Do you plan your street photography? Oxford photo walk, UK

Do you plan your street photography? Oxford photo walk, UK
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Thanks for joining me on another street photography adventure. This time in the stunning city of Oxford which is a short drive (about an hr) from London. I arranged a photo walk with some of my instagram followers, a few new faces and a few id met on previous photo walks id arranged (yes they came back for more haha)
Typically im very much an unorganised person. So with my street photography i very rarely have any sort of plan! i just kinda rock up and follow my feet.. usually chasing wherever the light seems to be facing!
This was a fantastic walk! we had such a great laugh and the chaps who joined me were all very good photographers but also amazing company!
I hope you enjoyed the video, if you'd like to join me on a photo walk, follow me on instagram and ill post up and coming events there :-)
#streetphotography #oxford #fujifilmxt3

[@dougmccart4590]

Really like the idea of working the scene

[@gnuhapi]

I like the gargoyle shot. Think you should play with the umbrella, maybe tone it way down, but leave it recognizable. Good video.

[@keithpearmine8773]

Great walk-about showing diff. angles and shadows

[@jimcole1938]

Just super!

[@iainscott1289]

Another good vlog Gareth. Image 7 for me. I didn't notice umbrella until you highlighted same. Love your presentation style.

[@shocks123]

Great stuff as usual

[@GarethDanks]

Cheers steve 👍🏻

[@justkenwalker]

Another fabulous vlog Gareth and it was great to meet up with a talented groups of photographers for a day full of laughs and fun.

[@GarethDanks]

Cheers mate. Great to have you there. You do crack me up 😂👍🏻

[@fabienb]

Always a pleasure to hang out together and take photos! Beautiful video and I like how you critique your own images. Good you showed our photos in the end as well, so that your viewers know you to do this correctly! hahahaha Just kidding, hope I'll see you around soon :)

[@john-e3v8v]

I'd love to do street photography now but it seems too dangerous here in Seattle, WA due to Coronavirus. So, I PLAN on doing it in the future. That is all.

[@theundefinedphotographer]

I think this is an issue most street photographers are facing right now. Guess it just means that we gotta practice indoor still life or rural landscape photography in the meanwhile

[@john-e3v8v]

@@theundefinedphotographer Yeah, it's also tough to do creative pursuits when there could be more pressing needs... kicked down Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs pyramid to the bottom levels. It's a good, healthy activity to reduce stress so I have to make time for it. Be well and safe!

[@theundefinedphotographer]

@@john-e3v8v Definitely. I think that's an important reminder that we need to tell ourselves. Thanks, and take care too!

[@john-e3v8v]

The Unrecorded Photographer Thanks! You, too! Happy shooting!

[@antonoat]

I think you were having way too much fun, lol. PS Oxford is virtually 100 miles from Cambridge! Your non serious attitude really paid off and put people at ease, great job. Have to admit your enthusiasm is infectious. Cheers. By the way for panning shots, Sunday afternoons in Hyde park in London, cyclists and skaters near the Serpentine is epic, especially more towards the summer.

[@cotswoldphotographers]

Really interesting video Gareth. Personally I loved the first image with chap on the bike. I know you said you wished you’d been closer but I love the layering effect of the pavement to the road to the dark shadow and as for the rim lighting around the subject, wow 👍👍

[@photosoftaiwan]

Plan or not to plan, that is the question! I think there are valid reasons for both approaches. Someone said, “Fail to plan and you plan to fail!” I don’t know who though. If you just go out and wander aimlessly, then you probably will not have a sense of accomplishment at the end of the shoot. I like to set myself little challenges based upon how I think previous shoots went. Try to work out why something failed and fix it. As you know very well, there is a lot of good fortune required for all the parts of the puzzle to fit. I like to have several plans. Of course, the weather and the light play a massive part, but I think getting up and out early works best for me. For me, it’s not just about when and where. The how is important too. Have you thought about using different ways to get around a location? I like to use a bicycle! Why? You can cover a lot more ground and see more locations. Yet it’s slow enough to be able to stop and park it where you want. Public transport can also be fabulous, I recently bought a 24hour pass for our local MRT system, and did 24 stations with the aim of limiting myself to 15 minutes at or around each one. It was tiring, but fun! Shooting a familiar location can be a blessing and a curse. You can really lose the ability to “see”. I have lived in many places because I essentially get bored looking at the same things. I’m currently based in Taiwan. It’s a great location for street photography but a bit of a trek from sunny Wales. Keep making the videos!

