Thoughts on street photography
The Observer watching another observer, observing the Spot from a vanishing point in the Versailles castle in Paris, France,
I want to start with the importance of observation. For myself, I do that from time to time, not as purposeful, but just that I happen to be somewhere and notice.
I wondered what was on his mind as he observed the crowds, and I observed the observer.
Coming soon, a collection and book of my street photography work.
Galleries of my street-photography work
Galleries of my street-photography work
the-brainwashed-at-the-corner
Steve Greer Photography
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14 Comments
I love these images. I haven’t done to much street photography or of people. I am an observer and I do enjoy watching people, but haven’t taken to many people images.
You have done a fabulous job here.
Hey Rebecca, thanks for the visit. BTW the black children ask me to put their photograph on the web, I gave them their wish. It can be lots of fun, most people love to get their picture taken. I also taught a class in a local art center, maybe I should do that again, I’m up for an adventure. Be well. Lou
Loved the “Observer” and your street photography is inspiring!
Steve has inspired me to go out tonight.
I just love street photography. It is interesting to this “country boy” to see “big city life” captured. The genre lends its self particularly well to black and white. You have some very powerful images here sir.
Bob, thank you for the kind words on the street stuff. I have lots more and need to do a book.
I’m sad I didn’t get to wild horses on my outer banks vacation, maybe some day. Just dreaming, I guess.
What an excellent collection of street photography. I wonder, do you ask permission before taking these? To me street photography is so difficult as I dont like approaching strangers
I had asked permission to take these photographs, which is one of two ways to do street photography. I studied for months before I started this project 20 years ago. For me asking was the easiest way to get started. The first, the gentlemen said yes, and it when that way for the rest of the day, except for a lady who declined. I discovered most people like having there picture taken, but that’s the way it was 20 years ago. It would be more challenging to do it today with all the fearmongering going on.
The other way.
There is no simple answer, It’s not that simple to explain. Sure, you can go to Wikipedia and find an answer there. In my words, it’s the documentation of life in public in a candid way. Nothing is setup, nobody was asked and it will never be the same again. It’s like holding up a mirror to society. It’s a single human moment captured in a decisive moment.
I like the opening image (although it doesn’t do as well as a header image in this case) – perfectly caught. The other images show the breadth of your street photography work and it is clear that you are forming a relationship with the subjects not just snapping them from a long way away with a telephoto lens. Great stuff!
Jim; You have great insight, to be able to see into my work. There are two approaches to street work, one is to ask for permission and the other, is to be hidden from view, so they don’t know you are taking their photo. Both are legal as long as they are in public space. In the beginning, I was only comfortable asking permission. I had studied for several months before I hit the streets.
It’s Steve…
Hello Steve, It’s hot here.
Some powerful work. I like the heavy dynamic range, that’s part of what made the genre popular back in the day. I always feel like black and white reveals the psychological truth in an image, while color misleads. The next-to-last photo, with the unaccountably cheerful woman playing the stringed instrument, is Life Magazine material – I’m sure you remember Life?
Steve, thanks for the visit and inspiring words that have me motived to keep on with the street photography book.
I’ve deiced to consolidate much of my street photograph posts into this one post.
I had a word press site for just street photography called “My America Photos” and deiced to merge it into my main site, Louis Dallara photography. My merge didn’t go well, so this is my approach to cleaning the site up. So stay tuned if you enjoy street photography.