Keith Skelton is leading a one day photo workshop to the streets of Los Angeles. Keith has led numerous landscape photo workshops. However, early interests included the styles of photojournalists W. Eugene Smith and Ernst Hass. Beginning a career as a photojournalist shaped his style as a location photographer.

Street or urban photography arguably is the most challenging area of photography. But it is a way to make personal observations and statements which can be fun and rewarding.  Practiced by such legendary photographers as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, Robert Doisneau, Robert Frank, Burk Uzzle, and Elliott Erwitt, street photography is a form of candid photography that often defies the rules of composition and technique.

Street Photography also involves getting close to people. Shooting photographs of strangers in pubic places takes some courage, fast reflexes, and basic camera gear. To do this type of shooting successfully you have to be in the scene, part of it, not the usual distant observer. Good street photography is about telling a story in a single frame by skillfully anticipating actions and interactions. It is about seeing visual puns, serendipity, and humorous incongruities in a muddled world. It is the ability to capture that singular moment.

-Learn how to transform everyday life situations into powerful images.

-This course is designed for photographers who want to  to quicken their reflexes and become more self assured photographing strangers.

-You will learn how to approach and photograph a portrait of a stranger.

-You will learn about anti-composition, shooting from the hip, in your face, and working a corner.

-We will also discuss the best equipment and camera settings to use. You will learn how to get the most out of your compact digital or film camera.

-You will learn about some of the iconic street photographers as we view and discuss their pictures.

-We will practice shooting in two different urban locations in Los Angeles.

Learn how to photograph the moment while exploring the streets and culture of Los Angeles.  Lower price!

The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box. - Henri Cartier-Bresson

WHEN:

FEBRUARY 20, 2010

The February date will begin in Los Angeles downtown Chinatown during Chinese New Year festivities. We will later take the Metro from Chinatown to Hollywood. Both locations are be ideal for street and people photography.

Taking both classes will help your skills and practice considerably. You also receive a $100 discount.

Both dates will begin at 9:00AM and run until around 9:00PM. You will get information about our exact meeting place after you sign up.

This is a documentary about Garry Winogrand with Bill Moyers, Creativity, WNET, 1982

To reserve space for a California Photography Workshop, click below.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT FORM IS HERE

February 20, 2010

Workshop fee: $199.00 Lower price!

Returning students get a $50 discount.

Workshop fee does not include: Hotel accommodations, all meals, entrance fees, and transportation to & from Los Angeles.

Enrollment limit: 12 students per session.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

Bring whatever cameras you are most comfortable using. It will be presumed you are familiar with it’s operation and functions. Note that some people are intimidated by a photographer using a large DSLR with telephoto lenses. Most serious street photographers use some sort of rangefinder camera such as the Leica M or the Voigtlander Bessa film camera.

You are not required to have either of these cameras for the classes.

Small compact cameras can sometimes be the best to work with. They are relatively inexpensive and unobtrusive. However, cameras that have no manual functions will be slow and it will be difficult to capture moments.

Two small cameras I have had great success with is the Panasonic LX3/Leica D-Lux 4 and the Canon G10. There are others that are worthy. Check them out HERE. I also have used a Rolleiflex twin lens reflex and a Nikon DSLR.

If you plan on purchasing anything I’d appreciate your support buying though this site that links to Amazon.com. They usually have about the best prices and service.  LINK TO STORE HERE

Link HERE to Keith Skelton’s personal photography.

Link Here to Keith Skelton’s professional photography.

Photographs by Keith Skelton

Photograph by Keith Skelton

Chiaroscuro

Link HERE to more street photos on Photo.net