Street photography may not be the most popular kind of photography in Nigeria but one can’t deny it’s quickly getting more traction. However, unlike foreign climes where you could show up with your camera, take shots and move on without any issues, Nigerians are incredibly sceptical about having their pictures taken (especially anywhere outside events – probably someone thinks you’re going to use their picture for something diabolical!). Either way, that shouldn’t stop us from pursuing what we love doing; it just means we’ve got to get creative about it. This was the subject of discussion on the PixelsAndLens Whatsapp group yesterday evening (drop your number in comments to get added up) and I decided to put up a few pointers to taking street shots without trouble. Here goes!

Use A Phone Camera: One sentiment I’ve heard expressed severally is that phones aren’t good for photography. This isn’t exactly true – you can take great shots with phones – I take shots with my phone all the time. Sure, DSLRs would give the best outputs but one huge advantage to street photographers is that using your phone makes it less obvious that you are taking shots. There are lots of phones with cameras that are just awesome for photography – street photography inclusive. IPhone 6S, Samsung Galaxy S7, Microsoft Lumia 950XL and LG G5 are just a few examples of phones that turn out great shots.

Employ A Bit Of Acting: I know, it’s weird that you might have to act a bit just to get a few shots in but trust me, you don’t necessarily need to put up an Oscar winning performance. One thing I do while using my phone to take shots is to appear like I’m dialling a number or I squint like I can’t properly see what’s on my phone screen but I’m actually taking pictures. I once had to act like I was wiping the lens of a DSLR camera while taking a street shot (mainly because I was in a pretty rough area of town – last thing I wanted was to be surrounded by a group of toughs wondering why I’m taking pictures of them!); meanwhile, I was clicking away at the intervals my hand wasn’t actually covering the lens. Be creative!

Learn To Shot Without Looking At Your Target: Yes, I know, this is incredibly difficult. The most important tool for any photographer is their own eyes. However, getting your scene and taking shots without looking at them is a way not to draw attention to yourself when taking street shots. Whether using a phone or DSLR, this skill is pretty important as it could help you take lots of shots without getting noticed. What you could do is look at your scene/target, position yourself in a way that would allow you raise your camera or phone to take the shot, then look away before clicking the shutter button. Also, take a number of shots in quick succession if using this technique to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot as you may not be able to instantly review your shots. Trust me, even if people think you might be taking shots of them, they won’t be too sure and would be less likely to approach you.

Turn Off Your Flash And Shutter Sound: One of the biggest giveaways for anyone taking shots while out and about are the sound of the shutter (especially if you are using your phone) and your flash going off. Trust me, I’ve been there before. They call attention to you. Now this makes things difficult in low-light situations or at night when you absolutely need your flash to get any thing out of the shot. However, if your scene or target is bright enough and your flash isn’t needed, turn it off.

Take Shots In Motion: This one works a lot for me. Sure, lots of times you’d prefer to be stationary so your lens can properly focus on the scene and to prevent blurring but being stationary is an attention grabber as well. Taking shots while on the move makes people less likely realise you’re taking shots of them as they would more than likely expect you to be stationary when taking shots. To help make things easier, you could slow walk so there isn’t much camera movement resulting in an unfocused or blurry shot.

Take Shots In Crowded/Busy Places: This works great, almost all the time. The more people are in an are, the less likely anyone would focus on you and what you are doing with your camera/phone. Of course, one disadvantage of taking shots in busy or crowded places is the increased likelihood of people getting in the line of the shot and blocking the view/scene but you’re more likely to get more chances to take more shots without being noticed. Of course, this being Nigeria (especially certain parts of Lagos I’m familiar with), be very vigilant so someone doesn’t try to grab your phone/cam or knock it out of your hands by mistake if it’s not tethered to you somehow.

Pick A Vantage Point Where You Won’t Be Noticed: This is pretty important, especially when using a camera and not a phone. If you know you’re more likely to get noticed, pick a spot where people wouldn’t really notice or see you. I’ve taken shots from inside busses, sitting in a shade, from inside buildings….anywhere that would mean I would take shots without drawing undue attention to myself. Just look at the surrounding of where you want to take your shots from and try to find a spot or place where you can easily snap without getting noticed.

https://pixelsandlensnigeria./2016/08/13/a-few-tips-for-the-nigerian-street-photographer/

hemartins:
There is no reason to assume the Bible is in error when it seems to say that God created the light before He made the sun. There are a number of satisfactory explanations to this question.

It is unfortunate that this concept is often used to make the Bible seem to contradict itself.

However, contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn't waste words.

The fact that God tells us how many days, also gives us time periods; in other words, God began to measure time cycles (such as day and night) before the sun ever appeared.
Furthermore, there is no need to try to explain it away as "ancient philosophies". The Bible was written under inspiration of the one who created everything, therefore, it's kind of hard to argue with Him (no joke intended).

He said first, let there be light. Then according to the Bible he separated darkness from the light. This doesn't have anything to do with a sun/moon cycle, but rather with light and darkness, and time periods.


The ambiguity is intentional, it seems, but it is trying to say that light isn't the sun, but that the sun is a particular carrier of light. No clearer way to show this than to explain that light - and day and night - exist before the sun and moon.

Hmmmm, but don't we have night and day BECAUSE of the sun (not necessarily the moon)

justjify:
Unbundle the ministry of works, power and housing... Then let fashola handle works.

This, though I think he should handle Works and Housing. Power needs 100% commitment and focus. Housing is too small to exist alone.

This article is a mortal blow to the English language.

I vote

Photoshoot and princeakins

Cc Nljega

amuokuko:
Since Buhari took over for the past 1 year, I ve recorded 58 suicide death which supersedes number of suicide from 2010 to April 2015..

It's either there is frustration in the country or the gods re angry with us, not even more than 72 hrs A bank manager took his own life...

Buhari is working, citizens re happily committing suicide..

Lalasticlala, I hope those who will loose tonight Mr. Nairaland won't commit suicide..

58? Really? Details

For those asking if such a transaction is possible, stop acting like it's not Nigeria we're talking about here. Transactions like this can and do happen - and all the time too, till this very date. Bank ethics apply only to the common man with his common account. But for the citizens that are more equal than other citizens, there are a different set of rules. Afterall, when the huge scandal of unserviced loans in the banks broke that turned Cecilia Ibru to a sick woman and Oceanic Bank to a thing of the past, were the names being mentioned regular, everyday Nigerians? So skip that line.

My problem is not with all the accusations and revelations and recriminations that have been floating about unabated. No, not at all. We just need to see people convicted and our monies returned. All these aren't going to help the common man or the Nigerian economy. So long as this is all we have, then it's story for the gods. Charge these guys to court and get our money back!

darlingtin1985:


Send Ambode to Ekiti and Fayose to Lagos and after some months of governance come and ask the question again, how can you compare Lagos to Ekiti state, have you forgotten so soon that Lagos was once the Capital of Nigeria. Read history before you open your mouth(hater spotted noni)

This is an extremely silly excuse. You guys always look for one reason to put down one person and justify another person's ineptitude. What does Lagos state being a former capital have to do with anything? Is Anambra state that only good news seems to emanate from (at least of late) also a former capital? What of other states where their governors aren't playing to the gallery, claiming stomach infrastructure like they elected them to be food prefects? Good governance is not about lugging huge speakers everywhere and trumpeting what isn't even an achievement. At least when they were calling Fashola the media governor or whatever, he was seen commissioning projects and delivering the dividends of democracy. I've generally kept away from discussions concerning Nigerian politics of late, but if this is what you call good governance, then we are in for a very long ride in this country.

I'm surprised this thread is devolving into tribal mudslinging and there are mods on this forum - and an admin too! Do they just push posts to the front page and then forget about it completely, allowing people who reason in a manner that would make five year Olds ashamed have a field day? There's a serious issue at hand and someone is only concerned about whose tribe did/does what. Seriously, Nigerians!

Seun, are you tacitly encouraging this?!!

DJHANDSOME:
You lonely Idiot, must everything be tribal huh?



