Telephoto Street Shot

[Shadowman]

Taken with the 70-300mm at 185mm, ISO 100, 1/160sec (handheld), f/5.6. Cropped about 5% off each end. Could've, should've increased shutter speed but moment presented itself and fired away. Would be interested in comments on use of telephoto lens for street photography and countering effects of that lens (perspective distortion) on depth of and visual sizes of subjects.

[Manfred M]

John - I use the 70-200mm lens (on a FF body) for a lot of my street photography as I like the how it narrows the field of view and flattens the overall image. That being said. I tend to use it much closer up, shallow DoF and at a much tighter crop than this shot.


You can see how well I blend in to the environment in this shot my wife took of me.




And of course you can see the subject I was working on in a shot I had taken about the same time. Sometimes I will do more of a portrait / head shot.





At other times it is more of an environmental portrait than the classical photojournalistic street shot.

[Shadowman]

Hi Manfred,

Nice examples, I've seen a few of these before and never suspected they were taken with a long focal length telephoto lens; although you might have mentioned it in the original posts. I've recently been experimenting with wide angles (20 to 50, but prefer the 85mm) for street photography, I usually only use for street fairs, conventions, and other tightly compacted scenes. I do like the 70-300mm telephoto but it's such a huge lens that just wielding it attracts too much attention. I prefer a more candid capture. I could use the 55-200mm kit lens, but the quality is a bit soft.

[dubaiphil]

As far as I'm concerned there's nothing wrong with shooting with a telephoto lens for street photography. It's a similar argument to the camera body you should use for street photography - who cares? Well a lot of people do, but should they, really? People have a set definition of 'street photography' in their heads, and I can guarantee that 90% of the time it is defined by a standard or slightly wide focal length (28/35/50mm).

There is a case for discretion, in which case a 70-200 on a large DSLR isn't going to let you get close to the action, but 85mm + with a shallow DoF gives you the opportunity to really isolate the subject creatively and/or with framing. If you're trying to shoot an image of someone who is lost in a moment then that can be an advantage - any closer with a shorter focal length and by physically being closer you may lose that moment. With a 70-200 you're less discrete but also far less immediately confrontational. I say 'immediately' because nothing shouts 'press' or 'pap' to the uninitiated more than a DSLR with 70-200 f2.8 and in the wrong place and time people may mistakenly take offence and approach you.

So if you're shooting a particular subject, then the isolation from an otherwise confused scene that a longer focal length gives you can help. If you're shooting for colour, then you can zoom to frame the subject and avoid colours in the scene that may distract from the subject too.

You're not physically going to be close to a scene to see and hear it unfold and really give the viewer of the final image a feeling that they're immersed in the frame, though. That's just the nature of the focal length. And compression pays a part, as being immersed in a scene requires more depth to an image.

But you've made me question my images - I've just checked and there is 1 shot at 300mm, 1 shot at 140mm, and 1 shot at 102mm which I like. Moving down to 85mm and there's a few more which are some of my favourite images with a lot of 50mm and 35mm which I like the most. Then there are a few shots between 14 and 24mm which I like too. That's out of thousands, many of which I've bored people on here with!

Does that mean that I don't like shooting over 85mm for street? No. It's just that 95% of the time I go and shoot with a 50mm and/or 35mm. But why do I go out with those lenses 95% of the time? Because that's the focal length I like for the images that I try to create. One thing I know for certain though is that I will shoot less and have a far higher rate of keepers when shooting at a longer focal lengths as I am isolating a subject and therefore not worrying too much about anything else in the scene that may detract from the final image. Is it any less challenging? Perhaps, yes. With a prime you get to understand the focal length more and it can feel more natural over time. You get to the point where you know where you need to stand to frame an image before bringing the camera up, meaning you can save time, be discrete and get in position in preparation for a shot without being noticed and getting you camera to you eye. Having a wide range of focal lengths on a tele zoom gives you one other thing to think about which can slow you down enough to miss the shot.

