5.5 Street photography

Street photography emerged in the early 20th century, capturing candid moments of everyday life in public spaces. This genre developed alongside advancements in camera technology and urbanization, reflecting societal changes and human interactions.

Key pioneers like Eugène Atget, Paul Strand, and Henri Cartier-Bresson shaped the genre's foundations. The introduction of compact cameras like the Leica revolutionized street photography, allowing photographers to blend in and capture unguarded moments in various settings.

Origins of street photography

• Street photography emerged as a distinct genre in the early 20th century, capturing candid moments of everyday life in public spaces
• This photographic style developed alongside advancements in camera technology and urbanization, reflecting societal changes and human interactions

Early pioneers and influences

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  Eugène Atget – fotograf Paryża, który zachwycał artystów [Galeria] - Portal historyczny Histmag ... View original

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  Henri Cartier-Bresson / Fotografia Museo dell'Ara Pacis / Artegrafica.Persinsala.it View original

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  Paul Strand: Wall Street, New York City, 1915 | Aerial view … | Flickr View original

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  Eugène Atget – fotograf Paryża, który zachwycał artystów [Galeria] - Portal historyczny Histmag ... View original

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  Henri Cartier-Bresson / Fotografia Museo dell'Ara Pacis / Artegrafica.Persinsala.it View original

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  Eugène Atget – fotograf Paryża, który zachwycał artystów [Galeria] - Portal historyczny Histmag ... View original

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  Henri Cartier-Bresson / Fotografia Museo dell'Ara Pacis / Artegrafica.Persinsala.it View original

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  Paul Strand: Wall Street, New York City, 1915 | Aerial view … | Flickr View original

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  Eugène Atget – fotograf Paryża, który zachwycał artystów [Galeria] - Portal historyczny Histmag ... View original

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  Henri Cartier-Bresson / Fotografia Museo dell'Ara Pacis / Artegrafica.Persinsala.it View original

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• Eugène Atget documented the streets of Paris in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, laying groundwork for street photography
• Paul Strand's 1915 "Wall Street" photograph marked a shift towards candid, unposed street scenes
• Walker Evans' subway portraits in the 1930s explored the concept of hidden camera techniques
• Henri Cartier-Bresson's work in the 1930s popularized the idea of the "decisive moment" in street photography

Impact of small cameras

• Introduction of the Leica camera in 1925 revolutionized street photography with its compact size and quiet operation
• Smaller cameras allowed photographers to blend in with crowds and capture unguarded moments
• Faster shutter speeds enabled freezing of motion in dynamic street scenes
• Improved film sensitivity permitted shooting in various lighting conditions, expanding possibilities for street photographers

Key characteristics

• Street photography focuses on capturing authentic, unscripted moments in public spaces
• This genre blends documentary approach with artistic vision, revealing the human condition through everyday scenes

Candid and spontaneous moments

• Emphasizes unplanned, natural interactions and expressions of subjects
• Requires quick reflexes and anticipation from photographers to capture fleeting moments
• Often involves elements of surprise or serendipity in the resulting images
• Challenges photographers to find extraordinary in ordinary situations

Public spaces as subject matter

• Streets, parks, markets, and other communal areas serve as primary settings
• Urban environments provide diverse backdrops and constant flow of potential subjects
• Architectural elements often play a role in framing or contextualizing human subjects
• Public transportation (subways, buses) offers confined spaces for observing human behavior

Unposed vs staged scenes

• True street photography prioritizes capturing life as it unfolds naturally
• Contrasts with posed portraiture or pre-arranged scenes in other photographic genres
• Some photographers occasionally direct or interact with subjects, blurring lines between candid and staged
• Debate exists within the street photography community about the authenticity of influenced scenes

Technical aspects

• Street photography requires a unique set of skills and equipment to capture fleeting moments in dynamic environments
• Mastering technical aspects allows photographers to focus on composition and timing in fast-paced situations

Camera equipment for street photography

• Small, unobtrusive cameras preferred (rangefinders, compact mirrorless systems)
• Wide-angle lenses (28mm, 35mm) popular for capturing context and working in close quarters
• Fast lenses with wide apertures allow shooting in low light conditions
• Manual focus often favored for speed and precision in rapidly changing scenes
• Some photographers use zone focusing technique to pre-set focus for quick shooting

