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Street Photography
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Monday, January 25, 2010, 08:15 AM
"In photography, creation is a quick business- an instant, a gush, a response - putting the camera up to the eye's line of fire, snatching with that economical little box whatever it was that surprised you, catching it in midair, without tricks, without letting it get away.  You make a painting at the same time that you take a photo." - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson was one of the masters of candid photography. He helped develop what we now call the "street photography," a style that has influenced generations of photographers that followed. His work is a brilliant inspiration. 

Although street photography is not often our main medium at the Rhoads, it is something that we really enjoy especially when we travel. We have received several e mails and questions about it since our return home from Thailand. So I thought I would take a moment to share a little bit of what that experience was like and how we went about getting the shots that we did on the streets of Thailand.

Taking photos of people on the street isn't easy. If you are shy or timid, getting close to strangers and snapping the camera is probably not your idea of a great time. Given our temperaments, Chris being more introverted and me being more extraverted, I was much more excited about this type of imagery than Chris.  Getting close and becoming part of the scene is a crucial part to getting the type of images that we want to capture when shooting street photography. We shot all of our Thailand images with our 35mm 1.4 lens or with our 16-35mm 2.8 lens. Shooting wide allows us to be a participant in the scene unraveling before us. It allows us to "be a part" rather than simply being back as an observer, and to us, this is crucial. When shooting street photography we always want to be a participant not a voyeur.

A lot of the questions we were asked revolved around "how" to get the shots that we got of people on the street. It should be mentioned that there are no clear set of rules and guidelines to exactly how street photography should be done, but I would be happy to share with you our personal approach. It can be assumed that when people step into a public space they do give up certain rights to privacy. However, we never want to take advantage of that as photographers.  I prefer to take photos in a relational way. That doesn't mean we have to become best friends with each of our subjects, but learning a few words from the language, smiling a lot, taking a genuine interest in them, knowing cultural norms, and being polite makes photographing a stranger a much better experience for everyone.  

One simple technique that we used since we were in a different country and not everyone speaks english, was to raise my camera up with a smile before taking the photo as a way of 'asking' if it was okay to photograph the person. There will always be those that don't want their photo taken, for those that fall into that category, we of course always want to honor their wishes. In our particular case I would say 92% of the time the people in Thailand welcomed having their photo taken. Thailand is considered "The Land of Smiles" so a smile goes a very long way here, and a simple smile was the door to many of my favorite images from the trip.

There are also certain times when you may be taking photographs of a scene on the street where many people are involved, it can be assumed that you need not ask permission of each individual person in the scene. However, the bulk of what I shot in Thailand on the street was more portrait driven so I tended to use the above approach most of the time.

 A few street photography tips from the Rhoads:
1) Travel light and don't cause a scene. For us that meant that only one of us carried a camera at a time, we never wanted someone to feel like we were going "paparazzi" on them. 
2) Honor & respect the people we photograph and don't be a voyeur. Don't be afraid to get in close. 
3) For the type of street imagery we choose to capture, it is important that we are not sneaky. Don't hide your camera and "sneak" all your shots from a distance with your 70-200mm. Don't be a voyeur, be a participant.

I hope this helped answer some of your questions and shed some insight into how we got many of our shots in our Thailand images. We by no means are experts on the subject and there are no set guidelines and rules. This is just how we chose to go about it and what worked for us. We hope it can help a few of you out on your next adventure. 

A few of street photographers who we dig: 


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (18)
Stephanie Motz says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 06:42 PM

Wow. These images are beautiful. I love the colours. Thanks for the tips. Can't wait to hit the streets with a smile and my camera!
Hannah Taylor says: Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 02:33 PM

I loved the quote by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Another great photographer that shoots in that style is Jeff Ascough (http://www.jeffascough.com/).
The sunset and the street one is beautiful and I agree with a previous comment about the monks and the camera.
Emilie says: Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 02:28 PM

I love your photos!! The colors are fabulous.
galaxie andrews says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 02:23 PM

sarah, thank you for sharing.
the one of the monk taking a photo of you is just priceless. i love that you can still see his big smile through his fingers and his happy squinty eye from the side. that pictures is so uplifting :))
Taylor says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 01:32 PM

I like the second to last image for it's depth and strong sense of place. Well done. The image of the scooters at sunset/sunrise is interesting too. Looks like something Nick Onken would shoot.

