Gaining Trust, Even For a Short Time, Leads to Better People Pictures

Photographers are sometimes perceived negatively by those they're photographing, especially when they are anonymous, unfamiliar to the subject. I thoroughly enjoy street photography, and frequently do shoot images of people in public, without any discussion or introduction. At other times, I do choose to introduce myself, talk a little, and gain a level of trust that eases the subect just a little.

 

Each approach yields a different type of image. The anonymous approach shows people living their lives, without the influence of the photographer's presence. Genuine expressions and interactions are possible. Talking makes a connection, however slight, between the photographer and subject. Sometimes this connection can show through in the image.

 

I shot the two images below in Harlem, New York City.

 

Sunday Morning Game of Catch, by Reed A. George

Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4 Zoom Lens

 

 

On this particular morning, I was on a photo walk with Marla Mossman. Marla is a master of approaching people in the street, establishing rapport, and getting their picture. I learned so much more from her than how to think about depth of field, which happens to be the most consistently-discussed topic in photo workshops, in my experience.

 

(Click Here) to see Marla's work. If you get the chance to meet her, take it.

 

There's a nice entry on the NY Times photo blog, Lens, about this subject.

 

(Click Here) to read about how Demetrius Freeman, a contemporary photographer, learned from looking at Gordon Parks' photos about establishing connection with his subjects. Mr. Parks' photo of Ingrid Bergman (included in the post) is stunning.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

I Wish I Could See This Gallery Showing In Person - Gordon Parks, 100 Years Since His Birth

Gordon Parks (1912-2006) is perhaps the most famous African American photographer in history.
 
I can remember marvelling at some of his work in one of my first photography books, The Joy of Photography I think it was, when I was about twelve years old. Mr. Parks photographed a wide variety of subjects, including segregation of races in the United States. He also did some spectacular coverage of bullfighting, including gorgeous treatment of motion through blur in his photographs. That early exposure has stuck with me throughout my photographic life.
 
(Click Here) to read a brief biography of Gordon Parks on the American Photography Archives Group (APAG) website.
 
There is a gallery showing at Howard Greenberg Studios in New York to celebrate Mr. Parks' centennial. I am going to New York soon, but will be there on Sunday and Monday, the two days that the studio is not open. Bummer.
 
(Click Here) to read more about the gallery event.
 
In order to respect copyrights, I am not including any of Gordon's work in this post. If you love photography, you owe it to yourself to see it. A simple google image search will yield plenty to look at.
 
While I hesitate to do this, because my work isn't worthy, I'm going to include a shot of my own, inspired by Mr. Parks' treatment of the bullfights.
 

Calf Roping, by Reed A. George

Nikon D200, Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 at 200mm

iso100, f20, 1/20 sec

 
I didn't think consciously about Gordon Park while making this photograph at a local rodeo a few years back, but I can see the inspiration for it now.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com