Street photography is a photographic genre that focuses on documenting everyday life and people in urban environments. It's about taking spontaneous photos of moments in a public space where they don't know they're being photographed. This genre evolved with the development of photography, but was particularly popular in the 20th century when it became an important way to record social change and urban life. It remains the same even now.
The purpose of street photography
Street photography often aims to capture the authenticity and rawness of everyday life. The photographs offer an insight into the cultural and social dynamics, as well as the diverse emotional moments that people experience in urban centers. This type of photography is often used to document cultural movements, daily routines, fashion trends, or simply as a way of expressing a personal view of the world.
In addition, street photography explores the inclusion of individuals in urban environments, which can lead to profound visual narratives about contemporary society. Many photographers of street photography also use this genre as an art form, where aesthetic and visual components are intertwined with social themes.
Florentine. Tomaž Berčič 2007
Street photography techniques
Street photography requires quick reactions and a willingness to capture moments that often only appear for a short time. Some of the techniques and characteristics that characterize this genre include:
Spontaneity and natural moments
Street photography photographs usually capture people in natural, unprepared moments, often without their awareness. This allows for greater sincerity and authenticity.
Use of light and shadow
Light is an important element of street photography, as strong contrasts between light and shadow can create a dramatic effect or highlight certain parts of a scene.
Black and white photo
Although street photography is often in color these days, many photographers choose to shoot in black and white, as this allows for better focus on composition, shape and texture without the distraction of color.
Composition
Street photography includes various compositional techniques such as the rule of thirds, the use of leading lines, natural frames such as pieces of architecture, sudden transitions between different spaces and also unusual angles to emphasize the dynamics of the city.
Connection with space
Urban environments offer rich visual possibilities for street photographers, as their architecture, the free movement of people and the dynamics of the environment present a tremendous challenge in capturing different emotions and stories.
Famous authors of street photography
Although there are many authors who mostly or at least partially deal with street photography, some famous artists gained their fame precisely by using this genre. Since it is necessary to react quickly, often predicting events, this type of photography reminds me personally of painting watercolors. Quick moves, raw and excellent knowledge of technique and equipment at any given moment draw good parallels.
Listed below are some famous names associated with street photography:
Henri Cartier-Bresson – One of the most important pioneers of street photography and photojournalism, he is known for his ability to capture the "decisive moment" when something important or visually powerful happens. His paintings are often black and white and focus on everyday people and their interactions.
Robert Frank – Swiss-American photographer, best known for his book The Americans, in which he documented the United States in the 1950s. His photographs often depict the harsh reality and social differences in American culture.
Diane Arbus – Her photographs often include subjects who are marginalized or unusual, such as people with disabilities, extravagant individuals or those who live on the fringes of society. Her approach to street photography stood out for her sense of intensity and intimacy.
Vivian Maier - She became famous only after her death, when many of her recordings were discovered. Her archive includes many street portraits and scenes from everyday life, mostly in black and white style, giving her a unique insight into life in the cities where she worked as a nanny.
Garry Winogrand – American photographer known for his colorful street photographs that documented life in New York and other cities in the 60s and 70s. His paintings are often chaotic and full of life, depicting the energy of the city.
Lee Friedlander – Famous for his explorations of the urban landscape and portraits of people in an urban environment. His paintings often include reflections, frames and compositions that create a dynamic between the environment and the individuals.
Street photography is more than documenting the world around us – it is an artistic practice concerned with finding beauty and meaning in everyday moments. Photographs not only reflect social and cultural life, but also offer visual stories that are explored and interpreted in different ways through the lens. Throughout history, different photographers have developed their own unique approach to street photography, using different techniques to capture the charm and dynamism of city life.
I myself used this genre many times at the beginning of my photographic journey, which I still love, but unfortunately I have been neglecting it a little lately. Modern views on taking photos of random people are also partially to blame for this, because in the flood of social networks we are constantly in fear for our privacy, which, on the other hand, is again generously exposed on these same platforms. So the whole thing loses a bit of its charm.
However, I believe that good street photography represents a unique and unrepeatable view of life and social conditions. The authors listed above can be a great inspiration for us. I suggest you check out (or even buy) one of their books.
Tomaž Berčič
