Sequence that Led up to a Favourite

[Robert Watcher]

These shots are from several years ago - - - taken in San Jose, Costa Rica. The one image - that I consider a "favourite" of mine - - - has been displayed different times through the years since I took it.

While in general I am only interested in one final image where all components come together, I have begun to appreciate the sequence and process I sometimes use, that allows me to arrive at my final shot.

When I came upon this scene, I was most interested in getting a portrait of the blind street performer with the guitar. Firstly I grabbed an overview shot so that I wouldn't be pointing my camera right at him. Then I moved in for the closeup of him playing.

As I backed away with my zoom, I became more interested in the woman washing the ground with her bottle of water - and then the man standing behind - and finally noticed a person walking into the scene. I shot that one, and then miraculously - - - everything came together in the fourth shot, where positioning of the 3 main characters was great, and the woman walking through glanced to the side to view the action.

Just four shots taken within 42 seconds (#1-1:27:59, #2-1:28:28, #3-1:28:37, #4-1:28:41), and then I was contented and moved on.

Shot 1 of 4

Shot 2 of 4

Shot 3 of 4

MY FAVOURITE - Shot 4 of 4 - I knew I had it and moved on.


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[Asher Kelman]

These shots are from several years ago - - - taken in San Jose, Costa Rica. The one image - that I consider a "favourite" of mine - - - has been displayed different times through the years since I took it.

While in general I am only interested in one final image where all components come together, I have begun to appreciate the sequence and process I sometimes use, that allows me to arrive at my final shot.

When I came upon this scene, I was most interested in getting a portrait of the blind street performer with the guitar. Firstly I grabbed an overview shot so that I wouldn't be pointing my camera right at him. Then I moved in for the closeup of him playing.

As I backed away with my zoom, I became more interested in the woman washing the ground with her bottle of water - and then the man standing behind - and finally noticed a person walking into the scene. I shot that one, and then miraculously - - - everything came together in the fourth shot, where positioning of the 3 main characters was great, and the woman walking through glanced to the side to view the action.

Just four shots taken within 42 seconds (#1-1:27:59, #2-1:28:28, #3-1:28:37, #4-1:28:41), and then I was contented and moved on.
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Shot 1 of 4

Shot 2 of 4

Shot 3 of 4

MY FAVOURITE - Shot 4 of 4 - I knew I had it and moved on.


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Rob,

I like the sequence! It provides dynamics that we'd miss out on. In fact I could take in far more. I appreciate that you stopped what you were doing to give attention to a different lane of life we ignore!

However, your first shot has it all for me, the most atmosphere and the essence of the scene. It's a very good photograph! I think you nailed it, first time!

To get the passer by, I'd personally have stitched the one that either ignored them, (as Tom Dinning got in his street picture) or that looked back at him but passed without giving a dime, anyway! Still your final picture is also excellent and gives you the, "that's what I want" feeling that we each strive for. In art for it's own sake, to be really honest, we need to satisfy ourselves. That you've done!

Still I'd commend you to show this sequence, (and any more you might have held back), as a whole work.

Asher

 

[Robert Watcher]

However, your first shot has it all for me, the most atmosphere and the essence of the scene. It's a very good photograph! I think you nailed it, first time!

Oh - I like the first shot as well. It's funny - in my family portrait days, I learned through experience that more often than not - I had the best image that I would sell, in either my first shot or the last one.


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[Antonio Correia]

Interesting procedure. Thanks for the tip

I really like the final image.

In the days of analogic this would also be possible but expensive.

Well done !