I walked and I walked and I walked. 4 hours of walking in total - far more than I would normally do in the course of a weekend. All to get the illusive image that I was looking for. This week’s assignment was to go forth and capture photographs of people without asking for their permission beforehand. This was an easier assignment than week two’s session where I did have to ask people first. I think this is because I would naturally prefer not to talk to strangers unless I have to.
I did miss a number of great opportunities because I either wasn’t fast enough to the shutter or didn’t think I should or could take the photo. I am sure that with practice my reactions will be quicker and I won’t hesitate so much to take the shot. Another thing I learnt was that Sunday isn’t necessarily the best day to go out - there are far fewer people on the streets.
Location is also important. Although interesting moments can occur anywhere, it helps if there are people around and the ingredients for a situation to occur. Commercial shopping areas that I walked through were exceedingly mundane. Likewise with the residential streets - not a lot was going on on a cold Sunday afternoon. For half an hour I didn’t even see anyone. I wonder if this is why people, myself included, crave travel. Does the mundane become intriguing because you are in unfamiliar surroundings?
From this week’s reading the predominant feeling I had was that everyone has to develop their own style. There is no right or wrong way to shoot the streets, you have to make that part yourself. What is important is to make strong images that capture the imagination for more than a split second. It is this that I need to now focus on as I become more critical of my own work.
