So listening to the interesting John Free last evening regarding taking that 'one' shot. I agree totally with him when he says that he would rather come home with 36 shots that work, than have to wade through 800 shots looking for the few that work.
Now of course John still shoots film, as do I. And I am sure this has something to do with this philosophy. At least this is what works for me. I try to get the shot at the first go (sometimes 3 or 4 shots are needed to get the correct emotion) But I also shoot differently to most people with a digital camera. Even when I do use my little Fuji digital, I still find 30 to 50 shots on my card at the end of the day. Maybe I'm just lazy. I know I don't have time to search for hours, and end up deleting 95% of the images.
Another thing that I do is keep my camera ready AT ALL TIMES!!! This means (if there is one) removing the lens cap. I never walk around with the it on. I always have the film advanced to the next frame (just be aware how you carry the camera and where the shutter release button is) I almost never walk with the camera hanging around me neck (if it is, it is usually at a gunslinger angle ready at a moments notice) I am usually pre-focused. This is usually at 4/6 feet. And I usually try to shoot at f8 to f11. This means that focus is usually spot on.
But these are all basics for street shooting with a film camera. It might seem a but fiddly especially in this day and age of the auto or P-mode. But this particular image was shot with a little point and shoot. It is auto focus and I usually have it on the P-mode. This is what I find works for me. Again it is usually set on Snap-mode (this is akin to a pre-focus mode) The Ricoh GR1 and others in the brilliant Ricoh GR film range use this to ensure that the auto focus is not hunting, and is set to the fabled 4/6 foot range.
So using this I am ready. I will be ready to take a shot a half a second after seeing it. I love this kind of shot. It has all the energy of life. And forces you to get nice and close to life. This is way this will always be one of my favourite shots. Be ready. Keep your eyes open. And take the shot. And have fun!!!
Hope you all have a great weekend, and as always, thanks.
I can also be found at
http://www.streethunters.net/streethuntersindex/listing/anton-fortein
