Text Translation Katerina
Ι am Giannis and I would like to offer some advice on street photography deriving from my 2 year experience on the field. Even if only one person gets inspired I would consider my efforts successful.
First of all, let’s define what we mean by the term “street photography”. I would describe it as a kind of documentary. It’s the depiction of everyday life that we see without actually looking. It’s all the feelings that flood you when you witness an image unfolding before your eyes, the collection of simple and not so simple, everyday life, stories. Street photography is also about the moments of cruel reality.
Street photography is the image of an elderly couple during this time of pandemic that kiss above their masks, a clear indication that love knows no barrier. It’s a beggar sitting next to an ATM while someone withdraws money. It’s watching a hug so tight and understanding by the expression on the person’s face how much needed it is. Street photography is about all those stories that we just need to feel, watch carefully and then photograph before the moment is gone forever. So, you must be mindful of the details when it comes to the stories that unfold before your eyes.
2)What kind of lens and what type of camera should one use. There is no right or wrong. You can use whatever you got and whatever you want. I, personally, tend to use all my lenses but only take one with me when I go out since I don’t want to change lens mid-shoot in case I miss a moment. A camera with zoom lens is particularly helpful so as not to lose a photo opportunity due to distance.
3)The camera settings. There are no limits or set choices. The automatic setting will allow you to be shift but it will result in more work in the editing room. If you choose the manual setting you will work in a slower pace. Manual is my personal preference since I don’t like to edit and, at the same time, prefer to be as close to reality as possible.
4)Street photography can, potentially, include everything. A real photo is the one that captures the soul of a person or an animal. The best time to shoot a graffiti on a wall is when someone passes by it, the so called hunting technique. You should focus on finding the best angle. If, for example, you want to shoot an arch, you could wait until a bus pass through it. If you find yourself in front of a wall across two tall buildings where the sun beams create a natural light, the best thing to do is wait for a person to pass in front of it, creating a kind of contrast. You should, also, use black and white. It’s a technique that helps enhance emotions as well as the story that unfolds before your eyes. Black and white is timeless, it freezes time and the image appears more genuine.
5) The trick, if you have to apply the rules of photography, is to think and act quickly. Let’s say that today is the day you’ve decided to work by the rules while shooting. To be honest I find this extremely hard since every time I’ve tried, I had a change of plans. So, the only rule applicable in street photography is that there are no rules!
6) Street photographers do not hide! Be a strong personality, confident, smiley and in good spirits! Do not hesitate to ask people politely to give you their permission to take a picture. It’s much better to work that way than in secret since you are driven by purely artistic motives.
7) If you take someone’s picture and they seem displeased, just smile, show them the picture, send it to them if they want or if their attitude remains negative, erase the picture. A new story is waiting for you around the corner, trust me!
8) Why chose street photography? Street photography is about the simple moments, the minute by minute life, all those rare instants that create strong feelings; it’s all about the story. I remember a picture I took in Sofia on November 2019 of five people sitting in five different benches. Little did I know how timely that picture would appear on 2020 when due to the pandemic we are obliged to keep our distance.
I really hope you find my advice useful. I would be happy to answer your questions. For now just grab your camera, take pictures, make mistakes but don’t be afraid to be yourself!
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