Issue 189 of the SNYC Newsletter
Greetings everyone! How time flies. Working almost everyday lately. Shooting a ton. I don’t know when I’ll actually have time to go through my photo library. But in the coming months work will likely slow down a bit.
Thank you to all the new and returning people who have taken my workshops and tours. They are from all over the world, different backgrounds and levels of experience. I recently had a tour for a man from Switzerland who turned 75 on the day of our tour. And a boy of 16 who did street photography for the first time while visiting New York City for the first time! He’s quite good at sports photography.
Thank you to all the subscribers who’ve been with me for a very long time and all of the new subscribers. And a very big thank you to the paid subscribers! I do hope that you are all enjoying the newsletter. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Happy Shooting!
The real act of discovery consists not in finding new lands but in seeing with new eyes. Marcel Proust
I shoot in the same neighborhoods over and over again and I always find something new and fresh to photograph. Learning how to shoot the familiar and see new things is a regular practice.
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.
Notes on Street Photography - Part One
First things first. Preparation is everything. You can think of it like training to be a marathon runner. (Which I am not.) I always prepare my equipment the night before. Make certain that everything is working and that I have fully charged batteries and clean SD cards.
I also check the weather to see how I should dress and if I need to take precautions for my equipment. I’d like to think that I can start a day of shooting with the fewest possible interruptions.
But even before all of that, I like to make certain that I’ve had a good nights sleep and a good coffee. Mood and how you feel physically has an incredible effect on what you see, capture and the overall results. All of the best equipment in the world can’t help you without a state of mind that is able to respond in the moment.
Setting up your camera is the first step. I suggest that you start with your ISO. When you shoot film, you are always starting with ISO by choosing your film. If Auto ISO works well on your camera, I suggest going with that. If not choose one that works well. I have been shooting ALL Auto for about 6 months now and I love it.
By the way, all the photos in this issue of the newsletter were shot in Auto Mode and they are the JPGs shot in monochrome with a Tri-X film recipe process in camera and minimal post-processing.
Yes, people question that I as a “professional” photographer would shoot in Auto mode as if I don’t know how to use my camera. Ha! Whatever. Actually, whatever works for you is the best method.
The best method is when you have total control of your camera and you can respond quickly. Street photography is the art of observation and the ability to capture what you see. If you’re constantly fiddling with your camera, you are certainly missing opportunities. Make the camera work for you. It’s your tool.
Start by taking some test shots. It is always about the light. The amount of and quality of light. Maybe you wish for sun and deep shadows, but shooting on an overcast day can make it all that much easier to not worry about the exposure. All of the photos in this edition of the newsletter were shot on an overcast day about a week ago.
Have I mentioned that I’ve been doing a lot of free styling? I just shoot blindly. Sometimes from the chest or waist. Other times just lifting and shooting. You can only do this when you have your camera settings out of the way.
Stop and take in your environment. Listen, smell and watch. See what’s moving and what’s still and not going anywhere. Take a few deep breaths. Forget about everything else. Maybe you can even think about street photography as a meditation.
Street photography is entirely about observing humanity. New York City is a fertile ground for diversity and there’s always something that is worthy of photographing. I realize that may not always be possible where you live.
Perhaps you can set yourself an assignment to go and shoot the same place on a regular schedule and time once a week to see what you are able to see. People always think that they have to travel to shoot. Have an open mind about what you will see and be able to capture. It’s always a surprise for me.
This concludes part one of my notes on street photography. It will continue in the next issue. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Opensource Photo Editing Software
I haven’t spent more than 15 minutes using DarkTable, but it seems like a full function option if you don’t want to pay for software. Yes, it’s a little stripped down. But it appears to be customizable. When I have more time I’ll explore it again.
Biweekly Photo Assignment - Spirit of Place
Spirit of Place is what it sounds like. Post photos that give you a sense of a particular location. A building, a flag, a sign. Your choice. Yes, creativity is a plus.
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
Brilliant video. Do you need other people to see your photos???
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.
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.
Such a good edition! I love that moment when I prepare everything to be ready the next day.