The new M8 is a street shooter's camera...a camera to unobtrusively shoot people.
How must it be used?
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I’ll assume that’s a “style” question, as opposed to a legal question, which has been covered in the previous posts.
My photography is primarily for NGOs and in many ways is similar to street photography and many ways different. For me [read: my style, not necessarily yours], its about how you interact with people. I find it more rewarding to be “involved, but detached.”
Personally, I error on the side of doing what’s best for the people involved. It’s a flaw of sort, so I’ll never be a great photojournalist, but it has gotten me entrance into places that have been personally very rewarding. Photographing medical care in the rural farm areas of South Africa was one example for me. I was afforded the privilege of photographing some of the workers in their home setting with no angst on either side. Not only did I get shots I never thought I would get, but the time spent was personally rewarding.
[Please no remarks or flaming, the intricacies of South African culture / farming / peoples / politics is complex—this is not the place].
I’ve been told there are two types street photographers: “covert” and “open”. The covert photographer doesn’t want to be seen; wants to snap without anybody knowing. Then there’s the “open” type. People know he/she is there, but eventually they forget about him/her and continue on. If they are really perturbed about a cameras presence, then they will make it known. At that point it’s usually better to move on. Otherwise, I outwait them. Eventually, people get tired of watching you and they go back to what they were doing.
Another technique is to strike up a conversation with the group and ask permission. Many times, they’ll respond, “no problem”. Afterwards, if you think you may use the shot—keep the conversation going and ask them to sign a photo release. The great thing about digital is you can show them the picture. As they are filling out the photo releases, ask them if they want a print (don’t forget to send them one!); these are great ways to break down the barriers between you and the subjects.
These are just a few thoughts. I hope you find them useful.
Rich P
NGOphotographer
