The vibrant markets of Asia…
A feast for the senses, where the air is thick with the aroma of street food, the sounds of haggling fill the air, and an explosion of colors greets your eyes at every turn. These bustling hubs are not just places to shop; they are alive with stories waiting to be captured through your lens. If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by the sensory overload of an Asian market, fear not! In this blog post, I’ll share some invaluable tips on how to photograph these dynamic environments, focusing on the art of capturing not just subjects, but the very essence of the market itself.
Get close
When entering a market, especially in Asia, it’s easy to get caught up in photographing individual subjects – faces and food. Many beginners instinctively reach for their telephoto lenses, like the 70-200mm, to zoom in on interesting faces. However, this approach can lead to missing the bigger picture – the atmosphere that makes the market unique. Instead, I recommend using wider lenses such as 24mm, 35mm, or 50mm and get close! These lenses allow you to capture the bustling environment, the interactions between people, and the delightful chaos that defines these markets.
Using a prime 35mm f/1.4 lens makes it easier to shoot in dim conditions. Additionally, the necessity to move closer to your subject not only enhances composition but also captures the surrounding environment, adding context to your images. This lens truly encourages a more intimate and engaging photography style. Photo taken in Cambodia.
A prime lens with a wide aperture, such as f/1.4, is also essential. Not only does it help you shoot in low-light situations (which are common in many markets), but it also allows you to create beautiful bokeh, effectively simplifying messy backgrounds that might distract from your main subject (see 1.2 Simplify your background).
Get close changes the feeling of the photo: you spend time with the people and don’t steal a photo from them! Photo taken in Uzbekistan.
Now, let’s dive into some practical tips that I always share with my travel companions before they embark on their market photography adventures!
Let’s start with the basics
Every photographer starts with the basics. Embrace each step as you build your skills, because it’s all about the journey! From understanding lighting to mastering composition, each little bit adds up. Let’s first dive into the foundational techniques that will elevate your photography game.
Don’t Focus on the Subjects – Focus on the Light
Light is your best friend in photography, and this is especially true in the vibrant chaos of an Asian market. Take a moment to observe where the light is coming from. Is it natural light streaming in from an opening? Is it harsh overhead lighting? Before rushing to capture a subject, ensure that the light is working in your favor. Move around, experiment with angles, and see how the light interacts with your subject. The right lighting can transform an ordinary scene into something magical!
The soft lighting effectively highlights the seller as the focal point of the image, drawing attention to her as the brightest element. This technique not only enhances her presence but also creates a more inviting and engaging atmosphere for the viewer. Photo taken in Cambodia.
Work your subject! In this shoot, i could photograph the seller using a low angle to avoid the very strong back light. Photo taken in Cambodia.
Simplify Your Background
Once you’ve identified the light, it’s time to consider your background. Markets can be visually overwhelming, filled with bright colors, signs, and other distractions. To create a more compelling image, look for ways to simplify your background.
A plain wall, a patch of sky, or even the ground can serve as a clean backdrop for your subject.
By choosing a lower angle at Chorsu Market in Tashkent, I simplified the background and showcased the stunning ceiling. Photo taken in Uzbekistan.
The sky as a backdrop… why not! Photo taken in Uzbekistan.
Shooting wide open at f/1.4 can also help blur the background, making your subject stand out while minimizing distractions.
Use Other Elements to Simplify Your Image
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there may be a distracting element in your frame that you can’t avoid. In such cases, consider using other elements within the scene to conceal what you don’t want to see. For instance, you might use another person to block a distracting background or incorporate an interesting light source to draw attention away from unwanted elements. This technique can add depth to your image while keeping the focus where it belongs.
I used the man in the foreground to block the distracting light ball behind/above his head. This helped focus attention on our main subject who is in the light. Photo taken in Cambodia.
