There are many schools of street photography starting from the most famous Cartier Bresson.
Notice how he holds his camera when not being used. This would still work today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqsOYsZlPX4
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjjGiBUaf4s
Or the currently in vogue copying of Bruce Gilden flash in the face style: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRBARi09je8
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle gives us that the Photographer being the observer always alters the scene he's trying to capture. No matter how much you try to camouflage the camera your actions still affect the scene. Hip shots, standing on the corner waiting, trying to blend in, using a camera phone or small point and shot are some of the many other methods which are used in street photography, all of them affect the scene to some degree.
You might not know but one way to camouflage a large building in sunlight is to shine a bright light on it as the human eye can not distinguish it from the skyline. A Mamiya TLR is pretty difficult to disguise even with a bright light.
The photo above is first of a series using a new to me idea for using my TLR for Street photography. That is to place myself in the middle of the path and be obviously taking photos, because people know that they either move around me or I become almost invisible under the camouflaged so to say right out in the open. Now under the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle the observer (photographer) is part of the scene so taking photos or not taking photos does not affect the "quantum" state.
2 comments:
One reason I find a TLR to be very good for street photography is people aren't certain if you are taking a photo or not without the "eye contact" that you have using an SLR or RF
I think it was Diane Arbus that said the same thing. It's the alpha dog thing where starring into the eyes is a challenge and eyes lowered is a sign of respect.
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