The New Street Photographers Manifesto - Tanya Nagar

           Tanya Nagar

         


So before actually starting this project, last week at the National Media Museum, I bought this book: 'The New Street Photographers Manifesto' By Tanya Nagar. I personally think it is amazing! I thought I'd share a bit about this book as I think it is the perfect book for anyone who is new to Street Photography. 
The book covers everything from 'The mind of the street photographer' to the Laws around taking photos in public places in the UK, to the technical aspects; Aperture, Shutter Speed, light. 

Whats really interesting about this book is not just the photographer's vast range of street photogrpahy, but the way she presents each image with the story below it, explaining where it was took, why she took it, how it could have been better..ect. What i love about this is by being given the photographers insight into their take on the image, you then come to view and think of the image in a very different way.

Biker Boy- Zurich, Switzerland 

"I spotted this man taking a smoke on his bike, overlooking the river. i shot an image from the back, and then as i walked past i decided to shoot him face-on. As i composed and focused, he looked up and spotted me. At first i wasnt sure if he was angry as he remained serious, as though he was wondering why i was shooting him. i smiled at him, and he smiled back- a sign that he was okay with photographed. The tension immediately disappeared after this simple, natural gesture.

  

This example leads me onto the section which i think is probably most helpful in the book.  "The mind of the street photographer."Here Tanya Nagar gives some helpful tips and words of advise, on todays society and the mindset you should have to allow you to be successful in street photography.

"Todays society is paranoid more than ever of being captured on camera. As a photographer, you must be conscious of social norms and be sensitive to those you might be shooting, particularly when dealing with the likes of children and the vunerable, for example. by the same token, being too cautious will mean you will constantly be worrying about what people think of you."

"Practically every street photographer at some time or another will be on the recieving end of hostility. But any hostility can be appeased by one very simple gesture- a smile. in my experience, smiling breaks down the barrier between subject and photographer. "

I like the mystery of this image, the way the focus of the image is on the two people with their backs to the camera. I think this would be an interesting experiment to do in my own street photography; walking behind various characters and capturing images of them on their journey around  the streets. 

Truths and Myths about photography laws in the UK. 

Truth:

While there are certain restrictions around photographs on private property, there are no restrictions on taking photographs on public land. 

Truth:

With exception of Trafalga Square and Parliment in London and any Royal Park, there is no general requirement to seek permission to photograph on public land. 

Myth:

you cant photograph buildings on private property.

Myth:

"I am a police officer/traffic warden/security guard/ i can destroy your photos."

Truth: 

Although a Police officer may prevent you from taking pictures in certain limited circumstances, no police officer, traffic warden or security guard can make you delete a photograph. 

All images, quotes and information are from Tanya Nagar's book and website; 

http://www.tanya-n.com/