[@robinhorton6625]

Great work, interesting way to explain things, have you tried humor or emotion rather than light and shadows?

[@bettyswallocks6411]

I used to live in Oxford. I have driven to Cambridge and back a few times. It’s a good 2.5 - 3 hour drive. By far the best day to see Oxford, or Cambridge, used to be Sundays, back before shops started Sunday opening. These days, it’s the worst day of the week.

[@bryangideon5822]

I liked the black and white silhouette bike shot it had plenty of texture, great video Gareth, Can’t wait to receive my copy of f8 mag. Your a good practical photographer very informative Thanks

[@marcelzwart3527]

Again a nice video Gareth. Do you happen to have a photo walk in the Netherlands planned in the (near) future? 😁

[@GarethDanks]

oooooof.. id flippin LOVE to!!! wow how cool that'd be! lets get rid of this virus and see if we can plan something!.. wheres good?

[@marcelzwart3527]

Amsterdam which is known by everyone 😁 It’s a very diverse city.

[@marcelzwart3527]

Other nice cities are Utrecht and Rotterdam.

[@simonbarnes7124]

Street photography is an important genre of photography. We make history with our cameras. Could it become a casualty in the short term due to the lockdown of cities and travel worldwide. Street photography captures the time we live in and will be important to future generations. 2020 may we’ll be the most important year of the century, but who knows. So I think we need to document how our lives will change so dramatically in the months ahead. We will of course get through this however long or short this phase will be.

[@ThePurpleHarpoon]

So.... If you're inside a pub , is it really street photography you're doing?

[@ucevrim]

i never understood photo walks. Street photography isn't a group activity.

[@theundefinedphotographer]

I feel the same way, but at the same time, maybe meeting up with other photographers might serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for some

[@JanneRanta]

Just out of curiousity since you prefocus so often why aren't you using back button focusing?

[@kevinpower9534]

Hahahaha, when I left wales it was pissing down.....well when you go back.....it will still be pissing down!l normal..lol

[@GarethDanks]

Very true mate. We’ve had some blissful weather this past two weeks though. Typical as we’re all in isolation and can’t go anywhere hey ha ha

[@ourunstablemind]

These vlogs are so amazing. I enjoyed the process. And yes, bro you so talented and so very humble and soft spoken. Regards Joy

[@AlhambraDream]

21:15 best pic

[@patyeaman]

In one of the comments Gareth said he pushes the histogram to the right, but when his camera screen is in the video it looks like there's still plenty of room on the right. I'd love to try this type of street photography but I am confused by how to expose. Can anyone help?

[@GarethDanks]

sorry if thats confusing Pat.. the histogram shows the light and darks of the scene.. so if theres nothing white in the shot the histogram wont be to the right, unless your deliberately over exposing (without clipping) to get the most on the sensor.. ETTR (expose to the right) is best practice unless theres literally nothing white, or it would force you to use too slow shutter speeds etc.. hand held photography is different for obvious reasons like street photography.. hope that makes sense.. :-)

[@patyeaman]

@@GarethDanks Thank you.

[@set32281]

My friend I'm in France and I can't planning nothing anymore because of the quarantine. Make more videos for us who can't go out to shoot.

[@GarethDanks]

Very sorry to hear that mate. I’m definitely planning some thing for those in lock down. Stay safe buddy

[@KenCheng]

what?? You're not using the X100V?? :(

[@DavidDixon]

Some nice shots there Gareth - didn't realise you were going to be in my home town, I would have joined you if I'd known! Looks like you had an ace time. Hope you're well mate.

[@tompetersphotography]

Mate that shot with the chap in the hat 🎩 was spot on I thought! Maybe the umbrella is a little bright but pretty decent. You make the street look very easy

[@vproven]

Awesome vlog.

