Kate Winslet on taking Rolleiflex photos for "Lee"

 

5 Hilarious Tips to Supercharge Your Documentary Photography Skills

Are you ready to transform from a casual shutterbug into a master of documentary photography? Buckle up because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the world of capturing real life in all its messy, beautiful glory. Whether you're a beginner with a smartphone or a hobbyist with a fancy DSLR, these tips will have you snapping like a pro in no time!

1. Become a Ninja of research before you even think about picking up your camera, channelling your inner Sherlock Holmes and diving deep into your subject. Imagine you're investigating a secret society of squirrels plotting world domination. You need to know everything: their nutty habits, their acorn-hoarding techniques, and their tiny tree-top headquarters. The more you know about your subject, the better you'll be able to anticipate those perfect documentary moments. Plus, you'll have some killer conversation starters at your next dinner party. "Did you know squirrels can fall from 100 feet without getting hurt? Speaking of which, pass the nuts!

2. Master the Art of InvisibilityNo, we're not talking about Harry Potter's cloak here. To capture authentic moments, you must blend into your environment like a chameleon at a paint store. Practice your best "I'm just a lamp" pose or perfect your "I'm a very life-like statue" stance. The key is to make your subjects forget you're there. This might involve some unconventional camouflage techniques. Tree bark body paint, anyone? Remember, if someone mistakes you for actual furniture and tries to sit on you, you've gone too far.

3. Patience: Your New Middle NameDocumentary photography is like fishing, but instead of waiting for a bite, you're waiting for that perfect moment when your subject does something incredibly human or hilariously candid. You might be thinking, "But I have the attention span of a goldfish!" Fear not! We have a solution. Try turning your waiting game into a bizarre version of I-Spy. "I spy with my little eye... a man about to sneeze so hard his toupee might fly off!" Before you know it, you'll have spent hours waiting for the perfect shot without realizing it.

4. Embrace the Weird and WonderfulIn In documentary photography, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the weird becomes terrific. That pigeon with a mohawk? Snap it. Is the grandma doing parkour in the park? That's gold, baby! Train your eye to spot the unusual in the usual. It's like playing a never-ending game of "one of these things is not like the others," but you're photographing it instead of pointing it out. Soon, you'll see the world as one biamplebeautiful, bizarre photo opportunity.

5. Tell a Story, Not Just a Snapshot Remember, you're not just taking pretty pictures; you're telling a story. Think of yourself as a visual novelist, but instead of "once upon a time," you're starting with "once upon a shutter click."Try to capture a beginning, middle, and end in your series of photos. For example, the epic tale of a hot dog vendor's day: the morning prep, the lunchtime rush, and the triumphant counting of quarters at sunset. It's like a blockbuster movie but with more mustard.

There you have it, folks! Five tips to skyrocket your documentary photography skills from "meh" to "magnificent." Now go forth and document the world in all its weird and wonderful glory. And remember, if anyone asks why you're hiding in a bush with a camera, just tell them you're conducting essential squirrel surveillance. They'll understand... probably.

If you are looking for a behind-the-scenes photography service dedicated to capturing the essence and energy of events, productions, and memorable moments, GET IN TOUCH. Our mission is to provide high-quality, candid imagery that highlights the hard work and creativity behind the scenes.

F I E L D N O T E #13 LEICA Q2 MONOCHROME 📸

I recently bought my dream camera, the Leica Q2 Monochrome. It is everything they say it is, but it is better. I am still getting to grips with this new system after using Fujifilm for about 5-10 years (with a short stint on Sony and Lumix). I have taken a few shots below. They are nothing special, but for test shots, I see potential. 

The macro on this camera is INSANELY good! 

Here are more shots from when I took it out for the day in London.

Below is a shot from home. I just loved the light and the blacks that the camera shows off. 

To conclude, this is an awesome camera and I look forward to sharing more shots. 

The movie all photographers should watch by Tatiana Hopper

F I E L D N O T E #10 Amsterdam Edition

Below are a few of the best shots I took. All shot using my Fujifilm X-E4 XC 35mm F2.

Fujifilm X-E4

XC 35mm F2

1/1000 sec

F6.4

ISO 320

Fujifilm X-E4

XC 35mm F2

1/400 sec

F6.4

ISO 320

Fujifilm X-E4

XC 35mm F2

1/900 sec

F7.1

ISO 320

F I E L D N O T E #9 London Pride Edition

Excited to go to my first London Pride event to take some photos of the colourful event. 

Below are a few of the best shots I took. The majority of photos were shot using my Fujifilm X-E4, classic neg. Whilst some were edited to give a classic warm summer look. 

F I E L D N O T E #7

TT Artisan 27mm AF

1/1700sec, 1/4000sec, 1/1900sec

F2.8

ISO 320

Street Photography Tips

Be subtle. One of the main things to recall while shooting road photography is to be pretty much as subtle as possible. This implies utilizing a small camera, staying away from eye-to-eye connection with your subjects, and shooting rapidly and unobtrusively.

Show restraint. Road photography is tied in with catching minutes in time. This implies being patient and trusting that the right second will strike. Make sure to stroll around and investigate various areas until you track down something that gets your attention.

Be innovative. Road photography is an incredible method for communicating your inventiveness. Don't hesitate for even a moment to try different things with various creations, points, and lighting. The more innovative you are, the more fascinating your photographs will be.

Be deferential. Recall that you are taking pictures of genuine individuals, so it's essential to know their security. Try not to chase after individuals or take pictures of them without their authorization.

A Conversation With Charlie Phillips.

Ronald "Charlie" Phillips OBE, also known as "Smokey", is a Jamaican-born restaurateur, photographer, and documenter of black London. (Wikipedia)

Martin is joined on the sofa by Charlie Phillips. Their wide-ranging discussion engages with the role of cultural elites in the art world, how Charlie started photographing in Notting Hill in the late 1960s and how his career changed path when he hitchhiked across Europe. This sofa session was filmed in October 2021. Images Copyright Charlie Phillips.