Harry Bennett-Snewin

mostly i don’t ask, but i’ve been starting to do so more recently. when i first got into street shooting i remember asking this burly looking tattooed chap if i could take his photo when i was working up north. he said no and looked at me like i was weirdo, so i was kinda put off doing it that way for a while. it’s only recently i’ve tried again and realised that most people don’t mind at all and are usually quite flattered, i just got bad luck on my first go! doing candid shots i do usually just snap and go. if i’m seen i’ll maybe smile or do a thumbs up just to show i’m friendly but no one’s ever gotten pissed off or asked me what i’m doing. mostly they will just look confused, but hey there’s no harm there! thanks so much for the compliment!

shooting street can be intimidating. i still hesitate to point my camera at a lot of situations. some days i feel up to it and others not, but if you’re able to take your camera with you as much as possible (if not all the time) then at least when you feel up to it you’ll be ready. i’ve recently started shooting non-candid street portraits and found that a bit less daunting as you can at least explain why you want to take the photo (good light, interesting clothing, etc). if i do a couple of those at the beginning of a session it usually gives me the buzz/bravado to do the more candid style shots. hope that helps and thanks for the kind words! :-)