[Shadowman]

As far as I'm concerned there's nothing wrong with shooting with a telephoto lens for street photography. It's a similar argument to the camera body you should use for street photography - who cares? Well a lot of people do, but should they, really? People have a set definition of 'street photography' in their heads, and I can guarantee that 90% of the time it is defined by a standard or slightly wide focal length (28/35/50mm).

There is a case for discretion, in which case a 70-200 on a large DSLR isn't going to let you get close to the action, but 85mm + with a shallow DoF gives you the opportunity to really isolate the subject creatively and/or with framing. If you're trying to shoot an image of someone who is lost in a moment then that can be an advantage - any closer with a shorter focal length and by physically being closer you may lose that moment. With a 70-200 you're less discrete but also far less immediately confrontational. I say 'immediately' because nothing shouts 'press' or 'pap' to the uninitiated more than a DSLR with 70-200 f2.8 and in the wrong place and time people may mistakenly take offence and approach you.

So if you're shooting a particular subject, then the isolation from an otherwise confused scene that a longer focal length gives you can help. If you're shooting for colour, then you can zoom to frame the subject and avoid colours in the scene that may distract from the subject too.

You're not physically going to be close to a scene to see and hear it unfold and really give the viewer of the final image a feeling that they're immersed in the frame, though. That's just the nature of the focal length. And compression pays a part, as being immersed in a scene requires more depth to an image.

But you've made me question my images - I've just checked and there is 1 shot at 300mm, 1 shot at 140mm, and 1 shot at 102mm which I like. Moving down to 85mm and there's a few more which are some of my favourite images with a lot of 50mm and 35mm which I like the most. Then there are a few shots between 14 and 24mm which I like too. That's out of thousands, many of which I've bored people on here with!

Does that mean that I don't like shooting over 85mm for street? No. It's just that 95% of the time I go and shoot with a 50mm and/or 35mm. But why do I go out with those lenses 95% of the time? Because that's the focal length I like for the images that I try to create. One thing I know for certain though is that I will shoot less and have a far higher rate of keepers when shooting at a longer focal lengths as I am isolating a subject and therefore not worrying too much about anything else in the scene that may detract from the final image. Is it any less challenging? Perhaps, yes. With a prime you get to understand the focal length more and it can feel more natural over time. You get to the point where you know where you need to stand to frame an image before bringing the camera up, meaning you can save time, be discrete and get in position in preparation for a shot without being noticed and getting you camera to you eye. Having a wide range of focal lengths on a tele zoom gives you one other thing to think about which can slow you down enough to miss the shot.

Hi Phil,

I think my style of street photography (I typically keep on the move) works best with the telephoto zoom. Also, there are times when you really can't get that close, sometimes it for safety concerns (wouldn't want to fill the screen up close during a dog fight) and sometimes there could be a crowd separating you from the action.

Using a prime causes me to search for a good location; which can take hours if I'm not familiar with the city, and time to find a good background. I'm also starting to analyze my captures for quality, looking for the story within and trying to see if focal length adds to the mystique. Sometimes being so close to the action can result in confrontations and sometimes it just leads to a spontaneous portrait opportunity. I decided not to do any noise reduction (ISO 1000, 1/125sec, f/2.2, 85mm). This gentleman didn't speak English and my Spanish is a bit rusty, but he gestured that he wanted me to take his photo; so I hastily took a shot and he was happy.

[Shadowman]

This one was shot with the telephoto, I was more worried about him falling off the pier than him being annoyed with me photographing him. Shot at 75mm with the 70-300mm lens.

[chauncey]

IMHO, street photography is more of an impromptu thing as opposed to an "in your face" image as would be required by a wider lens...could be why the 70-200 is one of the most popular lenses on the planet.

Were anyone to shove a 50mm in the face of me or mine, a proctologist would be needed.

[flashback]

Taken with the 70-300mm at 185mm, ISO 100, 1/160sec (handheld), f/5.6. Cropped about 5% off each end. Could've, should've increased shutter speed but moment presented itself and fired away. Would be interested in comments on use of telephoto lens for street photography and countering effects of that lens (perspective distortion) on depth of and visual sizes of subjects.

