Understanding Street Photography by Bryan Peterson

Author:Bryan Peterson [Peterson, Bryan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
Published: 2022-06-21T00:00:00+00:00

Once you have a subject’s trust, relax, take your time, and explore all of the possible compositions, mindful of never crossing the finish line until you have that one portrait that spills out of the frame.

From a safe distance away on a narrow street in Jodhpur, India, I saw this man sitting on a stone slab bench against a sea of blue. I pointed to my camera and then to him, and he nodded his approval. With camera now raised, I fired off a shot or two, nervous as hell, overwhelmed by the feeling that I was intruding on his morning. Then the door to his right opened, and despite my nervousness, I recognized that moment and fired away as the unsuspecting woman unknowingly added a welcome jolt to the composition. Poof, it was over, my nervousness now replaced with joy, satisfaction, and the reassurance that I had what it took—well, assisted by luck, but luck rewards the prepared, right? Smiling, I approached the man and showed him the picture on the camera’s monitor. He nodded approvingly and I thanked him. Since I felt a bit of trust had now been established, I asked if I could take a few tighter portraits, and again, he willingly agreed.

On more than one occasion in my early years as a photographer, I would move on quickly after taking my first shot, nervous that I was taking up the subject’s time, but I have since realized that whenever possible I should share the results and, if nothing else, thank the person for sharing the moment, since it would never have happened without their willing participation. It’s frustrating to realize hours, if not days later, Oh damn! I never shot a frame-filling portrait of just his face, even though I had obviously earned his trust! It’s a hard lesson, but one you will never repeat.

Top image: ◘ Nikon D850, NIKKOR 24–120mm lens, f/8 for 1/500 sec., ISO 400, Daylight/Sunny WB

Bottom image: ◘ Nikon D850, NIKKOR 24–120mm lens, f/16 for 1/125 sec., ISO 400, Daylight/Sunny WB

◘ Nikon D850, NIKKOR 24–120mm lens, f/8 for 1/160 sec., ISO 200, Daylight/Sunny WB

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