It started with Dim Sum and two tables filled with photographers, bringing out the hardware and discussing why they were there.

One of our favorite event photographers and a master of street photography, Chris Weeks, assembled a couple of his fellow shooters, to teach a select group of photographers the secrets of the street:

Frank Jackson:

shown here illustrating a multi kelvin LED light.

And Severin Koller of Vienna;

and with a full compliment of Leica M9 cameras for the attendees, taught a very hands on 2 day, intensive seminar on street photography.

The food was a good way to get to know each other, comfortably. Then it was time to move outside, where each of the 3 instructors gave a preamble complete with prints of their work, on the ways of approaching the world of street photography.

With a question and answer period after the outdoor presentation, attendees got a solid insight and some tips on approaching the world we walk in, through the lens.

One of the best lessons came from Chris, as he let the class know to pay attention also to what a patron may want to hang on their wall. Photographing a disadvantaged person may be an easy subject, but not something that may get framed and hang on a wall. Practical lessons were the order of the day.

After breaking up into smaller groups, everyone began exploring the intense, and rich landscape that is Chinatown, Los Angeles. Compact, but full of visual opportunities.

They gathered at days end to discuss their shots,and ways of editing, perhaps the toughest part for any photographer.

Day 2 began at photographer Chris Weeks studio, where participants would be able to first see images made by the instructors.
Then all shooters took off by Metro to the parts of Hollywood not impeded or blocked by the Oscar Ceremonies, to get the less glamorous side of the Hollywood scene
Pretty good lessons in dealing with adverse street conditions.

Overall these guys are passionate about what they do, and infect you , in a great way, with that same passion.
The tips they have learned about shooting on the street are invaluable and at $500. for the 2 days workshop, a true bargain.
Heck, just getting to shoot with a Leica M9 and a prime is worth a ton, right there.

So when is the next and where?
Check out their Facebook page, Street is Serious.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 27th, 2011 at 11:13 pm and is filed under Events, Photo News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.