A Wide View on a Narrow Street
By Todd Frederick
30 July 2007
Being a shy person I usually limited my street photography to a long telephoto lens with me hiding in the bushes! Not a good way to do it, for sure! Such photos rarely show a dynamic interaction between the photographer with the subject.
Recently a good friend and I visited San Francisco's Chinatown and all I had with me was a small compact digital camera. However, it was equipped with an accessory tube with an ultra wide angle auxillary lens attached which gave me about 16mm.
I had never thought of using such a combination for street photography before since I did not want people to see me "shoot" them. I am a devout coward! To my surprise, I was able to get very close to my subject without that person knowing what I was doing, or they were eager to pose. No one was upset except one lady playing a card game with friends in the plaza who waved me off furiously. Of course I respected her rant and photographed just the table! that was more interesting anyway.
Most of the people I photographed must have been flattered that I thought they were interesting since they simply smiled and walked on. I smiled and chatted with them and they were very pleasant. I looked nothing like a Pro!
Moving in close, with a very wide view, allows room for some cropping, increased feeling of depth, an unusual perspective, and interesting distortions. It also allows me to be a part of what the people are doing, giving a more personal portrayal of what their daily lives are like.
Not all compact digital cameras will allow for the use of such auxillary lenses. It needs to be a model that provides for the attachment of an accessory tube. The 0.50X ultra wide angle auxillary lens can be purchased easily through internet companies, eBay stores, and I even saw them available at B&H recently. The cost is about $50 and is one of the best purchases I ever made. They can also be obtained in wider forms such as 0.45X and 0.32X. The optical quality is excellent and the glass is mounted in a strong metal housing. Most have a thread size of 52mm and need a step-up ring depending on your camera.
I usually carry the camera in my right hand, at my side and slightly behind my back, with the strap around my wrist, holding the camera ready to fire. I can bring it up fast for quick imaging by approximation and can also view the image on the monitor for a more precise composition. Since this auxillary lens is large in comparison to the camera, it blocks the viewfinder. I do not carry the camera around my neck and I do not look like a photojournalist, just a tourist!. With the small camea size, it can be easily cupped in both hands showing only the lens glass.
Using this combination has given me a new way to photograph strangers, up close and personal, making the experience far less threatening both to me and the subject.
More How To Stories
Thanks for letting us know!
Thanks for voicing your concerns. Rest assured, we take it seriously. We'll look into it and take any appropriate action.
