by Eric Davidove
The Up Your Alley and Folsom Street Fairs are leather and fetish events held in San Francisco, California, on the last Sunday of July and September, on Folsom Street between 9th and 10th Streets and on Dore Street from Howard Street to half a block southeast of Folsom Street.
These events are the world’s largest leather showcases for Bondage and Discipline – Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) products and culture. This is one of the few occasions when BDSM activities are encouraged and acted out in public. The events attract a considerable number of extraordinary and unique people. They’re eye-opening, fun, and shocking, and a perfect opportunity for me to practice new approaches to street portrait photography.
My photographic goal during the events is to capture candid, quirky, humorous moments with strong story potential and a common aesthetic thread. I purposely avoid taking photos that have shock value, such as naked people and people engaged in sexual acts. Staged portraitures are also less interesting to me. I try to create unique photos that are virtually impossible to replicate and are aligned with my artistic style. I ask myself how most people might take the photograph and then do something different.
During the events, I explore the outer edges or areas less traveled. I often stand in one location for longer periods, especially in locations with vibrant colors and shapes, dramatic lighting, and workable backgrounds. I am deliberate, patient, and discerning - shooting far fewer photos than my usual street routines. I intend to look for that special moment or people.
My camera is the Leica M11 and my two prime lenses are a 28mm and 35mm. I use zone focusing and shutter speed priority, with an aperture usually set to F8 or F11 (on bright sunny days). I do not use a flash. Post-production processing is done with Lightroom, and my edits are minimal. I make only edits that are possible to make in a darkroom.
