On the BBC News Today

I just haven't got that speed of reaction which all "successful" Street Photographers either have or develop. Quite remarkable images.
 
Allister, I suspect that's true of most of us. In my case, where I have captured something with potential, it's been because I have seen it coming so to speak. Anything needing instant reaction has long gone before I have decided whether my camera is even switched on.
 
I like the quirkiness of Erwitt's street work. I have a couple of Magnum compilation books which include a few of his better known images including the Contact Sheets book which shows him using Agfa 35mm monochrome film in 1959. What strikes me is how many of the images don't quite hit the mark in terms of focus and subject movement. It is his composition skills and choice of subject that win his audience over. Cartier Breton often seems to me to work in a similar way.
 
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@Allister @John2

Alan Schaller, who cites Erwitt as an influence, explains how he trains his own reaction skills as a street photographer here. His technique may surprise you. Dig out those old manual lenses from the drawer:

 
Ah, if only I had an M11 with a Summilux manual lens I could take really wonderful street images(!!)
Thanks for this, really enjoyable and instructive.
 
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