Street Assignments

Andy Bosselman18h

Analyzing How To Shoot Like Webb & Gruyaert

A handful of photographers have figured out how to create the complex, layered images that Alex Webb and Harry Gruyaert are known for. I haven't, so I want to start reverse-engineering what's going on in their best work and write it down, hoping the exercise makes me a better shooter. I'd love to crowdsource this. What elements do you see in images that can be broken down, studied, and applied when we go out and shoot? I've started a list below. Add to it, discuss. And if you've found any books or resources particularly helpful for this kind of work, I'd love to hear about those. Types of Places: Bus stops, beaches, parks, outdoor markets, events. Locations: Some places are more conducive to this kind of work, where life happens outdoors, colors are vibrant, and people don't mind cameras: Cuba, Oaxaca, Istanbul. How to Work a Scene: Friendly body language. Insert yourself into group until you're ignored. Offer an instant print. Compositional Tools: Light poles, building corners, glass, shadows, doorways. Lighting Situations: Harsh midday light, gray skies, golden hour, blue hour. Color: What times of day offer the lighting you want? Get close: Where exactly do you put the camera? How close? Layering: Identifying situations with foreground, middle ground, background and knowing where to stand. Timing: Returning to a spot, spending time at a single location Photo: Dante Sisofo

inelsonrato1d

Projects, yes or no ?

I photograph everything that catches my eye but having projects helps me to focus. Anyone uses projects? Which ones ? How many?

Vincent Villeger1d

Editing : how to tell what to ditch?

I know ruthless editing is helpful, and removing the less interesting images only serves to make the remaining ones shine brighter. But how do you tell? I seem to really struggle knowing what to keep and what to kill. Thoughts? Tips? Anyone else struggling with this?