Walking Hollywood Photos
Photographs by Robert Lachman © 2008
By Robert Lachman
It was a great day in Hollywood, meeting new photographers and shooting photographs along Hollywood Boulevard in the city where dreams are made of during Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk. It was a little like shooting ducks in a barrel, there’s certainly 
was no shortage of subjects. In an era when most people are paranoid about having their pictures taken, in Hollywood, it seems like people expect it.
My wife, Lorelei and I got there a little early and the only problem I thought I would have would be finding a parking spot. It actually worked out fine as there was plenty of space in the first indoor lot we picked. Mission accomplished.
Next, it was the walk along Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Kodak Theatre and the hand and foot prints in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. We were meeting the other photographers around the corner at Mels drive-in parking lot near the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
Now, this is where the circus starts. Characters galore. Which look alike are you looking for: Superman, Superwoman, Spiderman, Darthvader, a Swashbuckling Pirate, Batman, Playboy Bunnies, Sponge Bob? Also, there’s a whole group of characters who have their own persona. Tall people, short people, silver people, even gold people. I kept thinking Randy Newman would be around the corner writing a song.
It’s a tough pick. So many cool subjects, not enough time. I had my photo taken with Sponge Bob and a guy p
ainted gold. Everyone needs to be a tourist. Of course everyone expects a buck. And certainly, some of the character were much more aggressive than others about getting those tips. It sort of knocked them off their superhero pedestal. It just doesn’t seem right that Superman is working for tips.
Next, it was off to the Mels drive-in parking lot for the meet-up and any last minute instructions from Paige, who was our Photo Walk leader. She did a great job getting everything organized, picking the route and the restaurant for the gathering after. Everything ran a smooth as possible and I’d like to thank Paige for doing such a great job.
I’m looking forward to next year. I hope you enjoy the photos. Have a nice week.
Click here to check out the photos on Flickr from our Hollywood Photo Walk group.
Working on Photo Walk Photos
It's Photo Walk Satuday
There will be a lot of walking so I would recommend traveling light using one camera body with your favorite couple of lenses.
Standby, I need to go charge my camera batteries and clear my digital memory cards.
It’s important to start slow, don’t put the pedal-to-the-metal on your shutter button early, you’re going to be out there for two hours, relax and have a good time. Although, if you have unlimited cards and hard drive space go for it. A little reserve and editing as you shoot does make it easier when you get back home and work through the edit process. Remember you’re shooting still photos not movies at 29 frames a second.
Choosing your lens your lens options ca
n be tough. Lenses equal weight. You probably don’t need any super telephotos at an event like this. A nice wide angle and moderate telephoto should be fine. Zoom lenses are great and convient but usually are slow meaning they don’t let in a lot of light so they can be tough to use in the shade or low light.A combination of a versatile zoom and a fast 50 f1.4 might be the way to go. Don’t forget to charge your camera batteries and bring enough clear digital flash memory cards.
I may bring along my Lensbaby 2.0 which brings one area of your photo into sharp focus, surrounded by increasing blur. It brings shame to the f 1.4 fast lenses plus it’s very small and light. This lens with it bending-and-tilting takes the background way out of focus.
Just another way to give your photos a creative look.
Have a nice weekend. Check back for Hollywood and Zoo photos soon.