Composition techniques

• Rule of thirds used to create balanced, dynamic images
• Leading lines guide viewer's eye through the frame (streets, buildings, shadows)
• Framing subjects with environmental elements adds context and depth
• Layering multiple subjects or actions within a single frame creates complex narratives
• Negative space emphasizes subjects and creates mood in street scenes

Light and shadow in urban settings

• Harsh midday sun creates strong contrasts and deep shadows for dramatic effects
• Golden hour lighting adds warmth and long shadows to street scenes
• Artificial light sources (street lamps, neon signs) offer unique color palettes at night
• Reflections from windows and wet surfaces create interesting visual elements
• Backlighting silhouettes subjects, adding mystery and graphic quality to images

Notable street photographers

• Influential street photographers have shaped the genre through their unique styles and approaches
• Their work has defined aesthetic and philosophical aspects of street photography over time

Henri Cartier-Bresson's approach

• Coined the term "decisive moment" emphasizing perfect timing in composition
• Used geometric precision in framing to create visually harmonious images
• Preferred working with a single 50mm lens on his Leica camera
• Practiced "camera as sketchbook" philosophy, capturing life's fleeting moments
• Influenced generations of photographers with his humanist approach to street scenes

Robert Frank's American vision

• "The Americans" (1958) presented a raw, unfiltered view of post-war United States
• Challenged idealized notions of American life with images of alienation and inequality
• Employed a more subjective, emotional approach to documentary photography
• Used unconventional compositions and grainy, high-contrast imagery
• Influenced the development of New American Photography movement

Garry Winogrand's style

• Known for his frenetic, energetic approach to street photography in New York City
• Tilted horizons and wide-angle distortions became signature elements of his style
• Captured complex, multi-layered scenes often with humorous or ironic undertones
• Prolific shooter, leaving behind thousands of undeveloped rolls of film at his death
• Work explored themes of American life, gender relations, and social change in the 1960s-70s

Ethical considerations

• Street photography raises important questions about privacy, consent, and the role of the photographer in public spaces
• Ethical debates continue to shape the practice and reception of street photography in modern society

Privacy concerns in public spaces

• Tension between right to privacy and freedom of expression in public areas
• Cultural differences in attitudes towards being photographed without explicit permission
• Increased awareness of privacy issues due to ubiquitous surveillance and social media
• Photographers must navigate ethical boundaries when capturing sensitive or potentially embarrassing moments

Consent vs candid photography

• Debate over whether seeking consent alters the authenticity of street scenes
• Some photographers argue that asking permission changes subject behavior and defeats purpose of candid photography
• Others advocate for obtaining verbal consent or using model releases in certain situations
• Ethical considerations for photographing vulnerable populations or minors in public spaces

Legal issues for street photographers

• Varying laws across countries regarding photography in public places
• Right to photograph vs right to publish or use images commercially
• Restrictions on photography in certain public areas (government buildings, transport hubs)
• Potential legal consequences for harassment or invasion of privacy claims
• Importance of understanding local laws and cultural norms when practicing street photography

Street photography movements

• Various movements have emerged within street photography, reflecting cultural and artistic trends of their times
• These movements have expanded the definition and practice of street photography globally

New York School of Photography

• Emerged in mid-20th century, focusing on gritty, energetic scenes of New York City life
• Key figures included Diane Arbus, Bruce Davidson, and Helen Levitt
• Characterized by spontaneous, often confrontational images of urban subjects
• Explored themes of alienation, diversity, and social change in post-war America
• Influenced development of street photography as distinct from traditional photojournalism

Japanese post-war street photography

• Developed unique aesthetic in response to rapid urbanization and cultural shifts
• Photographers like Daido Moriyama and Shomei Tomatsu embraced high-contrast, grainy style
• "Are-bure-boke" (rough, blurry, out-of-focus) approach challenged traditional notions of photographic beauty
• Explored themes of American influence, consumerism, and loss of traditional values
• Provoke magazine (1968-1970) served as platform for experimental street photography in Japan

Contemporary global trends

• Democratization of photography through digital technology and smartphones
• Rise of street photography collectives and online communities (In-Public, Burn My Eye)
• Increased focus on ethical considerations and representation in street photography
• Exploration of street photography in non-urban environments and developing countries
• Integration of street photography techniques into other genres (fashion, photojournalism)

Cultural impact

• Street photography has played a significant role in documenting and shaping our understanding of urban life and social change
• The genre continues to evolve, reflecting and influencing visual culture in the digital age

