This street scene in Capetown, South Africa, has a certain energy. The heady mix of people, the fire and intrigued onlookers focus your attention immediately. Creating travel shots with impact is a challenge. Briefly today I will discuss how to make the most of your location.
The presence you exude will be noticed by everyone. Do you appear threatening ? – you may not feel any malice toward anyone yet be conveying such messages by wearing big boots, camouflage gear, bandanas etc. That and your camera equipment will leave an impression on everyone as to what sort of tourist you are.
So, the message is, research your destination and try to fit in as much as possible, that way not drawing any unnecessary attention to yourself. This is all before you have even started thinking about whom or what you are going to photograph.
However, if and when you decide to approach someone for their permission to take a photo, they may be more agreeable, and this is the key to good portraits. Talk to them without the camera, develop some rapport and then, having thought through your image, ask them for permission and possibly to pose.
When shooting candids better to use a long lens wide open eg f2.8 to isolate your subject and allow some distance between you and your subject. Otherwise if you have a wide zoom eg. 17 – 35 mm or even 28 – 70 get in close to the action and catch some interesting results observing the movement of people on the sides of the frame. Also with a standard 50 mm lens, their often fast apertures eg f 1.4 allow you to shoot as the eye sees and in low light !
Always buy insurance unless you can afford to lose your gear. It is often stolen, damaged in transit, breaks down under the more extremes of weather and handling or accidentally left in the taxi. Be aware of the detail of your insurance contract regarding replacement values, especially if all “electrical items” are covered under the one category. Know the procedure to enact a claim. Be prepared to wait.
Minimise damage by using UV filters, lens hoods and lens caps, always. Clean your gear as often as you can with lens tissue and blower brush.
Safety is also something to consider. Broadly, be aware of your environment – is it poor, does it have high crime statistics, ask these sort of questions, and adapt your manner accordingly whilst shooting. If in a known hot spot, take minimal gear or have it in different pockets in case your bag is snatched. Keep your eyes peeled, so minimise filter, lens and exposure changes to free up your alertness. This heightened sensitivity and possibly adrenalin fueled focus can yield some string images. Don’t linger around the one spot for too long and keep others aware that you are aware.
Back to the image. All attention is focused on the flame and his face. Only the outstretched hand of a deranged beggar can divert a few eyes from the spectacle in front of them. The normally boisterous bunch of boys in front also live on the street and normally don’t miss a chance to thieve whilst a show is on, but they are completely engrossed, and this helps the impact of the shot, both compositionally and contextually.
Article by Benjamin Lee
ok well this is pretty awesome! I’m sure most have you seen or heard of “painting with light” this technique involves leaving the shutter open and using a light source whether it be a torch, lighter or even a sparkler to create words or shapes!
