[SYD]Street portraiture-Newtown 13 Sep -We kicked ass

[surenj]

Confirmed attendees - Can we bring our significant others (esp if they are female and interested?)

Mattk
Gerry
Suren

Maybe
Craig.rohse

We will need to take turns as we should keep the 'active' photographers to a maximum of two..maybe three. See how we go. Somehow I think three may be too much.

Location - Newtown

Suggested things to bring
Smallest body and lens (please don't bring your 70-200 etc... apparently people get scared of this stuff!)
Flash ( We should only really use one flash) we could really push it with Gerry's (+ when I receive it, mine) portable softbox...
triggers for flash if needed model releases
? business cards or should we just have one ?
Attitude - we will need to be aware that this could backfire (= no photos) and we just have some coffee instead! (if in Kenso, Laksa... )

We need to confirm the business cards (what do we say on them?) + Do we offer flickr views or emails
Who will do the housekeeping of recording model releases + names etc...



Who: Bunch of us + need at least one female [will explain later ]
Purpose: Ask passers-by whether they would like their portrait taken + emailed to them? [ Would we do that? ]
How: One or two off camera flashes on VALs [voice activated light stands], Keen to experiment with ambient and key balance, as well as different light qualities.
Idea: Blatantly stolen from a strobist post (who stole it from Nick Turpin I think)
WHY? I am not sure. Because we love taking pictures. [of people]


I think 5 people would be the ideal number 2 light stands + 3 ish people shooting.

Preferably weekend (we shouldn't do this in the dark me thinks )

The female is to negotiate model release form signatures (Apparently most people don't take to strange nerdy fellas asking for their signature!) (of course females are welcome to the shoot . Do we even have female members? ) Actually, having lots of females with cameras will make the process a WHOLE lot easier!

Yes, we do need a model release form if anyone has one they use....

[Alpha_7]

I'm certainly interested, but availability and transport are my two biggest hurdles.

Thinking of potnetial locations, the rocks might be good, other then the police presence. Newtown might afford some interesting characters... I'll keep thinking.

[firsty]

 model release download
I have uploaded the one I use to my site

model release

add a line at the bottom for the email address

[Matt. K]

I am interested. I've often had the urge to do the same thing but just never got around to it.

[surenj]

Thinking of potnetial locations, the rocks might be good, other then the police presence. Newtown might afford some interesting characters... I'll keep thinking.

I was thinking about Newtown as well... The rocks may be too crowded (and touristy.. we will have tourists taking photos of us taking photos of tourists.... )
Unfortunately I can't see us having it near your home... any other ideas?

Firsty, Thanks for the model release....

I am interested. I've often had the urge to do the same thing but just never got around to it.

The printer idea is interesting Matt.. Let's see how much interest we get...

I have set the date deliberately soon as it's better not to let this fizzle out. I feel that there is more involved here than our car painting meet...

[biggerry]

hmmm, sounds interesting, not something I would typically go out of my way to do, however, in the interest of pushing my comfort zone I think i would be willing to have a go at this - the idea of getting some good natured females on board would be sensible. If numbers blow-out I would be happy to tag along as a casual observer, especially given it is a 5 min walk for me.

Newtown might afford some interesting characters

not as interesting as a few years back unfortunately, however..

Weekend mornings are typically pretty busy, alot of the prime areas, like the area in front of the 'I have a dream' muriel will have stalls or people there, however all this would create a nice atmoshpere. Also the possie opposite the train station (in front of the Neighbourhood centre?) would be ok too.

I think you would have a fairly good strike rate in Newtown since tehre are still quite a few laid back people kicking around here.

I think having a card with a flickr address or something, that you can hand people might help, I know I would be wary of a bunch of camera loving hippies asking for a portrait of me and getting nothing in return...even just one of those cheap business card thingys...

anyhows..keep us updated Surenj.

Also on a final note, there is some pretty awesome graf around the area also, if your keen before or after, a short walk thru the backstreets always yields some interesting finds, follow that up with a half decent coffee at any one of the cafes, or at the worst Campos and you would have a good day methinks.

[aim54x]

I would be interested....but not sure about times and dates. Keep me posted!

[surenj]

Gerry, you are definitely in! Why don't you pick a spot where we can hang without being harassed (or arrested). If we have time to kill, we could also check out the graf... I always thought people against graf is also semi-cool.

pushing my comfort zone

this is exactly what I am doing as well!

follow that up with a half decent coffee at any one of the cafes

If the photography doesn't work out, then this will be plan B. Is Campos the best coffee in Newtown?

Actually, I need to make a mental note to print out the street photography laws of australia... Just in case.

I may have the facilities to print something out on a coloured A4 (and cut to size) to serve as business cards etc. I am not sure whether actual business cards will be financially viable....

