Monday, September 28, 2009

Checking the List

The List

A bit of a change for me. I typically don't do portraits, only when asked. I feel my photography abilities in portraiture is not up to par. Nor do I have the confidence to approach people and ask is I could take their photograph. Too much pressure to make sure the image is spot on.

However, I took a series of covert photos. Sort of shooting from the hip, literally. I set my camera to ISO 200, leave the lens on wide angle; 17mm. I then change the metering to evaluative and matrix AF Points, and, shudder, I set the camera dial to Program. Yes, the green box on the dial. This is new for me, I typically shoot in Manual mode or Aperture Priority, never Program. But it works in this instance.

I simply hold the camera at about waist level and make a guess about aiming the camera at a subject without raising the camera above waist level. That's right, I don't look through the viewfinder, simply aim and shoot. Sort of Lomography in the happenstance sense. Try it, it's fun. You never really know what you'll end up with.

Monochrome Weekly

Posted by Rob at 12:48 AM

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13 comments:

  1. OlivierSeptember 28, 2009 at 1:41 AM

    beau b&w en mode HRD

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  2. KcalpeshSeptember 28, 2009 at 1:43 AM

    "Ok, I can see everything's here!" :-)

    This is definitely different from many other pictures you've posted.

    Nice monochrome!

    - Pixellicious Photos

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  3. JamesSeptember 28, 2009 at 1:56 AM

    Cool shot. This place reminds me of the Dallas Farmer's Market. I have still never taken a shot in manual mode in my life. :) I will someday.

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  4. Babzy.BSeptember 28, 2009 at 3:40 AM

    I've tried it and the result is sometimes very funny , this shot is perfect !

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  5. JohnSeptember 28, 2009 at 4:11 AM

    I do this a lot, both with digital compacts and with 35mm film. I know many people make a habit of asking before shooting. I don't as I prefer the spontaneity of just shooting. The 'green' option works in these circumstances, so why not.

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  6. JuneSeptember 28, 2009 at 6:36 AM

    I'm impressed...I too am shy about approaching people, not to mention that doing so also loses the "moment"...so have been meaning to do what you've done. Program mode I understand, but not sure I understand how you focus. Do you literally press the shutter half way and pause?

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  7. B SQUAREDSeptember 28, 2009 at 6:44 AM

    I'd say the results are pretty darn good. I'll give it a try.

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2009 at 6:48 AM

    You end up with valid photoreportage.

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  9. Dan J.September 28, 2009 at 7:51 AM

    Good one. The covert shot process works well here. The monochrome is a nice touch as well. This really is a great candid.

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  10. ThérèseSeptember 28, 2009 at 9:28 AM

    Not bad at all.
    Same thing here. I rarely shoot portraits except when asked.

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  11. marleySeptember 28, 2009 at 12:14 PM

    Good idea nad a good outcome!

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  12. Calico CrazySeptember 28, 2009 at 5:12 PM

    Very nice photograph, and a nifty technique that created it.

    Calico Contemplations

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  13. Don and KriseSeptember 28, 2009 at 11:22 PM

    I have done this before and you're right. You end up with some pretty interesting photos. I really like this one. Let's see more.

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