What is the attraction to street photography?

9 years 6 months ago #399605 by Roger Lang
 I'm trying to understand the connection with street photography.   I have been spending more time shooting cityscapes, so I'm right there often in the thick of things.  I guess I'm struggling to see the appeal too street photography.  I mean I get the whole idea of getting photos of people in their natural form.  Either it's just my inexperience on the subject or I'm completely missing something here.  I know as photographers we all have our areas we enjoy to photograph.  I'd like to hear from those who enjoy street photography and learn what you find interesting about it.  Heck, I'm open to the idea that I'm completely new to street photography and might be missing the idea.   If that being the case, can someone pass on some pointers to get the ball moving? 


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9 years 6 months ago #399608 by Tuscan Muse
For me, street photography is a way of documenting life has it happens.  Street photographers are the historians of humanity, using images instead of words. There are two schools of thought in the street photography genre.  One school says that you must have a human in the image for it to be true street photography. Some do not feel that way and instead would include images without people.  Good images usually telll a story.  Street photography has some of the best stories waiting to be told.  

With street photography there is also the challenge of capturing strangers in an up close and personal way.  So, this type of photography is not for everyone.

Here is an excellent link to some street photography portfolios:

http://121clicks.com/tag/famous-street-photographers

Also, if you have not seen the documentary, Finding Vivian Maier, I recommend it. 
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9 years 6 months ago #399671 by The Italian Guy
I like street photography, the challenge for me is that I'm not the most people friendly sort of person.  :rofl:   So approaching people has never been a strong suit for me.  lol


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9 years 6 months ago #399696 by Ian Stone
One word: expression


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9 years 6 months ago #399717 by Danny Carson
Eh, to each their own.  Some are into portraits, weddings, stock and even yes, taking photos of complete strangers going about their lives on the street. 


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9 years 6 months ago - 9 years 6 months ago #399721 by Stealthy Ninja

The Italian Guy wrote: I like street photography, the challenge for me is that I'm not the most people friendly sort of person.  :rofl:   So approaching people has never been a strong suit for me.  lol


What do you mean? Are you doing "natural light portraits that so happen to be on the streets"?  Why do you need to approach people?

To me Street photography is about blending in (being a stealthy ninja if you will), not being noticed, but capturing people in their "native" habitat so to speak. Capturing interesting moments of LIFE in the city. This is why a lot of street photographers use mirrorless/Leica style cameras, to blend in more and be less conspicuous. 

It seems a lot of people don't get this idea, they think it's rude to photograph people on the streets.  That's their subjective opinion and their entitled to it.  To me I love capturing interesting moments and people on the streets.

It's like any sort of photography, some will love it, some won't get it but respect the rights of others to do it, some will be totally against it for whatever reason.  Personally I don't really like macro photography (beyond the occasional messing about taking photos of things), I've owned 4 macro lenses over the years and now I own none, I don't miss it at all.   Same for flower photos, I find them boring and mostly pointless, but some people it's their favourite thing... each to their own.
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9 years 6 months ago #399722 by Stealthy Ninja

Ian Stone wrote: One word: expression


Hardly exclusive to street photography though, that could describe nearly every kind of photography.
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9 years 6 months ago #399727 by garyrhook
To paraphrase a fictional character, it's like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. On our recent trip I captured this one , which I am completely in love with.

I've got a few more that are waiting for attention, too.

In general, most of it bores me to tears, including Vivian Maier. I don't go out specifically to shoot it, but will carry my camera to events and on holiday. I think if it doesn't really connect with you, you shouldn't bother. No point in putting effort into something you're not passionate about.


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9 years 6 months ago #399841 by Roblane

garyrhook wrote: To paraphrase a fictional character, it's like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. On our recent trip I captured this one , which I am completely in love with.

I've got a few more that are waiting for attention, too.

In general, most of it bores me to tears, including Vivian Maier. I don't go out specifically to shoot it, but will carry my camera to events and on holiday. I think if it doesn't really connect with you, you shouldn't bother. No point in putting effort into something you're not passionate about.


One way of putting it


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9 years 6 months ago #399994 by Roger Lang
The big question is... how many of you consider yourself hard core street photographers? 


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