Street photography at night! & Why use back button focusing?

Street photography at night! & Why use back button focusing?
Skip my rabbiting: 3:50
@gareth_danks
use the hashtag #street_ga for a chance to be featured in future vlogs :-)
In this video i talk about why i use back button focusing in all of my photography, also what i look for in my nighttime street photography adventures!
Street photography is still very new to me and I'm very keen to improve my game! So i headed out to my local capital city of Cardiff, South Wales to capture some interesting images at night using back button focusing to ensure the area in the image i want in focus stays sharp!
I hope you enjoy this street photography adventure! I'm very new and still learning but do really enjoy the challenge it offers! please subscribe and check out my other videos on street photography and landscape photography
Ga
Thanks so much for watching! And for your kind support so far! :-) x
Ga
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#streetphotography #cardiff #fujifilmxpro2

[@dsdave07]

Nice work, Gareth. Thanks for not being a lofty bugle-mouth "expert". You show us that you're learning and improving like the rest of us.

[@GarethDanks]

Haha. Very much so. Never stop learning mate. And I’m certainly no expert 😂👍🏻

[@ciarancosgrave]

Hmmm. "bugle-mouth" - Jared Polin comes to mind....

[@GarethDanks]

What’s a bugle mouth? Lol

[@ciarancosgrave]

@@GarethDanks A loud mouth.

[@_Argos]

12:03 longest christmas tree i have stand in my room ,was 10th of June ^^ i love Christmas

[@Joe-B1]

Great video Gareth and thanks for sharing it. Looking forward to the next one already.

[@richardraesr3482]

Another great video, quality shots all of them as far as I'm concerned. Keep up the great work Gareth, very inspiring.

[@emilyhardy5133]

Love your videos Gareth, great to see the thinking behind your shots. Very inspiring.

[@gtj47]

Great to see my local city at night, number 3 was amazing, great interaction with your subject..

[@DelvesPhotos]

Another great video Gareth! Keep up the good work!

[@chrisruhr8232]

Brilliant again Gareth. Best shot is between 3 and 4. Very inspiring.

[@TheGazmondo]

Enjoyed going out and about Gareth !!

[@1inkedchick]

Really great work Gareth. These types of behind the scenes videos are my favorite. Love the shots at 5:35, 5:49, 8:00-B&W and 11:02. Keep it up!

[@charliefarley74]

Nice video and pictures Gareth 👌🏼

[@psoon04286]

Lots of perfect examples to illustrate the usefulness of ‘back button’ focusing👍

[@JohnChubbSr]

Your videos are really fascinating as you share these experiences. As well Street Photography itself is fascinating as I'm just learning. Back button focusing seems very helpful, and a topic I want to understand. Thanks so much for your videos, Gareth!!!

[@liborkrupica5686]

Hello Gareth, very inspirational video for me. Well done as always .....

[@bryangideon5822]

Thanks Gareth You’ve made the back focusing button very clear

[@milknosugar29]

Yay! Im gonna take the credit for prompting this shoot, and some great ideas you've given me in return! Lots of points i was thinking- "ooh that's where i shot!" :)

[@davidball8438]

Another brilliant street photography video! Really does inspire me to give it ago myself and try something new from landscapes etc

[@derekcooper1831]

Very enjoyable video. I enjoyed the Birmingham one as well. Keep them coming.

[@bcegerton]

Great video, love the shots

[@confidencethroughphotography]

very good I love shooting at night especially light trails

[@Wildwillow76]

Another great street video Gareth, first....all top notch photos. It's definitely number 3 for me. I like the symmetry and the cyclist to the left is helping by looking at the subject in the centre who is playing his part in the image, the right hand cyclist is also looking at the subject. Two strong leading lines on the bridge point the eye over to all three. Awesome job mate.

[@johnstarkey4959]

Loved the image of the three lads on the bikes.

[@markcantlephotography3246]

Excellent video again and your street photography videos have definately inspired me to get out and try this style.

[@irishrover7uk]

Wait till the Irish hit Cardiff.... Another gr8 Vlog... Like the idea of back button focus... Will pop over to instagram

[@kenthinson2980]

First Street photography video ice seen with planning and execution. Not snapshoting. Great job man 👏 Interesting and fun to watch.

