Category: Street Photography

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Washington Monument

It can be a challenge trying to capture shots that are different than others, especially when shooting in popular tourist attractions.  Every time I travel to places like Washington D.C. I take the traditional tourist shots but also try to capture a different perspective.

A friend and I were at the Lincoln Memorial taking pictures and I noticed this couple looking onward towards the Washington Memorial and I snuck up behind them and capture this shot.  I was shooting without a tripod in darkness and was only able to capture this because I was using my 50mm summilux (shot at f/1.4).

ISO 1600 1/12 f/1.4 50mm summilux

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Street Photography and Pink Umbrella’s

If you go to flickr, 500px, or any street photographers website I will guarantee that you will find a picture of someone with a pink umbrella.  I suppose it’s because it sticks out like a sore thumb or because of the contrast in comparison to its surroundings.  Next time you see one, I bet you take a picture.

Here is my “pink umbrella” (the color is close enough).   I like the guy next to her looking at his phone but I wish the “Chicago Sun-Times” dispenser wasn’t sitting there (people still read newspapers???).

P.S.  I’m going to try to add my picture settings to all my pictures now (I’m always interested in others therefore I’m sure some are interested in mine).  Last, since I use a Leica M9 and the aperture is set on the camera lens, sometimes I will not be able to add this info because I can’t remember what I had it set at (exif information in the pic does not include it because it ‘s a truly manual camera and lens).

ISO 160 1/1500 50mm summilux

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Hello

When I attended Steve Huff’s Photography Workshop, one of our assignments was to ask someone on the street if we could take a picture of them.  I think most would agree, this is not an easy thing to do.  Once you do it a few times, like most things, it becomes less awkward.  Probably, the best advice when doing this is to tell your subject why your taking their picture and try to carry a conversation with them for a few seconds to get them relaxed and comfortable with you.

This picture was taken of a lady waiting for the bus at Steve’s workshop.  She actually approached me inquiring why we were all taking pictures.  We talked for a few seconds and she allowed me to take this shot of her.

Leica M9 – ISO 250 1/2000 50mm summilux 

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Lets take it all in

One of the unfortunates of living in Northern Indiana this time a year is the consistent grey skies, rain, and snow.  I can’t count how many times a week I hear people comment about how they wish they were somewhere sunny.    Recently, I visited Florida and many of the locals stated the exact opposite.  They get tired of the daily blue skies and would like more overcast days.

I caught this couple relaxing on the beach.  Obviously, they weren’t there to swim or sun bathe.

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Pay our respect

Approximately 20 years ago my family vacationed in Washington D.C.  My greatest memories of that vacation was visiting Arlington National Cemetery.  Even though I was only about 10 years old, I knew of President John F. Kennedy very well and I can still remember the impact it had when I walked up to his grave and saw the eternal flame.   I also remember watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.  I was very intrigued how “in sync” the guards were (remember I was only 10).

Recently, I traveled back to Arlington National Cemetery and many of those memories returned.  Although  saddened to visit the graves of those who sacrificed their lives for our country, I believe it’s necessary for us to visit and pay our respects.

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Want to buy a sponge?

Over Thanksgiving we flew to Tampa Florida to visit my wife’s mother.  One afternoon we ate at a local seafood restaurant and after we were finished we decided to go for a walk.  We were in a harbor with a bunch of fishing boats that were used to find sponges.  This picture was taken of a gentlemen selling sponges (I was amazed how many they had stacked up again this building).

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Time to relax

It can be interesting what you can capture, just holding your camera at the hip and clicking the shutter.  With the Leica M9 you can set your lens focus (using zone focus) distance and can easily capture sharp pictures (this can be done with any camera with manual focus).  It’s also a great way to capture people unexpectedly.

As I was walking in Chicago, I saw these 2 people sitting and smoking cigarettes.  By shooting at the hip, I was able to capture them at their level, which allowed for a better composition.

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Just the 2 of us

Taking pictures of people in their normal environment, un-candid can be exciting.  Personally, I think these pictures have much more meaning and can remind you of a time in your life that was very comparable.

I caught this couple on the subway system in Washington D.C.  I really liked how he was showing her affection.  I really liked the fact they were by themselves because it gave me a better opportunity of catching them in this moment.

 

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