HOW TO: APPROACH PEOPLE

SEARCH FOR A SITTER

Colin says… Identify your subject. I like people who have worked really hard on their look and stand out. I approach them by saying something nice about their outfit, explaining I’m a street photographer and asking if they’re happy for me to take their photo. The vast majority of people say yes!

CHAT ABOUT THEIR DAY

Colin says… When you capture a portrait most people will either smile or break the tension by doing a silly pose. These performances aren’t what I’m interested in, but I’ll politely capture a few images and then start talking to my subject about their day to distract them from having their photo taken.

CAPTURE THE SHOT

Colin says… During this conversation they will instinctively begin to relax and eventually drop their guard. This is the moment you want to capture. It might only last for a split second, so keep talking and keep your camera at the ready so you don’t miss the shot.