Non Aviation Photography Thread

[Jay Beckman]

1) Thanks very, very much to those who took the time to have a peek at the gallery

2) I'll grant that these are certainly not "street photography" in the usual sense where you snipe from longer distances and they are completely candid but they're certainly not formal either.
I went down there with three main goals:
A) Get over the fear of approaching complete strangers.
B) Get the subject comfortable* and get the best shot as quickly as possible (most of mine were no more than four quick shots)
C) Have fun practicing a very different (for me) genre of photography.

(*We originally wanted all our subjects to give us very neutral expressions so the images would have more of a documentary feel, but folks were actually having as much fun in front of the camera as we were behind the lens so we finally just said "Do whatever makes you feel comfortable."  Some folks flat out wanted to pose and did a nice job of it.  Others wanted to play and that's what we captured.)

Our group pool of images is HERE if anyone wants to see the full combined effort between my buddy and me.
(Sorry but I don't really know Flickr very well so I'm not sure everyone can see these.  I apologize in advance if you can't.) 

Thanks again for the feedback gents.  Very muchly appreciated.

- Jay

[BillOz]

When I go back to look at them a couple more times, I'm warming to them a little more, at least as another method/style of portrait or candid photo.

Agreed I would also have trouble with the A. & B. portion of your intended goals.  Obviously you accomplished them.

So were any people extremely outgoing, wanting to do crazy/wild playing it up for the camera stuff?  Wanting to stay in the spotlight once you put them in it.  When you say minimal lighting, did you use flash or some other additional strobe?

[jslugman]

Neat stuff, glad you're stepping out of your comfort zone. Maisel's stuff is very cool, have been a fan of his for a number of years.

[Jay Beckman]

@ Bill: We started with just natural light (open shade) and a reflector but eventually had to fire up an Elinchrom Ranger with a deep octabox modifier for the main light and a 580EXII in a 15" softbox well off to camera right as a fill/rim source.  Couple of people just hit their mark and struck a pose and were very comfortable in front of the camera.  Most took at least a little "coaching" to get them to turn a little this way or that way, etc.  Like I said, we just wanted to shoot folks as they were.

@ James: It was very intimidating at first (for me) but once the camera came up to the eye, it felt very natural.  I think I did a good recruiting effort as well.  Couple of the other guys were a little too aggressive (IMO) and didn't often take a very conversational tone with people.  Just a fun exercise.  We may try it again sometime.

The really nice thing: Not a cop in sight the entire time so not even a hint of ever being rousted or hassled.

[redsox223]

So being home does have some perks



Beautiful Skyline by redsox223, on Flickr

[Jay Beckman]

That looks nice Mitchell...

[redsox223]

Thanks and so did your project on Mill, I wish I was back in Tempe to take part in that.

[wingsnstuff]

At first I thought this was a shot of Boston, but now not so sure...kinda looks like Chicago too.  Great photo. 

[CJPalmer]

Here is my recent foray into street photography.

Heritage Square by airportjunkie, on Flickr

[jslugman]

I've never tried it perched in a tree before... very nice!

[CJPalmer]

Thank you. I sort of looks that way doesn't it?     I was on the second level of the parking garage at Heritage Square.

[Dave S.]

Jay,

Nice stuff from your street shoot.  I've often thought about trying something like that, but am always hesitant about the first big step (asking people/strangers if I can take their picture).  Before I took a look at the gallery, I was expecting to see photos of people with a nightlife, street scene background.  I was surprised to see the white background.

I was surprised to read that you brought that much light equipment.  I guess my assumptions, back to the night life part, were that the images would be a lot more low light.  But that's what I get for assuming!

Back in your original past, you mentioned:

Camera + Seamless + Minimal Lighting + Random Folks = One Night On Mill Avenue.

What does the 'seamless' mean?

- Dave

[Joe Copalman]

Going through older shots I came across this one of the old Texaco building in Houston:

[Jay Beckman]

@ Dave: "Seamless" = The roll of paper you would normally use in a studio to get a horizonless background.

@ Joe: Nice arkeetekchure details.

[Joe Copalman]

Thanks Jay.  I passed this building twice a day for four days during a conference, but the light was always messed up.  On my final day there, it was totally overcast, so the lighting was nice and even.  One of the few times you'll hear me say "Hooray Clouds!"