Julie says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 12:28 PM

How fun! Thank you for posting more information on the art of "street photography." I actually just enrolled in a class called street photography, because I want to grow in that specific area! Which means I can't be shy anymore... :)
Rensche van Dyk says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 12:00 PM

Thank you so much with sharing, I'm not a shy person at heart to take photos of people, but when I'm in another country I always tend to not get close-up and ask. Your tips will definitely help on my next trip. The photos are amazing! as I was scrolling through the post I was smiling - I love reading and viewing your blog it always makes me smile:)
MELINA says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 11:54 AM

i love it, thank you Sarah.
I'm going to go over to the Heavenly Village this week and practice some "street photography" for the first time...wish me luck!

Sansaara Photography says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 10:39 AM

Sarah, you know we've been blog stalking you for you a while. Your portraits from Thailand are so impressive and speak so much of your ability to relate to the people you photograph (even with language barriers) :-)
Sophie says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 09:33 AM

Nice post.
Have a look at the work of a great photographer, Raymond Depardon. I love his vision.
http://www.magnumphotos.com/Archive/C.aspx?VP3=ViewBox&ALID=2K7O3R14JHU5&IT=ThumbImage01_VForm&CT=Album
Janet McK says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 09:29 AM

haha. love these! I too really like the monk taking your picture :) And thanks for sharing!
Maggie Hendrix says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 09:10 AM

Just beautiful.
Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 08:43 AM

HAHAH! My FAVORITE is the one of the monk taking a photo you YOU! :) That one made me chuckle out loud. Love all of these. The woman in the purple headband is just mesmerizing! Her smile pulled me in. What gorgeous photos, and people!

Haley Lamb says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 08:36 AM

great post! with great images to go along! ;)
Karen Workun says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 08:30 AM

As always, a lovely post from a lovely couple. I adore the monks with the camera and the watercolor artist the most...thanks for sharing some thoughts on capturing humanity in their elements!
Robert says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 08:30 AM

Thanks for the insight and tips. I've been following your work for 2 months and have been inspired by each and every post. Thanks again!
Alexandra says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 08:29 AM

Beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing.

Kristen Mallory says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 08:28 AM

I'm in love with these images. I like to do this same thing when I travel, but never got too many of the people because I was afraid to ask. Thanks for the info, I won't be afraid next time! Beautiful imagery.
198
Thailand Portraits
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Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 10:00 PM
"Adventure is a path. Real adventure - self-determined, self-motivated, often risky, forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world.  The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it.  Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness.  In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and the bottomless cruelty of humankind - and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both.  This will change you.  Nothing will ever again be black-and-white." - Mark Jenkins

These are the faces that moved mountains in my heart this December while in Thailand. I want to introduce them to you. To me, they are beautiful. One of my photography mentors once told me that "to photograph someone well we must first love them." It is easy to capture a photo of someone on the street, but to capture them with all the dignity and nobility they posses, this is more challenging. This is what I'm interested in when I capture people. My heart is to dig beneath what meets the eye and reveal humanity through my images. One of my favorite photographers, Sebastiao Salgado once said, "If you take a picture of a human that does not make him noble, there is no reason to take this picture."

Our lives cannot be understood on flat on a page... Life must be experienced, embraced, & seen from a different perspective. There comes a time in each of our lives when we must jump out of the boat, learn to love better, stand amidst a people that is very different than what we know, and let it challenge us to the core. It is in these beautiful moments when truth emerges and we can see ourselves with a certain transparency that will never surface when we sit in our boats of comfort. Many times we confuse comfort with happiness. You see, living the rich life is all about being uncomfortable.  It is in these moments that we become aware of our wings and then learn how to make them flap against the wind.... it is in these glorious moments when we can understand the exhilaration of flight that lives within us. 
Thank you Thailand for reminding me of just how big my wings are and just how far they can take me.




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (33)
Jayme says: Sunday, January 10, 2010, 09:29 PM

I have loved all of your pictures for a few months now but these are incredible. I have always wanted to be so bold to take pictures of the people I see on the street in other countries but I am always too nervous. Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures!

