Hugh Brownstone's Approach to Street Portraits

[@BandH]

What questions do you have about taking street portraits?

[@oneeyedphotographer]

The word taking. Sounds a lot like stealing. I would rather ask, "May I photograph you?" I don't take photographs, I make them. Making a photograph requires a combination of thought and experience. Thought covers things about where to pt the camera, where to point the camera. Experience helps make those choices more quickly.

[@feilong6223]

An awesome video with a lot of informative information, much appreciated. These days its quite important to get a model release, how would you go about asking your subject ? Thank you

[@fellowcitizen]

Thanks! Hugh's speech pattern was much easier to follow and listen to in this video than on his channel.

[@AndrewPalmerJazz]

You took the time to pop a little graphic in the corner of the screen (11:25) to teach us about diffraction, but it's kind of embarrassing you didn't look up how it's spelled.

[@vmno6300]

Pro tip: bring a book of your own photo work.a photo album or a portfolio book. If people see you actually have portrait prints (they don’t have to be good, but shows you’re committed) it is more likely they will say yes to you. Especially if you need to include small children (absolutely only do this with permission from a parent). There will also be times you might be questioned what you’re doing or the purpose of the photographs and perhaps get caught taking pictures while being discreet and id typically say i just like to make prints and actually show them some. That gotten me out of a few bad situations and granted me permission on some of the most difficult situations I’ve come across. And when I’m asking permission I always say “I’m making a project of photographs…” the word “project” is key because it predetermines the intent before any questions might arise. So please, carry some prints with you. This is imperative and I don’t leave the house without.

[@vmno6300]

@@alcedo_kf it’s a lot more genuine to have actual prints. Sometimes it’s also hard to see the pictures on a bright day. Prints show you’re very determined and some people don’t like to be on the internet so showing with your phone will do just that

[@willypaul70]

Excellent video Hugh, thanks for bringing your thoughts, style and perspective forward. I’ve lived by your guidelines for many years myself when I shoot, and it’s served me (and my subjects) well. Essentially we have to be authentic no matter our thoughts and approach. Won’t be good for everyone, but I happen to believe your teaching the proper way to engage people, show respect and gratitude, in an effort to make the world a better place and get great images in the process. No need to hide in the shadows and “steal” photos. Looking forward to hearing about future workshops! Thank you for what you do!

[@straatmoment]

I do candid street photography but I also ask people on the street for a portrait so I think Hugh's tips are definitely valuable

[@marcusineson]

Thanks Hugh I definitely on your side of the rules There great power in being kind and nice to people

[@kennygo8300]

Thanks to Three Blind Men and an Elephant... and B&H, for this series. This collaboration is great.

[@bejersey]

I teach street photography where we spend the day in downtown L.A. I love your approach and will impart some of what you are teaching me. Thanks!!

[@lordperilous]

Great tutorial Hugh! I've been shooting for about two decades, and street photography has always been a challenge for me. Your methodology is solid, and I'll have to spend more time doing it to see if I can improve. I appreciate the content you are creating for B&H!

[@BandH]

we're glad you enjoyed the video! hope this series helped improve your skills.

[@AristeidisSfakianos]

Beautifully said Hugh. Love how elegantly you approached and talked to people. Very inspiring!

[@TheRobertpainter]

Really great analysis, well spoken, not rushed. I stayed for the duration.

[@williamdavidson1490]

I've really enjoyed the series Hugh has presented so far. Do wish the sessions were a bit longer, though the short format is cool. Cheer's from Vancouver Canada !!

[@gilbertwalker6769]

Thanks, Hugh, for another excellent presentation on the portrait side of street photography. Your tips were very helpful and I can't wait to try them.

[@EricWoodsL]

Fantastic video. Great advice. Participated in a NYC photo walk (My home state.) where we started with stranger portraits in Harlem and we had a fantastic time. I captured some of my all time favorite portraits. Made our way to Washington Square later where I made some images I am very happy with, but Harlem won the day. Great day and I will definitely be using your tips when I do it again.

[@theinmancalledgerm]

Hugh, you've given me some things to think about in exploring this type of photography for the first time! Thank you for the tips! I've tried a few already and was impressed with the results.

