Sergey Sus’s Street Photography Tips
Being a photographer in any capacity, from pro to beginner, the subject of equipment is always at the center of our thoughts and conversations. Sure, if there is anything that can improve a photo it would be a camera and lens, right? I’ve been a photographer for a while now and I’d consider myself a professional. As websites like Sweet Table Contest suggest, a photographer’s outfit can be crucial to a successful shoot. As well as this, I’ve spent a long time perfecting my skills and I use pretty expensive camera equipment too!
Social Media Photography Topics
Most photography conversations on Twitter, G+ and Facebook revolve around which camera or lens is better or sharper. There are thousands of posts and videos on why one lens is better then another. If a lens or a new camera body really improved a photograph then:
With millions of lenses sold each year, why are there so few really great photographs?
My idea of going out to shoot street photography revolves around having as little gear as possible. I subscribe to what Jay Maisel always said, “Take one lens and go out shooting”. Once I understood what that meant I have never taken more then one lens with me on a street photography walk. I do carry a spare battery just in case, but that is it. No bag, no extra lenses, no lens caps, no nothing.
My current portrait and event photography work lenses cover a range from 17mm through 300mm (17-40mm, 24-105mm, 50mm, 70-300mm). They are my working lenses and what I use to earn part of my living. Even these are not the most prized or the more expensive lenses.
Street Photography Lens
So what camera and lens combos do I use for street photography? 99% of the time I use the 40mm or 50mm for street photography. The focal length choice comes from the days when shooting film as only having a 50mm lens.
I used to have a Leica M6 and a 50mm Summicron and for over 2 years shot with that lens. Leica lenses are pricey and the Summicron was the best I could afford at the time.
Today, I use either the Canon DSLR or Fuji X-Pro. For the Fuji I only have a 35mm f/1.4 and 18mm f/2 so my choice is easy 35mm is almost glued to Fuji body and is roughly equivalent to 50mm on a full frame. With a DSLR I primarily use the 40mm f/2.8 pancake or the old nifty fifty f/1.8.
The Most Important Aspect of Photography
When my photo journey began, the type of equipment seemed to be the most important aspect of photography. Through magazine advertising and through reading online reviews and forums I believed that having the right lens and the right camera body would lead to better photos. Don’t believe what camera manufacturers want you to believe. It’s not the camera or the lens that makes the choice of subject, timing or what to keep or not to keep in the frame. Those artistic choices belong to the eye of the photographer.
Editors Note:
Sergey Sus is a respected photographer in the Los Angeles Street Photography community as well as being known for his portrait and event photography. In his own words Sergey Sus is:
I am a portrait photographer – telling real stories, individual and family. Artist and teacher.
To see more of his work please visit:
