I have been practicing photographing people with what I call "belly shots." I hang my camera around my neck, and when I see someone I'd like to capture, I act nonchalant, look the other way, more or less aim, then press the shutter furtively with my thumb, hoping that the angle from my midriff will be a good one. That's what I did with these three ladies, but I think they suspected something. Oh, well. Practice makes perfect.Monday, April 28, 2008
Smile...you're on Candid Camera!
I have been practicing photographing people with what I call "belly shots." I hang my camera around my neck, and when I see someone I'd like to capture, I act nonchalant, look the other way, more or less aim, then press the shutter furtively with my thumb, hoping that the angle from my midriff will be a good one. That's what I did with these three ladies, but I think they suspected something. Oh, well. Practice makes perfect.
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IRIŠKI TELEVISION TOWER
The Iriški television tower stands on a forest area called Fruška Gora near Novi Sad. Yesterday my son's family and I went on a short ...
13 comments:
Well you certainly have great eye contact with the camera -:)
I remember many years ago putting a camera inside a cardboard box which I placed on a rolling luggage cart . Cut a hole for the lens to peek through, attached a long cable release, and took it down to the market. As I recall there were no particular memorable photos as a result ... but sure was a different perspective.
I'll be you would have had cooperation from these old gals just by asking. Wonderful photo, by the way!
Hi, Chuck. I love your luggage camera idea, hmmm. I have tried to ask people for photos and one of two things usually happens: they freeze up and appear unnatural, or else they say no! I missed a GREAT shot of a potato seller at the market when I asked him if I could take his photo, dang. So I belly shoot!
You need a longer lens. I don't know what kind of camera you have but I just bought the new camera you already know about, and before it came I bought a cheap ($287.00 from Amazon) image stabilization lens by Canon that is 55-255mm, f5.6 and it will enable you/me to stay well back and get close ups that they will not really know what you are taking a picture of. If you want to show the whiskers on their chins, you might get a cheap telephoto lens.
But what you did to get this shot is pretty clever and you must have had the focus set and the depth of field just right. I would say this is a classic shot worth more with the complete feet, but hey, who is looking at feet.
We are. I found another soul in this world who likes the smell of a dog's foot. Yipee.
Thanks, Abe. I do have a 300 mm lens, but sometimes I just like to get up close and (sort of) personal. I do use the long lens on occasion for all kinds of things, including sneak shots of people, too. Yeah, sorry the ladies got their feet out of the picture, but like I say, practice makes perfect! Other photos I've taken, like the His feet, Her Feet one a little while ago was a sneak shot, and very accidental.
Bibi, I do this! the other day in Monaco, I had the camera on the table and clicked and the person - a few tables away - had no idea! Since I got the camera with a better zoom tho, it's a little easier. I agree with you, normally if you ask people, they freeze up. Occasionally tho it works but you have to be very quick.
I like this shot very much.
I guess you achieved a interesting picture with this hip shot. I just like to see all ladies expression in your picture. Well done.
The look on their faces suggests that they kinda knew what you were doing but I just had to laugh at your description of your belly shot technique! Hilarious! And I can't blame you for wanting to take a picture of these three, they were too good to be left alone!
... agree with Abe about the feet, but we've discussed that already.
People! You have people! Aren't they gorgeous creatutes, so natural and alive. I want some of those. This is the kind of picture I ache to snap. They run away from the mad photographer lady though. I shall try the "belly shot," you've captured marvellously.
Can you not ask them to strike a pose instead? hehe.
Anyway, just bloghopping! Hope to see you around... buzz me back.^-^
reminds me of the babooshkas that I used to see on the streets of Chicago (my home town) when I was a boy. Except for the lady in the middle that is! She seems to be stylin with that smart hat and light colored hose.
lol! Especially that woman in the centre. She looks like she was on to you all along :)
I wonder if they would have posed for you with great big grins if you had asked them...or would they have shooed you away with their canes :)
So interesting to compare this to the Apricale ladies, Bibi, because there was a time when all Italian and French old ladies, wore black. As in your photo. Seems to be changing around my way at least. Love your shot.
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