Another Bit of Tricky Business

As I stated in my previous post, my recent trip to Ireland was an opportunity, or series of opportunities, for me to take photographs I could not or would not have taken otherwise, and that has me feeling inspired. 

Just as candid portraits are  sometimes difficult photos to take, street photography is often even more daunting for me. It can be unnerving to shoot photos of strangers. After all, not all strangers want to have their photo taken. 

As a tourist, street photography is a bit easier and here's why: First, as a tourist you will often find yourself in the presence of other tourists-we tend to go to the same places. Being in the presence  of other tourists means you are also in the presence of other cameras. You and your camera are less conspicuous in this situation, and that makes it easier to shoot. 

If you are shooting photos on crowded streets with lots of other tourists, it is a safe assumption that the non-tourists milling around have grown accustomed to and accepting of the fact that there are cameras about and they are less on edge about it. In fact, I noticed that they pretty much ignore you, which again, makes it easier to have the camera to your face. 

Finally, like moths to the light, we as tourists, are attracted to the action. When travelling in a city of any significant size you will inevitably happen upon a performance of some kind - street performance or a parade perhaps. This is another opportunity to safely photograph. The buskers and the gawkers alike expect that there will be people taking photographs, it's just a part of the scene. 

Ultimately it is worth the effort to find situations where you feel comfortable shooting on the street because street photography more often than not tells a great story.

Comments

[Nicola]

I'm loving your portraits from Ireland Elizabeth, wonderful! Unbelievingly I actually think that I know one of your subjects, did you take any shots at the races???

[Elizabeth]

Thanks Nicola. I did not take any shots at the races, the portraits I believe you are referring to were taken in Killarney.

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Ireland is a very interesting country! I once lived there a long time and I'd love it back! Thank you for your help!