Jason Martini on Street Photography

Jason Martini on Street Photography

on Dec 4th 2011 with 15 comments

Just because you didn’t get to go to that awesome photography conference doesn’t mean that you can’t learn something from the pros! Occasionally, we’ll be featuring a recommended photography lecture or interview on Phototuts+.

In this lecture, we’ll hear from street photographer Jason Martini in an interview by Jaydine Sayer. Under a montage of his excellent photos, issues of ethics are discussed and Martini also talks about his techniques.

You can see more of Martini’s work at www.jasonmartini.com.

 
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I was raised in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. After high school, I left for Western Kentucky University where I obtained degrees in photojournalism and cultural anthropology. I am currently employed by CityBeat, an arts and entertainment weekly in Cincinnati. The work I am doing here is very rewarding and I suspect it will continue to be. I am available for freelance work in all areas of photography.  

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  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/prashantadukia/ Prashant

    Thanks! really helps to go back to the streets…havent gone in a while

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/prashantadukia/sets/72157622755276789/

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_martini/ jason martini

    Glad to hear this has inspired you!

    twitter.com/jasonmartini
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_martini/
    gplus.to/jasonmartini

  • http://www.redchilliphotography.com red chilli photography

    a great video and I do think I’ll be doing some street photography over the christmas break.

    James

    • http://www.flickr.com/people/mr_martini jason martini

      try some from the hip! don’t have to be too sneaky either, it can help the scene if you are actually seen :)

      https://twitter.com/#!/jasonmartini

      • http://www.redchilliphotography.com/ Red Chilli Photography

        From the hip it is then :)

  • nadia

    Jason. your photos are fantastic! I’ve never attempted street photography but now I’m eager to try. do you have a favorite lens when you’re out on the streets?

  • http://www.bycostello.com/Mordon_Park_House_Registry_Office.html bycostello

    nice, inspired to get out there…

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/artfromm/ melia

    love b/w street photography. usually too chicken to just start shooting. can’t get past the rejection of people getting offended. but i do love to shoot from the hip.

    thanks for the video

    m

  • http://www.flickr.com/people/mr_martini jason martini

    Thank you!!
    Go out in the street, a lot, follow your gut to where there is action! Shoot a lot.
    I shoot w either my 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4, or 17-55mm 2.8. Each has been my rotating favorite, right now it’s the 35mm 1.8 (which is by far the cheapest lens).

    great to hear, bycostello.

    m, have fun w it, if people get offended make a joke or start a conversation, if they are still offended just politely leave w a smile! i very very rarely have any issues and go along about my business!

  • http://www.halogenic.com Ricky

    The best street shots, are always the ones that you’re most scared to take.

    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_martini/5494097883/ jason martini

      and the most fun!

  • http://flickr.com/photos/justupthestreet Peter

    I’m still struggling to get in there closer. Thanks for the inspiration. Good advice and a fun video. Especially the end – “… OK, I was just clicking away.” :)

    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_martini/ jason martini

      It’s the thought that counts.. seriously.. just having it in your head, the want to get closer.. it’s a big part of it. Its odd to say. I knew I had to get closer for some reason and it sounds like you have that thought too.

      Getting close, one thing that always is huge for me .. is just sort of melting in.. not trying to just blend in but just melt into the action. Hang around the action, turn around it, play with your camera, click a shot and move.. then come back.. try all kinds of stuff that feels like it will help you get the shot you want. Make the subject move, not you move.
      and click away!!!

  • http://thephotochallenge.com/ Penny

    The streets is full of unexpected subjects that could actually teach you the things you lack and bring you back to the basics. Great video and very useful tips along the way :)

    • https://plus.google.com/102762278318790381974/posts jason martini

      Agree, and street photography has taught me more about myself than anything has.
      Thanks, Penny!