There probably is not a “best lens for street photography” as personal tastes will differ, and different styles will call for different lens. I have always thought that the ideal lens was a 50 mm, on the basis that it is close to what the human eye sees, requires you to get up close and personal to your subject, and are fairly unobtrusive.

I was therefore a little surprised when our course leader on the. 36 exp photography workshop at Borough Market recommended a 35mm or lower, a 28 mm. I decided to ignore his advice and shoot with my 50 mm 1.4.

Our workshop was divided into three exercises. The first was a street photography staple, finding a decisive moment. My first shot was perhaps an obvious one

I simply had wait until someone bent down to smell the truffles. Perhaps a side shot would have been better, to show the person bending down to smell more clearly, but I would have lost the ‘Smell Me” Sign.

The next exercise was more challenging: to ask people if we could take their portrait. I was surprised at how many agreed. When I had carried out a similar exercise in Soho, our group had a much higher rate of refusal. I decided to focus on hats, and quickly found this gentleman buying fruit. Personally I think that the 50 mm is the best lens for street photography, certainly for this type of portrait.

My next victims were a couple. Initially, the guy was reluctant to agree, but after the first shot wanted another taken, but this time with more teeth. She was wearing a good hat for the fairly cold weather conditions.

It was a cap for the next couple, a pair of friends who had come to explore Borough Market.

It is surprisingly difficult to take portraits of strangers which will be interesting to others. I had a number of other portraits but I felt that they were nice, but nothing special.

The final exercise was to take candid pictures, up close, perhaps about a metre away. Obviously it is difficult to be that close to anyone and take their picture without their knowing it. To add a further complication, we were instructed to include a gesture.

It was a very enjoyable day. I had taken my 24 mm as well as an 85 mm and perhaps I should have used one of both during the day. Perhaps on another day I will, but for now, and for me, the 50 mm is the best lens for street photography!