Why do you need to go close to your subject in Street Photography?

96 Comments / Street Photography / Deb Lahiri / March 22, 2023

Deb Lahiri

March 22, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Importance of a) telling a story in street photography and b) adding depth

Tips for Getting Close in Street Photography

1. Use a Wide-Angle Lens to express your creative vision

2. Be Confident in getting close

3. Move Quickly to capture moments

4. Show Respect to people

5. Shoot From the Hip/ Bottom

6. Use a small camera

7. Simple clothing

Conclusion

Introduction

One of the major characteristics of street photography is to take candid shots in public places, completely unguarded and unstaged. If a street photographer wants to capture the finest emotions of human life, there is no other way but to get close proximity to the subject to make it feel more real-life and authentic. If captured successfully, the emotions will immediately touch the viewer’s heart. Most importantly, the viewer will be able to relate to the feeling of the image which a photographer probably wants to give priority to. Undoubtedly, the task is nothing but challenging.

Once the renowned American war photographer from Magnum and photojournalist Robert Capa said, “If your pictures are not good enough, you are not close enough.” This proverbial statement emphasizes the fact that how important it is to get close to your subject in order to produce a great picture.

Place: Varanasi, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

In this article, we are going to discuss how important it is to go close to your subjects and will share some useful photography tips that would allow accomplish your job more successfully as a street photographer, even without causing any harm or bothering your subject.

As I indicated earlier that getting close to our subject allows us to capture the feeling and sentiments more effectively through the subject’s body language and facial expressions. In order to create a strong bond between the emotion of the photograph and the viewer, as street photographers, we need to capture even the minuscule details available in the frame with much precision. It is mostly seen in human photos, it is the emotion and sentiment that make the frame eternal and brings in the desired artistic expression in the photo.As I indicated earlier that getting close to our subject allows us to capture the feeling and sentiments more effectively through the subject’s body language and facial expressions. In order to create a strong bond between the emotion of the photograph and the viewer, as street photographers, we need to capture even the minuscule details available in the frame with much precision. It is mostly seen in human photos, it is the emotion and sentiment that make the frame eternal and brings in the desired artistic expression in the photo.

Whenever we get close to our subject and take a compelling photo, the viewers feel as if they are also a part of the action and the activities are physically happening around them, encouraging them to get into a deeper and stronger relationship with the image.

Telling a Story is important in street photography

Creating captivating and memorable street photos requires the ability to tell a compelling narrative. A story can be told through a photograph’s topic, setting, and atmosphere, among other things.

Getting close to your subject enables you to record specifics that support that narrative. For example, if you’re taking a picture of a worker, working hard on the street, you could observe the impression of the hard work on his face and he has become more aged from a lifetime of hard work. You may tell the tale of his life and the events that shaped him by getting up close to him and capturing the detail of his face. Including this information can have a far bigger impact than just photographing him from a distance. Similarly, if you photograph a group of children taking bath on the local pond on a summer day, you might notice the glittering smile on their faces as they are thoroughly enjoying the outdoor play. You can convey the story of their innocence and playfulness by getting close to their face and capturing that detail.

In street photography every tiny detail is important when it comes to telling a story and going closer to your subject would allow you to record those details in such a way that they can make or break the impact of the story in the image. The wrinkles on someone’s face, the joy, sorrow, anger, and every human emotion help build a stronger story on the street.

Adding Depth to the composition

Adding depth is crucial in street photography since it aids in focusing the viewer’s attention on the subject and fosters a feeling of intimacy. Getting close to your subject and placing meaningful objects in the background will help you generate a sense of depth that gives your photo a three-dimensional appearance. We generally do not use a shallow depth of field that isolates our subject from the backdrop, rather we try and do placing proper complementary elements to create a perspective that brings depth to our picture.

Getting up close to your subject will allow you to make them the main center of attraction of the photo, highlighting their significance and producing a greater compelling composition. In your street photography, adding depth through close-up pictures can also help to convey drama and tension. When photographing candid situations, this method can be especially effective because it gives the picture a feeling of gravity and intensity.

In short, street photography can be enhanced by getting near to your subject and making your subject the center of attention, and highlighting its significance, thereby creating the desired depth in the picture. This method can help to captivate the audience, foster closeness, and provide drama, and tension to your image.