You are the one destroying this country not buhari

I don't know why you didn't ignore that rabbit

I have largely abstained from commenting on this issue but well, some stories come to your house, knock on your door and harry you till you comment - kind of like a Jehova's witness. Here's the bottom line that would make this whole thing a scam:

1) There is no Mayowa or Mayowa is already dead (there is apparently a Mayowa and she is still alive)

2) Her family solicited for funds even after being informed that her chances of survival were practically nil but had/have no intention of using it to seek alternative medical opinion at better qualified hospitals (this we do not know of - and is the basis on which it is being called a scam)

I don't like what's happening, because it would make Nigerians reluctant about donating towards any genuine causes in the future. I think both Toyin Aimakhu and, to a smaller extent, Linda Ikeji did not employ tact with verifying what was/is going on and blowing a whistle. They should have held on to their "story" till they were absolutely sure that Mayowa's family was using their daughter's predicament to enrich themselves. As it stands, even if they are right and it is a scam, they have given the family wriggle room to escape from the mess of a scandal.

On the other hand, if Mayowa had indeed been written off by Nigerian medical personnel but they wanted to seek alternative advice abroad then I do understand that they wouldn't want to sit back and watch their sister die - afterall it's Nigerians that take relatives from church to church seeking solutions to incurable illnesses. However, if this is the case, then they erred by not informing Nigerians on what their intentions are. Nigerians are a notoriously skeptical bunch and will think of anything as a scam at the sight of the slightest inconsistency. Yes, I know, they might have felt that if they informed people that Mayowa's survival chances had been written off, most people wouldn't be so forthcoming about donating to an apparent "lost cause". But look at this scenario that is painting the family in gory colors because they might have been economical with the whole truth - and Mayowa is still alive to witness it all.

I think it's a learning moment for us all. Bloggers, do be tactful about breaking stories you are not absolutely certain of. Afterall, Linda only broke the story as told by Toyin Aimakhu and the other lady, not as a result of an intense personal investigation. Received stories may have the intent of tarnishing someone's image as revenge for something but when crap hits the fan, it's you and your blog that will take the fall for it.

Also, when soliciting for the help of the public, be completely upfront about your methods and intentions. Don't assume they'll understand - Nigerians don't have the best record of being understanding. If it's God's will that things will work out for the good of your cause, it will. Just be honest about it.

My 2 cents.

I've said it before and I'll say it again just for the sake of it. It's just unfortunate that nobody seems to want to learn or the people here just enjoy arguing for argument sake when they are bored and have nothing to do. Being religious (not just Christian) doesn't make anyone good by default ; neither does being irreligious (or specifically, atheist/agnostic) make anyone a better person. People do good because either they have good intentions or they have selfish intentions that their acts of goodness would help them achieve. Throughout history, there have been good and bad theists as there have been good and bad atheists. Picking one side doesn't give anyone automatic goodness points.

Let me illustrate something (for the record, I'm a Christian - but an objective one) with a true encounter. One day, at work, I was hungry and stepped out of the office to buy biscuits from a shop close-by. When I got there, I met the owner of the shop reading the Bible with a daily devotional. He was so engrossed in his study of the word that he did not even notice my presence. Well, I wasn't about to interrupt his quiet time so I turned to leave. It was at this point that he noticed me and asked what I wanted to buy. When I told him I wanted to buy biscuits, he brought out this big plastic container in which he keeps biscuits for sale. I saw a particular brand I liked, picked six of it, paid and left. On getting back to the office, I opened one of the biscuits, took a piece and had a bite. Immediately I knew there was something wrong with it. I thought maybe it was just that piece. I took another piece and took a bite. It also tasted funny. Felt maybe it was just that pack. I opened another one and took a piece. It tasted as funny as the previous one. It was then that it occured to me to check the expiry date of the biscuits. To my horror, every single one of them had expired by like six months (and I'm not lying about this. I even opened a thread about it here on Nairaland then). I immediately took both the opened and unopened ones back to shop to complain to the man where I met him still at his personal Bible study. I told him about my discovery and, without even bothering to check, he returned my money. The good thing, right? Except that it's an indication that he knows those biscuits were expired. The worst part? Right before me, he took the remaining unopened biscuits, put them back in the container where other biscuits were, placed the container back where he usually puts it and returned to his devotional. I was appalled. Since that day, I instead bought whatever I wanted to munch from one of those northern traders on the street but further down the road.

