The Alibi
INSIGHT
In the petrol-station scene from No Country for Old Men, almost nothing happens visually. Its power comes from paying close attention to an ordinary exchange. Photography works the same way. A scene doesn’t need to look dramatic to contain something interesting.
QUESTION
How many potentially good photographs do we dismiss because nothing exciting happens immediately?
CHALLENGE
Choose one seemingly ordinary place or location and stay there for twenty minutes. Take a photograph when you arrive, then keep watching without changing position. Slow down your thinking. Watch. Listen. Notice. Create one frame where a scene or happening that might be considered ordinary is revealed to be anything but.
That petrol station scene
Don’t forget to reply to this email with your image and some words describing how you got on.
the CONTACT SHEET
YOUR INSIGHTS
In last weeks newsletter I asked you to stop someone on the street and ask them if you can make a portrait … a Street Portrait
Mark Seal | @theblackandwhiteseal
Although I’ve shot numerous street portraits, the initial move to ask a complete stranger if you can photograph them whilst they are just going through their daily life, never gets easier! I walked around looking for a worthy muse, when I finally did see someone with a very individual style, I made the move and was met with a NO.
Rather than accept it, I managed to start a conversation, but they were still not up for it.
So I refocused my efforts and moved on.
What challenged me was to change tack and stay put in one location and wait for the subject to come to me.
Numerous times I felt like going searching, but held strong.
I spotted Simon heading away from the area, but went with the view that he may well return the same way.
Which ten minutes later he did.
I asked the question, got the YES and fired off a few shots.
At this point I realised I’d done the hard bit, getting the Yes, so now to make the most of it.
When asked, he was more than happy to give up more of his time and to move positions, and try different compositions.
Which ultimately led to the shot I’ve posted.
Cyril Preddy | @cyrilpphotog
Completely out of my comfort zone. I never ask or do this type of photography. This was shot in 36⁰ with an android phone and couldn't really see what i was shooting. But glad he said Aye man go head
Phil King | @phil_the_lens
Didn't play safe on this one...I am fortunate to have learnt street portrait shooting from Gary on the Dare Workshop, so generally feel happy with what I get....BUT..I moved away from my usual cropped in portraits of weathered faces that scream character. This time I didn’t crop in, nor rely on the subjects weathered appearance carrying the shot. Thinking outside the box, I honed in on a quirky character and worked the light to make the shot interesting.....biggest learning from this...I need another Dare Workshop!
Imelda Turnock | @imeldat.photography
First, I saw a guy in Devon with tattoos almost head to toe, I bottled it. Saw him on the last day, think he worked in the central area pub, bottled it again! In my mind I blamed my husband because he hates it when I talk to people but I could have asked him to go off.
Back in Guildford, met a friend & took camera but didn’t have mojo.
Next day was out, saw this man sitting outside a pub & really wanted to photograph him. Wasn’t brave & went into a shop but got camera out & checked settings. Approached him & man he was with, they were lovely!
Found out he’s Andy, was a Dr Who double for the first Dr Who, he’s an ex punk, worked as a model for Ugly Models (unusual people). He had a Crombie coat with red lining & Cox shoes. I took lots of images & got him to look in different directions, at camera, holding hat etc.
The friend was a cartoonist.
I wish I’d paid more attention to the background, some shots had pub signs in them
I’m really pleased though! Participate as sometimes it’s easy for me to approach people but this time it wasn’t. They even wanted to buy me a drink
Steve ISO :) | @Isosteve100
Ask a complete stranger if you can take their photograph.
Sounds easy, right?
Not for ME.
It isn’t.
That hesitation.
Don’t bother.
They’ll say no.
Because my challenge isn’t pressing the shutter.
My challenge is taking those first few steps towards a complete stranger.
I’m not stealing a photograph.
I’m asking for it.
So here we GO. Or, as the Street Thief would say:
“LET’S GET INTO CHARACTER.”
I spotted this guy in the market.
He looked cool.
I liked his style.
So I walked over.
“Hello mate, love your style. I need to take your portrait.”
“Yeah, no problem.”
No drama.
I explained what I was doing and asked if I could move him somewhere else.
He was up for it.
I shot a few frames.
I thanked him.
Then we went our separate ways.
No Instagram.
No name.
Nothing.
I don’t know his story.
He doesn’t know mine.
He probably won’t remember me. But I’ll have that photograph.
We met as strangers.
We left as strangers.
I think that's what street portraiture is really about.
Two people stepping out of their own worlds for a moment.
Sharing the same piece of time.
One person asks.
The other says yes.
A photograph happens.
Then life carries on.
The portrait remains.
Johannes Burkhard Mueller
The shot is not from this week, but my best example for a “mission impossible” picture of a complete stranger. If you discard it- no problem.
I was walking one morning with my 5year old son (a very lively child) and our little dog (also very lively) to get some groceries, so I also had a nice big bag with stuff in it. Then suddenly I saw that man reading the newspaper in the middle of the sidewalk. I had just one thought: I will get his picture.
So I pulled me, my son and dog in front of him. They started immediately to pull me in different directions while I said good morning to the guy, told him that I am photographing extraordinary personalities and that I am thrilled to see him reading the newspaper which reminded me of good old times- and that I had to take a picture of him. He looked at the crazy setup in front of him and nodded. At the same time I organized to have everybody and the bag just in my left hand, pulling out my iPhone 11 and framing while trying to balance the motion going on around my feet. Fully concentrated. I got three shots. Then I was overpowered by the rest of my crew. I thanked the man who continued to read.
It felt like Christmas.
What I discovered? Once we lock into the intuition that we absolutely - despite of not carrying “proper” equipment and circumstances- have to take a certain picture, we can and will do it.
Have a good one. Thanks for sharing. I’ve learned a lot from you!
Johannes
Dave Walker | @davewalker.photo
This lady was standing out like a ray of sunshine and was genuinely pleased to be asked. I like the colours and framing. Being super critical, slightly snapshot. Having done the Dare Workshop, learning not to panic rush and shape the light better in these moments is something i’m continuing to try and work through.
Tim Clark | @timclarkih
What did I attempt?
I didn’t really have a plan this time. I did attempt NOT to take any pics here!
What challenged me?
At this small event in Soho square there were a few opportunities for characters. I barely had the interest to photograph anyone.
What did I discover?
I did feel my lack of enthusiasm came across in this image. Also your adage of trying to edit a poor image: true.
I enclose the original where there was a man who sat down , but offered to get up when I took the pic. I think he’s an actor.. I sort of like how he looks out of place.
I knew at the time this is what you call a clown shot!.
Don’t forget … each week, reply to the newsletter with your images and your insights. Get involved and I will share a handful each week right here on the newsletter. Also … tag your images on Social media @idaretoshoot and #idaretoshoot to be featured on DARE.
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