Another shot from my mall trip last night. It's always fun taking pictures of complete strangers.
I normally take two shots: one with the polaroid or the Fuji pack film and then another one with whatever medium format film I have loaded in the other film back (usually Kodak Tri-X). Taking the first shot using the instant film gives the subject something to look at while assuring them that I'm not some sort of weirdo/creep. Then as quickly as possible I switch film backs giving them time to look over the photograph and get a little more comfortable with me. I'm usually explaining to them about the book project I've been working on and how I like to catch people in a normal life setting. I started doing this technique a little while ago and noticed it actually warms them up a little to the idea of getting their picture taken and helps me get more of a pose out of them rather than catching them off guard, missing focus or having them look away last second. This pertains to my documantry or street style of photography.
It's tough lugging my Mamiya around with me everywhere I go due to it weighing 7lbs but the quality of the shot is so worth the soar shoulders. Plus the camera truly is a magnet for people. I can't tell you how many business cards I've handed out in the past couple of months. I just love shooting a waste level view finder. I find it less intimidating then shoving my camera directly in the subjects face!
So that wraps up todays photo of the day blog post! Have a great night and I will see you tomorrow!!!
Timothy...