Cameron, I know you don't like Saturdays... We could do Sunday instead...?

[gstark]

I can recall seeing a youtube video a few months back where somebody in California did pretty much something like this.

They set up a plain white background (taped some paper to a building wall) and just stopped passers-by and asked them if they would like to have their picture taken. Some said yes, others said no.

No tripod, all handheld, and from memory, they were shooting with a slightly wide lens and getting close and personal.

[craig.rohse]

This is one for me, love the idea and love taking photos of complete strangers in the streets. Would be interesting to see how Sydney compares to the streets of Dili. (I think it won’t be easy to get people to pose for us on the streets) but lets try it out.

I'm certainly interested, but availability and transport are my two biggest hurdles.

I am more than happy to pick you up Craig since you’re just around the corner.

Thinking of potential locations, the rocks might be good, other then the police presence. Newtown might afford some interesting characters... I'll keep thinking.

How about Kensington in front of the University NSW there are always interesting people walking around and I think students wouldn't have problems (as much) with getting their photos taken.

[surenj]

Gary, my source of inspiration was this
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2009/03/nick-turpin-back-on-street.html

How about Kensington in front of the University NSW

That's also a good idea. Students would be heaps easier to convince than other people... Some of them might be staggering home from a night out anyways!
We wouldn't have the benefit of the Graf however....

I will scout locations and post pics so that we can all decide. Gerry, I expect that you do the same with Newtown.

[mozzie]

hi guys I'd be very keen and i am female and quite happy to smile nicely and ask for signatures. Let me know if anythign comes from it

[biggerry]

I will scout locations and post pics so that we can all decide. Gerry, I expect that you do the same with Newtown.

can do! however it will have to wait until the w/e, i will get some pictures of places that i think would be ok and also check out the graf scene, it changes fairly regularly Cam (or anyone else for that matter), if you feeling bored and wanna join me let me know.

[surenj]

very keen and i am female and quite happy to smile nicely and ask for signatures

I have added you to the list! Would you not bring your camera???

can do! however it will have to wait until the w/e, i will get some pictures of places that i think would be ok and also check out the graf scene, it changes fairly regularly Cam (or anyone else for that matter), if you feeling bored and wanna join me let me know.

Thanks Gerry. Let's see what location is best. I have a feeling that Newtown would be better for backgrounds and kenso will be better for willingness of subjects.

As a side question, does anyone have a background cloth that they would like to bring. Any ideas on how to mount a potential background if needed?

[gstark]

As a side question, does anyone have a background cloth that they would like to bring. Any ideas on how to mount a potential background if needed?

Butcher's paper, some hessian cloth .... gaffer tape ... either some light stands or just tape it to an unused shop window or wall.

My thinking is to do this somewhere near a weekend market ... Glebe, Balmain, or Paddington springs readily to mind. Lots of people of all manner of ... everything.

[leek]

Sounds like an interesting project - put me down as a maybe (depending on date)

Having done similar stuff in the past, a couple of words of advice... I'd limit the shots to 2 (maybe 3 photographers) per willing subject... If you have many more people shooting than that then it'll intimidate and confuse the subject. Maybe if you each use different lenses you can achieve full length, mid-body and headshot with 3 cameras...

Definitely promise them copies of the photos, but you'll need someway of recording whose details match with which photo. Maybe record names against image numbers...

If you really want to have some fun, you could set up on Oxford Street on a Saturday night - no shortage of willing volunteers there

[craig.rohse]

If you really want to have some fun, you could set up on Oxford Street on a Saturday night - no shortage of willing volunteers there

Thats a good one, would attract some characters and the coffee break becomes a beer break

[surenj]

Found some essential reading for people who want to attend. [some may have already read this]

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.2f54f844fc040f6daba9c6b086caf08f.21&show_article=1

http://www.wired.com/video/street-portrait-photo-how-to/27609165001

Here is one sure way of getting arrested or assaulted.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkIWW6vwrvM

[mozzie]

hi guys

I just had a look at my calendara and its very depressing. I have midsems which have just crept up on me so for the next 2-3 weekends I am out of comission (I have no idea why i decided to go back to uni in the first palce but....)

Either way as much fun as it sounds I might have to sit this one out

[surenj]

No worries Mozzie. All the best with your exams.

If any of the others who are attending can bring along a female (partner, friend etc etc) who is interested, that would make things easier for us. Any takers?

Now to confirm a definite date. Who is interested in a midmorning during weekend of 5th- 6th or 12th- 13th. Saturday or Sunday?

[biggerry]

Now to confirm a definite date. Who is interested in a midmorning during weekend of 5th- 6th or 12th- 13th. Saturday or Sunday?

my preference would be the 12/13, Temora Aviation Museum are having the flying display on the 5/6 so I am keen to get out there..sat or sun, i am easy on that one.

