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Posed or unposed, that’s a question.

I was at the Harley Davidson get-together event in my town, where I saw this photographer step up to people and ask them if he could take their picture. Whereas I didn’t ask anything, but just took the shot. I guess each method has it’s pros and cons… Asking will get you closer, but it will also lead to a “staged” photo. If you don’t ask, it’s not so easy to get closer (well, maybe I just need more “guts” and get closer anyway), but there’s nothing staged about the shot.

It’s on purpose this time that I haven’t cropped the scan. This is the full negative, this is the result of not getting any closer. For showing the interaction between the photographer and the woman he’s asking to pose for him, I may be a bit too far away. Then again, you do get an idea of the surroundings, other people walking by, some looking at the couple, others completely unaware of whatever goes on around them.

I feel more attracted lately to “street photography” (as opposed to the ever so patient trees and landscapes), but I’m still learning… I guess there’s no “best” or “worst” choice, but still, I’d be interested in your opinion; what would you do in cases like this? How do you like this picture compared to the one the other guy might have taken (hard to tell when you can’t see that one…)?

For the next few posts, I’m thinking of trying out different crops of this photo. Sorry if that bores you, but I think I can benefit from trying, and especially from seeing your comments, so keep them coming!

Equipment: Bronica RF645, 65mm lens
Film: Ilford Delta 100 in Ilfotec HC