most photographed events – like a shoot-out at the OK Corral, and every news agency – AP, Reuters, Getty, newspapers, magazines, television, radio and
freelance, is represented. It is a fascinating process to observe and in some way they have become, for me, part of the picture, the story I hope one day to put together.
I know exactly what you mean by the mental and physical relaxation it gives you and long may you continue to enjoy all it has to offer!
🙂 Thanks Patti… I will be waiting for that story of yours 🙂
Great word smithing, very funny – I enjoyed this post very much although I don’t know a thing about professional photography! I have Nikon P510 with all sort of neat features that fell to the wayside once I learned to take a picture; I really should get to know it better. There are SO many times when I want to photograph funny or peculiar people I encounter on the streets, but I think it might offend them. Two weeks ago, there was this guy wearing jeans, no shirt with an awful farmer’s tan, carrying a cumbersome giant CostCo size box of granola. WTH? I should have just asked if I could take his picture. Is that what you do? I suppose if someone is dressed stand-outishly, or doing something odd, they don’t mind the attention and maybe a photo would be welcomed???
So many interesting questions Stephanie! Often it depends upon how fleeting the moment is compared to a meeting in development. Your tanned and topless granola bearing guy sounds as though he had an interesting story to tell (most people do) in which case I might stop him and engage in some conversation – “wow, what a tan, you must have worked hard to get that!” But please, I beg of you, don’t ever make anything up, always mean what you say before getting around to politely asking if they mind having a photo taken. I have cards printed with my name etc and if they care enough to email me I will send them a copy of the photo.
If he is very clearly on the move and not about to stop for anyone or anything that’s when you need your camera ready before aiming for the quick shot. Practice, practice, practice on crowded streets or wherever until, as @PatMinNYC commented, it becomes an extension of your eye. We are all of us funny and peculiar in our own ways, some more than others and the world is indeed a richer place for it. Have fun!
Thanks do much, I’m feeling emboldened after reading this and looking forward to lively and fun photo opportunities! Your photographs are pretty spectacular.
Stephanie, I look forward to seeing your photos! I forgot to mention – it never hurts to ask someone if you can take their picture!
Thanks Patti! I totally plan to ask at my next encounter!
Enjoyed this read! I gravitate towards rule breakers and IMHO that is what street togs do! If they spend too much time discussing and comparing gear in the “gear heads” community I find their conversations boring and elitist on some levels. If you have an instrument that works for you and you are happy with it the most important thing is to use it often and let it become an extension of your eye before you trade it in for the next gizmo :-{)
Pat, I love tech talk and gear specs (I need all the help I can get!) but you hit the nail on the head when it comes to the level of boring elitism! I have taken so many duff shots and I know, hand on heart, that the best camera in the world would not have made them any better. Always great to hear your input, thank you Pat!
Hey Patti – one of the better gear heads who is not full of himself is Jorge Ledesma – he is on WP as well – have a great week ! His instruments of choice are perfect street tog tools ……
Pat, this is exciting and thank you for the reminder! I am a lurker on the hinterland of the Ricoh GR enthusiasts as a follower of Wouter Brandsma and his wonderful work. Surprise, surprise, the GR is also on my fantasy shopping list but I would need to add a viewfinder, I think . . . Problems, problems! 🙂
Streets of style.
Thank you Allan!
I love your sarcasm on so-called photographers who are obsessed with the wrong ideas about what makes a good photograph. Keep going with your Big! You do a wonderful job. I particularly like the double-headed beauty you popped in!
Thank you Otto! I am fine with what works for them but that such obsessive diktats have you either on one side of the street or on the wrong side of the tracks is irritating. Lovely to see you back Otto and hope you enjoyed your summer break!
I certainly enjoy it very much, thank you, Patti. I hope you had a nice summer, too?
Your time in Spain looks very relaxing indeed! As for me, I haven’t been anywhere but it has been fun enjoying the freedom of the city in summer, thank you Otto!
Ive always admired your street photography, but thought you were using a P&S to be discreet.
No Mike, I am out there shooting from the bazooka of my cannon while trying to maintain a certain decorum of discretion.
