The Unobserved, Freeman View, archives 2009 - 2014 - online guide (elements)

Taken from the OCA student website this article starts with a personality test:

When shooting, you frame a shot but at the last minute the subject turns to look at you, do you:
a) give up and look for another subject
b) shoot

This got me thinking, am I an A or a B? or am I both? My first thoughts are that it depends on the situation and what sort of shot I am looking for, also if taking photo's of someone who has children, if they turn to look at me I'll quickly put my camera down or I'll aim off (which seems to work quite well in most situations), but I'll also feel a bit annoyed if someone looks at me. Sometimes when taking photo's it doesn't really matter, though I'd prefer not to have someone notice and look at me, it spoils the moment, the moment is physically broken, the mystery taken away from the viewer.

The article goes on to discuss personality for the choice of A or B:
If A - you're a traditionalist, a believer in the principle of the unobserved witness and the skill of being able to work that way.
If B - could be one of two things, either you acknowledge that the presence of the photographer is part of what photography is all about, or you got frustrated and accepted second best.
I would like to be more 'A', but am probabbly mostly 'B'

Unobserved - points taken from the article

• Knowing your camera and having speedy dexterity is key for snatched movement, being able to make quick changes to the camera settings essential. 
• Speed - being quick off the mark to notice what's going on around you
• Using a long focal length is an easier option but great for sitting outside the coffee shop for a bit of 'lazy street'. 
• Look and behave ordinary - standing in front of people pointing the camera will get you noticed and result in an image where those who noticed you are involved and act accordingly
• I have found that keeping my camera down and either bringing up quickly or taking shots from strap level has resulted in some interesting shots where there is no clue that I am taking pictures

There are certain situations where photography is accepted or tolerated, events for example, photographers are expected to be around and people don't usually take much notice. In other situations the photographer has gained the confidence of the subject to create some lovely candid shots. Henri Cartier Bresson said "above all, the sitter must be made to forget about the camera and the photographer who is handling it". I think this is why making the use of a remote a good way of getting a nice portrait, with camera set on a tripod I can engage in conversation with the subject, getting a nice unposed image. 

The Unobserved - Freeman View - archives 2009 - 2013