Kat Speyer says: Monday, January 4, 2010, 03:38 PM

Incredibly moving, and awesome portraits. Thank you for sharing.
Kat Braman says: Sunday, January 3, 2010, 07:06 AM

what a great collection. I love how colorful everything is. Thailand is definitely up there on my list of places to visit. My favorite is the older lady sitting in the blue chair. She looks so fun and spunky.
lisa dunham says: Friday, January 1, 2010, 08:17 AM

Ralph Waldo Emerson said "A man finds room in the few square inches of his face for the traits of all his ancestors; for the expression of all his history, and his wants." That resonates in these images and tells me that a special place in your heart was touched by each one. You have that gift.

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 03:37 PM

@wrecklessgirl she is mine too... such a proud woman.
wrecklessgirl says: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 02:48 PM

the last woman, she is my favourite.
Matt Milburn says: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 10:25 AM

Gorgeous photos!!!
Melina says: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 08:56 AM

Hi. I love all your picturs. The ones in Thailand are so inspiring. I mentioned you on my blog today as one of my faves. Hope you have a wonderful New Years and THANK YOU. Melina
Paige says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 11:37 AM

These are amazing. So much life :)
Steve says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 10:52 AM

These portraits are wonderful! You truly captured each personality in his/her environment. I especially love the attitude of the last woman! Kudos :)
Laura says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 09:02 AM

Gorgeous photos! I love how you captured the spirit and essence of each person and Thailand.
Laura says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 09:02 AM

Gorgeous photos! I love how you captured the spirit and essence of each person and Thailand.
Melissa says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 08:24 AM

these are beautiful sarah! i hope you had a wonderful vacation... much deserved i'm sure!
maile says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 07:39 AM

So addicted to your blog. You are incredibly talented.

Gail says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 07:00 AM

Love ALLL of these. Wonderful wonderful work!

Mandy says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 06:54 AM

Gorgeous and true.

Alexandra says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 03:33 AM

Beautifully captured! You did an amazing job! I love it!

Maurice says: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 12:42 AM

This is a really interesting set of portraits, great work.

Thailand is the coolest place I've ever been. This makes me want to buy a ticket back there now.

sarahrhoads says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 10:38 PM

@Beata I am likely going to do a post on this in the coming weeks but in short, yes, I raise my camera in question and smile to ask if I can take someone's photo before I snap the shot. All of these portraits were shot with my 35mm lens so I had to be pretty darn close to the people. Thailand is called "the land of smiles" and they truly live up to their name. Most of the people were very open and willing to have their portraits taken. There were only 3 times throughout the trip that I asked and was turned down. Every culture is different, every person is different and it is important to respect people when we capture them :) hope that helps... I'll do a full post on street photography in the coming weeks.
Bianca Valentim says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 09:36 PM

You are SO inspiring Sarah!!!
Beautiful what you wrote! I'm a big fan of Sebastiao Salgado, he's from the same country I'm from. :)
I LOVE to come here, your words always touches my heart! Thank You for that!
:)
Beata English says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 09:34 PM

Hi there Sarah - I just can't stop looking at your photos from Thailand - amazing! Just a question - did you just go up and ask to take the person's photo? I'm off to the US in March and want to take photos of any interesting people i cross paths with on our road trip. sometimes just hesitant to take a photo of a complete stranger...
Love B
Bianca Valentim says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 09:34 PM

You are SO inspiring Sarah!!!
Beautiful what you wrote! I'm a big fan of Sebastiao Salgado, he's from the same country I'm from. :)
I LOVE to come here, your words always touches my heart! Thank You for that!
:)
Beata English says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 09:34 PM

Hi there Sarah - I just can't stop looking at your photos from Thailand - amazing! Just a question - did you just go up and ask to take the person's photo? I'm off to the US in March and want to take photos of any interesting people i cross paths with on our road trip. sometimes just hesitant to take a photo of a complete stranger...
Love B
erica says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 09:16 PM

amazing.
Julie h says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 09:05 PM

your words brought tears to my eyes. It was exactly what I needed to hear tonight. The photos are most evidently emotionally connected. Thank you.
Jenice says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 08:37 PM

Thank you for such a beautiful reminder of jumping out of the boat. I cannot wait to talk when you get back.

chatti says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 08:25 PM

the first portrait, that's my dad...skin tone, wrinkles, glasses, everything. in just one portrait, you were able to make me miss my dad.
Jeanette says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 08:17 PM

Incredibly wise and moving words.

These are all so beautiful, but there are a few that absolutely stopped me in my tracks - where the soul of the person shone through the photograph with complete and utter clarity.

