Street photo session in New-York city
That's no mistake, New-York city is my favorite city in the whole world for street photography. I always say that while in NYC you just have to load your camera with a film, step out in the street and boom! There's something to photograph. I'm pretty sure you can actually build up a full street photography exhibition within a few hours just walking down your block.
New-York City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that never sleeps. Its streets are filled with people from all walks of life, each with their own story to tell. Street photography is the perfect medium to capture the essence of the city, its people, and its culture. In this following article, I will explore the art of New York street photography and highlight some of the best photographers who have captured the soul of the city. First here's my humble contribution to this exercice. Please feel free to take a look and the rest of the article is at the end of this portfolio where i'm giving my tips and advices for a good street photography session.
The Art of New York Street Photography
New York City is a city like no other, and street photography is the perfect medium to capture its essence. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's always something new to discover in this ever-changing city. By following the tips and techniques of the best New York street photographers, you too can capture the soul of the city in your own unique way. So grab your camera, hit the streets, and start exploring the beauty and authenticity of New York street photography.
First a quick FAQ about NEW-YORK STREET PHOTOGRAPHY RULES
FAQ
What camera is best for street photography?
I would say that the best camera for street photography in New York city or anywhere else is the camera you are comfortable with. Meaning the one you know how to operate. However and to be more specific, choose one with quite a wide angle if you are into landscapes and one with a closer zoom if you are into street portraits.
Is it legal to photograph strangers on the streets?
In general, it is legal to photograph strangers on the streets in New York City as long as you are in a public space and not violating any other laws, such as those related to privacy or harassment. However, there are some important exceptions to this general rule. For example, it is illegal to photograph someone in a way that violates their reasonable expectation of privacy, such as by using a hidden camera or taking pictures up someone's skirt. Additionally, if you plan to use the photographs for commercial purposes, you may need to obtain a model release from the people in the photos.
It is also worth noting that while it may be legal to take photographs of strangers in public spaces, it is still important to be respectful and considerate of others' privacy and personal space. If someone asks you to stop taking their picture or to delete a photo you have taken of them, it is generally best to comply with their request.
How Do You Approach Strangers for street portraits?
well, most of the time i try to be discreet and take someone's portrait without notice. But if i really want to do a more classical street portrait i go and politely ask the person. most of the time, specially in New-york city, people are open minded and always willing to have their pictures taken. Actually i can't remember someone saying no. But that varies a lot from city to city. For example if you are asking someone for his portrait in Paris, France, it's most likely that will turn you down in a harsh way.
My tips for Capturing Authentic New York Street Photography
- Blend In and Observe. Choose a spot, that could be Time Square, Central Park or the 5th avenue. Stop there and observe for a while and go for your subject. You can put some music in your ears to help you to be more focus on.
- Embrace the Unpredictability. Be ready, camera on hands, because it goes fast in NYC. You need to have your camera always operational, with the right settings on.
- Pay Attention to Details. Sometimes in big cities streets there's a lot going on. A lot of people, lots of actions. If you walk down Union square for example, you can easily be overwhelmed by the activity. Once again try to stay focus on what you want to say. There's maybe a little action going that you didn't notice at first glance.
- Experiment with Different Techniques. Sometimes to stimulate your creativity change your ways can be helpful. Go for a Black & white photo session only, go for a prime lens only session, or play with filters and lenses. Vary the possibilities.
- Respect Your Subjects. Always be respectful. If someone ask you not to take a pictures, apply and move on, there's plenty of welcoming people around the corner. Always be friendly will attract friendly people to you.
Here are few well knowed street photographers to keep you inspired:
Famous (New York) Street Photographers
- Bruce Gilden is a renowned street photographer who has made a name for himself capturing candid and striking images of people on the streets of cities around the world. His style is characterized by his use of flash photography and his willingness to get up close and personal with his subjects, often capturing their expressions and personalities in a raw and unfiltered way.
Born in Brooklyn in 1946, Gilden began his photography career in the 1960s and 70s, capturing images of his hometown as well as traveling to other cities like New Orleans and Haiti to document the people and culture there. He joined Magnum Photos in 1998, where he has continued to produce powerful and often controversial work.
Gilden's images are known for their gritty, sometimes confrontational nature, and he has been criticized for his approach to photography, which some feel can be intrusive and disrespectful. However, many others admire his work for its raw and unflinching portrayal of urban life and the people who inhabit it.
Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Gilden's photographs have been widely exhibited and published, and he has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He continues to be an influential and respected figure in the world of street photography, inspiring a new generation of photographers to capture the raw energy and vitality of life on the streets. Bruce Gilden's page on the Magnum Photos website: https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/bruce-gilden/
- Martha Cooper is a celebrated street photographer known for her dynamic and captivating images of urban life. Born in Baltimore in 1943, Cooper began her career as a staff photographer for the New York Post in the 1970s before branching out into freelance work and focusing on street photography.
Over the years, Cooper has captured countless iconic images of street art, graffiti, and hip-hop culture, becoming a pioneer in the field of urban photography. Her work has been published in numerous books and magazines, and she has been the subject of several documentaries, including the award-winning "Martha: A Picture Story". Cooper's work is to be seen on her official website, which showcases a wide range of her photographs and provides information about her exhibitions, books, and other projects. Martha Cooper's website: https://marthacooper.net/
Whether you're a fan of street photography, graffiti, or urban culture, Martha Cooper's work is sure to captivate and inspire you. So be sure to check out her website and discover the incredible world of street photography through her lens.
- Helen Levitt was a pioneering street photographer whose images captured the vibrancy and diversity of life on the streets of New York City. Born in Brooklyn in 1913, Levitt began taking photographs in the 1930s and quickly developed a unique style that combined a keen eye for detail with a deep empathy for her subjects.
Levitt's work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, and she is widely considered to be one of the most important photographers of the 20th century. Her photographs are characterized by their intimate and unflinching portrayal of everyday life, from the bustling streets of New York to the quiet moments of domesticity in the city's tenements.
If you're interested in learning more about Helen Levitt and her work, there are many resources available online. Levitt's photographs are available on the website of the Helen Levitt Estate, which showcases a selection of her images and provides information about her exhibitions and publications. Here's a direct link to the Helen Levitt Estate website: https://www.helenlevitt.org/
Through her photographs, Helen Levitt captured the beauty and complexity of life on the streets, offering a window into a world that is at once familiar and mysterious. So be sure to check out her work and discover the incredible legacy of one of street photography's true pioneers.
New-york wedding photography
I'm speciallized into wedding photography. If that's something you are into, maybe planning your wedding to come here are few articles about New-York luxury wedding venues. and another one about Outdoor wedding venues in New-York city.
I'm Romain, i'm your wedding photographer! Give me a shout out!
wedding ceremony in New-York City
