Issue 179 of the SNYC Newsletter
Greetings everyone! It seems like the days are going by quicker lately. I guess it always happens that way as the warmer weather approaches. At any rate, I am always behind in organizing my photo library and I’ve been taking a million photos lately.
Hence, the photos in this issue are an attempt in going through photos that I’ve taken in Chinatown this year and specifically working on color. As you already likely know, I tend towards monochrome. So I randomly decided on the place as it is one of the 4 regular locations that I offer group street photography workshops.
Thank you to a regular reader for today’s topic! I really do appreciate comments and suggestions and I like it when we can have a dialogue about photography rather than it being a monologue.
Also, thank you to everyone who has taken my group and private street photography workshops and everyone who has subscribed to this newsletter. I share my thoughts and experiences that arise out of my work and it’s a pleasure to get to know everyone.
As always, Happy Shooting! If you’re not enjoying it, please let me know. Perhaps there’s a way to change that.
The real act of discovery consists not in finding new lands but in seeing with new eyes. Marcel Proust
I write this newsletter to share my thoughts & experiences on street photography. I hope that you find it of use in your journey. If you are able to, you can support me by buying me a coffee. No sweat if you’re unable to contribute. The newsletter is free for all. Thanks to everyone who has bought me a coffee!!! Maybe one day we’ll be able to have a coffee in person. Mucho love.
The Myth of Manual Mode
It’s funny how often people attending my workshops tell me from the beginning in a rather embarrassed way that they don’t know how to shoot in Manual Mode. As if that makes them unqualified.
Oh dear! First of all, I don’t suggest shooting street photography in Manual. But perhaps more importantly, Manual Mode is actually really easy to use. The one exception to that is if you are using a rangefinder camera.
Back in the day when I was shooting film with a Nikon FE, I shot in what I called semi-automatic mode. I would choose the Aperture and the dial inside the camera would show if the photo would be over or underexposed. All you had to do is adjust the Shutter Speed so that the line would be in the center.
Guess what? It’s exactly the same in digital cameras. I invite you to try it out with your camera and if you haven’t used Manual Mode before, perhaps you will feel a sense of relief in knowing that you’re not really missing out on some crucial information.
The beauty of shooting Aperture or Shutter Priority or in Auto, is that you eliminate that extra step of having to make an adjustment. The fact is, they will all lead to a similar exposure.
By choosing Aperture, Shutter or Auto, you are freeing up your attention on camera settings so that you can focus on observing and shooting. That is what street photography is all about. Being in the moment.
Shoot in the mode that is most comfortable for you and don’t worry about things like shooting in Manual Mode. It’s really no big deal. As I mentioned in the previous issue of this newsletter, I’ve been shooting in Auto Mode for about 4-5 months now and I’m loving it. Don’t worry. Be happy shooting! And yes, your comments are welcome. Thanks George!
Forget the Camera
Forget the camera, forget the lens, forget all of that. With any four-dollar camera, you can capture the best picture. Alberto Korda
It really doesn’t matter which camera you use. Will we ever get beyond this topic?
It doesn’t matter if you shoot in Auto Mode.
It doesn't matter if you crop your photos.
It doesn’t matter if you process your photos.
It doesn’t matter if you shoot with your phone.
It doesn’t matter if you captured a photo by accident.
It doesn’t matter if you didn’t have an intention.
About which camera you use, I find it amusing how many people post which camera they used for a photo. Most of the time that is irrelevant. You take the photo and the camera is your tool.
Perhaps more important is the lens that you use and does it match your vision. Forget about all the hogwash that is shared on social media by people who are more fascinated by the technology than in the creative ways in which cameras can be used.
Biweekly Photo Assignment - Reflections
Reflections are always a favorite. They can range from mirror images to abstract and surreal. They can be from glass, mirrors, puddles and all kinds of surface. Be creative! I’m a reflection addict,
This is a voluntary assignment if you want to take part. You can submit your photos to the Facebook group for Shoot New York City and also on Instagram tag @shootnewyorkcity. If you're not a member of the Facebook group yet, all you have to do is request to join.
Further Viewing
I am happy to learn of the photographer Olga Karlovac and to see how it is possible to imitate her style. Enjoy.
Upcoming Workshops
Workshops are a maximum of 5 people Workshops are only scheduled on weekend days. If you would like to have a weekday workshop or a workshop in other areas of NYC, let me know with some lead time and I’ll see if others want to also attend it. Otherwise I continue to provide private workshops on weekdays and in other neighborhoods.
Coney Island Workshop is on Monday 29 May, Memorial day. This is always a great beginning to the season.
For those who haven't done a workshop or photo tour with me in the past I have a number of reviews on my website and also on TripAdvisor! Workshops are both for people who live here and also travelers, as are photo tours.
Photo tours are one-on-one and arranged on an individual basis for both neighborhood and photographic style and can be designed as a workshop as well. They are customized to your interests and level. Thank you for your patience and Stay Safe!
What no-one carries a light meter anymore? 😂 - I’m an aperture priority shooter - mostly because I like to shoot as wide open as possible. I also like to shoot with an 85 fixed focus lens - somehow that’s just the sweet spot for me - can get close if I want or shoot from a little further way away if needed ...
Ultimately shoot the way you like best - but I’m totally with you in being able to forget the fiddling with camera when shooting street - you need to be fully focused (excuse the pun) on what’s around you!
Great colors in the upper set of photos. Orange, brown, dirty and muddy. I know you don't like the question but sometimes I wonder how you get your colors the way you do. So saturated.
I've tried (fuji) film recipies a bit. Like it sometimes but other times I think it may just be a cheap way to put a filter on the picture to quickly make it more appealing...
I worry a bit about posting too much on ig, but I think it is a good way to work.
About the technique thing : Ive started to find it really depressing when I meet other photographers and all we talk about are our cameras and stuff. The camera matters to a certain extent, though - how it renders colors for example. It pushes you in certain directions, I think.