I am a total wuss when it comes to street photography. When I’m in a creative slump, all of my photographer friends say, “Go out and do some street photography, get out of your comfort zone!” at which point I usually refuse to speak to them until they retract their suggestion. I get really touchy when people urge me to shoot the street, because the thought of it strikes the fear of God in me. As a photographer, I connect with people when I photograph them – it is my single most powerful tool of communication. The thought of anonymously photographing someone seems slightly voyeuristic and creepy to me. But, maybe that is one of the allures of street photography. While I do appreciate the medium and enjoy looking at the work of street photographers, it’s just not my cup of tea.
When I took the above shot, I was crouched on the ground, pretending to be a bird photographer. I was like, “Ooooh, look at the pretty pigeons!” when, in reality, I was thinking, “This guy is absolutely fascinating, and he’s playing ‘Dixie’ in the middle of a square in Savannah. I like this guy.” Yes, I stepped into being a total creeper to get this shot! So, while I will never use a telephoto lens to get right in some innocent bystander’s face, I will skulk around and get a shot on the sly here and there.
this shot is amazing. aren’t you glad you took it and now wanting to try this more often?
Thanks, Cara! I am definitely glad I took this shot, however, I’m not exactly itching to make this a regular occurrence. At least not yet!
Nice shot! I can relate to the discomfort. Can’t say I am very gung-ho to do this often.
Reblogged this on Ned Hamson Second Line View of the News and commented:
tentative maybe but you done good – grin
I am a very green, not-very-talented, practicing photographer, and I understand exactly the feeling about street photography feeling a bit… creepy.
But that shot takes my breath away and I’m so happy you captured it.
chris took me street photographing and i feel exactly the same as you. i got some good shots that day but it was absolutely terrifying!! I will tag along with him when he does it, but I will leave that to the people with bigger cajones.