Street photography - questions!

Malone · Jul 12, 2011

I am really interested in street photography and I have a few concerns and questions.

I'm not too shy about going out with my camera in public and shooting, but I am a bit uncertain about the reactions from people I may get. I know not everyone is going to enjoy having their picture taken, of course, while others will never know.

But, have any of you guys ever had someone get down right belligerent about having their photo taken? If so, how did you defuse the situation?

Does anyone carry, or recommend, valuable personal property insurance on their equipment? For example, in the event an unwelcoming subject decided to snatch your camera and smash it? Or if you were mugged?

And lastly, lens choice. I am assuming a fixed, smaller lens since it's less conspicuous than a larger zoom lens? Not to mention faster, which will definitely be needed. Right now, I have 55-300mm and 18-105mm zoom lenses. For a D90, would a 35mm or 50mm prime be ideal? Or perhaps something wider?

I haven't posted any pictures yet, but hope to get out this weekend. The weather here has been miserable the past few weeks between the rain/storms and excessive heat warnings.

skieur · Jul 12, 2011

Well, if you are worried about a negative reaction from people, then plan your photos well. Use a telephoto, for example shoot from the other side of the street, from a bridge, skyway, boat, from a window into a building, from shade into sunlight, etc. Use an articulated screen and shoot from the waist. Shoot from a sightseeing bus or a car. Don't waste time. Shoot and move on. A black camera on a black shirt, shooting from the waist in the shade toward a subject in the sun will likely not be noticed by anyone.

I have even shot in plazas and hospitals without negative incidents and no security guards.

If hassled, tell the person it is a public place, it is legal, and if you harass me, I will charge you, and if you touch me you are guilty of assault, and leave.

skieur

The_Traveler · Jul 12, 2011

I shoot a lot of street stuff, often at public events where people expect to be seen so I don't worry about reactions too much.
I shoot with a 24-70 probably 95% of the time or more.

Here is the survey of saved shots from the last couple of years. (I'm pretty ruthless about culling.)

Those between 80-90 are mostly with the 85 1.4 or the bottom end of 70-200

Malone · Jul 12, 2011

skieur said:
Use a telephoto, for example shoot from the other side of the street, from a bridge, skyway, boat, from a window into a building, from shade into sunlight, etc.

I was trying to avoid looking like a creeper, but these are good suggestions! Thank you very much! I will definitely start out a bit more lurky until I am more comfortable with reactions of people.

@Traveler - the chart really helps give me an idea about what lengths are going to be more useful! What software is that?