Yes, that's right I’ve been flashing strangers in London’s Chinatown, as some of you know I’ve bought a Ricoh GRII, the camera has a built-in flash and I thought I’d put it to use.
I’ve always loved the work by Bruce Gilden and Dougie Wallace, using flash on the streets isn’t for everyone and not everyone is going to like the photos, but it is great fun. When using flash with a wide lens you really do have to get up close to the subject and I do mean close, I have the camera about 10cm from their face. But how do I approach flash photography, it’s not like I can hide what I’m doing I always have a smile on my face, I might say something before taking the photo, for example, I might say pussy or cheers and nearly everyone laughs. The photo below was taken in Carnaby street and I shouted pussy just before taking the photo:
Sometimes I might compliment the person, by saying nice hat, there are so many different ways to approach street photography when using a flash and just being happy and looking like you're having fun is for me at least, the best way. I’ve been asked a few times how do I have the balls to get so close to people and how comfortable do I feel when doing this, well first off I don’t feel comfortable not 100%, I honestly try not to think about it too much, plus I pick my subjects very carefully. If someone looks like they might get angry I’ll either avoid them or I’ll ask as I’m walking towards them and take the photo before they have time to think and pose.
I also love to slow the shutter down, around 1/60 of a second gives the photos a look of speed which I feel is perfect for the modern world. Flash photography is very different from what I’ve been doing and it’s something that I want to get better at, I’m thinking about doing a project and I have a few ideas that I’m playing around with. You’ll be able to follow my progress here on the blog.
I wanted to share the photos I’ve been getting and I’d like to get your feedback and thoughts on not only my photos but, what do you think of street photos taken with a flash.
Enjoy the photos.
