marcelbooth » Three Wise Workmen

I went into Manchester City Centre the other day, to try my hand at street photography. After meeting up with Mike, a fellow moderator on Talk Photography, and grabbing a bite to eat, we set off onto the streets of the city, in the dreary drizzle and rain. Mike kindly lent me his 24-70 f2.8L to use.

At first I was quite nervous, but soon my confidence strangely grew. I think it was because we were shooting as a team. As we walked along Church street, I saw a group of builders stood outside a building just idly chatting. For some reason I ‘saw’ this photo in my minds eye, and I stopped, turned round, backed up to the edge of the kerb and raised my camera, I smiled while I did it and they just smiled back, and didn’t move, which was excellent.

I quickly focused, framed and rattled off a few frames. This was one of only two frames where all three were directly at me.

So, to these three anonymous workmen, thankyou for staying still and being jolly good sports!

Details : Canon 30D * Canon 24-70 f2.8L * 46mm * f/3.2 * 1/200 * ISO-500

One Way said:
November 13th, 2007 at 09:40

Great portrait. I find it really difficult to ask people on the street if I can take their shot; I wish I was as brave as you! If anyone asks me why I am taking a picture of something I usually say it’s for a college project â€” somehow that seems more acceptable to them than saying it’s just a hobby 😉
Marcel said:
November 17th, 2007 at 11:38

Don’t worry, I find it very difficult to. This was my first proper attempt at street photography.

We did get asked on the day what were doing. In the past I’ve felt a touch uncomfortable, so have wondered what to say, yet this day I said with pride “I’m a photographer, I just like taking interesting photos”. Once you start to say it with confidence it becomes easier. It’s also a good line to use when asking someone if you can take their photo.
“Excuse me, I’m taking photos of pretty and interesting things around the city, would you mind if I took your photo” (The ‘pretty’ line works with the ladies of course).

Expect some people to say no, but just brush it off and move on, the majority DO say yes 🙂

One Way said:

November 13th, 2007 at 09:40

Great portrait. I find it really difficult to ask people on the street if I can take their shot; I wish I was as brave as you! If anyone asks me why I am taking a picture of something I usually say it’s for a college project â€” somehow that seems more acceptable to them than saying it’s just a hobby 😉

Marcel said:

November 17th, 2007 at 11:38

Don’t worry, I find it very difficult to. This was my first proper attempt at street photography.

We did get asked on the day what were doing. In the past I’ve felt a touch uncomfortable, so have wondered what to say, yet this day I said with pride “I’m a photographer, I just like taking interesting photos”. Once you start to say it with confidence it becomes easier. It’s also a good line to use when asking someone if you can take their photo.
“Excuse me, I’m taking photos of pretty and interesting things around the city, would you mind if I took your photo” (The ‘pretty’ line works with the ladies of course).

Expect some people to say no, but just brush it off and move on, the majority DO say yes 🙂