Tips for Getting Close in Street Photography

Place: Pattaya, Thailand | Photo@Deb Lahiri

1. Use a Wide-Angle Lens to express your creative vision

With street photography, a wide-angle lens can be a terrific method to get near your subject while also capturing some of the surroundings. As the name suggests, a wide-angle lens can cover a broad area of background as it has got briefer focal length than a traditional (normal) lens. Its broader field of vision enables you to keep your subject in focus while capturing more of the scene in your shot, including the surroundings.

For example, if you want to take a photo of a vegetable seller in a market, you may also like to include the buyers and other vendors to give a feel of the environment of the market palace. With a wide-angle lens and close proximity to your subject, you may convey closeness while retaining some of the scene’s context and surroundings. This is especially useful in street photography, as the surroundings can give an image additional context and dimension.

Place: Prayagraj, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

A wide-angle lens is also used to produce depth in a picture. By using a wide-angle lens, the photographer could achieve a feel of wider perspective in the photo which ultimately aids to build a story. By doing this, the street photographer would accomplish the task of the arresting viewer’s attention thereby stimulating a feeling of immersion in the picture.

One should be very careful of avoiding the distortion that is being produced by a typical wide-angle lens. A wide-angle lens can distort the subject to the extent that it might look unnatural. This can be reduced by paying attention to how your subject is placed and at what angles, as well as by utilizing post-processing tools to remove any distortion.

In short, a wide-angle lens is such a tool that allows one to get close to the subject as well as capture the main subject’s surroundings to achieve depth and perspective of the scene. It can add depth and detail while maintaining subject focus, which is why street photographers find it to be a useful technique.In short, a wide-angle lens is such a tool that allows one to get close to the subject as well as capture the main subject’s surroundings to achieve depth and perspective of the scene. It can add depth and detail while maintaining subject focus, which is why street photographers find it to be a useful technique.

2. Be Confident in getting close

Being self-assured is crucial to street photography, especially when getting up close to your subjects. It can be scary to come close to strangers and take their pictures, but if you appear uncertain or uneasy, your subject can feel the same, which will likely have a bad impact on the pictures you shoot.Being self-assured is crucial to street photography, especially when getting up close to your subjects. It can be scary to come close to strangers and take their pictures, but if you appear uncertain or uneasy, your subject can feel the same, which will likely have a bad impact on the pictures you shoot.

It’s crucial to tackle your issue with assurance and directness. If asked for your purpose of taking the photo, you should politely introduce yourself, explain what you’re doing and gain his confidence. Making your subject feel relaxed and at ease can be achieved in large part by being kind and considerate. It’s also crucial to be respectful and not press the issue if your subject rejects to be photographed. Continue your search for a new subject or setting to photograph.

You can take better photos if you have confidence in your photographic abilities. Your composition and timing may be affected by your hesitation to take the shot or lack of confidence, which will make the picture less powerful. It’s important to keep in mind that street photography is a kind of art, and you have the liberty to capture the surroundings around you the way you perceive a story. You are more likely to interact well with your subjects and take mesmerizing pictures if you approach them with confidence and respect.

In short, street photography demands a certain amount of self-assurance. Then it becomes easier for you to approach your subjects, improve your photography, and get along well with others.

Place: Thane, Maharashtra, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

3. Move Quickly to capture moments

With street photography, being able to move fast is crucial, especially when you spot an intriguing subject. The environment we live in is continuously shifting, and a potential subject might vanish in an instant. In order to get closer to them and take the photo before they vanish, you must act rapidly.

It’s crucial to move swiftly in their direction when you spot an intriguing subject. This may entail physically approaching them closer, shifting your position or viewpoint, or quickly altering your camera settings.

You can avoid drawing attention to yourself and your camera by moving fast. If you approach your topic too slowly, they could become mindful of your presence and feel awkward, which can spoil your image.

It’s important to keep in mind that moving quickly doesn’t always entail hurrying or being irresponsible. To ensure the finest possible image, you should still take the time to prepare your shot and tweak your settings. Yet, by moving swiftly, you might improve your chances of getting a striking and memorable picture.

In short, the ability to move fast is crucial for street photography. It’s crucial to move swiftly in their direction as soon as you spot an intriguing topic in order to get closer and shoot the photo before they go. You may avoid drawing attention to yourself, improve your chances of getting striking shots, and hone your street photography talents by moving swiftly.

4. Show Respect to people

Being polite is essential to street photography, especially when getting up close to your subjects. It’s important to respect their boundaries and personal space when getting near people in order to get strong and impactful photos. When approaching a subject, it’s crucial to accept their decision and move on to a different topic if they decline or look uneasy. Even when your subject has given you the go-ahead (either verbally or through their body language) to snap their picture, it’s still crucial to respect their privacy. Avoid approaching them too closely or acting inappropriately so as to not invade their privacy or make them feel uneasy.

