Repost: 9.29.11
I was at O’hare not to long ago and was heading up the escalator when, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a young lady asleep just outside ticketing. I have always found it amazing how people can just fall asleep anywhere. I guess if you’re desperate, anything is possible. Well, here is a picture of the young lady sleeping as I was riding up the escalator.
Repost: 9.27.11
As we were walking to the hotel and stopped, waiting to cross Michigan Avenue, we noticed this guy on a bike smoking a cigarette and balancing himself in one spot for what seem to be an eternity. While multitasking, he had many cars passing him left and right. I definitely think this is a talent but don’t think it’s a talent I want?
The shot was taken with my Leica M9 and 50mm summilux set at continuous shooting, f/1.4, and 1/45 shutter speed. Because of the low aperture and the small size of the camera I was able to successfully get this shot at such a low shutter speed. Last, I keep my camera on continuous shooting so that I have a better opportunity of getting a sharper image and catching the action act the exact, right time.
I originally posted this picture back in August 2011 after attending the Leica Akademie Shooting Experience in Chicago. It was probably my favorite shot and was taken from the hip using Leica 24mm.
ISO 160 1/250 f/8 24mm
Keeping my theme from the past few days I figured I would post a few more street shots I took while in Chicago. Both of these shots were taken from “the hip”. Meaning, I just set the camera to the proper exposure and started firing shots when I saw something interesting. Both pics were taken while holding the camera near my waste (shooting from a low angle can give the viewer an interesting perspective).
In the first pic “Keeping it cool”, it’s a candid shot of a guy walking and waiving while holding his smoke. Even though the subject is out of focus, it gives the viewer a feeling of movement (or at least it does me) and has a three dimensional feel to it.
The second shot “lets go out” is two people having a casual conversation. In this shot, the sharpness is dead on. If there was any lost of sharpness here, the shot would be ruined.
Repost August 2011
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
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
I’ve always loved “people watching”. This gentlemen was sporting a nice red pair of pants that I found interesting. I think the bystander in front of me also agreed?
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
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.
