I have an adva
nced compact (aka Point-and-Shoot) camera for one specific reason – I can easily keep it in my pocket. These amazingly small devices produce good image quality, if you don’t have very high expectations. I only use the RAW file format for flexibility in post processing.
My settings are all manual. It is easy to set the exposure using a live histogram. Just remember to point at the potential scene with the largest contrast. The Depth of Field (DOF) is so large that changing distance (using manual focus) is required only in very special cases.
I use a ring around the lens for changing focal length. Focal length is almost always in its widest range (28-35mm). I don’t use LCD for framing. I hold it with the LCD faced to my palm and I use my thumb to trigger.
I can have it during my walk for a lunch.
There is no danger in forgetting your camera in the restaurant after a good bottle of wine.
It was the first cold day of the year. My fingers froze, holding the camera. I walked through famous streets and nothing grabbed my attention enough to even take a practice shot. I approached the empty Daley Plaza and could see pigeons congregating near the inextinguishable flame. A girl smoked on the bench nearby. Frigid air enveloped the heat seeking pigeons along with the lonely girl, sucking on her own burning cigarette. I started sensing the scene and tried to express it in the picture. It was difficult to get the right frame of the girl and the pigeons. I took some shots but nothing that I was pleased with. Eventually, the girl noticed me and asked what picture I would like to take. “I am interested in these unusual pigeons.” I lied, and took the required shot. We made small talk about the place. She told me it was her favorite, and in good weather it is full of children. I gave her the address of my blog and asked permission to take her picture. It is not necessary for a picture to be candid in order to be interesting.
Related topics
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Rules and myths of candid photography: To ask permission or to invade privacy
nced compact (aka Point-and-Shoot) camera for one specific reason – I can easily keep it in my pocket. These amazingly small devices produce good image quality, if you don’t have very high expectations. I only use the RAW file format for flexibility in post processing.
Candid Street Photo 