This post is the last of 3 posts showcasing images from my street photography venture through downtown Nashville, Tennessee. I was really pleased with the images in all 3 posts. Every shot was a usable image. I can’t say every shot was interesting, but I was pleased that I was able to nail the focus and exposure. After all, this was an exercise to work on improving my technique. The time behind the lens was very valuable. I will admit that on a couple of shots I was off a bit, but I was able to recover enough to still have a usable image.
I am much more at ease on the street with my camera compared to when I first started shooting the streets. I tend to blend in more and I don’t shy away from a potential shot. I have discovered that shooting film simplifies the process such that I am more focus on my surroundings, pun intended. That focus keeps me engaged on what is unfolding before me and it keeps me paying attention to the light. There is a big difference in exposure when stepping out into the sun from a shaded alley.
Currently my method of metering is to take an incident reading in the direction I am walking. I will take another reading if the light condition changes. I then dial those readings into my camera. All I have to do when something presents itself is to compose, focus and shoot. Depending on the scene and subject, I might already have the camera focused. Since there is no LCD to review my image, I tend to stay in the moment and not miss something happening because my head is down reviewing a shot. Shooting film is just a better process for me. I told a guy once that I upgraded to film, he had a puzzled look on this face. After my explanation, he was even more puzzled, LoL.
These first few images of this last post are captures that can be controversial in street photography. Should you shoot the homeless? I think the answer is yes and no. I know a homeless person in my town that has a mental problem. You can find him on the streets whenever you go to town. I personally do not see any value in making a capture of him. To me, this is a NO. I can get my point across by finding another photograph elsewhere. Exploiting this person’s mental condition is not the right thing to do in my opinion. On the other hand, I believe it is important for documentarians to show our world as it really is. The homeless will always be a part of our society. I think we need to be reminded that there are less fortunate people out there. It is so easy to take what we have for granted when we get caught up in our daily lives. Maybe, just maybe, an image of a homeless person could inspire someone to take action. This action could be a donation of money or time to a rescue mission. It could be a call to action on a higher level. Whatever the case, I believe these images have value.
The Bus that Never Comes
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
Another Long Night
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
Up Hill Battle
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
The following images are just as common as the guitar player on the corner. It’s easy to spot visitors. They roam around staring at everything without any apparent destination. They have their cell phones out taking pictures at every turn. Some have their camera around their neck. Hey, I’m starting to resemble these remarks. Actually the tourist look can be your getaway. Running around the streets of Nashville with a camera is not uncommon so you can use this to your advantage. Blending in with everyone else gives you the freedom to hold up and point your camera without consequence. I have pretended to be taking a photograph of a building when I was actually taking a picture of the couple standing in front of it.
Generational Tourists
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
The Three Amigos
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
Ford Man
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
Old Timers
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
Sometimes people are so into what they are doing that they don’t notice you, even if you are aiming a camera at them from just a few steps away.
Serious Conversation
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
Interesting Read
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
This next image would have been more of a candid shot, but she noticed me right at the last second. I actually like the eye contact.
Brunch
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
The last picture is just a random image. At first, I thought this might be another homeless person because I hardly ever see men carrying shopping bags like this unless they are packed with personal belongings. After studying the picture, I figured the ECC on the bag might stand for the Emergency Communication Center. This gentleman probably just left work.
Bag Man
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee – Olympus OM1, Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm f1.8, Ilford Delta 100, Developed & Scanned by the Film Box Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
I hope you have enjoyed the images. If you have not seen the images from by two previous posts, please check them out. I would love to hear your comments.
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