[@marksnellingphotography]

Awesome work as usual bud 👍

[@gregstevenson7401]

Really good content Gareth. I use BBF because it "feels" right, but your vid describes really good practical reasons why you should use it. Subscribed :)

[@JeevesTCW]

Gareth you have captured some amazing pics from scenes that I wouldnt have even given a 2nd look, amazing.

[@tompetersphotography]

Nice job mate....I use back button focus religiously! FairPlay for getting stuck into it

[@grahambarnett6107]

Even the experts never stop learning, After a while most people become proficient with a camera if they practise long enough, but it is all about composition and finding the photograph and then knowing how to manipulate what you have in front of you. You also have to have an artistic element for street photography as well. Great shots, the guy smoking did it for me. could have been the easiest shot of the night, but it works.

[@quarkyman1]

#3 for me Gareth, you’re getting good at this genre. It’s the 22nd of February, that made me chuckle. The only one I thought of was the couple walking towards you.

[@SoloVagant]

Nice insight Gareth. Image No 9 for me was my favourite. Although the girl in the underpass was a close second.

[@dan_s_higginson]

I really enjoy your vlogs. Thanks for sharing them!

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks so much dan 👍🏻

[@Nilitara36]

Great advice Gareth, I’m now using back button focusing on my original X100

[@stevieb7121]

Great video. Nice easy manner in front of the camera and a good talk-through on the shots. Subscribed on the strength of this.

[@powerlurker]

alway very inspring to watch your video

[@channelandyjones]

Nice shots of the Diff 👍

[@jamomorrissey]

Caerdydd!! Love my city. Great video.

[@GarethDanks]

Haha thanks james!

[@archieontour9834]

Gareth absolute great images off basic locations, great eye of using the shadows off pillars with capturing pedestrians. Love the fella smoking looked so natural as if you modelled him into position . Great vlog

[@GarethDanks]

Hey thanks so much Archie mate. Appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed. 👍🏻😊

[@runninblue9415]

Interesting crops for street work, might try some. And great b&w processing. Cheers

[@neil_nicholas]

Keep it up Gareth! Giving you a sub from Singapore👍 Love your street photography videos 😍

[@Rudy60426]

Great Video and enjoy the coffee

[@JohnFoxphotography]

Nice one Gareth, really liking these Street vlogs, No 3 or 6 where my favourites. BBF for me all day long, using the command dial on the XT-2. Keep up the great work.

[@GarethDanks]

Ah yeah I tried that on the xt2. I was worried it might wear it out haha. Seems a popular option. Thanks so much for watching 😊👍🏻

[@rutlegs]

I really enjoy you walking us through your thought process in setting up a shot! Good stuff!

[@GarethDanks]

thank you so much Mark!

[@douglydiate7575]

Your style is producing some great atmospheric images. I really like it. Try a seaside resort town, they are always full of interesting old folks. I've had some good results doing that lately.

[@hardrock1826]

I liked the shots with the fellow walking his bicycle and the other three riding by in a line illuminated by the light. It's great that you have some interesting locales where you can line up some very interesting shots. And everybody seems friendly and supportive. I have had a number of experiences where they weren't. Long time since I been to Cardiff. Spent part of my honeymoon there and in London. I guess my highlight in Cardiff was the castle and the Peacocks. In there as you go in one area, just before you go through a door, you look up to the ceiling and there is a scary face looking down on you. I have been to a lot of castles in Wales. As a kid we used to go to Cardiff and Newport shopping. We went up some mountainous road, I think it was called Fiddler's Elbow and over the other side, to go to the market in Abergavenny. Newport must be much bigger now. I'm from Garndiffaith originally. Now I reside in the frozen, barren, northern wasteland called Canada. LOL I enjoy your explanations of what you are doing, I feel like I'm along for the trip with you. I like your style, keep doing what you do.

[@jonbuscall8901]

Inspiring and pedagogical. Fantastic !

