"Jim Swill"- Sacramento, CA
I decided to shoot up some film down in Sacramento yesterday and finish some rolls that have sat in my cameras for too long. The rain and the cold were my main challenges that morning, but instead of staying in, I grabbed my jacket and umbrella and set down the hill. Trying to photograph while holding an umbrella is tricky and kills a lot of the fluidity of movement that makes street photography possible. At the same time though, it makes a really awesome place to hide. Being able to huddle in a corner with my camera concealed under my brolly gives me an unprecedented opportunity to sit and wait for opportunities rather than hunt for them. Umbrellas are like a tree stand for street photographers.
The cold actually took it's toll on me faster than the rain. When it's really frigid and you're holding an all metal camera things start to go numb pretty quickly. Even though I only lasted a couple of hours it was a pleasantly productive morning. The weather can really change the vibe and activities of a place. People move at different paces, they observe different things, and most importantly; they ignore the guy with the camera. This inset shot is one of my keepers from the day. It's so satisfying when a composition really comes together well, especially when there is still an element of chance. Call it what you will; street photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, it's part careful composition and timing, and part hope and luck. When you mix the ingredients together just right, it's worth all the rain and numb hands in the world.
The irony of the day is that I got down there early to hit the light and the bustle of the morning. Only when I quit from the cold, rain, and finishing up my film did the sun break out and the rain stop. Figures. Of course, I won't complain. Not when I walk away with little gems like this.
If you'd like to see more, roll on over to my fine art gallery where you can check out a few of the new pieces.
As always, thanks for reading.
The cold actually took it's toll on me faster than the rain. When it's really frigid and you're holding an all metal camera things start to go numb pretty quickly. Even though I only lasted a couple of hours it was a pleasantly productive morning. The weather can really change the vibe and activities of a place. People move at different paces, they observe different things, and most importantly; they ignore the guy with the camera. This inset shot is one of my keepers from the day. It's so satisfying when a composition really comes together well, especially when there is still an element of chance. Call it what you will; street photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, it's part careful composition and timing, and part hope and luck. When you mix the ingredients together just right, it's worth all the rain and numb hands in the world.
The irony of the day is that I got down there early to hit the light and the bustle of the morning. Only when I quit from the cold, rain, and finishing up my film did the sun break out and the rain stop. Figures. Of course, I won't complain. Not when I walk away with little gems like this.
If you'd like to see more, roll on over to my fine art gallery where you can check out a few of the new pieces.
As always, thanks for reading.
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