Point of View Street Photography in Italian City
Show Notes
Continuing my Street Photography project, I filmed a point of view video of my walk through the city looking for compositions and I finally make some decent progress…
I awoke early morning to a spontaneous and unexpected flurry of snow. Lethargically rising from bed, I suddenly thought that it would be great conditions for street photography, so I rushed out of the house before I had breakfast or a coffee. Walking around the streets the snow eased off quickly but I was out and I was looking for street photography compositions.
Street photography is a new genre for me and I am enjoying the challenge and creating something new. To make the filming easier I decided to mount my DJI Osmo Pocket to a pocket on my jacket and take you on a tour of this Italian city with a point of view of the streets.
When I tried street photography in the past, I was annoyed by my hulking Canon 1DX ii, it was too big and noticeable and I couldn’t get into the flow of the streets, but I had a brainwave to try my Panasonic Lumix G80, which is normally my vlogging camera, and I was surprised by the quality of the images. It worked perfectly and I will use it again to continue this project.
Onto The Images
Image 1
When I first went out there were big, heavy snow flakes falling and I was hoping to capture them moving through the frame but by the time I made it down to this Piazza the snow had almost become rain. Still I was able to capture this rather classic image, you could almost say it is a bit cliched, but I like it and as I’ve found lately, after pressing the shutter once, it becomes easier to continue taking pictures.
Image 2
Turning down a quiet street, I saw an amazing sight, an Italian man riding his bike while holding an umbrella. You would not believe all of the things I have seen Italians do on bicycles: smoking, talking on the phone and gesturing with the hands all at the same time; I’ve seen them drinking espressos while driving past; and many other strange encounters.
I paused, brought the camera to my eye and as he cycled past just grabbed a few images. Unfortunately I cut off the bicycle at the bottom, it would be a much better image if there was a bit of the pavement at the bottom.
Image 3
The snow settled on the hieghts of the Brunate hill and you can see exactly where the snow began to turn into rain. The snow wasn’t to last, as within a few hours the sun was up and bright and burned away the snow.
Image 4
I believe that the best street photography is all about the light and that was what I was pursuing throughout my morning walk. Obviously when it was snowing and then raining there was a very diffused light but as I turned away from the lake, the sun began to creep out and I saw this amazing light. I paused in the columns and waited for people to enter the light…
Image 5
It didn’t take long. I quite like there nonchalant walk through the shafts of light the columns. I will definitely revisit this spot for some more street photography, the light is amazing.
Image 6
Continuing through the city, I shifted my focus from light to characters. Pushing myself to capture images of people on the street. Something that I am new to and nervous of, but it’s an essential part of street photography as a genre. Not the best images but he is a great example of an Italian gentleman going about his morning.
Image 7
I thought this junction would provide a good spot for someone to walk across the street but I wasn’t expecting for this lady to turn into the street just as I took a photo. This was my first time taking an image head on and I think it’s not that bad. It could be better but I will just have to keep practicing.
Image 8
Street photography can be very fast and in the moment. I had been walking behind this woman for a couple of streets but as we entered this square, there was a dazzling light and I liked the way she was holding the umbrella. The moment was too fast and I couldn’t get the exposure or composition right before the moment had passed.
Image 9
In contrast to Image 8, which was a reactionary shot, for this image I saw the light and waited for someone to enter the shot. Finding the light and waiting for a subject is called ‘fishing’ in street photography and I can see why, it is definitely about patience. I stood in this tower waiting for someone to enter the light in the right way for 15 minutes. I got this image, which I quite like but I think there is a better one to be had at this location.
Image 10
This image was a bit of fun, I saw this gentleman walking across the road and I thought he would make a good image. The blue jacket contrasting with the yellowy building, the zebra crossing acting as a leading line and when I came to edit it I noticed his stance is similar to the statue behind him.
Image 11
The last image of the morning and a great example of the kind of street photography that I want to capture. A subject walking with the high contrast of light and shadow.
I had a great unplanned walk and as this was my second time trying street photography, I was really pleased with the results. The Panasonic Lumix G80 surprised me with the quality of the images that it could produce, they were perfect, and as it is a lot smaller than my regular Canon 1DX ii I will be using it for my street photography going forward. Just by having a smaller camera I was more confident in taking images of people around the street. A great morning!
To follow my journey with photography, subscribe to my YouTube channel.
About the Film
Just a little information about the film and how I made it, as well as some links to equipment.
I edited the film using the Free Version of DaVinci Resolve. It’s an incredibly powerful piece of software that I am still trying to understand and will possibly write an article about in the future.
The tracks featured in today’s film were licensed via a subscription with Epidemic Sound. (By following that link, if you purchase a subscription then I will be gifted with a month free for referring you to their services)
After Nature by Ebb and Flod
Rosemary’s Garden by Peter Crosby
Rachel by Particle House
Genesis by Ooyy
A short Kit List
These are affiliate links, which means if you follow them and make a purchase I will earn a small commission for referring you to Amazon UK. You can find out more about affiliate links here.
Main Vlog Camera is a simple Panasonic G80 with the kit lens, its a great little mirrorless camera that I got for the sole purpose of creating YouTube videos. It’s capable of filming in 4k and seems to do everything that I want it to.
Rode Mic, I got this little microphone to boost the audio quality from the inbuilt microphone.
Action Camera, I use this to film myself when walking. It’s a simple DJI Pocket Osmo camera that has a motorised 3 axis gimbal head, which means that I stay in focus and static while the landscape around me moves. It’s also capable of filming in 4k and the audio quality is quite good.
Voice Recorder, to boost the audio quality when it’s windy or I’m using the action camera I use this handy little voice recorder with a lapellier microphone to record audio.
For a complete Landscape Photography Kit List you can read through what equipment I take with me when I go out here.
Related Episodes
Written by Daniel Long
Daniel Long created DRL Photography as a place to showcase his work as a photographer. Daniel has learnt a lot about photography and wishes to impart this knowledge with you, although the world is an ever changing place and he always says “you can never learn everything.” So as he makes his way, he continues to learn knew techniques, skills and information about photography. He focuses on Landscape and Wildlife photography and Daniel has a special focus on Scotland, his home away from home. As well as writing about photography and taking pictures out in the field, Daniel offers guided photography days so he can share his knowledge and locations in an effort to give his clients the best opportunities possible. Have a browse around this website to see his images, guided experiences and articles about photography. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in contact.