Keeping in mind that your subject has a right to privacy and personal space is important. It is your duty as a street photographer to respect other people’s boundaries and make sure you are not inflicting any harm or distress.

In short, respect is a crucial component of street photography. Asking permission before approaching your topic (either verbally or through your body language) is politely appropriate. You should also take care not to invade their personal space or privacy and make sure that you are not inflicting any harm or suffering. You are more likely to interact positively with your subjects and take awesome and lasting pictures when you approach street photography mindfully and with respect.

5. Shoot From the Hip/ Bottom to get candid shots

In street photography parlance, “shooting from the hip” refers to a process of taking pictures from your west level even without looking at the scene through the viewfinder. This method is more applicable when you want your subject to be completely unaware of your presence or don’t want to make them uncomfortable or embarrassed in front of your camera. In this case, you need to master the technic of gauging the part of the scene that would be captured by the lens and you should be clear in understanding what the composition would look like. To acquire a sense of how the lens captures things, you might need to practice taking pictures from various angles and situations. Now, most modern digital cameras allow you to tilt the screen so that you have a clear view of composition while taking photos from the hip or even from ground level.

Although mastering this can take some time, with practice you can have a solid understanding of the camera’s perspective and learn to shoot photos that are both well-composed and powerful.Although mastering this can take some time, with practice you can have a solid understanding of the camera’s perspective and learn to shoot photos that are both well-composed and powerful.Although mastering this can take some time, with practice you can have a solid understanding of the camera’s perspective and learn to shoot photos that are both well-composed and powerful.Although mastering this can take some time, with practice you can have a solid understanding of the camera’s perspective and learn to shoot photos that are both well-composed and powerful.

6. Use a small camera

For a street photographer who wants to get close to people and record their emotions, using a compact camera setup can be quite helpful. The photographer can move around and get close to the subject discreetly when using a small camera, such as a mirrorless or compact camera. This is important for street photography since the objective is frequently to capture real emotions and unscripted moments. Also, a smaller camera is typically less fearful of the subject, which can lead to expressions that are more genuine, natural, and authentic. A smaller camera is also frequently less noticeable and bulkier, which makes it simpler for the photographer to blend in with the surroundings and capture genuine moments without interfering with the scenario.

7. Simple clothing will help

Simple clothing might help a street photographer blend in with the crowd and take more personal pictures. The photographer can avoid calling too much attention to oneself and instead concentrate on watching and capturing the images and feelings around them by dressing simply and comfortably. In street photography, when the objective is frequently to record sincere moments and emotions without upsetting the situation, this can be particularly crucial. The photographer can foster a sense of familiarity and trust with the subjects by dressing similarly to those around them, which can result in more candid and real pictures. Simple clothing also makes it easier and faster for the photographer to move around, which is important for catching spontaneous reactions and brief moments. Overall, dressing simply can make it easier for street photographers to blend in with their environment and take more personal and genuine pictures.

Conclusion

With the above discussion, I’m sure you have been able to understand the importance of getting close to your subject to achieve a certain impact in the street photo, especially when it comes to telling a story through the finest human emotion, like anger, joy sorrow, etc. It is also pertinent to maintain that certain norms are to be followed on the street to capture an awesome image by complying with certain technics as well as the behavioral approach of the photographer. Hope with, the photography tips I share with you in this article, you would be easily able to achieve success by going close to your subject.

Place: Puducherry, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

Why do you need to go close to your subject in Street Photography? Read More »

Using certain Street Photography concepts you can make a unique project like “CROW-EXISTENCE”

70 Comments / Street Photography / Deb Lahiri / March 1, 2023

Using certain Street Photography concepts you can make a unique project like “CROW-EXISTENCE”

Deb Lahiri

March 1, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Street photography is not always predictable
Every small thing is important in the street
Inclusion of birds and other animals in street photography
A project that involves photographing birds and animals
About my project “CROW-EXISTENCE”

Street photography is not always predictable

A street photographer cannot always predict a moment which is intriguing. The interesting part of street photography is that any unpredictable thing can happen at any point in time, and it is the photographer’s obligation to freeze the moment that tells a story.

Street photography is a genre of photography that involves capturing candid and spontaneous moments in public spaces, such as streets, parks, and markets. Unlike other forms of photography that may involve planning and staging, street photography relies on the photographer’s ability to observe and capture moments as they unfold in real-time. Many other forms of photography involve pre-planning and customizing the setup for shooting, street photography depends on the photographer’s capability to react to the situation instantly and click on the decisive moments as they emerge in front of him.

Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

When a street photographer walks out on the street with his camera, he generally trains his mind in such a way that he might have to face lots of eventualities, as nothing is under his control like the weather condition, people walking around the street, and their behaviour, street animals, etc. Therefore, it is almost obvious that most of the time the photographer cannot predict the situation. The main attraction of street photography is its unpredictability.

Every small thing is important in the street

The photographer has to keenly observe the situation and acclimatize himself to the surroundings so that he instantly detects the unexpected subjects that fascinate him. He also has to act very fast to be technically accurate by adjusting his camera settings, finding a compelling composition, and framing in a more perfect way. Most of the time, street photography also involves capturing the finest moments of human emotions, like a joyful moment of the couple taking bath on a sea beach, a homeless person sleeping on the roadside bench, or a powerful pet dog pulling the master in the direction it wants to move. It is beyond doubt that street photography is extremely challenging, but at the end of the day, it is rewarding, in terms of exercising the photographer’s creative skills and the satisfaction it brings to his mind. The uncommonness of street photography makes it so exciting, as any unpredictable thing might happen at any given point in time and it entirely depends on the street photographer’s ability to capture that unique moment.

As far as street photography is concerned, every tiny element is important. To accomplish his job perfectly, the street photographer must be observant of the minute details of his surroundings. It is very important for a street photographer to follow both static objects and the things that are moving like a car passing by, the movement of pedestrians, a dog walking through the pavement, or a crow flying above the subject, etc. Moreover, in a fraction of a second, the photographer has to draw a balance amongst all the moving and stationery subjects to achieve a compelling composition. The common static subjects on the street are buildings, lamp posts, and a tree or a bench on the pavement. The static subjects generally become the backdrop for a unique environmental portrait while moving subjects like, people, cars, dogs, etc. add dynamism and a sense of energy to the street photo. An interesting colourful mural just beside a brick wall or an interesting pattern or texture on the wall also can be used to create an intriguing juxtaposition using diametrically different elements that brings a jaw-dropping experience for the viewers. But one thing is certain, whatever he captures requires meticulous observation and reflex to quickly act on the changing scenario.

Place: Alibag, Maharashtra, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

For example, a street photographer might notice a person walking down the street with a unique outfit or carrying an interesting object, and quickly adjust their camera settings and composition to capture a compelling image. He also may like to position himself in a vantage point that helps him capture the motion interestingly by blurring the movement of a car, passers-by, a train, or a giant wheel, etc by using a slow shutter speed in the backdrop of a static interesting element. This of course requires patients and practice and also enough courage to experiment with your street photography. In street photography, the main subject is undoubtedly important but at the same time, the supporting elements play a great role in creating an interesting story and thereby complementing the whole scene. For example, a shredded piece of some household staff on the ground may indicate that something cruel or destructive happened in that spot, adding a layer of mystery to the photograph. Similarly, some abandoned paper plates and paper glass could suggest that someone ate a meal there or that there was some sort of gathering in that location.

Place: Puri, Odisha, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

Inclusion of birds and other animals in street photography

About a decade ago when digital photography started capturing the world of photography ( and of course, photography became most accessible and affordable to many people in comparison to the earlier era), a new generation of photographers came up with keen observation skills and started to look at the world around them from a little different perspective which arguably was not very prevalent in earlier days. They bring the ideals of contemporary street photography with them. At this juncture, I began to take street photography more seriously. Since that point in time, while observing things on the street, I found all domestic and street animals and birds can have a significant impact on the image if used carefully and of course thoughtfully. In Indian cities, there are certain species of animals, such as cows, dogs, cats, crows, and pigeons, that are frequently present and can sometimes be difficult to avoid while photographing. While many photographers, especially the newcomers, choose to exclude these animals or birds in the frame in order to be emphatic on a human subject, I considered including these creatures in a meaningful way or, for that matter, making it the major subject. Including these subjects might add a new layer and significance to the photo, and at times some creatures represent the culture of a particular place and become symbols of a community. For example, a cow roaming around on a crowded Varanasi Street represents the relevance of the cattle in conventional Indian culture and reinstates the idea of the coexistence between traditional and modern civilization at the same time.

If you include animals in street photography, this can give you a sense of dimension and background to the image, enabling the viewers to communicate the size and scope of the scene. An otherwise flat image can be transformed into a meaningful image with a sense of depth and perspective, if one keeps a small bird or cat in the foreground, while a group of dogs in the background can suggest the scale of the scene or the city.