[@GarethDanks]

Hey thanks so much Jon. Appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed mate 👍🏻😊

[@fgj4990]

Brilliant Gareth - well done! Street photography and at night! I am also local to Cardiff and know how difficult it can be to shoot street in familiar areas where you can’t claim to be a tourist. I have been using my X-pro1 with old fast manual lenses with great effect but it obviously slows things down. I note all the pre-focussing even with your digital lens so I presume for your style if street shooting it’s fine? Enjoyed your video, many thanks. Fady

[@richardlewis9868]

nice to see my home town ;) great images and I agree it's hard to see your city in a photographers perspective due to familiarization, a great vid and much appreciated, I also use back button for all my photography, particularly macro work, keep up the good work fella.

[@GarethDanks]

Hey Richard. Thanks mate. Yeah I was genuinely nervous haha. Worked out ok tho 😊👍🏻

[@aurelbajrami4088]

Amazing vid as always, your photos are awesome

[@GarethDanks]

Hey thanks so much. I really appreciate that mate 😊👍🏻

[@tduke91]

Great vid only just found it. For me shot 9 is best as I like the way the chap was framed by the green and white wall. 😀

[@simondc9772]

Nice vid! whether you are in Tokyo, New York or.. Cardiff, all you need is good light :)

[@abubackerashiq1241]

Awesome shots!!Would love to see more street photography related videos..love from India❤️

[@GarethDanks]

Hey man thanks so much. That nice of you. Will be doing more mate. Thanks for watching 😊👍🏻

[@michelslangen6633]

Funny how you want to improve your street photography and I learn so much from you. Thanks for all your inspirational video's.

[@GarethDanks]

Haha always wanna learn mate. I’m so glad to hear you learn from my adventures 😊👍🏻

[@antoniotonebaizan8088]

Great videos Gareth. 👍

[@GarethDanks]

thanks mate :-)

[@badgerag]

Thanks for posting Gareth, I have started using bbf a couple of weeks ago, I like it!!!

[@GarethDanks]

Ah your very welcome. Yes it’s game changing. You won’t go back. 👍🏻😊

[@MarkKellyPhotographyUK]

Cracking video, rude to choose a favourite, they are all good 👍👏👏

[@GarethDanks]

Haha thanks so much mark 😊👍🏻

[@jimcullen2211]

Nice outing, Gareth. I like the one shot of the blonde girl walking under the overpass the best.

[@GarethDanks]

Hey Jim. Thanks mate. Funny thing is I nearly removed that picture from the video haha. Glad you enjoyed mate. Appreciate the comment 😊👍🏻

[@markjagger7139]

Another enjoyable vlog mate. Excellent images I have know idea how you do it, I hate photographing people I find it really frustrating getting it right. I’ve used BBF for years and would never change 👍

[@GarethDanks]

Hey mark! hope your well mate! thanks for watching! - i think people get flustered when pointing a camera at people.. just seeing them as a small shadow or dark object barely unrecognisable helps! :-)

[@freequest]

Photo 8. I think is the best I liked the tunnel there because the colour of the walls really highlight and focus the eye to what you want to depict.

[@GarethDanks]

Hey thanks for the comment. Glad you liked the pic. Appreciate the feedback 😊👍🏻

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

I think you have a great style I like that dark quality to the images. I may give that a bit if a go next time I get to a city.

[@stevebrassington3227]

Brilliant Garath, I love your video style. I’m just getting used to bb focus myself 👍👍

[@GarethDanks]

hey thanks Steve! appreciate that mate! i cant use normal focus now :-)

[@randopong1]

Brilliant video! Made subscribe to your channel.

[@johnsparkes8963]

Well done Gareth, glad you didn't run into some undesirables.

[@simonbarnes7124]

You’re like me, you shoot landscapes and street. Cardiff was my home city and I went to university there. Now I live in Bristol. I shoot a lot of street photography at Saint Nicholas Market in the centre of Bristol. It has a great vibe there, lots of little cobbled streets and market stalls and some characters too. I’ve got to get back to 3 Cliffs Bay to do some more landscapes soon though.

[@Noealz]

I shoot almost exclusively at night, so it's always nice to see what others do when they shoot at night

[@paulm8157]

👍 Spot on vid, advice, and images, Gareth. Did I miss a troll under a bridge?? My guess at a missed photo is at 7.26 min, the parking spot with the human form on it - could be interesting when in proximity to a live subject. Knowing the territory helps develop situational composition sensitivity, in my opinion. A new locale can be too distracting - sensory overload. Fav image is 9. I use BBF all the time - best button depends on camera model, ergonomics, and personal preferences. The shutter halfpress still does exposure lock, something that doesn’t always pan out for me. Proper exposure can shift just before shutter release when AEL is still tied to shutter - kinda like focus error. What’s your take?