Your photography to new heights
You’ve now mastered the art of seeing the light and simplifying your images, and it’s time to take your skills to the next level! Embrace the challenge of complexifying your compositions while keeping them organized and impactful. Remember the foundational principles you’ve learned -those three key elements will guide you as you explore new creative possibilities.
Use Layers to Add Dimension
Now that you’re comfortable with light and background simplification, it’s time to add complexity to your images. Layering is a powerful technique that can give your photographs a sense of depth. Look for opportunities to incorporate multiple elements in your frame. For example, you might capture a couple of stationary subjects in good light while waiting for more people to enter the scene. This approach helps create a narrative, reinforcing the feeling of a busy market without overwhelming the viewer.
Incorporating three people into this photograph add dynamic layers and enhance the sense of motion. Each individual can occupy different planes – foreground, middle ground, and background – bringing depth to the composition. This technique is effective in action shots, as it captures the energy of the moment. Photo taken in Uzbekistan
Explore Color Combinations (and/or repetitive shapes)
Color plays a crucial role in photography, and markets are bursting with vibrant hues. When composing your shots, pay attention to color combinations. Look for complementary colors – those that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or yellow and purple. These combinations can evoke strong emotions and draw the viewer’s eye to your subject. However, be cautious not to overdo it; too many clashing colors can create a chaotic effect rather than a harmonious one.
Red, yellow, and green form a vibrant color combination in photography, offering a dynamic contrast that’s visually striking. Red adds energy, yellow brings warmth, and green provides a refreshing balance, making this palette ideal for capturing lively scenes and urban settings. Photo taken in Cambodia.
In a Asian market, the abundance of repetitive shapes can provide excellent opportunities for capturing striking photographs. Stalls filled with stacked vegetables, neatly arranged fish, and clusters of vibrant fruits create a visually engaging tapestry. The patterns formed by these items not only draw the eye but also evoke a sense of rhythm and order amidst the lively chaos of the market environment. By focusing on these repetitive shapes, photographers can create images that highlight both the beauty of the products and the dynamic atmosphere of the market.
Two sellers found themselves lost in their own hat shop, surrounded by a myriad of styles and colors. Photo taken in Cambodia.
Adding layers of conical hats, or “nón lá,” presents a unique challenge for photographers in the Vietnamese market. Photo taken in Vietnam.
Use a Slow Shutter Speed
To convey the bustling energy of a market, consider experimenting with slow shutter speeds. This technique can create a sense of motion, reinforcing the idea of a lively environment. Panning with moving subjects or intentionally blurring parts of your image can add a dynamic quality to your photographs. Just remember to keep your main subject sharp to maintain focus amidst the motion.
Using a slow shutter speed of 1/15 of a second effectively captures the hustle and bustle of a busy market. The resulting motion blur conveys the dynamic energy and movement of the scene, immersing viewers in the lively atmosphere. This technique highlights the vibrancy found in such environments. Photo taken in Cambodia.
Don’t Rush – Stay Focused on the Light and the right moment
Finally, one of the most important lessons in market photography is to resist the urge to rush. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and feel like you need to capture everything at once. Instead, take your time. Find a good spot with interesting light and focus on creating strong images rather than trying to photograph every single moment: just wait for the perfect timing and the right moment. Sometimes, the best shots come from patiently waiting for the right moment to unfold.
This scene emphasizes the importance of presence and connection. The man’s illuminated face suggests he’s in the spotlight, yet the lack of something vital hints at a deeper story. The woman’s entrance brings that missing element, likely adding emotional depth or context.
Conclusion: Capture the Heart of the Market
Photographing a market in Asia is an exhilarating experience that can challenge and inspire you as a photographer. By focusing on light, simplifying backgrounds, layering elements, and embracing color, you can create stunning images that tell the story of the market and its vibrant atmosphere.
And before I forget, remember to not linger too long at a vendor’s stand, you might get an unexpected splash from a flying fish aimed straight at your camera! Remember, while it’s all about capturing the moment, respect is key – unless you want your photography portfolio peppered with aquatic surprises!