Page 60 - Australian Photography - September 2017

PHOTO TIPS: TA K E YOUR STR E E T PHOTOGR A PH Y ABROAD

camera is ready and loaded with a fully charged battery
and memory card. I also check I have spares of both
as a back up. Then I confirm that I have everything I
need in my camera bag for the day.
At the end of each day I download the images onto my
laptop. I erase my memory card (if I’m not keeping it as
a backup) and return it to the camera, and then check
through the images to confirm the camera is function-
ing well. I permanently delete any images that have
problems beyond fixing, to save on space. Finally I back-
up remaining images from my laptop to the portable
hard drive, before returning the drive to the room safe
and charging my camera battery for the following day.

THINK OF YOURSELF AS A LOCAL
When I’m travelling I like to forget the obvious differ-
ences and think of myself as one of the locals. This
mindset helps me to relax and feel less self conscious.
It also enables me to feel more connected and develop a
greater empathy for people in the street.
Showing respect for local customs, particularly
around dress codes and behaviour, is important when
trying to blend in. I’m also conscious of staying in
tune with the pace of the street. If it is slow and quiet
I move slowly and thoughtfully. If it is noisy I allow
myself to get swept up in the pace. Finding a regular
place to eat/shop and getting to know the staff, also
helps create a sense of belonging.
It may sound strange, but don’t go travelling expect-
ing to take your best photographs. This will just leave
you feeling pressured and frustrated. There will be days
when you are pleased with your photos and others when
you are disappointed. Remember that street photogra-
phy is not about creating a technically perfect image, it is
about capturing the moment and raw human emotion.
It’s also worth remembering that what may initially look
like a poor photograph could have merit when you look at
it later. It might be the expression on a person’s face peeking
out from a blur of movement, or an image that is unremark-
able in colour but pops when converted to black and white.
At the same time, resist the temptation to photograph
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Pegged, Agra, India. Away from the facade of tourist areas is where
everything you see. By all means take hundreds of pho-
you can capture truly authentic everyday moments. Pentax K3II, 1160s @ f8, ISO 400.
tographs, but hiding behind a lens all day will only cre-
ate a barrier between you and the new world you are Little faces in the Pink City, Jaipur, India. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the activity
trying to observe and understand. Take time out to be in and chaos happening at ground level in some cities. So I often look up for some
the moment. Absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the respite. This time I was rewarded by these two tiny faces peeking out at me. Pentax
street. Not everything needs to be captured on camera, K3II, 1/80s @ f7.1, ISO 200.
some moments are just meant to be food for the soul.
Reflections on India, Jaipur, India. Showing respect for local customs, rules and privacy laws
Also be respectful of people and local personal pri- will help you blend in and open doors. This image was taken in the holy ghats of Pushkar
vacy laws. It sounds simple but be warned. You can get Lake in India normally closed to photographers. Pentax K3II, 1/160s @ f11, ISO 100.

| 60 | SEPTEMBER 2017 | AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM