Hitting the Pavement: Street Photography - Full Version

Street photography has seen an incredible surge in popularity in recent years, and what better location than New York City to produce stunning street photos? From trendy SoHo corners to South Bronx housing projects, street photographer Derek Fahsbender has made a name for himself through his vivid photographs of life as it happens in the streets. This class will teach you how to create dynamic images, from candid moments to intimate street portraits, as Derek takes you through his thought process and approach. If you have ever wondered how to go about nailing that "can't miss" moment or colorful character, this is the class for you.
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[@keithlane497]

Great presentation and with lots of valuable insights, thanks for sharing!

[@chenge5783]

Great presentation! Love your passion, your honesty and sincerity as well as your excellent captures, thank you for sharing!

[@gilbertwalker6769]

Derek, I wish I had seen your talk when I first began shooting street. Thanks for your excellent ideas and your genuine style...both in the presentation and in your images. I really enjoyed it and find myself inspired by your example! Keep up the good work!

[@allanxpoe83]

I've watched this 4x or more. great event space. it has encouraged me to actually approach some of my subjects for street portraits rather than what you see on social media of people just taking street photography and just taking pictures of people's backsides

[@derekfahsbender]

Thank you so much for watching (multiple times!!). It's great to see that it is motivating for people...that's exactly how I intended it!

[@BooLee01]

Thank you for a great presentation. I noticed something you do that I've done for years but have never heard anyone else mention that they do it. When I need to get in the right frame of mind for doing street photography, I start off by walking around and talking to people. I also like to complement them on their shoes, backpacks, hats, etc. For me, it's easier to slide into street photography after getting comfortable with people first.

[@likeamacheen6]

Eikichigai (Billy Woolfolk) I have found that to be the key between just getting great shots and really creating/capturing moments and memories. The more I can immerse myself in my surroundings, the more meaningful my experiences! Thank you so much for watching!

[@kathrinl.4726]

Such an inspiring and entertaining presentation Derek ! Best I saw so far I saw on this channel. Time flew by watching it. Although I don't live in NY but in German town with a population of only 250.000 you totally inspired me to got out shooting street. Great motives are everywhere-you just have to pay attention to them.

[@derekfahsbender]

Thank you so much Kathrin!!! Hopefully you have gotten some wonderful street photos since then!

[@kountchev1]

good one, thanx for sharing. lots to learn and think over

[@pitmanra]

The composition of the photo at 53:20 is just superb. The left foot of each person forms a perfect arc while each right foot is flat on the ground. Also nice spacing between their respective heads and torsos. The greenery on the lower left keeps the eye from running off the left-hand end of the image. The heart on the brick wall couldn't be better. Nicely done!

[@derekfahsbender]

Thank you so much!! I always love when people take in the work and enjoy it/dissect it. In the Instagram age, we are becoming accustomed to scrolling and clicking without really taking it what we are looking at. Thanks for the watch and wonderful compliment!!

[@amrabdalla6300]

Amazing energetic inspirational presentation Derek! I didn't know what i love the most, your spirit or the amazing photos. Thanks man.

[@derekfahsbender]

Wow thank you for the amazing compliment, and for watching! Reading all the positive comments gives ME the inspiration and motivation to do what I do!

[@prilljazzatlanta5070]

I love hos obsession with new york of the 70s and 80s. That was a golden era for NY photography

[@pumpeyethetraderman8083]

Thank you very much for the video. I had a bad time in my life for a while a few years ago and couldn't pick up my camera. I'm now in a better place and I'm able to shoot again so I'm watching a lot and now instead of shooting commercially I'm shooting primarily for myself. You've given me a lot of food for thought to get out with my camera in the streets, thank you!

[@literallyshane4306]

This was such a good talk. Great guy. Thank you

[@aaronsidealsphotography7391]

This is the best BnH class I have ever watched!!!!

[@likeamacheen6]

Aarons Ideals Photography Thank you so much!!

[@MrCromakey]

Thank you Derek. Very good presentation. It locked me to the screen for almost 2 hours and I didn't even noticed the time going by... All the best for you :)

[@likeamacheen6]

MrCromakey wow thank you so much! It's nice to know I didn't bore the life out of anyone! Haha I'm glad you found the lecture as entertaining as informative!

[@prilljazzatlanta5070]

Thank you for not being afraid of high iso. I thought i was the only person who embraces noise when it works

[@uaebifvideo5472]

One of , if not THEE BEST, street photography lectures you can see !! THANK YOU ,Derek !!👍👍👍

[@bb3866]

Love your work and the whole video. It is very refreshing hearing someone say that the photo doesn't always have to tell a story.

[@likeamacheen6]

bb3866 Thank you so much! I get tired of hearing the same things over and over in regards to how photos should/shouldn't be, so it has shaped the way I shoot and lecture :)

[@andydragonfisher6900]

An excellent presentation - so much experience reflected here.

[@peskypossum58]

Derek's passion and enthusiasm shines through in this presentation. Well done and thanks!

[@likeamacheen6]

peskypossum58 Thank you so much! It's nice to know my enthusiasm for street shooting shined through.

[@alexforsyth5895]

Sorry Derek, some of my comments got cut off. I was surprised when you said 24-70 and Canon DSLR because I am a Canon guy but have never used it for street. This was an excellent presentation and I was impressed. Keep shooting, I look forward to seeing some more!

[@WSEmx]

One of the best conference about street photography, thanks!

[@ArpitaBhawal]

Wonderful! Thanks. Starting out on street photography and find this detailed conference awesome. And motivating!

[@derekfahsbender]

Thank you Arpita! Street photography is a wonderful genre. So glad to know that I can help motivate you to get out there! The more you do it, the easier it is...

[@bobbowring1702]

Derek Fahsbender super presentation. I live in the uk and I am disabled, I am thinking of starting doing street so I will hope I will be able to put some of your thoughts and prosesses to good use. I have sat here whatching the whole presentationfrom start to finish and with rewinding when I needed to so to chech some points. Thanks again.

[@VedranG]

Awesome and thankyou also. Enjoyed your perspective and insights and inspiring presentation.

[@likeamacheen6]

Vedran Greget thank you so much! Its great to know that my words and photos can inspire!

[@alexforsyth5895]

and I’m glad I I hung in there. He has some really great photos and you can’t help but like his positive attitude. A great session! Will recommend to my mates.

[@pi1k]

This was a great and very inspring presentation! The picture of the guy and the girl passing each other on the sidewalk really hit me for some reason- I just love it! Keep up the good work- you definitely gained a new follower =)

[@likeamacheen6]

Thank you so much! That shot is one of my personal favorites as well!

[@MrExel47]

I really like the style of your photographs. The high contrast really works in them.

[@likeamacheen6]

Axel Becker thank you so much for watching and for the wonderful compliments! I totally agree about the raccoon too haha I guess it adds to the creepiness.

[@erosario64]

Awesome lecture.

[@MikeyColon]

Love it - Bravo! Awesome story and take on photography! This would be a good reason to get out and shoot when things are slow.

[@likeamacheen6]

Thank you again, Mikey! The streets definitely offer some great on-the-fly practice for portrait photographers. Mastering the unknown helps immensely with portrait/lifestyle photography.

[@wilhelmpastry99]

I'm just getting into street photography and have encountered most of the issues discussed here. Great video my friend, really boosted my confidence to go out there and keep at it.

[@likeamacheen6]

fraser35 Thank you so much! And welcome to the world of street photography! Confidence is your biggest ally when shooting. Confidence in your work and confidence in being able to grab a shot when you see it, regardless of the situation. Best of luck in your journey!

[@yod4poolman]

B&H: Please request that the live audience turn their phones to silent mode. The dings and rings not only are disrespectful to the presenter, but is annoying when it come through the video

[@Honguli]

Ya, and the disrespectful fool let his phone ring for so long!

[@csabapapp8481]

Turning your phone into silent mode after the first ring, requires a certain level of intelligence.

[@alxbatista]

Awesome video , learned so much , I'm new to street photography and love it

[@BandH]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@laplayatatico]

Love this !!! I do street photography myself an I definitely agree respect the hood 💯💯💯

[@anthonythomas579]

great presentation. I learned so much. thank you. I have and event tomorrow that will test my skills

[@derekfahsbender]

Thank you Anthony! Hopefully you nailed that event, and many more shots since then!

[@DiaDipasupil]

Great presentation Derek! Thanks for sharing.

[@likeamacheen6]

Dia Dipasupil Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed ;)

[@johnbrookes6334]

One of the best ever talks i've heard,I think i will be a better photographer besause of it.Many thanks.

[@likeamacheen6]

John Brookes thank you so much!!!

[@conanliquid]

Hey, great presentation. With the section on cropping, it wold have been interesting to see the pre-cropped shots to get an impression of what you did and get an impression of what made you decide to crop it the way you did.

[@duesno]

Derek Fahsbender presents a delightful presentation regarding his work. He shares many great tips. I enjoyed his friendly persona and wonderful approach that can encourage each of us to have more fun in our personal projects.

[@likeamacheen6]

Kristin Bellows thank you for watching and for the wonderful comments! Hopefully I can motivate you to get out and capture the streets in your town/city!

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

This was great

[@sriramv3589]

Love your approach towards your subjects.

[@likeamacheen6]

Sree ram Thank you! I try to make my interactions as genuine as possible. It really reflects in the photos, and helps keep my subjects as natural as possible.

[@gailware3779]

Very well done 👋👋👋👋

[@TerryMarsters]

Love the shot of the ladies' hands on the pole.

[@zacharybohlman4069]

Loved the talk. Wish people could silence their phones without being told.

[@conanliquid]

Your patience with people who leave their cellphones on loud is admirable as well 🙈

[@Savaseul]

What a nice man! 🤗

[@scottmario8771]

Great presentation--thanks for sharing.

[@likeamacheen6]

Scott Mario thank you Scott!

[@LisaSmith-nf3uk]

Great presentation. Thank you.

[@likeamacheen6]

Lisa Smith Thank you so much!!

[@vaekin]

Awesome presentation! Im starting my adventure with street photography and I will take your advices into consideration.

[@likeamacheen6]

Thank you so much, Piotr! Feel free to reach out with any questions as you progress in your street photography. Best of luck!

[@romiemiller2485]

I take photos of kids if a parent is there. I give the parent a business card & tell him or her the photos can be downloaded from Facebook. That works very well for me.

[@TheCelluloseKid]

Love your take on Street. Good sound advice for most of us, and especially the shoot with a buddy. Never heard that one before. Sounds like FUN to me.

[@likeamacheen6]

Jim McNulty thank you so much Jim! While I love shooting solo, shooting with likeminded photographers can not only be fun, but up my game. I don't want to walk away with the same/similar shots as my cohorts, so it challenges one to see differently.

[@draventate9971]

I know Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot my account password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@dangelovalentin8958]

@Draven Tate Instablaster ;)

[@draventate9971]

@Dangelo Valentin I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@draventate9971]

@Dangelo Valentin it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass !

[@josegastonbarriga680]

Thank you for sharing your experience; I enjoyed the presentation

[@likeamacheen6]

Thank you so much, Jose! I'm glad you enjoyed what I had to say!

[@jacksingh7901]

thank u

[@DaynCederstrom]

Great!

[@d.hufford2355]

Interesting presentation, Derek, as well as some interesting photography. I've gotten a bit jaded on street photography, but this was worth watching.

[@likeamacheen6]

Thank you so much! I have gotten jaded with street photography as well! I try very hard to stay away from trends, force anything, and make every effort to keep my work genuine, refreshing and interesting. I'm glad you feel I hit the mark!

[@d.paulgraham9312]

D. Hufford S

[@prilljazzatlanta5070]

Derek Fahsbender I cant say enough about how much i love your understanding, teaching, and output. You just get it. Simple as that!

[@emibla8571]

Amazing photography.

[@derekfahsbender]

Thank you Emi!

[@gordlawton]

Good presentation. Thank you.

[@likeamacheen6]

Thank you so much, Gord!

[@allanthompson9695]

Very Inspirational

[@derekfahsbender]

Thank you Allan! Glad it can have that effect!

[@tcandeuyt]

Thank you so much!

[@likeamacheen6]

Thiago Candeu Thank YOU for watching!

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Got a Fuji X100 and my go to settings are 1/125 f 5.6 auto iso. Paris is lovely for street.

[@likeamacheen6]

Mike Hydropneumatic I've heard great things about the Fuji X-series, and Paris is on my bucket list to shoot!

[@bobbyellis5006]

I love my X100T. For most of my photo work I use Nikon DSLRs but shooting street, the Fuji is my go-to because of how discrete and non-threatening it is. Street photography is so interesting because there's so many different ways to go about it. The candid, the "talking to people", the abstract, the wide, the tight, the technical. I use it as my way to vent. I worry more about capturing moments than being "technically perfect." It's a big beast to tackle but it's a fun one.

[@malcolmpage1]

I'm old enough to think that sprinkling the word 'like' through your discourse was cute coming from the lips of Reese Witherspoon in 1999, but is more than a bit wearing from a middle-aged male in 2016. Apart from that distraction, I enjoyed the presentation, learned some new behaviours and reinforced some others. Kudos to B&H for giving us full-length tutorials, too.

[@likeamacheen6]

Malcolm Page haha Your comment gave me quite a good laugh. If only I had Reese Witherspoon's looks! Thank you for watching and for your feedback!

[@desmondgomez]

Good video. presented well

[@BandH]

Thanks for watching, Desmond!

[@conanliquid]

58:00 I totally agree. The most iconic shots from people like Bresson, Weegee, Erwitt, Leiter, etc are not completely tack sharp. It's about the "decisive moment", the story, the content. Pixel peepers can kiss my...

[@-LiveFreeorDie]

Conan Liquid So glad someone else gets it.

[@pixiedixie3682]

They can kiss my one either! Film for ever. !

[@Thepiratx7]

thanks help me a lot

[@likeamacheen6]

Oussama Chachou Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad it was able to help you!

[@videas3582]

I was naive enough to venture myself into Camden Town taking streets and candids and at some point I was isolated into a shop, hidden from anybody by some fabrics and immediatly cornered by two very big and very bad guys - out of nowhere! - asking me if I was a cop

[@austin9845]

I respect the fact that you respect your subject, Bradley Cooper's brother

[@derekfahsbender]

Thank you Austin! hahaha wish I had a tenth of his looks

[@brunoexclusive9189]

Good video, in regards to your comments on the homeless, I live in a downtown area and I have given thousands of dollars to the street people, when you see me walking by a homeless guy don't think I'm one of those people that can care less, you spend enough time in the city to know its impossible to help these people out of the street, they're not there because of a lack of money they're there because they don't have the mental capability or the emotional capability or they're on drugs or what not, don't make this country out to be insensitive to the homeless bro call me when you give thousands of dollars out of your pocket then you start saving the world like I have, and guess what it doesn't help that much really, doesn't make it any less tragic.

[@KosmicJelly]

That’s hardly something to brag about. Giving money to people on the streets enables them to remain in their situations. There are far better uses for the “thousands of dollars” you claim to have given away which, if true, almost certainly only helped to fuel drug addiction. I know that not everyone on the street is a drug addict, but they’re in that situation for a reason, and it’s likely not because they’re trying to better themselves. Giving to those in need is a noble cause, but I’d suggest thinking of more useful ways of giving. For example: every year, at both Thanksgiving and Christmas, we purchase all of the food for 5 big family dinners and give them away to local families with young children, who are struggling to make ends meet. Plus we also give gift cards with the dinner boxes at Christmas. At least that way we’re actually making a difference and leaving a huge impact in the lives of those who desperately need a break. All of our donations are collected by family/friends of the recipients who recommend them to us, so that we remain anonymous. It’s better than throwing money at someone to go fuel their bad habits. Not saying that we’re better people than someone who gives to people on the street, just suggesting better ways of giving that will actually help families in need of assistance rather than addicts in need of another fix.

[@wtfkurtis]

Shoot black and white with green or yellow filter on the lens with a Lumix camera in monochrome profile. Yeah, Lumix does B&W right.

[@stephenmason4559]

always shot and select what pleases YOU, if someone else likes it, it's a bonus! S Mason LBIP, LMPA

[@derekfahsbender]

Couldn't agree more!!

[@pixiedixie3682]

Very good presentation. But how do you get stealthy with those big lenses?

[@likeamacheen6]

Thank you Daniel! It is very hard to be stealthy when shooting with any DSLR setup, but confidence can take care of that lack of stealthiness. Being comfortable in your surroundings and not afraid to stand there and take any shot can help mitigate the need to be stealthy.

[@philliphazell4211]

I find some of your photographs very distant . I use a wide angle in very close .

[@royarnab22]

Nice

[@likeamacheen6]

Thank you, Arnab!

[@jebby16]

90% of the people don't claim the pictures cuz they probably think you're gonna charge them for it.

[@derekfahsbender]

...that's what I think as well....people don't expect anything for free these days....yet they expect everything for free these days haha

[@akbardxb]

Have you ever had issues with security while shooting on the streets? What has been your worst experience with difficult subjects?

[@BandH]

We would not be able speak directly on his behalf but recommend reaching out to him directly: www.likeamacheen.com/contact *Andrea

[@likeamacheen6]

Akbar Shah I have had a few dicey situations come up. I shoot in some pretty rough neighborhoods, and often by myself. I had 2 situations (both in South Bronx and both in broad daylight) where I was nearly robbed for my camera gear. The worse of the two was on a subway train in the middle of the day, by 2 gang members who were pushing a baby in a stroller. I avoided harm in both circumstances, and walked away with my gear still in my possession. It helps being street savvy (and my physical stature doesn't hurt haha).

[@likeamacheen6]

Akbar Shah ....and as for difficult subjects, the most difficult people I encounter are "hipsters" who aren't native New Yorkers, but transplants to the city. They can be very standoffish. Native NY'ers are charismatic and love the camera, in most of my experiences.

[@RenM908]

Derek Fahsbender my wife who does photography and who is born and raised in NYC said the same thing. Anytime she has had a problem, it's people who are not from NYC at all

[@luchocairo8717]

Sometimes you shoot film?

[@likeamacheen6]

I do occasionally, but not often these days. When I do, I use my trusty/rusty Canon AE-1 Program :)

[@k2jwd]

What is your preferred aperture?

[@tonykplayter8019]

think he said 50 something

[@likeamacheen6]

Melvin, I prefer shooting at wider apertures, mostly hovering around f/4. I like shooting with a shallower depth of field, but that is just my personal preference. I also like to keep my shutter speed higher, as I shoot with non-stabilized lenses and prefer to keep my shutter speed about 1/250 second when possible.

[@k2jwd]

Thanks for the reply.

[@thelining4078]

then you get out on the streets, fully motivated, ready to shoot. and some corrupt law enforcer comes along, saying: you can’t take pictures here.

[@likeamacheen6]

Pete Matter luckily here in NYC we don’t have that concern, but that is perfect proof of why knowing your surroundings and the area you’re shooting in is a must. There are many areas around the world where this is a very real concern!

[@MrExel47]

The shadow next to the racoon looks like a bat :D

[@PunchingCacti]

There is no way this guy is not related to Louis Rossmann

[@twopeople66]

Great presentation--very strong content, BUT please do try and limit use of the word "like"-------

[@robertcarmona1982]

You said you almost never give money away, so does that mean you never compensate the homeless people you take pictures of?

[@-LiveFreeorDie]

Robert Carmona .......... why would he compensate anyone for taking photos in a completely public domain? You surely can't be serious, right? You're trolling? Is it a joke? Like "haha"? I certainly hope so..

[@derekfahsbender]

Not never....not always... It depends on the situation. I never offer money directly in exchange for a photo, unless whoever I'm shooting requests it....and even then, sometimes I will politely decline. Many times, I will help out the homeless, but only after I have genuinely interacted. I will not support someone who cannot sit and have a coherent conversation with me, but I am compassionate for those I feel fell on hard times. Sometimes I'm right, sometimes I'm wrong....regardless, I'm not out here exploiting people for "shocking" photos...I capture and document what I'm living. Thank you for watching!

[@MrCarloszod]

. IMAGINE as an example..... I have the picture of a dog, but you cannot see that previously 5 secs ago this dog was digging in some bones in the park and it result to be Jimmy Hoffa..... WOAOO the most important picture of the century or just a dog without any talent in it? I desagree with the asumption that pics needs some story background, sometimes , little one etc///.... that is not true and i will explain why....... not saying is bad or good... but ... a picture that get enhanced by any explanation , starts to share its merits with literature with the experience that the artist had....... it suppose that if we want to talk about photography and name the \ART as a photography, the limits (and there a none actually) but as a rule, or maybe a borderline, we should try to capture de attention of the spectator with the image.... that's how this game started.... and it makes sense, imagine if someone instead of explaining that the £corona guy" had a situation with the creator, actually starts combining photography with poetry, and does a POEM about the CORONA GUY......... AND ..... what if its better with the words than with the image.....there it starts the confusion about what is the medium, and as i said is not incorrect, but is not photography, its a combination....

[@gregoryrogalsky6937]

You lost me with the In this day and age nonsense . Other than that, nice job.

[@BRUNO-cj9wd]

You seem to be a little bit overly concerned about shooting the homeless, why would that be any different than shooting any other human being, when you do that you're putting yourself on a pedestal above them, people are people, don't be so hung up on this homeless thing, I understand your heart is in the right place and you're trying to do the right thing.

[@TheIkaika777]

Why would you need to have a workshop about street photography? 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

[@likeamacheen6]

TheIkaika777 The same way that people have workshops about wedding photography, portrait photography, macro photography, drone photography, food photography, photojournalism, head shots....shall I go on?

[@hagarthehorrible1391]

21 mins into the video and only 1 image has been shown of his feet. Are you kidding me? You guys could've designed this presentation better. How can you make a presentation on photography and not show his body of work to start off with? How will the viewers trust what he's saying when they haven't seen his work?

[@likeamacheen6]

All presentations are left up to the presenter, so I will take the fall for that. I appreciate your feedback, as it only helps shape my future presentations in a way that can be more beneficial to the viewer! I wanted to lay the groundwork and get the "boring details" out of the way before showcasing my images, as I feel the content explained beforehand enhances the images when they are presented, without having to interrupt the flow by jumping back and forth. Hopefully, this explanation helps some, as I really do value each and every critique of both my work and my presentations.

[@hagarthehorrible1391]

Derek Fahsbender Thanks for replying. I agree to a certain extent about getting the boring details out of the way but a presentation which begins with a good body of your work makes a better impact. Show some of your great images, wow the listener and then go onto the technical details.

[@sankalphumne]

Watch the whole video..This guy has great presentation skills..And his images are awesome..good tips for street photography..i liked the video..

[@hagarthehorrible1391]

Sankalp Humne I did watch the whole video and liked his work. Was referring to the way the program was created. By showing some of his work at the beginning it would have created more interest.

[@falxonPSN]

Strongly disagree. In this case, I get annoyed by everyone taking 20 minutes to show their portfolio. I want to hear what he's saying.