Jesus the great cover-up. They don’t care about Jesus it just keeps the cops away thinking they’re all about Jesus.
hahah
I know lots of kids that used that hammer.
Really Issy, I had no idea! Poor Jesus, he does get the rounds of the kitchen doesn’t he . . .
These kids were part of a huge group, all wearing these bright yellow t-shirts, from South Carolina visiting NY as part of their Bible Studying programme. I wanted to get a better shot of the larger crowd on the platform but the train came too soon. Once on the train, I looked over and there was the insouciance of the tuned-in spaced-out Las Vegas love and I just had to have a go while trying not to embarrass the young boys.
These boys or group may have been really interested In Jesus but usually they are made to be a part of it to get them off the streets. In N.Y that is. Sometimes, it saves a kid from the life of crime. Sometimes, it’s a big cover-up for the crimes they do. I must write something about ‘The Christians’. They were a group that did just this.
Be on the lookout … I keep saying I’m posting these stories and fall short. ~~~~~ : – O
p.s. I wasn’t a part of the Christians …. just dated a president. hahaha Now, I’ve got to write about it. ~~~~ : – )
Interesting reading. The most important piece of equipment is the person behind the lens. Just make sure you have a camera with you to catch that moment.
Thank you so much Lignum Draco for your most valued comment! As irritated as I get with certain aspects it has been fun discussing the topic, plus I get to meet you and see your beautiful photos!
you made me smile with: “…he asked me if I wanted “to take a photo of him, just a few dollars.” I said sure, and
assured him that my rates were reasonable enough. “What,” he screamed, “you mean I pay you? No, you
pay ME!”
Always happy to make you smile, thank you Frizz! I know how protective he is of his image, he is by no means a cheap shot!
…and you made me laugh with:
“You’re shooting a Canon?
You should be using Nikon!
So much better!”
Maybe one should answer:
“You are shooting narrow minded?
You should at first change
your small social horizon,
so much better …”
Oh I would never have the nerve to say that Frizz, although I did suggest that if he felt that strongly about it he could always buy me a Nikon to use!
Pingback: NY Street Photography | Flickr Comments
dear Patti,
you inspired me to post this:
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/ny-street-photography/
of course with a credit link to you!
I know how fond you are of NY Frizz and I do hope you and Barbara return one day soon! Thank you so much for the link!
dear Patti, with this actual blog post you helped me to focus on writing again, not only on photography (or guitar picking). As other commentators said: not only your photos, the style of your writing is attractive too! You helped me to search again in my bookshelf for Lawrence Ferlinghetti, bought 50 years ago – and then I realized: his poems are already uploaded digitally to the internet – so it was easy to make some quotes at the end of
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/ny-street-photography/
maybe Ferlinghetti could inspire you too – though your focus often is much more driven by political interest – but you have a good eye for individuals too 🙂
Thank you Frizz for the inspirational words of Ferlinghetti and I look forward to reading more of your writing! There is so much I want to say in reply to your very kind comment. I am fascinated by the individuals within groups who actively seek to change the political process from the bottom up, as opposed to simply accepting those which are passed down from elected individuals and lobbyists!
thanks for “… I am fascinated by the individuals within groups who actively seek to change the political process from the bottom up, as opposed to simply accepting those which are passed down from elected individuals and lobbyists!”
Ugh… just echoing what many people have already said here, Ms. K… but that kind of snobbery… makes me cringe.
As you well know I’m an absolute novice, but I love photography, so I look at a lot of it. I might have mentioned this before, but while it’s obviously very helpful to have gear that does what you want (being without a computer / DSLR / Photoshop at times has reminded me of that), but… I’ve seen stuff that blew my mind (and it came from a D.I.Y cardboard box pinhole camera – retail price of that kit was literally less than half as much as the single sheet of photo paper it was loaded with). AND I’ve seen Pro-gear produced stuff that was… well… you know… *ahem*. The moment someone starts talking absolutes in art I can feel my ears start to close. Anyway, the point is you are doing great work, regardless of what is or is not printed on your equipment. 🙂
SiG, you a novice? I don’t believe it! As you say, there is so much good stuff out there and when an image does touch a spot, I am not thinking about the gear but rather I am in awe of the vision that was able to see and create such stunning work.