[@jakobhovman]

Picture nr 5 really talked picture language to me...Gareth: Great night street vlog and Energy...!

[@GarethDanks]

Hey thanks so Much Jakob. Appreciate the comment mate 😊👍🏻

[@ActualCounterfactual]

I have been shooting for over 30 years, but I only started using back-focus a couple of months ago... I never looked back since.... it's definitely the way to go ;)

[@lemonlerd]

Loving your work, at the underpass location around 10 mins in, a subject smack dab in the middle of the red wall section would have been perfect comp for me. what are your thoughts?

[@peterppw]

Love your stuff, very instructive! Can you share thoughts on using the drive vs single shot? It seems like almost a heresy among street shooters but seems to work for you.

[@sans3698]

Great photos and video once again. Have you thought about slight motion blur while shooting street photography at night? I think the results would be great!

[@kennethcole862]

Great video and images. Missed shot at around 9.57 : bike and man walking out of tunnel in same shot ?

[@JamieOverland]

Liked no 3 - his hand gesture was funny and added to the shot. Also liked the colour version of No 7 - really nicely balanced comp and the brick floor leading directly to him...cool. Was the missing comp at 11:20 - the alley under the Debenhams sign?

[@johnhurn3598]

Excellent vlog/tutorial as ever, it makes my journey to work so much easier 👍

[@GarethDanks]

haha! thanks so much john! not driving i hope haha

[@johnhurn3598]

@@GarethDanks No mate on the train in a world of my own jealous of your pin sharp photos 😀

[@martinagiusstreetphotography]

No 3 is great,

[@GarethDanks]

Thank you Martin 👍🏻😊

[@ofthewayministries]

This video is a great gem; wonderful experience, explanation of the creative process, and application. I've been pondering the benefits of back-button focus as an emerging photographer. As a street photographer, do you use/recommend back-button focusing for the more candid captures? Also, what are some of the major drawbacks that you have found for using the traditional half-press focus method? Thanks.

[@markkent294]

Another great video, very interesting. You've got a real talent with street photography.

[@GarethDanks]

hey thanks mark! appreciate that mate!! glad you enjoyed! - still too much rabbiting on this one or not? haha

[@markkent294]

@@GarethDanks There's quite a bit, but it's good rabbit. :)

[@froksie]

Like your videos!

[@RugbyLock2668]

Enjoyable vid again there Ben! With my limited street photog experience, one shot I think would've been good at about 6:08 was the bus stop(or whatever it was) behind you would make an interesting shot with someone sitting down and reading or some such. Pics 2-4 I really like with the square format of four being the best IMO. Also, at 8:16 when approaching the tunnel it appears to be someone sitting against the wall. Hard to be sure as the video quality at that point is a bit lacking... better give your videographer a good thrashing for that! Oh yeah, I think that the B&W is the way to go with all the ones you asked about?

[@GarethDanks]

Hey man. Thanks for watching 😊 yeah I liked them pics. The dude in the tunnel by the wall was a homeless man so I wouldn’t photograph him. You were close with 6 mins tho mate 👍🏻😊

[@johnilko2964]

I think you really nailed the streets, but I think I would have shoot the drummer at around 11:51 and the tree was interesting at 12:04. Nice video.

[@JayGrapherTh]

I have seen a few videos where people talk about the back button but for some reason your video really show the practicality of using this feature and Ill try to do the same in the future. one question, is would you focus on the floor where they will be to get that focus range or you focus the wall behind since they would be walking close to the wall anyways. I guess it really depends but just one spot where i missed out and not sure where to pre-focus

[@Gadgets20]

I get your idea of back button focus. Personally I don't like using it because when I'm handholding, the camera tends to shift causing a slightly out of focus shot. In your situation, I'd prefer to focus using the half-shutter and then switch the camera to manual focus to lock it in. Just another method to achieve the same result.

