Saturday on the streets

[Mikey054]

Have been playing with this idea for a meetup, so I thought I would do a trial run this Saturday, to see if it would be a good exercise. The plan is to go into Sydney early am and do a street wander for a few hours and pick out some interesting compositions involving people and buildings and/or both.
So what you all say! I will take no tripod, no flash and only one (1) lens....a 35mm. The reasoning behind it, is to try and use my imagination, knowing the limitations I have inflicted upon myself. The idea is not new and I did a similar exercise a few years back while at Tech and it certainly helped....but over the years I have become stale, spolit by the availability of many type of lenses etc etc. So I guess I may be tagged as self indulgent, but I know it is a great way to make you stop and think, get some confidence, be spontaneous, get some exercise and above all challenge your own ability. Now I am my own worst critic, and if I don't succeed in getting an image or two that, in my opinion, are acceptable, then so be it. But hopefully I will have something to post.
If it is raining......I will stay home.( I hate getting wet)
Mike

[Lost]

If it is raining......I will stay home.( I hate getting wet)

Copied from the street photography Ebook.


People don't like rain and photographers would not go out as the
camera could get wet. On a rainy
day people will not take so much
attention to their environment as
they normally do. They are busy
not getting wet. And the harder
the rain the better it might look.
The only problem might be not
getting wet and that you will have
enough light. Increase your ISO
value to compensate low light. But
definitely give it a try in the rain...Cloudy / Foggy (perfect)
I love it when it's cloudy or foggy. Then the fog or the clouds act like a big soft
box and the light is much softer than at full sunshine. You don't have to bother too much about where the sun is coming from. So you can focus directly on
your objects you want to shoot. To start as a beginner in street photography
you should choose cloudy days to practice. It will be so much easier and you
will get better photos.

[Elill]

I'll come with you if you want some company - I've only got two lenses so I'll have the 24-70 with me.....I've been wanting to do this in town for ages, but when I spend 60 odd hours a week in there its hard to motivate myself to go in on a weekend

[Mikey054]

You would be more than welcome mate...would be an early start though (just let me know), as the first 2-3 hours after sunrise would have the best light, however, as Lost has informed me (thanks Lost) that a bit of overcast/cloud etc would definately soften the light and make the conditions better....could be a worthwhile exercise.
Mike

[Elill]

How early is early? I normally get up at 5:00 with the kids - that early enough? we going to train or drive in?

The sun is getting up around 6:00 (6:38 officially, but plenty of light before that and lots of lights in town - Martin Place could be good early, or dodgy stuff around central). Around the Quay / botanic gardens could be good at sunrise - runners all that sort of stuff perhaps.......just some thoughts whatever you want, its your plan

I was thinking - low light = flash or tripod.....normally

no flash or tripod = wide open, probably high ISO (is that allowed?).....certainly a challenge

[gerry]

The idea of a single lens is great, I often do this with a single prime lens (typically one of the old manual ones) you miss some but get some really good ones in my opinion. If you are doing sunny sunrise, how about starting at Circular Quay for the sunrise then moving up into the city, there will be very few peeps around at that time so it would a great time to get nice street shots without the crowds in the way. The cahill express way is a good spot to catch the first light.

[Scottymc]

I cant wait to see the results of this one!

[Mikey054]

Thanks Gerry. Some great info and tips...tis appreciated. Peter...leave home around 6am (no later)...drive in..you can come with me or take your own auto...as Gerry said...I think Circular Quay would be good, as I would normally park under the arch bridge of the rocks area....let me know what you think.
Mike

[Elill]

If I could get a lift that would be most appreciated....Mrs needs the car saturday morning

[gerry]

I would be keen to turn up but I am already committed for that morning, since I do not work in the city (thank god) I do not mind heading in there.

heres a few shots from teh other year on top of the express way .





have fun!

[Mikey054]

Great images Gerry, will let you know how we get on.
Peter, I can pick you up around 6am...please confirm.
Mike

[Elill]

Yep I'll be ready just before 6:00am.

....I'll have Lisa hide my precious tripod tonight! actually it'll be nice not to lug it around

[Mikey054]

see ya then

[Elill]

That was a most enjoyable morning and I learnt a few things along the way too....I was saying to mike I haven't used my 5D enough since I purchased it so I am still getting to know my way with it, it is not nearly as forgiving as my old 20D. Given the light and lack of tripod I was pretty happy with the results - Mike the last shot is rubbish but for you, did you get a clearer one of our Salvo mate?





Probably my best shot of the morning in terms of exposure etc

[Mikey054]

It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the 4 hours tripping around the suburbs...and Elill did as well...saw some interesting stuff and it was good practice with the old 35mm lens.
Mike