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks mate 😊

[@csphotography9790]

When do you do these photo walks?

[@GarethDanks]

Follow my Instagram

[@csphotography9790]

Doing that 👍

[@PassportNotFound]

I love Oxford! It'd be so cool to participate in a photo walk like that!

[@GarethDanks]

Youd be very welcome. Follow me on insta and I’ll post the event. If they’re ever allowed to happen again lol

[@paulm8157]

👍Uplifting post and technique info, Gareth! Well done. Looks like the group had a great time under your good-natured guidance; wish I could join one of your sessions (but am in the US). #7 my fav - gargoyle looking down at pedestrian makes image special; no issue w/white umbrella considering other white areas of pic. Extent of planning depends on venue/event (need more for, say, pie-eating contest at a fair). Otherwise, recognizing “hot spots” on the fly in unfamiliar location comes w/experience (e.g., anticipating special moment). Suggestion: would help if you could list image numbers with their approximate vid time numbers in description. BTW, what imaging editing software were you using?

[@michaelconchscooter8940]

I guess I am forced to the conclusion I’m not a street photographer. I found the video glorious, the crowds the buildings the city brought to life. Shadowy people flirting through shadows could be anywhere. I thought they were very well done, especially the cyclist, but they could have been shot anywhere. I suppose I like boring urban landscape photography.

[@markjagger7139]

Oxford near Cambridge ? Only 86 miles 😂. Excellent vlog as always but still not my kind of photography, I just don’t seem to get it right . #3 for me mate.

[@paulstevenson200]

Another lovely piece of work. I do enjoy your relaxed and enthusiastic style and a big plus - no annoying Muzak. Keep up the good work. Subscription added.

[@SteveLaMotteoc]

Gareth, Another great video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You have come a long way. I started watching you when you had just started in street photography, now you seem so much more confident and knowledgeable. Question: In the old days we had masters in street photography that are still talked about today. Do you think in the digital age and the powerful post editing programs that can still happen? How do you make yourself stand out as a master in the current photography environment? Honestly your shots are fantastic!

[@timoalanko6245]

Thank you Gareth for your videos! They've really helped me understand street photography, composition, light, colour, capturing the moment. And also the frustration, waiting and disappointment ;-) I hope more people find your channel, and I hope you'll keep doing these for a long time.

[@peterjingram1]

Do you prefer Oxford over Cambridge i've always found they have very similar qualities. Have you got a favorite location in London for street photography. Keep up the great work Gareth I also like the podcast that you have recently joined with Gary Gough and Paul Johnson.

[@andrewlunn]

I'd like to go and shoot some street in Oxford as well after watching this Ga. I don't think the bag should wreck the picture on 18mins mate. It's what he / people wear at the moment so in years to come will be somewhat symbolic of todays fashion. Shame the guy on 13mins didn't have his ear phones in for his shot as that was part of his 'look'. As for walking a loop I decided on the weekend to start taking more walks locally to my office to get a feel for a certain area. Will get walking / shooting it tomorrow if it's dry.

[@christoombes7875]

Stranger portraits and chasing the light now you’re talking........great video and location. I normally go out most days (I’m retired so that helps) and walk downtown Calgary and the surrounding areas. I mentally store or sometimes will take a snap on my phone of areas with interesting light and revisit again. As for fishing for shots I will hang around an area with interesting light for ages if I can until I get the shot I want. Anyway top stuff sir and thanks again for sharing 👍

[@martinagiusstreetphotography]

Sometimes I do plan a shot if I see a great place with great light I will return but mainly I go around and see what I can find.

[@danielgoody8636]

Great video mate. Great to be involved too. Shame the morning light didn't last all day. Number 6 is a great shot for me. Its something very different. Getting in close and isolating that light was a great idea. Really worked. I'll have to try this out. Thanks again for arranging a great day.

[@ianscott947]

I usually check Google street view for potentially good locations with an aim to getting to those places, it's not very often I get to a couple of those. Bristol is good example, I had 5 or 6 locations in mind but got to two but now I have reasons to go back.

