Technique 5 SET IT AND FORGET IT Keep your street photography technically simple so that you’re in a state of constant readiness and able to react quickly to scenes evolving around you. Set your camera up at the start of the day and don’t touch those settings unless the light changes significantly. Here’s an approach that works. l Set ISO to auto (specifying a minimum shutter speed of 1/200sec), an aperture of f/8 and aperture- prioritymode. This will help minimise subject blur or camera shake, either of which can ruin your shot, while the tiny amount of extra noise won’t. An aperture of f/8 should give enough depth-of- field to record context in a scene. These settings are a good walkaround compromise and any exposure fine-tuning can be done using the compensation dial. With cameras like the FujifilmX Series, you can see the full exposure triangle – aperture, shutter speed, ISO – on the top of the camera without needing to delve into menus tomake changes on the fly. l Preset focus and learn how to use zonemanual focusing. AF is quick but manual means not missing an opportunity whichmight happen because of the fractional delay or the camera focusing on something other than your subject. Setting a distance of, say threemetres, with a wide-angle lens and an aperture of f/8means you have enough depth-of-field from two metres to tenmetres and beyond. Working like this will allow you to put all your energy into finding subjects, composition and timing.
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l Travel light. A smaller bag will look less obtrusive and also means you don’t take loads of gear you’ll won’t use. Also, a messenger-type shoulder bag will allow you to access your gear more quickly than a backpack will. l Stand on the same spot for a while – people will start to ignore you. l Make yourself unapproachable by wearing sunglasses and earphones. l Shoot past people – you can aim a wide-angle lens into the distance beyond your subjects while still getting them perfectly positioned in your frame.
BE INVISIBLE Learn to blend into the background. If people see you with a big camera round your neck, the chances are they’ll stop what they were doing, turn away or just walk off – and you’ll miss your shot. So, here are a few tips to help you become invisible on the streets. l Wear dark clothing and walk slowly – both will help you blend in – and use a small camera if possible.
Issue 75 | Photography News 27
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