Great to have you back SiG and looking forward to seeing some of your summer memories. Hope it was a good one!
I just found you through Frizztext’s blog and plan to worship you….does that sound too weird?! I have a Cannon DSLR and a big old Tamron lens- all I can afford, as well- and I just keep plodding along… no need to respond. Just wanted to say ‘hey’ and that I am inspired..
I am in shock from your very kind and most generous comment, it will take some time to recover!!!
Hey to you fellow Big A** DSLR user as we pass by each other with a nod, a wink and a mantra that might well be “never stop plodding!”
So lovely to meet you and as always, a big thank you to Frizz for his wonderful generosity!
I sort of said this to someone else recently. I really don’t care what you shoot with. You shoot very well, and present very well. It’s you far more than the camera.
I’m very reluctant to talk about gear for that matter. Yes, I’m quite particular when picking out bodies and lenses for myself but ultimately ith won’t add up to anything if I don’t apply vision and technique to what I’m doing.
Keep on shooting, Patti. I’ll gladly keep watching, reading, absorbing.
Amazing to think that what with all the gear out there to choose from we manage to make any decisions about where to commit the cash! I am interested in other user’s gear from the point of curiosity “how does this work for you, what do you like about it etc?” but the pedants, well . . . .
As you say, it’s what you do with what you have! Thank you so much Allan, always great to hear from you and such a pleasure to see your wonderful work!
Fun read Patti. Sounds like there is a whole otherside to this (ala Wendell) meeting the ‘Street Photographer’s’ head on. Crazy world!
As Wendell has been known to say, there are so many photographers but only one of him!
Smart guy!
Ditto to all of the above. Have any of your elitist advisers seen your work? I am not an expert, but I think you are an exception Patti. An exceptional one at that 🙂
Madhu, I am so happy to let you know the elitists have no idea of my existence! As far as I know . . .
(Thank you Madhu for your very generous comment, I am seriously stunned!)
Meant every word Patti 😀
stylish 🙂
Some people just have it!
And on another day perhaps you’ll be feeling the love of bogging, right? But I hear you about the frustrating technical challenges with WPress sometimes, and with one’s computer. I have been there! Lately it’s better – is that because I’m more vigilant about using cccleaner frequently? I don’t know, but I think it speeds things up. On the subject of gear…oh, I am so tired of hearing about what the RIGHT GEAR is! How about the right attitude? Well, I don’t want anyone telling anyone else what that is, either, but it just may be a lot more important, no? You succeed Patti, that’s a fact. However you’re doing it, and with whatever gear you’re using, you succeed. And I don’t have to tell you about all the folks with expensive gear who shoot so-so pictures. The one in front of Whole Foods and the dueling T shirts are great! Maybe it’s time to take a bus or a train to some oddball place, or go up the line and get off in Hastings and get a load of a different scene. You probably won’t like it too much but I bet you’ll get more great photos…and that ride is nice with a river side window view!
So pleased to see I am not the only one irritated by the gear topic which, on the other hand, is also a topic teeming with so many interesting details. As you say however, it’s the attitude which gets in the way – theirs and mine, and most of the time you just have to let it go. Other times, well, it’s good to rant. Add in a good dose of sludgy slow WP, nothing left to lose!
Thank you Lyn for your very kind words, booking that train ticket soon but until then I am trying to sort out the oddball collection from all over this city which is beginning to look and feel more and more normal to me . . .
“…more and more normal to me…” I found that after many months out here, this reality started to look more & more normal. I think about how different NY is from here, and how strange Seattle seemed at first. It’s interesting how one adapts – not immediately, but gradually and imperceptibly, I guess. We are flexible, malleable beings after all!
That last shot is perfect
Thank you Derrick, it was a tricky one to get but in the brief moment I just had to go for it.
well you aced it – nice job!
