The Way I see Street Photography

On my daily troll through online news, sports, and entertainment items I often check out Fstoppers.com, an excellent source for photographers of all abilities and interests.

A recent blog talked about street photography and how photographers must practice care, discretion, and resilience to get good shots. For some persons appearing in public, the taking of a photo is invasive. For others, it’s flattering — “Who would want to photograph me? Quick, I need to call my agent!” Knowing the difference between invitation and rejection is the street photographer’s challenge.

“In street photography, you will encounter situations when people refuse a request to be photographed, give you a disapproving look, or even outright curse you. One moment, you’re capturing a great candid shot, and the next, you face rejection. If you’ve felt hurt when people don’t want their photo taken, you’re not alone. Every street photographer faces this.”

This includes the greats — Henri Cartier Bresson (France); Diane Arbus (United States); Fred Herzog (Canada). Moving beyond the studio, for street photographers, the street becomes the studio, where the photographer can capture joy, determination, playfulness, surprise, beauty, celebration, anger, grief. The medium however has its challenges.

“When people don’t want to be photographed, they’re usually preoccupied with their own concerns, wanting privacy, or having religious or cultural reservations. Their “no” is about themselves, less about judging you as a photographer. It’s well worth making a conscious effort to remember this and to respect the autonomy and right of each person to make their own decision.”

Stories and images from my own practice include the following:

On the street in Nelson BC – Group shots are always lively and fun. A quick snap of a happy couple led to a minutes-long conversation. I find drummers are great subjects, totally consumed with their performance or telling stories. When asked, one woman said “please don’t” and I didn’t. Always thank people who say no: “Thanks for telling me,” or “I understand, thanks.” This shows you respect their choice.

Water, water everywhere, but no pictures please – A little girl watching me take photos asked if I could take her picture by a waterfall. I asked her parents’ permission which after a time they gave. They took her into their arms and I clicked a few images. About ten minutes later, further down the path, the father approached me to express concerns about his daughter being photographed. No problem I said; I deleted the images before his eyes.

Often approval, even of kids is given – The cutest little yarn bomber in Summerland made her mother, and me, smile.

Horsing around – Different place, different location I found some young women caring for their horses. I asked if I could photograph them with their animals. One said absolutely not; the other said, sure. I took a few lovely shots. I gave her my card saying if she wanted a copy let me know. I never heard from her, a response I totally understand.

Here and there – Bonnie really didn’t want to be photographed but I needed an image for a biographical series I am assembling. She was generous with both her person and time. I encouraged her to look down at the puzzle, a gesture which eventually helped her relax and provided me with a theme for the story. On the road again – Travelling in Ireland a few years ago I met all sorts of interesting folks, street vendors, musicians, passers-by. If they had a dog I would often ask if I could photograph the dog. How would they know how wide my lens was set at the time.

Still on the Emerald Isle, a friend suggested I photograph a wonderful lady who sold tickets to local events. There she is, in all her glory. Also a great shot, with permission and uproarious laughter, the owner of Ireland’s smallest record shop. Also a sales person at a pottery factory. And more.

Cars and more cars – Framing often in cars, makes images pop. For instance:

And there’s more. Never forget one’s spouse. Never

One final thought – “The streets are full of stories waiting to be told, and your unique perspective is needed to tell them. The streets and their stories are waiting for you.” So get out and capture the “street where you live.”

Start at 1:06

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