Twin City Photos

This shot was taken on a record day at the fair, people everywhere. I typically don’t feel comfortable taking photos of strangers even with a crowd this large. I took many shots of this scene and almost every one has several people looking straight at the camera. The large telephoto lens probably doesn’t help. The primary look is suspicion or disapproval, occasionally a smile. It’s understandable. Though being out in public usually relinquishes your privacy, we still want it.

It’s not uncommon to use the telephoto to capture people unaware they’re being photographed. Not as an incidental part of a photo, but as the subject. Sometimes unflattering shots, or depicting their destitution, or in a semi private moment. I’ve taken some photos like that, but rarely use them.

I’m not talking about performers, or those in obvious public display of some activity. For example someone running in a race shouldn’t be surprised to be photographed. On the other hand a runner around lake Calhoun might not appreciate being photographed when sweaty and out of breath. Different if you’re doing some theme, are a news organization, or get permission, or all of the above.

What do you think?

The 36th Annual MSRA ‘Back To The 50s’ weekend features over 12,000 Street Rods and custom cars. Held at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds, I went there opening day and have to say it felt almost like being at the Minnesota State Fair. Warm and muggy, and huge crowds. My goal was to get some relatively ‘posed’ photos of some of the cars to practice for an upcoming shoot. Not easy given both the crowd and the number of vehicles one right next to or after the other. Some of the side alleys provide a little more space to set up a tripod, where I found this Chevy. Looking at this photo I realize I have no idea what I shot, other than it’s a Chevy. This is really something I need to work on, asking questions and taking notes, instead of just photos.