The class met up on a typical rainy day in Manchester to visit the "All that is solid melts in to air" exhibition at the Manchester art gallery as-well as indulging in a spot of street photography. Once we had all arrived we where each given a brief asking us to produce a series of images based around the theme "Street Photography". Rather than walking around with our cameras pointing them at any old thing we where encouraged to build a series of sequential images based around a specific subject or photographic style. The second Part of the brief was to choose a subject area and photograph it using a camera phone. We where also asked to record sound bites specifically relating to our subject matter so that the final series of images could be presented as a slide show with the ambient sounds playing in the background.
There are always potential risks that one should consider when shooting street photography. Therefore, key health and safety elements should always be considered. Here a couple of potential risks and solutions that I considered before I set out to fulfil the brief:
- Rain damaging equipment: When shooting street you need your equipment at the ready as compositions are fleeting. However, as per usual it was raining. As my equipment is not water resistant I have to be extra careful of it getting wet. I overcame this potential risk by tucking my camera into my jacket, this way it was easily accessible as well as being covered from the rain.
- People reacting aggressively: People don't always like to have their picture taken so there is always potential to upset and anger your subjects when shooting street photography. The majority of the time you don't encounter such problems but you should always be ready. An excellent way to counteract any negativity that you encounter is by staying calm, being friendly and taking the time to explain what it is that you are doing.
When walking around a busy city center with no purpose but to seek out photographs I notice myself experiencing a slight shift in perspective. Rather than being engaged with the busy social atmosphere the camera allows me to take a step back and really observe my surroundings. When seeking out photographs I will notice the beauty and art in the slightest of situations that might have just passed me buy if my conscious attention was directed elsewhere. Here are a series of images I took during our day in the city centre:
For the second task of the mini brief I headed over to piccadilly station. I chose this as its a very busy location full of interesting sounds and subjects. Here is the short slideshow I produced:
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