[@AndyGlavac]

Another fantastic video I am enjoying this series. I love street photography . I love your approach on the street

[@charleslsmith2012]

Great tips Hugh. Looking forward to your next video in this series.

[@webmaster4ZLCB]

So much great content. I plan on watching this at least two more times. Thanks!

[@LoFiAxolotl]

No holding our thoughts? Love Hugh Brownstone! His images are just amazing and love his videos!

[@savagefrieze4675]

Thanks Hugh. While I am not in a city so can’t do “street photography per se, I try to engage and create that relationship with subject, will delete 8mages when asked, will show images to person, and will email images when asked. Trying to treat each subject with respect, dignity, kindness etc to help build a better world: The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. It is a core concept for every major religion and life philosophical system for a reason! Too bad not enough people operate with this concept anymore. Thanks Hugh for going beyond the technical and getting to the spirit of photography.

[@OzWildImages]

I'm lovin' these master-classes Hugh! Clear, sensible advice from a photographer with street cred. Keep 'em coming. If I ever get to NY I would do one of your courses in an instant.

[@skyace888]

Good info on the genre. I'm curious to know the legal aspects of this kind of photography. What about model releases?

[@DessieTots]

Oh my God, a video by you that I can watch. Liked your comments on cooperation, giving, etc.

[@gregpantelides1355]

Thank you for this series. It’s incredible!

[@BandH]

Glad you enjoy it, thanks for watching!

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I disagree about the light. For a couple of years I had no choice but thos shoot through midday. You can learn to use the contrast, and you can learn to avoid it. Your choice. Sean Tucker uses it to advantage.

[@jackmatthews9390]

Reasonable minds can disagree 😊 of course you can shoot during midday but it not easy to get consistently good colors that flatter human skin, I think is what High is saying. But if you like you images than you have found one of your esthetics. Perfect.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@jackmatthews9390 You sound like you represent the industry that specialises in making good looking young women feel ugly. Had you looked, Sean Tucker would have shown you striking black and white photographs. Joe Edelman and Karl Taylor teach how to make good colour portraits in strong sunlight. Both do fashion.

[@theren8311]

Helmut Newton has showed us hard light can make for very appealing photographs. In fact, I believe the best stories are told it mid light. Waiting for golden hour is very typical, and quite frankly, boring.

[@SunnyDiegoProduction]

I guess all you guys must be producing outstanding photographs, mind giving us mere mortals links to your wonderful midday hard light work? Or this one of those occasions were you’re just taking out your arses like true internet warriors?

[@StephenLPhotos]

All good info here, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY wish this video included more than just a few examples of the photos he was taking. We see him approaching people, chatting, taking shots.... and then we don't see the shots! It's one thing to describe recommended ways to take these photos, but it would be so beneficial to see the RESULTS of this advice.

[@henryrogers5500]

Great video, Hugh! I learn so much from your insights and tips. Thank you. I prefer doing most of my photography now with my vintage film SLR cameras. Especially, my Nikon F with the photomic Ftn prism head that is in good working order. It's a real head-turner and people will often stop to ask me questions about the camera! For most of my photography, including street photography, I use Kodak Tri-X or Ilford HP5 Plus black and white film. Very seldom will I ask people for their permission to photograph them, although, at times I will. I will attach a 2.8, 135mm zoom and try to be incognito by moving the camera around my subject as if appearing to survey the area so if they see me, the idea is to give them the impression that I am not necessarily focusing on them. And then when they take their glance off of me, I snap the shot. This, so far, has worked 100% of the time for me but I know there's always a risk of getting caught. Anyway, I've gotten some great candids this way. So much fun!

[@josephfriedman614]

Great advice and suggestions. Thank you.

[@didierperrusset]

Candid "stolen" portraits are great as well, THIS is real & true Street Photo. Best regards from France. ( the country where photography comes from ;-) )

[@ColdCoffeePhotography]

We need a weekly Hugh slot!

[@solsona]

Love the series, thank you Hugh and B&H. On the Street Portraits subject, do you ever use a flash or a fix light?

