The Art of the Drive By Shooting
By M. Fontaine
28 April 2008
I recently attended a photography print competition where I heard the judge comment that several of the prints as looking like they were drive by shootings. Drive by shootings, now that peeked my interest. The judge went on to defined the term by saying the prints looked like the photographer "just stuck the camera out the window and pressed the shutter release." He really used the term in a very negative manner and promptly rejected the photographs. Well, I happen to enjoy drive by shootings. I spent a great deal of time in transit either by automobile, airplane or various watercrafts and I find that this leads to some great photography opportunities. Some of my favorite photographs are the results of drive by opportunities. My definition of a drive by shooting is when you drive by or pass by something that inspires you to make a capture and you do just that. This is usually accomplished from the vehicle. I also include shots made from the roadways, waterways or bridges while in transit. All photographs included in this article are examples of my drive by shootings.
Drive by photography can be fun and produces some great photographs if you remember the three fundamentals of good a photograph; know your subject, focus attention on your subject, and simplify your subject. Drive by shootings do limit your composition ability at times but this is part of the fun. You have to quickly compose your shot and find a way to make the shot work. See, you really don't just stick the camera out the window and press the shutter release. Here are a few tips that that make drive by shooting successful.
Have your camera with you and have it readily accessible. I keep mine on the seat beside me. Some preparation is required for lens selection and camera settings. If you don't have the camera you'll only have a memory in your head.
I passed an old house several times and each time a little voice said, "Stop and take that picture" I didn't listen and soon the house was torn down. Like the old saying, Opportunity only knocks once. When that little photographer voice that we all have says, "Hey that would make a great capture", listen to it and take the shot. Sometimes you have to turn around or pull off the road or at times, just shoot through the windshield or porthole. Quite often you'll be amazed at the results. The key is to listen to the little voices. Just don't tell anyone that you do or they'll try to put you on medication.
You CAN shoot thru the windshield or window glass and not show the bug splatters. And if you do get a splatter, use Photoshop.
Be Safe. Do not turn your vehicle sideways in the roadway or impede traffic to make a shot. The Police frown on those activities. And as always, remember what your mama told you about talking to strangers.
With a little practice and a great deal of luck you can turn the drive shooting into a photography art form. Drive bys will help you develop your photographic eye and your composition techniques. I think the Drive By Shootings would make a great theme for JEG. Remember, keep your camera at the ready gun position, and take lots of shots but most importantly..... Have Fun!
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