Street Photo Philosophy 01: Be The Pigeon
When we think of the humble pigeon we may not initially look at them as a source of wisdom. They aren’t considered the brightest birds out there but as a beginner in the street photography world, we would be silly to overlook them. Hygiene habits aside they are the ultimate street level survivors, expertly navigating the hustle, boots and bustle to carve out a comfortable existence amongst their human counterparts. To successfully capture those decisive moments we need to understand the pigeon mindset as within it lies the key to photographic victory.
Self Consciousness is for the Crows
It’s a feeling many a fresh faced photographer has experienced with street photography. Stepping out in public for the first time, crisp new camera bag over the shoulder that openly proclaims in its unweathered state the inexperience you’d wish to go unnoticed.
For many of you fearless extroverts this probably doesn’t even register but to the self-conscious creator this open audition in the public eye can be daunting. The flurry of modern life with it’s infinite options can jumble the brain and fumble the fingers to leave those decisive moments lost to the catalogue of time. Do you think a pigeon is hampered by this needless introspection? Of course not!
The pigeon has perfected the single-minded focus that allows all the muddling peripheral bloat to melt away. They understand that split second timing is the difference between happiness and hunger. So be it food or a photograph the method is the same, keep your mind on the prize. Anything attempted in the early stages feels a little alien and photography is no different, but holding steady amidst the awkward feeling soon locks you in the groove. The desire to get ‘that shot’ soon takes over the feeling of awkwardness. Those little ripples of opportunity soon reveal themselves and with the pigeon mindset you are free to swoop in and snap to your satisfaction free of unease. It’s not always graceful but if we wanted to look great all the time we’d be on the other side of lens.
Dodging the Displeasure
If there is one thing the street photographer can’t help but share with the pigeon it’s the perception in the public eye. We may not get the accolade of “rats of the sky” but when it comes to our daily interactions we are often closer than you may think.
Firstly we are both largely ignored by the traveling masses. We litter the city streets more and more nowadays so to see our scanning glances weaving through the crowd barely registers. This is great for pics because the more we fit into the fabric of life the less we disturb it and the more opportunities we can discover.
While this is the overarching theme for both parties, our single-minded focus occasionally spawns a second similarity. Every so often our curiosity can get the better of us, we get too close or look for too long and become a pest which will every so often result in a frosty response. To the pigeon that may be a boot or shooing but thanks to our position in the pecking order we are granted a tut or scowl instead.
It’s not ideal to find yourself in this situation as no one wants to be the nuisance but it’s inevitable, unfortunately. You can’t please everyone all the time and as we know from the pigeon, sometimes that means we get lost in the moment. Best pigeon practice to avoid these incidents is to keep it brief and stay outside swinging distance but failing that an apology and a smile helps a bunch.
Improving on the Pigeon
Have you ever seen a pigeon when it finally lays it’s beak on a prospective meal. It swoops in and in the melee of the moment pecks frantically, flinging the spoils in all directions. We may be the dominant species on the planet but in that vital moment we too get a little giddy and snap away furiously for fear of missing out. This lack of focus often leads to many things going awry like camera shake, exposure settings, composition and let’s not forget focus.
To quell that momentary buzz entirely would be to remove one of the joyful parts of street photography so the best solution is prep and practice. Get used to keeping that hand firm when shooting, check your settings regularly and remember, a few considered shots is better that firing wildly and hoping for the best.
Slumming it for Success
Sometimes the cost of getting shot you want is to be prepared to go that extra mile. That hunt for the right angle or perfect position isn’t always laid out in easy reach so being too precious about appearances or apparel will mean you lose out. Successful street photography often means letting go and accepting you might need to slum it with the street birds. Trawling through a bush or hitting that pavement isn’t always ideal but the moment justifies the method and once you have that shot by the tail you’ll be surprised what you’ll do to keep it. Just leave the white jeans at home and you’ll be fine.
Don’t forget the little guy
The last bit of wisdom our feathered friend can offer is one of equality. Once you have plodded along those pavements for long enough you notice there a various living fixtures to the urban landscape. The pigeons, street sellers, homeless folks and indeed other photographers. The pigeon kindly shows us that each one is really no different from the other, just another soul trying to get by as best they can. Given the opportunity any one can surprise you in warm ways you wouldn’t know. So when you are out there, give each one the time of day, great moments don’t always require a camera you know!
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