[@philipvernon_photography]

Incredibly useful! Thank you for this post 👌

[@willgreig8912]

Great content, question what’s your favourite budget street camera for portraits 😊

[@manupixels7983]

Another great video, all my portraits photoshoot are planned with client / model but now I will try this method in street photoshoot.

[@ShafreelCosmos]

Fantastic short film! I experience something strange when I approach people. I get rejected way more often when I ask them “may I take your portrait” vs saying “may I take your photo” I wonder what is it about saying portrait that turns more people away.

[@cecjong]

Thanks for the video! One question! How do you ask your subject to sign the model release?

[@devernepersonal3636]

it is interesting, his perspective on the golden rule. Because there is one side of street photographers that are purely about capturing the moment as is and using freedom of the press, and then there are people that purely ask for permission and pose. I think perhaps the best thing is a mix of both depending on the situation.

[@looptimelapse]

thanks a lot! lovely tips, I will take those with me when I approach people on the street

[@productphotoservices]

Such priceless info you provided, thanks so much I would love to learn this as I love to take photos of people, my area is in product photos but doing shots of people is indeed an art, Thanks again🤟

[@edgargo3068]

wonderful video you equipped us for street photography😊

[@kenn6592]

Brilliant. I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Thank you.

[@BandH]

And that’s why we have them, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ianmkos]

This series is fantastic!

[@vpr5562]

More photos please. Would be awesome. Thank you for this vid too.

[@baharam98]

Very informative and helpful. Thank you!

[@iaincphotography6051]

Superb episode Hugh, I hope people listen to your advice. A friend and I ran a basic lighting setup for portraits at a photographic club not so long back. About a third had a go, the others bumped up their ISO and took shots over the shoulders of others, the reason being, they didn't want to have to talk to the model!

[@jeremyfielding2333]

Those photoclub shoots were a blast. I remember going to a nude one and some of the old guys there didn't even have film in their cameras. That was about 1983.

[@iaincphotography6051]

@@jeremyfielding2333 That sounds about right lol.

[@psills]

I worked with a portrait studio for several years. While I do "street" photography, I NEVER ask permission to take someone's picture. Why? Simple, as stated, "In physics, the observer effect is the disturbance of an observed system by the act of observation." I do not just want a portrait, I want a moment. While many people, such as Hugh, are excellent at "street portraits", this is not what I am after. I am not after a portrait which is pleasing to the eye (which what you will always get with a posed photo) but a moment in time and the human expression in that moment. This is not possible when working WITH the subject, only when observing the subject, undetected.

[@andrewweathers2938]

This covered just about every question I had. I don't carry cards with me, but I would imagine that having something to hand to a person with your IG or other social media where they could find your photos might lend credibility? I don't just want to be the photographer who is standing half a block away with a telephoto shooting that crusty old guy who sells trinkets on the corner of 40th and Broadway. I have made some of the connections you are talking about at various places. People with tattoos are often willing to share their stories and that's made for some great moments and photos. Finding that hook to connect to people is hard and the default is either to let it go and miss that opportunity, or to shoot from afar.

[@NYIKAZENO]

This was a great lesson. Some many great points, and things. to think about. Thank you, Hugh!!

[@howardchud9097]

Good stuff Hugh. A great place to shoot is over the Manhattan Bridge. Special people walk over that bridge. Also, Chinatown calls for establishing a special relationship with the people playing cards and mahjong (they’re gambling).

[@davidsilva8695]

Wonderful, Hugh! I would love to do a workshop with you someday.

[@artivism4068]

that was great perspective and inspirational. thank you.

[@JimEmbury]

Very enjoyable with good tips. Thank you.

[@jimgsewell]

f2.3 1/80 6400 - That's a dark dark place. Thanks for the tips, looking forward to your next installment. This is different from your channel, I like it.

[@kne321video]

Good stuff 👏

[@keithspangler4814]

Hugh, hi. I love this video chat! I won't bore you about my photo history, but I've been on a return to photojournalism and introducing myself to street photography. I'd love to meet you someday. Thank you.

[@mutantXfrog]

How do you catch spontaneous moments? If you ask first, the action/moment is lost anyway

[@fandangofandango2022]

Dear Sir, You have a Big Heart / and think Big.

