WELCOME TO STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Street photography is a visual ‘social perspective’, and in recent years this genre has been diluted to mean any photo taken on ‘the streets’. The true street photographer remains faithful to a sense of spontaneity, humour, contrast, juxtaposition and story-telling of ‘the only’ moment in which the scenario comes to life. Usually a rare moment, not often repeated.

Street photography is an unpredictable genre, which is part of what makes it unique and special. Sometimes you spot a ‘frame’ when you are out and about, and by the time you have lifted your camera up, the whole scene has taken a different turn! Sometimes for the better, but sometimes not and you have lost it forever.

Not every image taken on the street results in a photograph you’d categorise as street photography. On our Flickr group, we used to hear this argument from newcomers, claiming a picture of a tree fits into this category simply because it’s “on the street”!

Nowadays, anything from urban and graffiti images, to harsh shadows and random faces is claimed to be street photography, which, of course, it isn’t!

If a tripod with a remote trigger can do it, or if the person stood behind you can take the same picture one second later, then the odds are that – as good a picture as it might be – it doesn’t fit into this particular genre.

My advice to anyone starting out in street photography is to go outside with ‘intense intent’, and do not be shy! But first, study the works of some of the established names & ‘the greats’ to see if it is for you. If you search hard enough, you will find them.

It’s a talent that is in the genes and it’s seldom learnt! And, most importantly. always remember that the best camera for street photography is the one you’re holding.”

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