[surenj]

Unless there are any further suggestions I am going to suggest

Saturday 12th Sep. ? 11am. Location TBA

[surenj]

Here are the potential locations in Kensington.

Highest yield would be in or near the university.








If you walk a few hundred meter towards Kingsford, then there are some other plain backgrounds.

[biggerry]

Potentials for lovely Newtown.

These were taken fairly early, early for anyways...9 ish Sunday.

First cab off the rank, 'I have a Dream' mural, about 300 metres up from the train station, popular place for buskers, greenpeace ppl, little stalls etc. Pretty high traffic area. Pretty good background i guess, this wall will be in the sun up to midday i guess, the other corner will typically be in the shade.



Neighbourhood Centre, this is the square/area opposite the train station, it is also right next to the 'HUB' those with alittle age about them will remember this infamous club. There is plenty of space here and also a high traffice area, probably the highest traffice area in Newtwon since it is close to the train station and main bus stops. This is basically the junction of the King st and Enmore Rd. Good backgrounds here, choice of shade or sun, good side street where things can be a bit quieter (Australia St)




Dendy Cinema, pretty high traffic, right next to the IGA, nice cafe and Deli. Often find buskers, and street sellers here too, quite narrow and can be a bit shoulder to shoulder.

about 150 up from the 'I have a dream', you can just see it in the top left of the image.



Opposite the IGA and Dendy cinema is the church, stuffed if i know what denomination, never been in there. Typical setup place for the Newtown Jets footy club sponser stall, buskers, free meals thru the church. Fairly roomy here but not many good backgrounds...



These are basically locations up from the train station, there is probably only one location south (down) from teh station, this would only be 200m from the station.

At the end of the day, there are quite a few locations all within 10-15 minutes of walking. Check out google streetview and sat images for more!

[surenj]

Gerry, I think Newtown would offer more traffic that's for sure. Kenso might be a bit better on a weekday but weekends tend to be a bit slow.

Any preferences from the others ?

[craig.rohse]

12th Sep sound great to me.

Let me know if you need me to bring anything.

Kenso does seem a littl quiet on the weekends and Newtown looks pretty good.

[biggerry]

12th Sep sound great to me.

i am easy and can swing either way - saturday or sunday for me

[leek]

Sorry, but can't make it on the 12th / 13th... Good luck with it all and if you need someone to bail you out, you can call me

[surenj]

Craig, would you mind if we changed to 13th = Sunday ?

So far we need (or do we?) a background. Plain paper and tape?

Monopod if available so we can mount the flash? [or we could use a light stand which is more bulky]

[aim54x]

The 13th looks good to me...and I can supply 2 flashes and a monopod for this exercise.

Just on another note...anyone considered writing to CityRail to ask for permission to conduct a photographic project on their property....Central Station would give us traffic and some hits I would imagine some characters would hang around there as well.

[surenj]

Cameron,
It may be too late to write to them for this project. Maybe in the future pending on our success and enthusiasm for another shoot?

I have put on the confirmed list. Your stuff will be most useful. Would you be using CLS?

[aim54x]

CLS would be the way I am thinking...either that of just use fast glass!

[surenj]

No problemo. Fast lens is good. I am planning on bringing my only fast lens 50mm 1.8 It will help with the low profile as well. Would be cool to have a fast wide prime as well. Who else is bringing canon??

I was keen on adding some extra light as we will be in the shade (with flat light). Nick Turpin style.

[aim54x]

No problemo. Fast lens is good. I am planning on bringing my only fast lens 50mm 1.8 It will help with the low profile as well. Would be cool to have a fast wide prime as well. Who else is bringing canon??

I was keen on adding some extra light as we will be in the shade (with flat light). Nick Turpin style.

50mm f/1.8 for me as well...although I will see if I can get the 85mm f/1.8 off my friend. Otherwise it will be the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (low profile). I wonder if anyone has a 35mm f/1.8 or a 35mm f/2 (or wider)

[aim54x]

HUGE SORRY to everyone....I managed to get that lens but then realised that I have double booked for this date....PhotoSoc has a shooting meet on the same day and since I am an executive member (and can only make half the meets because the alternate between Sat and Sun) I should attend this one instead of this project.

I would have loved to come....maybe for the CityRail version of this (i really want to get my own back on the CityRail Gestapo!)

I am happy to lend you guys my flashes and monopod if you think it will help....Gerry lives relatively close by!

[surenj]

No worries Cam! that monopod is tempting Cam, esp if Gerry is happy to borrow it.

I just want to verify that everyone is happy with the date so far. 13 Sep. [It is still not set in stone; can be 12th if everyone prefers] We will set it so that most people can attend.