Impressive and full of heart.
Alyssa says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 08:13 PM

Wow, these are all such powerful images! You captured each of theses individuals beautifully. They all have a different special look in their eye! I always enjoy seeing what you're up to next! Great job!
Heather Elizabeth says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 08:13 PM

These are absolutely breathtaking. I am in love with the last shot. The look on that woman's face is priceless!

Stunning portraits. So much character.

Alyssa says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 08:13 PM

Wow, these are all such powerful images! You captured each of theses individuals beautifully. They all have a different special look in their eye! I always enjoy seeing what you're up to next! Great job!
Kia Gregory says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 08:09 PM

Truly artistic. Thank you.
David says: Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 08:05 PM

Great pictures, love the soldier!
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Thailand/Muay Thai
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Thursday, December 17, 2009, 09:35 AM
I've never been one who is big into sports, but I think I have finally found a sport I can connect with. Muay Thai boxing. Yes, I know, it may seem odd that a 5'3'' little blonde girl would be into a sport as intense as Muay Thai, but there is just something about it that is really captivating. Chris and I went when we were in Chaing Mai and had ringside seats. We were right in the thick of it. The blood, the sweat the sound of hitting skin, the coaches yelling directions at their boxers, being close enough to see the intensity in the boxers eyes. There is something incredible about watching someone push to their physical limits and still fighting through the pain. I found it extremely empowering. The discipline  behind the martial art is pretty insane. Some of these boxers train and compete from the time they are five or six years old. In Thailand, Muay Thai is the national sport so there is a great deal of pride behind the discipline. 

This was one of my very favorite things that we did in Thailand. I'm not sure what I liked more; the energy that I felt all around me being in that crowd cheering, or the empowerment that Chris and I got seeing the underdog end up with his fist held high in the air. There was just something special about it. Chris said he was happy I finally found a sport that I liked ;) So am I. We watched about 2 hours of boxing on television the other night when we both couldn't sleep due to jet lag. I'm pretty much sucked in.



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (9)
Paul says: Monday, December 21, 2009, 12:32 PM

Wow! These are great images. Talk about an intense sport. I love the b/w conversions that you've got here. Super cool!
mary says: Friday, December 18, 2009, 02:44 PM

beautiful sarah! such strong images full of so much emotion! i am captivated. So happy you two had such a wonderful safe trip!

john pascale says: Friday, December 18, 2009, 09:12 AM

I'm tired just looking at these. Intense! Energy! Powerful photos!

Alexandra says: Friday, December 18, 2009, 06:52 AM

Awesome photos! Very intense.

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 09:27 PM

these are so cool! congrats on finding a sport you like. :)
Dennis Bullock says: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 04:30 PM

These are so cool Sarah!
erwinwijanto says: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 10:26 AM

I wanna go to Thailand someday... great captured Sarah n Chris.. There's so many lovely images from your travels.. :) You should plan your next Asia Travel to Indonesia.. I take you around here.. so many beautiful places and real traditional people, food, and places too :)
johnwaire | photo says: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 10:23 AM

...those guys are the most disciplined....strongest....fighters around.
Ryan says: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 10:00 AM

These are excellent. Actually all your Thailand images are beautiful. You have such a gift for composition and seeing what looks good. Not only do you rock at portraits of all kinds, you knock it out of the park with journalistic shooting too. Keep this up. I love seeing your fresh views!
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Thailand Reflections
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 12:00 PM
"And so my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you, about learning to love, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves, about learning oneness as a way of understanding God. We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?

It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out. 

I want to repeat one word for you: Leave. 

Roll the word around on your tongue for a bit. It is a beautiful word isn't it? So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted it to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry.  Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed." - Donald Miller

Our plane touched down in Seattle late Sunday night and we were home. We were sad to leave Thailand, but both of us feel much richer for having been there. We walk away from this experience renewed, regenerated and inspired. A huge takeaway for me has been the reminder that this world is so BIG. Bigger than our bubble of America, bigger than this photo industry that is so easy to get sucked into, bigger than my family, bigger than my happiness or unhappiness, bigger than our "stuff" and our "schedules".... the bottom line is this: sadly I need to be reminded on a regular basis that this world is not about ME. It may seem like an infantile takeaway, but I personally need to be reminded of this regularly. 
Travel always seems to humble me in ways that being here in my comfort zone never can. It is so good for me to be painfully aware that there is this whole other beautiful world buzzing about outside of mine. Somehow it is comforting and exciting for me to think of it that way. This world we live in is so much more complex and exciting; full of spontaneity and possibility than we may ever be able to comprehend. While I was in Thailand I read Donald Miller's new book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years." In the book Miller reminded me that I am but a tree in this big forest of things... and I very much enjoy being a tree, because a story about a forest is much more exciting than a story about a boring old tree.

p.s. if you ever go to Thailand, never underestimate the wrath of her jet lag. It hurts. bad.



