You might worry about using a medium format camera for street photography. It´s bigger. It´s out there. You are Out There. Do you dare being visible? I´m laughing as I write this because, what better way to try out medium format street photography than photographing the most visible, the most in your face conventioneers who, once a year, head to the Congress Hotel for the annual Mr. Leather Convention.
Seriously. These (mostly) male, mostly stripped and striped with leather bands, corsets, masks, chaps, hats, body hair, and smiles seem to be old friends. A club that, with or without a big camera, you clearly didn´t adhere to the dress code for.
So, you’re thinking, I´ve got this huge camera around my neck. What can I do? You have to love and accept your subjects and you have to love and accept your street photography. And even though your camera is far from invisible, it’s OK.
I loved my leather subjects. I´m a small woman with silver hair and a huge camera, and I don´t own a single bridle, leather thong, or mask. What I do is smile. I make eye contact, and I respectfully ask their permission. I´m a party crasher who really likes the people at the party. I don´t try to be invisible with this group, because, no one in this group went there to be invisible. I´m gracious, I´m respectful, and these gentleman are almost unfailingly kind and agree to my request to take their photo.
Sometimes there are places you´ll go where you want to blend in and just shoot from the hip. But there are also places you´ll go where Nobody blends in. That´s the perfect place for a medium format street photographer, because you can just point that camera at your subjects and smile, because you love street photography, and love being in front of people who love being in front of people. Worry less, use your medium format camera more. Love what you do. You´ll love what you get.
Short Stories on Medium Street
Walk and watch. There are small plays all around you on Medium Street, if you learn to see like a street photographer.
Dark Shadows on Medium Street
What better holiday than Halloween to discuss dark photography. An evening dining al fresco. A rainy night stroll. A walk down a
Walking With Vivian
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Old Friends and a New Lens on Medium Street
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Just Breathe On Medium Street
Electric fusion of Mexican Latino rhythms, tacos, tiny magical alebrije dogs and frogs, carved from wood and whimsically painted. Families in flag
Artistic Skinship on Medium Street
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Dog Days of Summer
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A Multi-Cultural Medium
Chicago is a tapestry of cultures and every summer they celebrate in the street. Every weekend, festivals honor neighborhoods, foods, authentic dress,
The Museum Is the Medium
Street photography belongs in the museum, and not just in frames, hung on the walls. Museums are temples of art, color, geometry