[@pepper6253]

Really appreciated this series. Thank you for some great tips , I usually do surfers and they always love having their photos done. I always ask if they would like me to email or send by social media, have never had anyone say no .

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Well that is a good video, well explained and I understand the way you would approach Street Photography "Portrait" shooting. I hope you meant to focus on the "Portrait" part of Street Photography. (there are many sub types/tastes of Street Photography). The problem with that kind of approach is that it can easily become static.. People know there is somebody going to take a picture so often this results in non common behaviour (think of smiling while there is nothing to smile for) I am more a fan of "drive by" shooting where people are caught under natural behaviour. Like Pauli B. and his buddies (to keep it in NY), that is Street Photography pur sang Although the SL is one of my favourite cameras too, I rather stick to something less obvious like a M or Q or even a Fuji X100. Thanks for sharing !

[@paololarocca7684]

thanks so much for these great advices....

[@kingofbollywood7386]

Great tips! Great series!

[@ccbphoto]

Thanks Hugh! I’ve got to grow my huevos and try manual focusing.

[@budop7036]

THANK YOU, VERY MUCH!

[@ChetanDodwad]

Thank you so much. 🤩❤️😍🤗😇🎉

[@brentkingston4389]

Very interesting 👍🏻

[@montycraig5659]

Hugh, I love your philosophy, and your teaching on photography. You lost me as a subscriber 4 yrs ago, because we disagree about politics, and while I strongly support your right to your own decision on who to vote for, a photo video isn’t the place to stump for your candidate. I strongly support my right to my own opinion too! I would watch more of your channel, if we can keep it focused on photography. … Hold that thought!

[@harryconte7222]

Can you explain EVS or EPS?

[@alanplatt888]

Excellent !!!

[@paulhanson6008]

Absolutely loved this video. Such great tips for anyone starting out in street photography. Sub’d👍

[@BandH]

glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the sub!

[@Popa_Bogdan_Light_Drawing]

Thank you!

[@Colin_Ward_Photography]

What do you do with street photographs? Is there a market for them? Are they just for your own entertainment? Thanks.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

For me, it's helped with my landscape photography. It's all about light, form, texture.

[@Whatreally123]

Well I think in today's age, making street photography content is more "lucrative" than the images themselves. I love street photography and lot of great street photographers who make youtube/IG videos that I follow. Just a very different type of market. And more than a market being present, for me it is about how much the photographer enjoys the process.

[@michaelkennedy4842]

The word is 'diffraction' not "defraction" at 11:25.

[@carlosmcse]

11:40 This is good advice on ISO. And do it manually. Get off auto. ISO and Shutter Speed go together.

[@GotDuhka]

What is that camera strap? I know it is paracord but other than that I can't find it

[@3BMEP]

Rock n roll

[@GotDuhka]

@@3BMEP Thank you. Those designs are inspiring. I might try to make some out of a similar rope, something non-static perhaps and put peak design clips on the end.

[@otavioleitefotografia]

Cool!

[@Aniki91PL]

Thanks.

[@fredhannum4015]

He reminds me so much of Jeff Goldbloom !

[@adambaileyshow361]

This was great :-)

[@АлександрНикифоров-ч6к6у]

Все очень толково рассказано!

[@DavidTpitCabrera]

[@jack-5667]

Et en France, mieux vaut obtenir un contrat signé du modèle pour utiliser les photo sans crainte, car notre législation ouvre la porte à beaucoup de conflits qui peuvent se terminer au tribunal et coûter très cher au photographe. Cela dissuade beaucoup de photographes de faire du portrait de rue dans notre pays, alors que c'est si passionnant. Merci pour vos conseils judicieux.

[@AA-ni3km]

I disagree about one aspect of applying the golden rule to candid photography. In my experience, the main reason that people object is that they don't understand or can't imagine what you're trying to do (create beautiful / flattering art). They can only imagine negative uses of their image. If the photographer immediately offers to delete the photo, therefore, they are accepting the subject's false premise that the photographer was doing something wrong or harmful. Also, the photographer has a legal right to take photos in public without asking permission. People's feelings are important, but the right to photograph exists for valid reasons. My approach, therefore, is to explain what I'm doing and show the images. If they still ask me to delete the image, I usually comply but in a small number of circumstances (where their request or approach is unreasonable or the image is irreplaceable) I have refused.