Documenting urban life

• Creates visual record of everyday scenes, fashion, and social interactions over time
• Captures architectural changes and urban development in cities worldwide
• Preserves moments of historical significance through candid, on-the-ground imagery
• Offers intimate glimpses into diverse communities and subcultures within urban spaces

Social commentary through images

• Reveals socioeconomic disparities and class divisions in urban environments
• Highlights issues of gentrification, homelessness, and changing neighborhood dynamics
• Documents protests, political movements, and social unrest in public spaces
• Challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable realities of modern life

Influence on visual culture

• Shaped aesthetic of photojournalism and documentary photography
• Inspired filmmakers in development of cinéma vérité and neorealist styles
• Influenced advertising and fashion photography with raw, authentic imagery
• Contributed to rise of visual storytelling on social media platforms
• Impacted public perception of urban spaces and city life through widely circulated images

Evolution of street photography

• Street photography has undergone significant changes with technological advancements and shifts in social norms
• The genre continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities in the digital age

Film era vs digital age

• Transition from limited exposures on film to virtually unlimited digital captures
• Shift from darkroom processing to digital post-processing techniques
• Increased ability to shoot in low light conditions with improved sensor technology
• Debate over authenticity and value of film vs digital in street photography community
• Resurgence of interest in analog techniques and vintage cameras among some practitioners

Smartphone photography impact

• Ubiquity of camera phones has made street photography more accessible to amateurs
• Discreet nature of phone cameras allows for capturing candid moments easily
• Mobile editing apps enable instant processing and sharing of street photographs
• Challenges notion of technical skill as barrier to entry in street photography
• Raises questions about oversaturation and quality control in the genre

Social media and street photography

• Platforms like Instagram provide global audience for street photographers
• Hashtags and location tagging create virtual communities and curated collections
• Instant feedback and engagement influence photographers' styles and subject choices
• Concerns about privacy and consent amplified by potential for viral sharing
• Social media trends (street style, urban exploration) blur lines with traditional street photography

Artistic elements

• Street photography combines technical skill with artistic vision to create compelling visual narratives
• Mastery of these elements distinguishes great street photographs from mere snapshots of urban scenes

Capturing the decisive moment

• Concept popularized by Henri Cartier-Bresson emphasizes perfect timing in composition
• Requires anticipation and quick reflexes to capture fleeting gestures or expressions
• Often involves waiting for multiple elements to align in a visually harmonious way
• Challenges photographer to find significance in seemingly ordinary moments
• Debate exists over whether "decisive moment" can be created in post-processing

Juxtaposition in street scenes

• Contrasting elements within a single frame create visual interest and narrative tension
• Can involve opposing emotions, social classes, or visual elements (old vs new, nature vs urban)
• Often used to highlight ironies or contradictions in modern urban life
• Requires keen observation skills to identify and frame meaningful juxtapositions
• Risk of creating cliché or forced comparisons if not executed subtly

Storytelling through single images

• Ability to convey complex narratives or emotions within the constraints of a still image
• Use of visual cues, body language, and environmental context to suggest broader stories
• Leaves room for viewer interpretation, engaging audience in the storytelling process
• Challenges photographer to distill essence of a scene into a single, powerful frame
• Often involves finding universal themes in specific, local moments

Critiques and controversies

• Street photography has faced various criticisms and ethical debates throughout its history
• These ongoing discussions shape the practice and reception of the genre in contemporary society

Exploitation vs documentation debate

• Questions arise about power dynamics between photographer and unwitting subjects
• Concerns over potential objectification or stereotyping of marginalized communities
• Argument that street photography provides valuable social documentation and insight
• Debate over whether photographers have responsibility to intervene in situations they document
• Discussion of how context and presentation of images affect their interpretation

Artistic merit vs voyeurism

• Criticism that some street photography crosses line into invasive or predatory behavior
• Debate over artistic value of candid images taken without subject's knowledge or consent
• Questions about motivation behind photographing strangers in vulnerable or private moments
• Argument that discomfort provoked by certain images serves valid artistic or social purpose
• Discussion of how photographer's intent and viewer's interpretation affect ethical considerations

Street photography in surveillance society

• Increased public awareness and concern about being photographed without consent
• Challenges of practicing street photography in era of ubiquitous security cameras and facial recognition
• Debate over role of street photographers in documenting or resisting surveillance culture
• Questions about how street photography differs from or contributes to broader privacy issues
• Discussion of potential chilling effect on free expression in public spaces due to privacy concerns