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (22)
Rachel says: Wednesday, December 23, 2009, 08:38 AM

WOW ! WOW ! I am going in February for almost a month and this post just made me even more excited!

quincy says: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 03:22 PM

donald miller's book is incredible, as well as your images. these blew my mind!

Meaghan Cook says: Friday, December 18, 2009, 10:35 PM

Have thoroughly enjoyed your travel diary from Thailand. I can almost taste and smell the country itself. x
Kristin Anne says: Friday, December 18, 2009, 08:16 PM

Sarah - wow. Your images always floor me but your perspective on traveling and the world are equally impressive. Thank you for sharing. The Donald Miller book is now on my Christmas list :)
Rachel Boekel says: Friday, December 18, 2009, 08:21 AM

Sarah - I love following your blog and these images of Thailand bring back great memories of travels. The mannequin image is priceless... and so thai and asian. Great capture. Enjoy your trip!

Anonymous says: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 04:59 PM

Wondering what that naked manequin has to laugh about?????
Susan says: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 04:32 AM

Interesting how they package the fish....they look like they are smooching!
Julie h says: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 01:18 AM

never cease to amaze. thank you.
lori says: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 08:55 PM

Thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience after coming back from Kenya.. it's a feeling that truly can't be explained which if frustrating and you just want to shake people for not understanding! I've totally lost that "wake-up" to reality and need it! Thanks for reminding me.
mandie says: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 09:00 AM

I love the images from this trip! My favorite is the one with the women on the motorcycle. So excited that you guys got to go. I'm hopefully going to Thailand in April. : )
I used travel between Singapore and Seattle a lot. Best way to deal with that jet lag...drink lots of water, stay up late and wake up early for the first few days, and get outside in the fresh air. Best of luck!
Justin says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 10:31 PM

what a fantastic, beautiful and rewarding trip that must have been. Thanks for sharing - looking forward to going there next year!
Brenda Landrum says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 06:01 PM

Again, wow! The second image, black and white, awesome! The house on the hill, gorgeous!!! So inspiring Sarah!!!!!!!
Christine Pobke says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 04:02 PM

These are amazing... you make me want to go back to Thailand!!!! :) Thanks for sharing your adventure... a beautiful post and a timely reminder to be grateful. Grateful for everything. :)

john pascale says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 02:00 PM

Amazing, love every one.

Alexandra says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 01:35 PM

Wow. These are so beautiful. Works of art.

imthiaz houseman says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 01:16 PM

i really want to jump on a plane right now and go to Thailand. stunning images and it sounds like it was such an amazing trip for the two of you.
kristen says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 12:58 PM

I've been reading Through Painted Deserts!

His new one is next on my list. I love Donald's writing. I hope you read Blue Like Jazz! That one totally opened my eyes to a relationship with Christ.


Well gosh, I'm so glad you had such an amazing time in Thailand. I can't wait to go back this summer! Your work has inspired me to take more though provoking and riskier images this time around.

Jen MacNiven says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 12:31 PM

Dear National Geographic...
Have you met Sarah Rhoads yet?

Seriously, such amazing photos. I love your view on Thailand...'same same, but different' than mine. Beautiful photography that truly captured the essence of their culture. Love it!

Welcome home and thanks for sharing your journey! Happy Holidays too!

Jen
josh solar says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 12:18 PM

beautiful post. so much color and life in these images. thanks for sharing :)
Kate Noelle says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 12:16 PM

Sarah... I love these. I love your stories. I love your thoughts. I love that they resonate in my own heart. Thank you for telling them and showing this beautiful country through your measure of beauty and art. It all reminds me how I want to go back... :) Good luck getting over the jet lag.... you can do it!!!
mary says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 12:09 PM

love these sarah. fine art gallery in the works??? would love a print of the last elephant eye. gorgeous.

arenda says: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 12:07 PM

what beautiful, beautiful portraits! and what a creepy laughing mannequin!