[@Magneira]

"Masterclass"

[@FelixHuray]

How do street photographer make money?😮😮😮

[@weisserth]

Let's be absolutely clear about one thing: candid photography in public spaces is legitimate. A photographer absolutely has the legal right to take photographs of anything or anyone in public space - for as long as they don't physically interfere with their subject. You don't have to make excuses for what you're doing as a photographer. You don't have to show them the photograph. You don't have to delete the photograph. Period. It's a choice. Is it rude? Maybe? But it's within the RIGHTS. If you WANT that photograph, take it. It's your choice. If you want to keep that photograph, it's YOUR choice, not the subject's choice. That being said: there is nothing wrong with Hugh's advice on this topic. It's just another choice. But it's not a "golden rule". It doesn't apply as a rule to everyone. Only those who choose to go by that. You cannot produce meaningful candid street work worrying about confrontations every time you want to take a photograph.

[@StefanBeyer]

It does depend where you are in the world, though. Your statement may be true for hte US and UK (with some caveats). Howver, absolutely not legal in many parts of the world, including many western democracies.

[@weisserth]

@@StefanBeyer Hugh was talking about New York City. I was referring to the US as well. But most western countries have comparable laws about photography in the public space.

[@StefanBeyer]

@@weisserth yes, I know he was in NY, but this is an international platform and not everyone is in the US. But I was replying the above comment which does not mention location and just wanted to point out that these things differ. I have lived in Germany, the Uk and Spain, three Western countries with very different rules regarding street photography.

[@henryrogers5500]

I agree, T.W., but using tact, good technique and good judgment can help in avoiding unnecessary confrontation with the subject.

[@savagefrieze4675]

Re: The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.: I don’t take peoples photograph if they don’t want me to and will delete photographs the subject doesn’t like. BECAUSE that is how I want to be treated. Legality is not the point. Creating positive human interactions builds a better world. And I will also email images to subjects if they ask. That is also how I want to be treated. People Respond well when treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. The golden rule is at the heart of every major religion for a reason.

[@nova.105]

Street photography is fun, but it doesn't put money in your pocket. That's the biggest con. However, I still do it.

[@vmno6300]

It’s not a con. You just have to be very great at it. It’s like saying “basketball is a con because professional nba players make so much money while I’m out here struggling with my day job but i still do it”. You just have to put the time and effort and extreme dedication to be make meaningful pictures.

[@m_saqibali]

1/500th street 1.4 - 5.6 3200

[@dynamics9000]

Success is growing, once you stop growing you are not counted as successful person. it is just my humble opinion. By the way I enjoyed watching your videos, a fellow creator

[@PrincessUnicornSprinkles]

LOL. RUN!!! "Don't run!" Oh...

[@barryashenhurst2071]

If you never shot in bright sunlight, in Australia you'd never shoot at all.

[@geo2theo]

Try to take street pictures of people in Germany or in eu...

[@Hobbot72]

Bresson did not have to ask.

[@ActualCounterfactual]

Refresing uselfish thoughts + ideas in an increasingly selfish world.. great ideas.

[@nathanmeyer6743]

'The world is not a uniformly terrible place'... seriously?

[@Micko5685]

What the he** is this a church service? I was looking for technique- I ended up with some guy telling me how to deal with people

[@Micko5685]

@@alcedo_kf fair enough, mention it in the title, “How to approach people” then I know what I am getting- anyways - No, I didn’t miss the point just because you disagree - happy clicking

[@parazittrilobitovic5488]

To be very honest, it took me a while to like the style of the presentation(s) here & @ 3BM&THEE. TO STAY HONEST - I am happy I got to the point where I can write: I very much like what you ´ve doing. So - (enough with those ´I-s´, right?) very well done for the work YOU ´ ve been presenting, great & helpful job! Thank you & best regards from Prague (Czech Republic).