Photo Ambush

It is Kristine, Julie Congo and Charles.

It was photo ambush night for us in Times Square. We were working on a new method of street photography. In the past, we ambushed people in the afternoon using the Mobilite Broncolor kit. This time, we attempted the same idea but at 9:00pm tonight to get different results.

The process goes as follows:

One person aims the light head, one follows behind with the battery pack in an unsuspecting bag and adjusting the output as necessary, and the photographer directs the 'lighter' and shoots around searching for interesting subjects. Since we were shooting with the radio slaves, we were able to shoot from a variety of perspectives. Examples: with the light a few feet from the photographer, with the lights across the street, and with the light coming from above.

Process Images:

The photographer shot from one end of the sidewalk while the 'lighter' bounced the light off of the metal phone booth.

During this scenario, the lighter stood from above and aimed the strobe downwards while the photographer shot subjects from the sidewalk.

Also, light close to subject = Not the best outcome.

Our Photographs.

We collectively worked as a team and alternated in lighting, shooting and assisting.

Our goal was to surprise our subjects to produce dynamic expressions and imagery. This proved successful in some instances, however, we were met with some less than enthusiastic subjects.

The FAIL.

This image is unedited. The light was about two feet from this man's face. As you can see, I (Kristine) am properly exposed, and the unsuspecting subject is at least four stops over exposed. Avoid this scenario at all costs as it resulted in Charles nearly getting decked and caused our equipment to get a bitch slap (It survived, don't worry).

On that note...

Things learned by photo ambushing:

1) Before you go out shooting, ALWAYS check that you have proper working equipment! The battery was not fully charged when we received it but luckily we checked it before leaving.

2) As the photographer, you have to multitask and be aware of your subject as well as being able to direct the 'lighter.' Giving proper direction of the light and being quick. Have good communication with your lighters. Lighting is key, make sure you pay attention to how the light falls on the subjects. It is easy to get carried away trying to capture the subject that you forget about lighting and/or composition.

3) Don't be afraid of how ridiculous you may look. Don't be scared to shoot or blast lights in the faces of strangers.. to an extent. They will never see you again.

4) If you happen to anger someone, remain calm and don't aggravate the situation. Just walk away.

5) BUT, know your rights. A few times we were told that the cops would be called on us. It is perfectly legal to shoot photographs of anyone in public. Try to have documentations stating your rights in the case of these situations.

6) Be innovative. We tried a lot of random ideas and ways to modify the light (bouncing off of colored or metallic surfaces, dragging the shutter, having the light aimed from different angles and areas, and even making weird noises to get our subject's attention). Some worked and some failed, but it is important to think outside the box.

7) Have fun with it. (=

Kristine, Julie Congo & Charles