The ghost of 'lectricity...
The Walker II
Posted by Duncan Galbraith (kyoto, Japan) on 20 November 2006 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.
@Claireg: yeah he was a cool dude. thank you for the comment.
Cyrille from PARIS, France
Your photo of people are really nice. I have a question : isn't it hard taking photos of people? Doesn't it upset them?
20 Nov 2006 12:19pm
@Cyrille: good question Cyrille. I tend to find my image and get the shot off in one take. I continue shooting (or pretending to shoot) as they walk out of frame and dont follow them with the lens. It's a bit sneaky but I hope it gives the impression that I'm not purely sniping them and am rather just shooting the 'location'. But Japan is a very non-confrontational society. I do however try to actively avoid making people uncomfortable. Its a good question.
@Craig Persel: Thanks Craig, Maybe I should change the title...I like yours better.
Colour blind from Tokyo, Japan
Great tip Duncan, I too live in Japan and have always wanted to try and take photos of people (ever been to Harajuku on a Sunday?) Anyway I've never wanted to upset them. But you're right Japanese are non-confrontational but still I don't want to take advantage of that fact. Good "sneaky" tip. Will try!!
20 Nov 2006 1:17pm
@Colour blind: Good luck with the sneaking about! and thank you for the comments.
Jason Kravitz from Brussels, Belgium
Great street portrait, lots of character
I use the technique often too - I wish I could interact with people more - something I've been meaning to get better at although sometimes you see the perfect shot before you can say hello!
20 Nov 2006 1:19pm
@Jason Kravitz: Yeah...making verbal contact with a stranger is SO hard. Its something which I'm unable to do with a camera in hand.
Sidney from Manila, Philippines
I also enjoy your people shots! Lot of character!
Nice job!
20 Nov 2006 2:02pm
@Sidney: Thank you Sidney!
Darren Halliday from Toyko, Japan
Great series of photo's mate. Very sharp and the natural emotions come out in you photo's.
20 Nov 2006 2:22pm
@Darren Halliday: Thanks Darren. Much appreciated.
@Still: Cheers Still. my thanks
@objectif-plume: Merci beaucoup!
@badala: thanks Badala. much appreciated.
Zach Siebert from Bologna, Italy
get closer in on the subject! this guy looks hip enough. i'm sure he'd pose if you'd ask him....thanks for commenting on my photos. for portraits I either get closer in, or farther out in order to place a subject in it's surroundings if they are pertinent.
20 Nov 2006 9:09pm
@Zach Siebert: Thank you Zach. My appalling japanese often prevents me from enquiring as to whether or not It's ok to shoot. But I'd rather get a candid shot in locations like this to be honest.
@H.O: Thanks H.O!
Dona Lowii from Subang Jaya, Malaysia
i have no comment, but u'r lucky to have those lense. sharp image. clean & clear. i wish i have DSLR.
21 Nov 2006 6:20am
@Dona Lowii: thank you for visiting the site Dona. You have some fine work without these kind of lenses!
pond365 from Otsu Shiga, Japan
Japanese tends to avoid foreign people, as you know.
I'm japanese but I also use same technique.
21 Nov 2006 2:13pm
@pond365: thanks for the comments Pond. Love your urban shots. And you have a very nce camera! If anyone reading hasnt visited Ponds site then take a look. Good stuff.
Daniel from United States
Ah, the wild haired young! I saw many of them in Kyoto.
21 Nov 2006 3:46pm
@Daniel: There're some wonderful styles arent there. That might have to be a future project...
@Dileep: Thanks mate.
Damon Schreiber from Toronto, Canada
Missed this shot a few days ago. Very nice. He has quite a piercing gaze, reminiscent (to me) of Asano Tadanobu. Great capture, and I really enjoy your street shooting tips.
26 Nov 2006 7:33pm
@Damon Schreiber: Cheers Damon. Hope people dont get in trouble following my technique! Yeah he locked onto me and didnt break contact...Theres a second shot of this guy which I quite like and may post at a later date.
Fujifilm FinePix S9000
1/400 second
F/7.1
ISO 200
40 mm