Busy street

[smithdan1 1]

Thought this was worth a shot, got panned pretty bad on another forum. What do you guys think?

 

[bribrius]

i wouldn't hang it on my wall. But i would hang on to it. Might have left it color.

 

[Fred Berg]

The title says it all, really.

There does't seem to have been much thought process used here. There is some repetition, of course, with the taxi signs and the HGV weight-limit road signs and also the clusters of people, but this kind of coincidence isn't really enough in itself to make the scene interesting. The group of young men in the foreground has potential as the focal point, but they aren't in focus and the half of this group is missing anyway. It looks to me like you saw something, said to yourself "I'll have some of that", raised your camera and shot without being selective or considering your position relative to what could be shown.

 

[smithdan1 1]

i wouldn't hang it on my wall. But i would hang on to it. Might have left it color.

Thanks bri. had a look at the original, as mentioned by others subject matter is marginal. Colour looked ok but didn't help.

 

[smithdan1 1]

The title says it all, really.

There does't seem to have been much thought process used here. There is some repetition, of course, with the taxi signs and the HGV weight-limit road signs and also the clusters of people, but this kind of coincidence isn't really enough in itself to make the scene interesting. The group of young men in the foreground has potential as the focal point, but they aren't in focus and the half of this group is missing anyway. It looks to me like you saw something, said to yourself "I'll have some of that", raised your camera and shot without being selective or considering your position relative to what could be shown.

Pretty much it. Saw the group in animated conversation and a few patterns, took pot luck on the settings and shot at arms length overhead. Surprised at so much motion blur, bad timing I guess.
Thanks for your comments Fred. I would like to improve in this genre, perhaps don't have the eye for it. Keep at it I guess.

 

[LilyBee]

I dont think its a bad shot but yes too much, no focus. My advice would be to be very aware of what it is that speaks to you in a scene and then shoot that, be aware of what your subject is. Start maybe with simple things in the street like an interesting caracter or something.

 

[Fred Berg]

Take a look here: Vivian Maier Photographer Official website of Vivian Maier Vivian Maier Portfolios Prints Exhibitions Books and documentary film

And here: Lew Lorton Photography
Lew Lorton Photography Blog

Read Lew's articles The Process of Street Photography

There are also a number of other photographers on TPF whose work in this genre you could look at. Keep at it and don't lose heart: street isn't easy but it is rewarding.

 

[kdthomas]

My biggest struggle I have is that the street shots I take may have meaning and power to me because of those memories, that I have, that are attached to them. The noise, smells, or chaos ... the energy and emotion of the scene, of being there ... But unless I can get that to come across in the images (which are the only things the viewer experiences) ... they come out being pretty weak.

I second the idea that Lew has some really good advice and guidance.

 

[smithdan1 1]

My biggest struggle I have is that the street shots I take may have meaning and power to me because of those memories, that I have, that are attached to them. The noise, smells, or chaos ... the energy and emotion of the scene, of being there ... But unless I can get that to come across in the images (which are the only things the viewer experiences) ... they come out being pretty weak.

I second the idea that Lew has some really good advice and guidance.

Appreciate you taking the time to comment KD. Agree completely on both points.