Gerry, Can you set the meeting place so we don't get lost?

Just to confirm; Is anyone planning on bringing a background?

[Alpha_7]

Just to confirm; Is anyone planning on bringing a background?

Oops been out of the picture for a bit, unlikely the other half would come. But I'll ask. I do have some black or white material I often use a a quick backdrop. I can check out how big they are and get back to you. I don't have an easy way of adhering them, but pegs, clamps or gaffa tape might work. I also have access to 2 x SB-800 at the moment.

[biggerry]

Gerry, Can you set the meeting place so we don't get lost?

ok, I reckon we will have to wing this a bit, I suggest bringing along a background plus monopod etc, however I think being discrete might also be a prudent to start off with, looking at the locations maybe using the natural backgrounds is an option... anyway, i have had zero experience in this so i am open to suggestions...

in terms of meeting spot, best spot would definitely be opposite the train station, basically next to the 'HUB' night club (closed) refer to pictures in the last post - if i am there i am sure ya's will not miss me...

Regarding gear, i am just gonna bring what fits in my shoulder bag and thats it, easy to walk around etc.

[Matt. K]

I can't help with a backdrop but a gray or white backdrop would be essential to make this work. Brick walls suck! I can bring light stand and umbrella for SB-800 flash if required.

[gstark]

in terms of meeting spot, best spot would definitely be opposite the train station, basically next to the 'HUB' night club (closed)

This could really be a fun location, if treated correctly ......

As it happens, just last Sunday I was in this area for coffee. I found what looked like a good parking spot on Enmore Rd, just a few meters from the corner. Very close to this meeting point.

There was some form of rail works being undertaken, and they were running rail buses to replace the imaginary trains. To assist passengers, they had "bus marshals" outside the station, and on Enmore Rd, across the road from this parking spot that I had located.

Oh yes, there was a bus marshal guarding this parking spot too. Apparently, these rail buses can fit into parking spots just a little larger than a SLK. Or so this guy wanted me to believe when he told me that the spot was reserved for the buses.

When questioned, he refused to produce (or did not have) any authority that demonstrated that the posted parking restrictions were to be overridden. He refused to divulge his name, and he was reluctant to have his photograph taken.

I might also be reluctant to have my photo taken when I am not in any position where it could be reasonably established that I'm doing the job I'm being paid to do.

The Transport Minister's office has a photo of this person, as well as photos of a car displaying one of the signs that the buses use, with the word "marshal" added in texta, one clearly showing the sign, and another showing the car's license plate.

Should I dare to propose that we take photos of the bus marshals, should they be in place on the day?

[surenj]

Gerry,

I was thinking of camera, flash and monopod as the only thing I will potentially use. It could be that we set up a flash on a stand. I am not sure about umbrella [it's quite loud AND it might get blown away]. We could use a portable softbox but that may be too loud as well.

Two of us could be photographing, one for holding flash, one for recruiting people off the street, one for paperwork at any given time?

The monopod will also be useful if any rail officials interrupt.

Don't forget your business cards and model releases. Do we need a foldable chair?

[surenj]

13th Sep confirmed.

[Matt. K]

surenj
Model release should plainly state the the images will only be used for fine art purposes...IE exhibited in a gallery or other public place and offered for sale as fine art images. The photographs will not be used for commercial or promotional purposes to endorse or sell products other than an art gallery or magazine relating to art or photography. No one in their right mind should sign a models release that gives all rights, including commercial, to the photographer.
We should also have a sign reading.....'have your photograph taken for arts sake!' so that passing folk know what's going on.

[surenj]

Matt,
Thanks for your advise.
check your pm or email.

Suren

[Alpha_7]

Um, sorry to do this at such late notice. But I've had an eventful weekend, including a death in the family. I'm going to have to make up the time I have off, so I won't able to commit to the shoot now. So sorry to be pulling the pin on you

[craig.rohse]

I've just got hit with work on Sunday , but am trying to get leave for the day am very keen on this one

So will it be 11am on Sunday 13th at Newtown Train Station?

Will bring my OM2SP with 50mm and 135mm

[surenj]

Alpha, no worries.

Craig, We haven't set a time yet but 11am is as good as any [unless Gerry disagrees because there isn't enough traffic].
At least if we are unsuccessful, we can have a bit of lunch or coffee before splitting! [then there is the graf to photo(graf) ]

[Matt. K]

Craig
Sorry to hear about your bad news. Take it easy.

[surenj]

Alpha,
Sorry I didn't read your post properly. I managed to skip over the most important info!
Hope you have a good rest and recover from this setback.

Suren

[Geoff]

Craig - sorry to read about your sad news!

I would love to have attended this day but alas I am already working, if there is another event similar to this I'd definitely be keen to go along!