Faces of Exit 270 Part 22

This post is another collection of my people images that I have encountered on my photo walks. My approach to street photography is to capture my subject within their surroundings, and moving in for close portraits. Of course through all of these images...there is a respect for all of the faces of Exit 270 and it is my hope that this is evident.

Sometimes it is the subject themselves that attracts my eye and at other times it is the activity or location I find surrounding them. It is a spontaneous reaction to the life around me to capture it quickly. Most of my subjects like being photographed and those that object I comply. The key to street photography is to move quickly, not be obnoxious with your camera, working from a respectful distance. Although, I have been known to just about shove my camera in some subject’s faces and surprisingly without objection, I still respect their privacy and usually ask permission to fill the frame.

The Faces of Exit 270 Part 20

Street photography is not for the faint of heart.  When you poke your camera at a particular subject - you are basically invading their privacy.  I try not to be obnoxious with my camera - I move in quickly and take the shot trying not to annoy my subject.

My camera of choices a Sony A7II - it is light and small enough that people don’t notice it as much as they would if I was poking a larger DSLR in their face.  I usually set my ISO at 200 and F8 -my 28-70mm is my lens of choice - however I find that 50mm is my usual focal length.  

I never use flash - and work with the lighting that is available.  I try to shoot my subjects in the shady side of the street -so I am not faced with faces with deep shadows.   The exception to this light preference is when I find an interesting silhouette.  I also try to pay attention to the juxtaposition of the subject to background.

Street photograph makes you aware of the life around you - and the various people that occupy this life.