Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Ukraine

Street Shot Sundays
Photo of the Week:
“Currency Exchange”

Kiev-25

Street Shot Sundays Story & Stats

Story:

This Sunday’s Street Shot of the Week was taken in Kiev, Ukraine at Kontraktova Square. It was starting to get dark, but there was still a lot of activity going on since the square is by a metro, tram and bus stop. I was walking by the long line of mini-market kiosks and fast food joints when I noticed this bright yellow currency exchange store in the middle. I also noticed a small boy standing in the doorway holding a paper bag and wearing what looked to be a school uniform. His blonde hair and the way he was dressed added to the colorful scene. His expression also showed he wasn’t too happy waiting there, which makes sense considering Ukraine’s current currency problems :) So I made the shot just as he looked at me, while keeping his solemn expression.

Stats:

  • Aperture: f/4
  • Shutter Speed: 1/500
  • ISO: 800
  • Focal Length: 35mm

7 First Impressions of Kiev
(From a Street Photography Perspective)

kyiv-impressions-cover

My Eastern European Street Photography Road Trip started in Ukraine’s capital city of Kiev. I spent a few weeks total in Ukraine and to say I liked the country would be a major understatement. I loved Ukraine and it was one of the best travel surprises I’ve had in a while.

I’ll have a few posts covering the places I visited in Ukraine, with a focus on Street Photography and the many reasons I liked Ukraine so much. 

I’ll start with Kiev, though, and a few first impressions of the city, from my personal Street Photography perspective.

[Read more…] about 7 First Impressions of Kiev (From a Street Photography Perspective)

Street Shot Sundays
Photo of the Week: “Yellow Balloons”

balloon lady-1

Street Shot Sundays Story & Stats

Story:

This Sunday’s Street Shot of the Week was taken in Kiev, Ukraine by Independence Square. On Sundays, they close down the street by the square so people can walk freely everywhere. This attracts plenty of people and activity. I didn’t understand what the event was, but for some reason a few people were holding these gigantic nets of yellow balloons, waiting to release them into the air. This woman stood out in her pink shirt and bucket hat. She was very stoic and didn’t seem to be paying attention to anything, just tightly holding the balloons. I also liked how the sunlight really made the yellow of all those balloons stand out and how it left a shadow around her eyes. I made the shot, trying to show just how many balloons she was holding, while also keeping her expression and character unchanged. She never paid me any attention, just kept holding those thousands of balloons.

Stats:

  • Aperture: f/11
  • Shutter Speed: 1/500
  • ISO: 400
  • Focal Length: 35mm