On the Streets - A Talk for Photographic Societies and Clubs

The Talk -

A talk designed to give an introduction to street photography for photographers covering -

What is street photography?

What to look for and what makes an interesting street image?

Hints and tips on taking candid images on the street.

Cameras, lenses, and settings.

And more.

At the same time giving examples of some of my own photography from around the UK and Europe. Example images come from Preston, Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool, London, Glasgow, Paris and more.

How it came about -

I've been a member of a photographic society (Preston Photographic Society) for some time now and really enjoy the evening when a speaker comes to give a talk which inspires me to take up my camera and try something new.

Over the years I've tried many things photographically and been inspired by many a talk, demo and not to forget some YouTube videos, but I always returned to people photography and wanting to capture them being real. The true person, not the pose so to speak, thus street photography was a natural fit that I eventually stumbled upon.

My image "Street Tango" was one of the first street images I shared at the club.

'Street Tango' did rather well, winning the opening night competition as voted by members.

Dancers on the streets of Helsinki show us how the Tango is done. By Alf Myers Lancashire based street photographer.

Street TangoDancing on the streets of Helsinki

I continue to enter street images into various competition both internally or externally, and some do rather well.

One of which was an image I took in London of The House which went on to win the Preston Photographic Society's Print of the Year, 'Skipping Tea.'

A few years on and members of the club and other local photographers were referring to me as a street photographer, some were even asking if I'd put together a talk about the subject. Eventually, "On The Streets" was conceived.

An images of a man walking by the Tea House shop in London by Preston based street photographer Alf Myers

Skipping TeaA London Tea shop - and one that everyone must visit!

Image won Print of the Year 2014/15 at Preston Photographic Society.

Note - there has been some post processing in the image to get the final result, although the essence of them image hasn't be altered the aesthetics have.

If you're interested in having "On The Streets" come to a club near you, have a word with your syllabus sectary or get in contact.

The next talk will be:

Camversation - 31st March 2021

Why not come along

Clubs I've been to with the talk so far are:

Bishops Stortford Camera Club

Melbourn & District Photographic Society

Warrington and District Camera Club

Warrington U3A Photography Group

St Helens Camera Club

Halton Photographic Society

Formby Photo Group