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01-08-11, 11:47 PM
#1

Street captures, candids, or random captures...

When do we think candid photos of people are good captures, or just random shots? I look at candids and street shots in many forums and some are amazing, my eyes looking at all the detail of the frame, yet others posted are what I consider to be simply random shots of the public. To me, it needs to have a feel of some interest, not just a sneaky pic of someone who maybe isn't even looking at the camera or just walking down the street. It needs eye contact, a statement, something that makes you wonder what is going on, or it is an arty picture in itself with the framing of a character in a doorway, a granny sandwiched between bikers and punks at a bus stop... I was just looking at a guys work in another forum and tbh, you could have sent a monkey out with a compact on the street... just random shots of people walking, phoning, eating... no eye contact, nothing particularly going on, just a record of something we all see if we go into town...

It's only my opinion, street photography divides opinion with some people expecting pictures to be totally untouched, no PP, others you can manipulate to bring out the best, others seem to praise any random capture...

Any opinions?
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02-08-11, 04:24 AM
#2

Re: Street captures, candids, or random captures...

I have to agree that there is a world of difference between a good well considered shot,that captures something, be it an unusual occurrence, a person who looks oddly out of place or stands out, something ironic between subject and setting and a quick snap. Good street work for me can happen in a second of course, but the art of street photography is capturing something unique, special and seeing that image and bringing something more than a "drive by snap". I adore the work of markus hartel http://www.markushartel.com/street-p...et-photography, there are some great street photographers out there, and they capture an essence of a moment, and it doesn't feel like an invasion, as it feels like they are only sharing that moment with you alone, if that makes sense. Though she passed away before her work was discovered Vivian Maier, took some amazing shots http://www.vivianmaier.com/.


As far as editing goes, not sure, I don't like the idea of a street shot heavily edited, I want to feel I am seeing what really was there at that moment, but PP in a certain style, tones, mono etc so that the image represents a photographers style is fine too.


     
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02-08-11, 09:18 AM
#3

Re: Street captures, candids, or random captures...

The story is the most important to me, either real ot imagined.
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02-08-11, 11:40 PM
#4

Re: Street captures, candids, or random captures...

I admire people who can do street photography, I think it takes guts to take pictures of strangers, knowing my luck they probably knick my camera
I find people interesting and would love to have the courage to have ago, but not that many people were i live, so i better stick with the birds and the bees


I don't think i'm so worried about someone editing there images, but I agree about the subject being interesting and a lot i see look just random shots to me too, but I thought i was missing something
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04-08-11, 11:29 AM
#5

Re: Street captures, candids, or random captures...

Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackCloud View Post
When do we think candid photos of people are good captures, or just random shots? I look at candids and street shots in many forums and some are amazing, my eyes looking at all the detail of the frame, yet others posted are what I consider to be simply random shots of the public. To me, it needs to have a feel of some interest, not just a sneaky pic of someone who maybe isn't even looking at the camera or just walking down the street. It needs eye contact, a statement, something that makes you wonder what is going on, or it is an arty picture in itself with the framing of a character in a doorway, a granny sandwiched between bikers and punks at a bus stop... I was just looking at a guys work in another forum and tbh, you could have sent a monkey out with a compact on the street... just random shots of people walking, phoning, eating... no eye contact, nothing particularly going on, just a record of something we all see if we go into town...

It's only my opinion, street photography divides opinion with some people expecting pictures to be totally untouched, no PP, others you can manipulate to bring out the best, others seem to praise any random capture...

Any opinions?

The thing of the message or story you had mentioned is such an important thing in any frame. It doesn't matter weather that story or message is imaginary or real. But if we have some sort of story in our shot the details and the creativity of the frames get enhanced automatically. I think some of the people think that clicking here and there without any sole purpose to click is photography, which in terms of me is just meaningless...


     
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06-08-11, 11:13 AM
#6

Re: Street captures, candids, or random captures...

I agree with your thoughts BC! I am dreadful at street photography I suppose, as I just do not have the confidence to try. I'm not good with people anyway, and hell, I get shy and nervous around people I've known for years, there's no way I could try and get a stunning shot of a total stranger because they look interesting!

It's sad really... as I think street photography is my absolute favourite to look at...

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06-08-11, 03:14 PM
#7

Re: Street captures, candids, or random captures...

Most street photography on this forum and others just look like random shots to me.

BC your shots stand out a mile though and it appears you have just got ''the knack''.

I do not object to pp at all if it enhances the pic..............[I hope no one looks back through the archives and reads what I used to think about pp, I used to hate it now I love it.]
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