Place: Puri, Odisha, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

Ultimately, including animals in street photography is a matter of personal preference and style. As I already discussed that some photographers prefer to exclude the animals on the street to focus on human subjects, while others, like me, find them to be an important inclusion in the image. The key is to include them in a thoughtful and intentional way that adds meaning and interest to the image.

To do this, I draw inspiration from the works of legendary photographers and even lesser-known shutterbugs on social media. I believe that including these animals in my photographs adds another layer to the narrative and helps me capture a more authentic view of the streets. By keenly observing and photographing these creatures, I noticed that they have significantly different personalities and at times, convey a range of emotions that are present in human beings. For example, a mother with her child on the street along with a female dog feeding the puppies in the same frame may create an emotion that viewers can immediately relate to.

Overall, I find that including animals and birds in my street photography can add a fresh perspective and inject some liveliness into the images. Street animals and birds are almost inseparable from the photographs of most Indian streets. No matter if they are roaming around the street or flying over the rooftop, they can definitely help develop a comprehensive street photography composition.

Place: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

A project that involves photographing birds and animals

Undertaking a street photography project that involves photographing a specific subject or theme like birds and animals requires a certain set of skills and mindset. The long-term approach, patience, and dedication are the key to a successful project with birds and animals on the street. It is not about going out and shooting random shots with birds and animals to accomplish a project.

One cannot expect to capture a wide range of diverse and compelling images in a single day or even a week. It takes time to build a comprehensive and varied collection of photographs that can tell a story or convey an idea effectively.

You need to have a proper plan so as to execute what you would like to achieve with the pictures even before you take up a project like this. This involves choosing a specific subject or theme and identifying what story or message they want to convey through their images. Once you are done with the plan, you need to devote adequate time and energy to capture the desired images. This may involve researching the subject, identifying the best locations for photography, and learning the best techniques for capturing the images.

For taking up projects, one of the biggest inspirations in my photography is Josef Koudelka. He is the type of photographer who takes 10 years to publish one book, and the book is damn good. He takes his time with his photography, and the only person he has to impress is himself.

Therefore, my advice to readers who want to undertake a similar project is to consider a long-term window. Instead of focusing on capturing images of a particular subject in a single day, spread out your photography sessions over a more extended period, maybe several weeks or even months. In this way, you would be able to explore so many things in a wide range to create a meaningful project. This will also help you rediscover yourself in terms of your ability, and skill set to rearrange your thought process to accomplish the project more efficiently.

Place, Kolkata, West Bengal India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

About my project “CROW-EXISTENCE”

Working on the series “CROW-EXISTANCE” was a lot of fun for me, despite the challenges of capturing images of these restless creatures. By photographing the crows for around 10 years, I was able to understand that crows are mischievous, playful, and at times show extremely humorous behaviour which adds energy and dynamism to the photos.

Despite their reputation for being loud and annoying with their harsh caws, crows are surprisingly photogenic and can make for great subjects in street photography. You will be fascinated if you observe the behaviour of crows minutely for a long, as you might think of capturing them in different setups and viewpoints in urban and rural environments as well.

Crows are known for their quick movements and can be challenging to photograph. However, by observing their behavior and anticipating their movements, I was able to capture some images to my satisfaction. To capture images of crows, I had to be patient and persistent. Crows are known for their quick movements and can be challenging to photograph. However, by observing their behaviour and anticipating their movements, I was able to capture some images to my satisfaction.

Place: Chandrabhaga, Odisha, India | Photo@Deb Lahiri

I also had to consider the technical aspects of capturing images of crows. This included using the right camera settings to capture their movements and behaviour, as well as choosing the right composition to create visually engaging images.

However, capturing good photographs of crows can be quite a challenge, as they are constantly moving and unpredictable in their movement. I admit to having missed out on hundreds of good photo opportunities due to the crows’ unsettled nature but managed to capture a few that showcased their beauty and charm.

To maintain consistency across the series, the photographs were converted to black and white, which helped preserve the tonal quality and balance in the images.

In summary, working on the series “CROW-EXISTANCE” was a fun and exciting experience for me. Despite the challenges of capturing images of these restless creatures, crows are surprisingly photogenic and can make for great subjects in street photography. By being patient and persistent, and considering the technical aspects of photography, I was able to capture the essence of the crow’s character to create meaningful images.

Using certain Street Photography concepts you can make a unique project like “CROW-EXISTENCE” Read More »