Street photography with Glyn Edmunds

We want to see more of YOU!

Well, more of your images. I want to encourage all Members to take more images and to share some of them on the Club’s Facebook page.

I joined CCC way back in September 1990 but what has transformed my photographic enjoyment is the arrival of the smart phone and social media. My background is as a dedicated black & white darkroom man who also used to shoot colour slides. Once described as ‘digitally resistant’, I hated computers and felt decidedly uncomfortable in the 21st century digital world. The, someone transformed my photographic life by suggesting I should master a modern smart phone – while I still could!

That stung me into action, so I took a step into the world of phone photography. It was a steep learning curve at first and I wanted feedback on how to improve, so I started posting on social media.

I realised that a smart phone is ideal for street photography. It is small, inconspicuous and most importantly, always with you. Now, I make images most days and share them on my own FB account, the CCC page and Instagram. Part of my rationale for posting on the Club’s FB page has been to encourage others to do the same. However, it was brought to my attention that it was having the opposite effect and many were reluctant to share their work because it would be lost amongst the high volume. So, I am experimenting with not posting for a while.

Using your phone means you can easily practice your craft each and every day, which will really improve your ‘seeing’. Sharing images selectively on the Club’s FB page is a great way to invite constructive criticism, aside from competitions. Competitions have their place but they are not for everyone. Jeff Owen has produced some guidelines on what and when to post, which will be circulated separately.

So, bottom line, I have no wish to inflict street photography on all members but for anyone who would like to give it a go, the plan is to run a series of informal walks around our beloved City to see how you find it. Groups of no more than 5 at a time. Let me know via mailto:chair@chichestercameraclub.org.uk if interested.

There is more than enough quality in a jpeg captured on a modern smart phone – my 13 most recent acceptances for Salons have all been phone pix.

Hopefully, this piece will encourage a few of you to ‘have a go’.

Glyn Edmunds EFIAP/g