Every time things become monotonous for me, I like to switch things up and try something new. I am a huge street photography fan. I believe it’s possibly the purest and highest form of photography when done well. Anyone who tried it, knows it’s very awkward to photograph strangers on the street without permission. I thought I would ease myself with the concept by first asking permission for portraits. So, I wend downtown and strung up conversations with strangers on the street and ask for their portrait.
I am naturally introverted. Reaching out to a stranger is basically a nightmare for me. I do well in situations where I have a goal or an objective. I can skip the small talk and get right down to business.
In a purely social settings, I am the embodiment of awkwardness itself.
I strongly believe, the fastest way to grow, is to face your fears head-on. So, what better way to ease out of my awkwardness than to go out and ask strangers to photograph them? Face my fears and get some great pictures! Two birds with one stone.
More than anything, I was really excited at the idea of photographing 36 strangers on a roll of film. I only had one shot at each portrait. No second takes. Aside from someone blinking, the images turned out way better than I could ever wish for.
Two things do bother me a bit though. While developing the film, I didn’t add enough developer. This resulted in the left side of each frame being underexposed.
The second problem is the composition. I framed most subject with dead space on the left side of the frame. I believe this is because I mounted my gopro using a different method. The arm holding the gopro made me hold the camera differently than I’m used to.
Those are only but minor inconveniences I will fix next time.
Would you want to give try this for yourself?
I am hosting a free workshop this sunday, 27.02.20
See the meetup link bellow for more information