Street Portrait Question

[deeky]

Question for those that go out after the candid street shots. When photographing people on the street, what conversation, if any, do you have with them? I understand the neccessity of model releases for stock shots, but what about just shooting around or shooting for art's sake? Do you talk to them first? Do you shoot and then chat? Do you shoot and move on to keep the candid mood? What kind of reaction do you get from people?

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Compaq]

I won't say I'm experienced in this, but when I'm shooting on the street, I don's speak with anyone unless they want to. I take the shoot, look behind them (to make them believe I wasn't shooting them), and walk away. If they ask me stuff, or are curios, I answer them.

That's my way, at least. Haven't had many interacting orally before.

 

[Designer]

Do you talk to them first? Do you shoot and then chat? Do you shoot and move on to keep the candid mood? What kind of reaction do you get from people?

I think it would depend upon what you wanted. IOW: Do you want them to pose for you? Do you want a certain look? Are you trying for candid only? If you want or need some interaction, then I think you have to talk to them at least somewhat. Also, if you intend to sell the photos, then you should get a model's release.

 

[KmH]

If you intend to sell the photos, you don't need a model release. Selling photos is not legally defined as a 'commecial' use. It is defined as an 'editorial' use.

Licensing photos to 3rd parties for commercial use, which is what stock photography is all about, is a 'commercial' use. A Digital Photographer's Guide to Model Releases: Making the Best Business Decisions with Your Photos of People, Places and Things

 

[ann]

Some times I talk with them, sometimes I don't. At times I ask their permission, usually by pointing at them and then at the camera , at times I just shoot . There are times I don't talk, ask, or even indicate I am interest in taking their photos.

All depends on the situation. Don't think there is a "right way". Can't think of the name of the photographer who walks right up to someone and points his camera along with flash right in the face of the subject, but this doesn't work for me.