John, to me the whole thing is to be out on the street, in the mix and seeing what I can find to shoot. So for me I use a 35mm lense. Now, the rules police (or as I equally like to call them, the fussy squad) will stamp their collective foot and say that street photography can ONLY be done with '________' Nonsense, shoot whatever you want, however you want it and if you like the image, bingo, street photography. The fussy purists will pout but in the end it's what you the photographer wants, finds interesting and captures.

There is a photographer called Bruce Gilden who has a particular style, literally in-your-face photography. Other than requiring huge brass orbs, to me it's a crappy style, ambush photography not unlike paparazzi and his goal, seemingly is to make people look as ugly as possible. But he is widely known, highly regarded (I guess) and often imitated. My point being, it's a lot less about what other people think you 'should' be doing and a lot more about what you 'want' to be doing. In the end it's about what you shot rather than how you shot it.

[Shadowman]

Hi Jack,

I see that Gilden is associated with Magnum Publications which may account for some of his popularity. His in your face style wouldn't fly too well in most areas around the world. I can see why street photography genre can get such negative responses from a lot of commenters; especially if a photographer were to use Gilden's style or especially if the photographer used flash at that distance. I'm comfortable with my style of using a telephoto, concerned that the look may not be appealing to some viewers; I therefore have undertaken a goal to mix it up a bit and get somewhat close when I can and doing my own style.

[William W]

Taken with the 70-300mm at 185mm, ISO 100, 1/160sec (handheld), f/5.6. . . . interested in comments on use of telephoto lens for street photography

Use whatever lens you want to use: but I'd suggest that you have sorted out your reasons, for making the choice.

*

and countering effects of that lens (perspective distortion) on depth of and visual sizes of subjects.

When the scene is multifaceted, then sometimes one or more of the Main Subjects is better illustrated by The Shot being Wider. That’s not necessarily meaning that the lens needs to be set at a wider Focal Length: it can mean the shot is a wider shot, by the camera stepping back – or a combination of both.

One tendency (or habit) when using zoom lenses is to over use the telephoto end of the zoom. Looking through the viewfinder we often have a desire to “be a little bit closer to the Subjects” at the expense of us “seeing the whole picture”.

In the example image, you may find that Viewer’s Eye would be attracted to the interplay between the man and the woman even if the shot were a bit wider – or even a lot wider: in fact if the shot were a lot wider the interplay between those two Subjects might have a more dominate impact on the image palette, because the other people would appear less cluttered.

Either by stepping back or by using a wider FL or a combination of both you could make the shot wider.

But key to the conversation is the fact that: by stepping back you WILL change the PERSPECTIVE of the shot. So if it is the PERSPECTIVE is a troublesome factor to you, then you need to get back a little bit further.

As a general comment apropos Street Photography: ‘if in doubt, Shoot Wide - Crop in Post’ – that’s probably more pertinent as the FL increases.

WW

[IzzieK]

Hey John...I like the long legs of that woman shaking hands with that man scene...

[Shadowman]

Hey John...I like the long legs of that woman shaking hands with that man scene...

Thanks Izzie.

[Shadowman]

Use whatever lens you want to use: but I'd suggest that you have sorted out your reasons, for making the choice.

*



When the scene is multifaceted, then sometimes one or more of the Main Subjects is better illustrated by The Shot being Wider. That’s not necessarily meaning that the lens needs to be set at a wider Focal Length: it can mean the shot is a wider shot, by the camera stepping back – or a combination of both.

One tendency (or habit) when using zoom lenses is to over use the telephoto end of the zoom. Looking through the viewfinder we often have a desire to “be a little bit closer to the Subjects” at the expense of us “seeing the whole picture”.

In the example image, you may find that Viewer’s Eye would be attracted to the interplay between the man and the woman even if the shot were a bit wider – or even a lot wider: in fact if the shot were a lot wider the interplay between those two Subjects might have a more dominate impact on the image palette, because the other people would appear less cluttered.

Either by stepping back or by using a wider FL or a combination of both you could make the shot wider.

But key to the conversation is the fact that: by stepping back you WILL change the PERSPECTIVE of the shot. So if it is the PERSPECTIVE is a troublesome factor to you, then you need to get back a little bit further.