One of my heroes is Atget, and so far as I know he used the equivalent of a Brownie box camera. The genius is not in the lens, it’s in the eye of the photographer. Yeah, nice gear is great but without the Touch — the sensibility, the sensitivity, the responsiveness, the rapport, the instinct, the intuition — it’s a whole lot of expensive tech nothing.
I’m not modest like Madhu. (I’m too old, and don’t have time to wait to be vindicated.) I’ve seen enough for enough years to say, This is great. or That’s junk, and know what I’m talking about. And you don’t do junk, Patti.
You’ve got the narrative, like the great journalists had and have. They’re storytellers. You’re a storyteller. Which trumps the long lens any day, and makes the Nikon/Canon dispute laughable. In your case, same old same old is brilliant, so go your way and brush away the mosquitoes and gnats.
Judith, thank you SO much!!! I am often amazed we make the decisions we do, what with all the choices available. Fundamental to my belief however is the fact that everyone of us has a story to tell and so many people are happy to “tell” part of their stories to a camera. They never look at the brand name, lens length or focal point and sometimes . . . . I am lucky enough to get it together! I will say it forever and ever how grateful I am that people are happy to talk to me, as indeed I am always so grateful to you for so much!
Great thoughts Patti – I’ve often wondered about and hated that photographic snobbery..sometimes I feel I take better shots with my iphone as it’s so light, but then I feel like no-one would ever consider them “photography”. It comes down to that point of what is a photograph – I think the eye is the most important tool, equipment is just there to help you express it. I hate that it costs so much and I will never be able to afford to buy it, but I like the fact that I am restricted makes me work harder..also I’d feel intimidated by expensive things I think..anyway, bottom line is, your shots are MAGNIFICENT!! 🙂
Cath, never doubt the vision of your eye! It is unique and it would never occur to me to ask you what camera you use. It could be anything in your hands, you are an artist!
Like Frizz, I had a laugh at the ‘You’re shooting with a Canon… ‘ bit 😉 I’ll avoid, as you have, getting into the Canon v Nikon debate because I suspect that to get the truth you need to have a great deal of technical insight and be unbiased in your views. Suffice to say that I have been approached regularly by people intending to buy a camera and I’ve always given the same advice. ‘Set your budget, make a shortlist of cameras from all manufacturers that meet your budget and your requirements. Then go to a shop and handle each of those cameras before you make a final decision’ . My thinking is that if a camera feels right in your hands then you will use it – too many cameras only come out for family holidays 😦 Around 60% of people who come to me with that question already have Nikon as their preferred camera. After going to the shop with their list and handled their prospective purchases, 80% bought Canon. That doesn’t prove anything but it suggests that Canon’s generally handle well for non-professional photographers and I’d argue that you’d struggle to put a fag paper between the resulting images from the products of the two major camera manufacturers at comparable price levels.
As for Street Cred camera choices… I’m with you – I always use my big, very visible, DSLR. In our modern world people only seem to realise they’re being photographed when they see a mobile phone pointed their way. It’s like people don’t know what a camera is any more! As for photo snobbery… I was so disappointed by a comment on one of Bob’s images just after he went on holiday that I felt the need to respond on his behalf to encourage the person to understand that all cameras have limitations and sometimes a very cheap camera is the perfect tool for the job where a top of the range machine will fail to deliver the goods.
Keep up the good work Patti 🙂
All very good points thank you Martin! Your comment about the mobile phone is so true. Not so long ago when I was up in Harlem I stopped on the street, with my camera over my shoulder and down by my side to the back, and took out my mobile to check something. Before I knew it, a man some distance away and not in my line of vision at all, started telling me not to take his photo. I felt really bad because I had no intention of taking a photo of anyone let alone him at that point . . .
I missed that about cheap cameras over at Bob’s which is a bit of a hoot when you know how clever Bob is with anything he turns his hand to!
WOW!! The Pictures… The Blog… What is their not to revere.
Tex, you are too kind! Thank you!
Hi there,
Do you grammar check your site?
I have found 12 grammar faults.
Sincerely,
Charles
Charles, thank you for your attention to detail which I so sadly lack. I really am most grateful! (12 . . . really?)