[@skypawel1]

Hi Gareth. Very interesting vid. I'm trying to switch to using Back Button Focus, so it was great to hear your arguments about it. Great photos! But woudn't you get same results just by switching off AutoFocus? In manual you could set focus even more accurately. Are there any other arguments for using BBF? Cheers!

[@tonyjames5444]

Really good work, few comments against colour but I'm all for it especially at night, I've seen too many shots lacking any impact or creativity but presented in B&W and called 'street'. ps really like the three cyclists with the middle guy waving, (aware it's B&W but a great shot will work in colour as well:).

[@GarethDanks]

Hey Tony. Thank for that comment mate. Yeah I look for as simple as an image as possible. Lots spray and pray a bit. But hey. That’s the joy of it. Appreciate the feedback mate 😊👍🏻

[@dieseldavey]

No. 10 for me. I do normally prefer the hard contrast black and white but I do think the colour adds to the image. All in all a lovely set of images. So have you gone totally Fuji now I'm just in the middle of the change. Ps what lens was you using. Thanks

[@phillipgoldsworthy8531]

Living 20 minutes away from there now so knew all your locations. Might see you on the streets one day..... just don't laugh at my old XT1's 😅🙏

[@tomislavmiletic_]

All your photos turned out to be great. However capturing a man in flight (#5) is something special, at least to my liking. I tended to use back button focusing quite a lot, especially on my Canon 5DmkII, which autofocus was horrendous. 5DmkIII made me lazy however 😇 On that camera I simply move the focussing point and fire the shot. Now on Fujis in this case I'll either use my 5DmkIII workflow or I'll work manually; much more precise than back focussing, but than agin I don't shoot neither X-Pro nor X-100 line but rather XT2...

[@ceilihmcgrady4125]

Was it the cyclist at 9:56? I love your street photography! It reminds me of a candid journalistic style, but purposely artistic (if that makes any sense to you 😂). I used to shoot more journalistic style photos when I was younger and I loved it. You've really inspired me to try street photography!

[@JohnHaswellPhotography]

Very nice video. I'd be scared with all the drinkers at that time of night taking interest in my camera gear. Very inspiring stuff

[@GarethDanks]

Hey John, thanks mate! appreciate you watching! i know it can be scary but its insured and i cant stand not getting pics through fear.. plus when its your job your often shooting in environments that scare you! especially events! i used to have a shit camera for them events but im insured so screw it haha. hope your well mate!

[@ScottWilliamsPhotography]

Great video as usual. I love Cardiff. South wales is beautiful. I must get down there again. I know the beacons quite well as my family come from a little place nearby called Hirwaun. Are you getting much use from your a7iii or are you using your X-T3 more. I'm interested to know because I'm thinking of upgrading to something a bit more professional. Basically I want some weather sealing and 2 card slots.

[@Jalexander61]

Awesome style and tip for bbf,,, been trying it out...

[@GarethDanks]

Thanks john. Hope it works for you mate 👍🏻😊

[@Glennsphotography1968]

Another good video mate, was the missed shot 5.35

[@GarethDanks]

No idea now I’d have to re watch it haha

[@CraigPitts]

Nice one mate, should come back over to Bristol sometime!

[@GarethDanks]

I’ll be over soon for sure. Can’t wait for a wonder 😊👍🏻

[@dp5383]

5:48 Nice!

[@jbairdexp]

Mate, another really top notch street photography video. The images are really inspiring me to give this genre of photography a go. :-)

[@GarethDanks]

hey man thanks for watching! yeah its really hard at night haha! itll be a damn good test for ya! lol

[@jbairdexp]

Yeah, I'm not worried.....much lol

[@ianscott947]

Cardiff for street photography,especially if there's no events going on is really hard work & very testing but for the most part always worth a half day. of course if that fails a quick visit to Newport usually works out quite well.

[@simonwalter7142]

Nice one Gareth. Gutted that England lost but credit to Wales :)

[@GarethDanks]

hey Simon! yeah great game tho! (if you live in wales haha) im not allowed to support england now haha.. Mrs will kill me!

[@jeg569]

Great video, I take it you don’t get agro at night, electronic shutter 👍 do you use single point focus point? Thanks.

[@SP-tp7pw]

I have a adapted nikon lens on my fuji camera. Will bbf work or does it work with onpy electrical contacts lenses ?