As a general comment apropos Street Photography: ‘if in doubt, Shoot Wide - Crop in Post’ – that’s probably more pertinent as the FL increases.

WW

Hi William,

I think lens preference really comes down to personal choice of the photographer and comfort with the shooting environment, the output will hopefully survive the critique of the viewers. I'm glad to hear that others are more open minded to the use of gear. Thanks for commenting.

[Shadowman]

Shot at 70mm.

[IzzieK]

Unless one looks at this shot in Lytebox, there is hardly any separation between the head and the background, It is a good action shot though...maybe brighten that plant part yonder???

Shot at 70mm.

[Shadowman]

Unless one looks at this shot in Lytebox, there is hardly any separation between the head and the background, It is a good action shot though...maybe brighten that plant part yonder???

Hi Izzie,

Thanks for comments and suggestion.

[RBSinTo]

Taken with the 70-300mm at 185mm, ISO 100, 1/160sec (handheld), f/5.6. Cropped about 5% off each end. Could've, should've increased shutter speed but moment presented itself and fired away. Would be interested in comments on use of telephoto lens for street photography and countering effects of that lens (perspective distortion) on depth of and visual sizes of subjects.

John,
Street is no different from any other photo-genre in that if possible, one should always use the best available and most appropriate lens at hand to get the shots they want or need.
And if that means carrying a telephoto prime or zoom then so be it.
Me? If I'm using my rangefinder kit, it is a 180 2.8 on a motorized SLR body, and when I'm schlepping just SLRs it will be an 80~200 2.8.
Personally, I don't care a bit what the purists or anyone else's Central Dogma of Street Photography Lens Usage claims as truth. I use what experience has taught me works best for me, and depending on the situation, that can be anything from 12mm up to 300, depending on the circumstances.
I'll not limit myself to using a 50 (a focal length by the way that I neither like nor use) just to keep the Cartier-Bresson Fan Club from having a nosebleed.
As for countering the effects of perspective distortion, really the only choice is to switch to a shorter focal length and zoom with one's feet.
But that's why I usually carry multiple bodies with lenses attached to cover as many situations as I can on the fly.

[Shadowman]

John,
Street is no different from any other photo-genre in that if possible, one should always use the best available and most appropriate lens at hand to get the shots they want or need.
And if that means carrying a telephoto prime or zoom then so be it.
Me? If I'm using my rangefinder kit, it is a 180 2.8 on a motorized SLR body, and when I'm schlepping just SLRs it will be an 80~200 2.8.
Personally, I don't care a bit what the purists or anyone else's Central Dogma of Street Photography Lens Usage claims as truth I use what experience has taught me works best for me, and depending on the situation, that can be anything from 12mm up to 300, depending on the circumstances.
I'll not limit myself to using a 50 (a focal length by the way that I neither like nor use) just to keep the Cartier-Bresson Fan Club from having a nosebleed.
As for countering the effects of perspective distortion, really the only choice is to switch to a shorter focal length and zoom with one's feet.
But that's why I usually carry multiple bodies with lenses attached to cover as many situations as I can on the fly.

Hi Robert,

I'm beginning to analyze captures taken with different lenses, can't say that I prefer one over the other. I like some of the captures I've done with an UWA lens, most commenters didn't like what was presented and the execution (close proximity to subject) was very new to me but still fun to try. I use a 20mm mft for some really close work during festivals but still like using the telephoto when possible. Thanks for commenting.

[chauncey]

While I might appreciate the enjoyment in trying to capture interesting street photographs,
I do wonder about the end game. How many of them wind up on your LR wall?

[Shadowman]

While I might appreciate the enjoyment in trying to capture interesting street photographs,
I do wonder about the end game. How many of them wind up on your LR wall?

I don't think the LR wall is the correct place for street photographs, sure you can put them anywhere but to me they look best in coffee table books, coffee shop walls, or in galleries. The coffee table book is a near goal and I've had offers to exhibit in a few local coffee shops. If I were to display in the home it would be a floor level poster style. I do have one of mine displayed this way and another street performer scene displayed on an easel in my home office/slash studio.