What I'm trying to illustrate is this - this man was obviously a Christian. Wouldn't the good and right thing to do be to throw the expired products away, or at least put them aside for later examination instead of putting them back in amongst other probably unexpired goods? So you see, his Christianity didn't make him do the right thing. So it's not a default something.

Examples like these abound on both sides of the divide, practically on a daily basis. People do good because they are innately good (or have selfish aims being good would help them achieve) same as people do bad things because they are bad (or feel they have justifiable cause for their negative actions).

It's a pretty good idea. It's annoying everyone seems to be concentrating on entertainment blogging and Noone seems to have figured out that there are lots of other things people can blog about. You just need to be pretty serious about it tho and passionate.

Did someone point out that the same persons might be following the celebs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Meaning, adding their fanbases across the social networks would turn out inaccurate results. For instance, if I'm following Davido on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, adding his Twitter,, Facebook and Instagram numbers would mean you're counting me thrice.

freeze001:


Apparently these are the issues...

If those were the issues, why didn't they take them up with the previous governments that accrued the debt? Why wait till now? Or did they just suddenly realize they are being owed money? It's just silly. Did they strike over this during either presidents Yar'adua or Jonathan's eras? Why make things even more difficult now that everything seems to be in a sludge? Between the Yar'adua and Jonathan administrations (especially President Jonathan's), all prices were at an all-time high, meaning it would have been easier for government to service debts. Why didn't they approach them then when the money would have been easier to access? Why now?

maestroferddi:
Blindomatic entity...

Should I educate about the abundant resources that replete your state viz Edo?

Does it occur to you that a responsible and proactive governor can leverage on the relative centrality of Edo State to ratchet up the state's IGR?

What of the arable lands for which Edo State is one of the most endowed in the country?

Do we consider lumbering and forest products? Think of tourism and other social services that the state is strategically positioned to provide?

Do I need to call to your mind the fact that Edo State has no reason wallowing in the morass of obscurity and under-development if not for the egregious administrators that have been piloting the affairs of the state since its creation?

Half of this is you stating what Edo state's potentials are. The other half is you thinking for the aspirant. It's from his lips we want to hear all these, so except you're Ize Iyamu himself, you're not changing the fact that he hasn't stated exactly how he intends to achieve these lofty ambitions he has outlined.

You can now see that the problems of Nigeria is not solely our successive governments alone but our fellow Nigerians. Was it not a short while ago that fuel marketers were holding the entire country to ransom in the guise of unpaid subsidy deficits? So they were paid off and the subsidy was removed and we all thought "finally, fuel scarcity can be laid to rest". Next thing they showed up again, lamenting that it was impossible for them to access forex for importing refined petroleum products due to government's monetary policy. Okay, government finally changed its monetary policy and floated the naira, to make forex more accessible and the skeptical ones amongst us asked; "can we now rest?". Now these ones at PENGASSAN are threatening to strike owing to government's alleged "insensitivity to issues in the oil and gas industry", issues they haven't outlined for us to peruse and assess the veracity of their claims. What do these people want the government and people of Nigeria to do, keel over and die? I just don't understand anymore!

I'm not from Edo state and, quite frankly, don't really care about politics generally. However, I can't help noticing that the rhetoric from this person is the same as that we've been hearing from politicians from across all the Nigerian political divides. Lots of simple slogans and "we will"s. And then their supporters show up to laud their "clear cut and concise agenda". Same thing applied with the current federal government when it was still running for office. What we rarely hear is "How". I can say I will do anything while running for office but for a plan to be concise and comprehensive, it has to contain, not just the objectives and targets, but more importantly, the process. And so far, not a lot of Nigerian politicians ever tell you how they intend to make their lofty promises possible. And that tells you we still have quite some growing up to do politically.

Was this report typed by an illiterate tour at a motor park? There are so many errors and blunders that I couldn't even read it halfway. And it's on a blog.....and made Nairaland's frontpage