Special Interest groups
Street group (run by Kevin Freeman and Peter Merry)
The Street Photography Special Interest Group (Street SIG) covers all aspects of street photography, including documentary (e.g. events such as demonstrations and parades) and street portraiture.
We aim to venture out for regular shoots in London and other significant towns and cities in the South East, usually on alternate months, with members also set topic-based assignments followed by informal critique evenings (held via Zoom).
We shall occasionally visit exhibitions featuring the work of significant street photographers, often at The Photographers’ Gallery, in London’s West End.
Street SIG is open to all interested GPS members, irrespective of their level of experience, guidance will be available from the more experienced members, if wanted!
When out on shoots, members will be encouraged to work in pairs or small groups, with access to a dedicated WhatsApp group to aid communication.
Street photography is fun and a great way to get to know your camera and develop new skills and techniques.
So come and join us.
Kevin Freeman & Peter Merry
A note on equipment:
Street photography does not require any specialist equipment and is often most effective with a minimum of kit. Having said that, if you are new to street photography, and would like some guidance, the following might be helpful:
It is a good idea to work as light as possible, ideally taking one or two prime lenses (e.g. 28mm, 35mm, 55mm or 85mm, full frame equivalent) although a short zoom is also effective, if a little bulkier. Try to look as inconspicuous as possible, so dark clothing and a hat/cap are recommended. A strong wrist-strap, as opposed to a colourful branded neck/shoulder strap, also makes you less obvious, but is only practical if you can hold your camera for long periods. This doesn’t necessarily work with a heavy camera, where a good, plain shoulder strap is probably more comfortable.
Finally, a word about camera bags. A lot of street photographers wear a gillet with plenty of pockets for spare batteries, lens cloth, sun-tan lotion, mobile phone, sunglasses, bottle of water, snacks etc., but many people prefer to carry a small shoulder bag or rucksack. The most important requirement is to remain inconspicuous while maintaining the ability to move freely (without knocking other pedestrians off the pavement or train platform!).
We aim to venture out for regular shoots in London and other significant towns and cities in the South East, usually on alternate months, with members also set topic-based assignments followed by informal critique evenings (held via Zoom).
We shall occasionally visit exhibitions featuring the work of significant street photographers, often at The Photographers’ Gallery, in London’s West End.
Street SIG is open to all interested GPS members, irrespective of their level of experience, guidance will be available from the more experienced members, if wanted!
When out on shoots, members will be encouraged to work in pairs or small groups, with access to a dedicated WhatsApp group to aid communication.
Street photography is fun and a great way to get to know your camera and develop new skills and techniques.
So come and join us.
Kevin Freeman & Peter Merry
A note on equipment:
Street photography does not require any specialist equipment and is often most effective with a minimum of kit. Having said that, if you are new to street photography, and would like some guidance, the following might be helpful:
It is a good idea to work as light as possible, ideally taking one or two prime lenses (e.g. 28mm, 35mm, 55mm or 85mm, full frame equivalent) although a short zoom is also effective, if a little bulkier. Try to look as inconspicuous as possible, so dark clothing and a hat/cap are recommended. A strong wrist-strap, as opposed to a colourful branded neck/shoulder strap, also makes you less obvious, but is only practical if you can hold your camera for long periods. This doesn’t necessarily work with a heavy camera, where a good, plain shoulder strap is probably more comfortable.
Finally, a word about camera bags. A lot of street photographers wear a gillet with plenty of pockets for spare batteries, lens cloth, sun-tan lotion, mobile phone, sunglasses, bottle of water, snacks etc., but many people prefer to carry a small shoulder bag or rucksack. The most important requirement is to remain inconspicuous while maintaining the ability to move freely (without knocking other pedestrians off the pavement or train platform!).