[@JonathanRobsonPhoto]

Not using your x100v ?

[@StevenMusgrovePhotography]

Brilliant video Gareth!! Was a wicked day and had a huge amount of fun. Definitely need to meet up with you and the guys again at some point 👍

[@anthonyphotoman]

A great video Gareth.

[@robspedding9520]

I'm like you. Rarely plan street, just get out, walk around and see what happens!

[@TheGazmondo]

It’s No 7 ! Maybe you aren’t ocd , but maybe some “work dysmorphia” you struggle to see the good or beauty in your own work. Protecting against future criticism? Some interesting work ! I found this myself when I was surprised that other people like my work !

[@ronaldslow4764]

Great video Gareth I prefer the black and white of the interior shot .but they are all great photos.

[@iainmc9859]

Okay, when the sun comes out (I won't hold my breath) I'm going to go out and shoot some of this style of photo, just so I can say I've done it. When you shoot in your 'home' city you tend to get to know where the sun is at different times of the day/season, which sorts of dictates in which direction you loop around. It can be a bit of a rut (same shot different people) which becomes dull and requires a shake up. Easiest way to loosen it up is shoot with a different lens, so you look afresh at the same scenes. I think you are being a little too critical of your shots, street photography is rarely clean and perfectly balanced and if it was it would probably be accused of style over content.

[@atroche1978]

#cameragang i really like #2. Spot metering for the light is our friend.

[@dcallan812]

It is a very photogenic city, you caught a few good ones too. 👍👍

[@marcclarion6586]

can i join??

[@grahamnorton6291]

My home town gutted I missed this.

[@markjarvis8759]

Absolutely love the video. I am a big street fan. Couple of questions if I may? Do you photograph in colour and then edit into B&W? If so what is your workflow, please? Secondly, you have great shadows and light. Is that as a result of metering for the bright areas or do you purposely under expose? Love the shadow images.

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks mark. Glad you liked the vid. Always shoot raw. And push the histogram to the right. Drop the blacks when editing and that’s pretty much it. Don’t touch the shadows slider unless it’s to darken the shadows. I never brighten them. 👍🏻😊

[@heathbrowning34]

I’m definitely not a planner! I love to just rock up and go from there. Great video mate 👍🏻

[@stevemozzie6497]

Great to see so many old gimmers out with you. Brilliant.

[@IantaylorCanuck]

No planning, just head out and look for the light.

[@bestpix100]

Thanks for a very enjoyable video. I liked the second one with the woman in the alley, great leading lines. Also like the bloke in the pub in colour.

[@GarethDanks]

hey thanks mate!! mine too i think! fun day! cheers for the kind comment! :-)

[@archieontour9834]

Great vlog , I'm off to York soon and think that could be a great Street photography location. I thought the bloke relaxing by the window in the pub was the best image .

[@GarethDanks]

ah mate, i cant wait to visit York!! looks fantastic! you'll have a great trip!! thanks so much mate!

[@markwalkerphotography]

Bummer, missed this on my doorstep!

[@john3Lee]

I cant imagine anything worse then being part of a group photographers aimlessly roaming around shooting stuff like this....

[@GarethDanks]

Aimlessly? It’s just a bit of fun. Take it you didn’t enjoy the video then?

[@john3Lee]

@@GarethDanks I was hoping to get some insight street photography.. I have recently discovered the work of IG account @billydeee which is totally inspiring.. Unfortunately I didn't get to see anything inspiring on your channel.. Yes, aimlessly roaming around as if they were some modern incarnation of Henri Cartier Bresson..... Sorry..... nah !!

[@FitforAdventure]

I hope the guy from Iran didn’t just get here otherwise that hand shake was your one stop shop to Corona 😂 I want to be friends with chuffed to conkers man please 😁🙏🏻😂

[@GarethDanks]

haha Ken!! what a lovely bloke!! hes from my old home town!! great guy!!

[@davidpearce2981]

Getting good at this street photography thing mate

[@GarethDanks]

Haha cheers mate. Which was your favourite?

[@davidpearce2981]

Gareth Danks the girl on the bike