Street photography is not easy.
The unmistakably critical looks from strangers, unfortunate contemporary connotations of voyeurism and malicious intent, inherent equipment and safety risks all make the practice challenging. For those of us driven to pursue candid endeavors in the streets, the peril is worth the reward.
I can’t teach you how to overcome the anxieties associated with pointing a camera at strangers or how to inconspicuously and accurately aim and shoot from the hip. But what I can do is point you to gear that’s going to make your experience as a street photographer more functional.
Here are five gadgets that every smart street photographer should own:
The Right Angle Lens Attachment:
This is an ingenious little creation that peaked my interest the moment I first laid eyes on it. Anyone who has roamed the streets with an SLR knows just how tough it is to remain unnoticed. A clunky body and foot-long white telephoto stick out like a sore thumb. But fear not; the brilliantly simple solution to the age-old issue of shooting street candids with an SLR is here.
Courtesy of Photojojo
This optical supplement works on a simple concept. The cylindrical black housing mounts to the threads of any existing lens (with the appropriate adaptor), and the camera’s view becomes redirected 90 degrees via a tilted mirror concealed inside the mechanism. An opening is sculpted on one side of the attachment that more or less resembles the contours of a petal lens hood, fooling the untrained eyes of average passers-by.
Forgive the lame music and tongue-twisted woman.
The fixture rotates freely so that the photographer can quickly change the angle from which she is shooting. This means the user could conceivably stand above, below or on either side of the subject to capture an image.
I found the attachment on Photojojo (around 50 bucks), but it’s also available (and for reduced duckets) on eBay, Amazon, B&H and elsewhere.
I had trouble tracking down reviews for the product, but I did stumble across a couple complaints about significant vignetting when coupled with lenses wider than 100mm, and the need for boosted ISO speeds due to loss of light. It’s difficult to say whether this is a common problem or the experience of one amateur, but for the low price tag I’d say this tool probably pulls its weight in utility.
The C Loop:
The simplest gadget on my list is the C Loop attachment. Fastening to the tripod threads on the bottom of the camera body, this tiny instrument allows the photographer to alternatively mount her camera strap to the camera’s underbelly.
This has multiple benefits.
- It keeps the strap from getting in front of the lens and obscuring the view during a shot, as most side-mounted straps make a habit of.
- It makes maneuvering through crowds and tight spaces infinitely easier since the camera can be tucked against the user’s waist or side.
- It swivels freely so that the strap won’t get tangled with use.
This is one of those stupid-brilliant inventions that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t think of it years ago. Sometimes the most basic of gadgets are the most indispensable, and the C Loop is a tool that I’d implore any photographer to use.
The only issue I have with the C Loop is the price tag. It’s $40.00 for this tiny piece of metal with (from what I can tell) two or three movable parts. It may boast “aerospace-grade aluminum” construction, but this is an accessory on which I’d comfortably spend half as much of what they’re asking for. I can justify dropping $1,300 on an L lens, but I’ve always had trouble swallowing the obnoxious costs for add-ons such as $200 tripod rings.
So, if you don’t have any qualms with dropping 40 bucks on the C Loop, I can guarantee the pint-sized contraption is going to make your life easier.
Cloak Bag:
This is a fantastic way to disguise your camera. The Cloak Bag is a rectangular, aesthetically-modest camera bag. The rugged receptacle opens from the top and bottom via zippers to allow the photographer to shoot through the bag with little hassle.
This little piece of genius serves multiple purposes.
- It disguises the camera, making shooting more discreet to aid in capturing candid moments, and shields your equipment from the view of would-be thieves.
- It makes quick handling and transport fast and easy.
- Use of the bag is a great way to keep rain and debris off your camera if shooting in crummy conditions.
The cloak bag is adjustable, as the bottom end can be folded back and Velcro-ed to allow for larger or smaller lenses. It also has a low profile pocket to store lens caps, memory cards and other accessories.
At fifty bucks a pop, I’d say the bag is worth it considering the durable construction and versatility.
Waist-Level Finder:
Assuming that your camera doesn’t come equipped with a pullout, rotatable screen, there’s an accessory out there that accomplishes the same effect. This is another product that’ll break the bank, but the benefit is huge.
Argraph’s Digital Angle Viewfinder emulates the large, up-facing viewfinders that dual lens reflex cameras of days past used. The “highly sensitive, no-lag 2.5 inch LCD” display can rotate to the desired angle, and the more advanced models have extension cords and remote shutter release capabilities.
Courtesy of Argraph
The Zigview line of angle viewfinders vary in price based on compatibility and function, from $229-$400.
This supplementary product pairs well with something like the cloak bag. The camera body can be masked by another object, with the auxiliary viewfinder inconspicuously open at the waist for operation. Another technique for shooting street photography with a waist-level finder (assuming it has an extension cord) would be to carry the concealed camera at one’s side while operating the screen above with the other hand. The people surrounding you would naively regard the detached viewfinder for a smartphone, creating an eye-level distraction that keeps strangers from looking down at the camera.
All four of these products intrigue me, and while I haven’t had the opportunity to demo them myself, I’d love to hear your input if you’ve used one or more of the above gadgets in the past. Drop us a line in the comments to tell us what you think!
