The Theatrics of Street Photography

Creating a dramatic cinematic style

"point of view..." - 1/250 sec, f/1.8, iso of 400 captured with a 50mm lens

​Equipment
camera: Canon EOS 40D
lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II


Inspiration: Film Noir
I love to watch black and white movies on TCM (Turner Classic Movies)!  I  appreciate how lighting played a key role in creating a sense of mystery and drama.  I've worked in a photography studio quite a few times in the past and I must admit that it is not my strong point.  I am not comfortable in a 'controlled setting'.  My creative process is to freelance and to not have an actual plan. This is why I gravitate more towards street photography.  I personally have more freedom to explore and color outside of the lines a bit.  


Camera Settings
I like to shoot with a low ISO setting (usually 200 or 250) for a dark tonality.  I aim for bright whites and extreme blacks.  I'm finding that my photographs seem to 'come to life' a bit more when I minimize my exposure levels in camera and give a slight punch to the contrast.  Besides that, I simply freelance and allow interesting subjects to freely appear in the frame.  


Creative Process
I use my camera to paint with light.  Silhouettes, shade and shadows are most fascinating to me.  The emphasis on darkness help create a classic film noir style.  I love when I am able to create a photograph that is timeless.     Street photography is (or should be) an artistic journey.  Every time I go out and shoot is totally different from the last.  Part of my photographic experience is to accept what comes naturally, then capture it.  I will shoot in the cold, rain, snow and at night.  Storytelling is honest so I embrace impactions and flaws; the 'happy accidents' are part of the narrative.