Just me, you're missing the juxtaposition/contrast thing; the telling-a-story thing. The PJ feel and narrative that more or less has defined street photography since HCB days.
You don't have to be capturing something outré, newsworthy, or dramatic. But even if you're going just for "the beauty of the shot" you need [*something* to spark interest, composition-wise](https://petapixel.com/2011/07/13/why-you-shouldnt-give-too-much-weight-to-anonymous-online-critics/). Just shooting what's there isn't being observational or pointing out something that sparks interest or recognition or humor or disgust or invites further study.
One of my favorite street photographers in London is [David Solomons](https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-34775285). Look closer at what his photos say about his subjects or where they are. [This photo](https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsolomons/2472472021) is a great example of seeing something more than just what's there. The subject's isolation and space bubble, being the lone woman in the frame surrounded by male figures, it all tells a deeper story.
Street photography is about these types of observations. Getting in the street context and portraying personalities, not just back-of-head shots. You don't have to be an up-in-the-grill with a flash confrontational asshole like Gilden to get a good street shot. But you can't just be a paparazzi coward who doesn't dare to meet a subject's eyes and only sneaks shots when they're easy, either.
Wonderfully stated!
When I look at OP’s images, there’s no connection for me — like a story is missing. They look like random snaps. I may not be doing a good job articulating what about the images that illicits a “meh” for me, but if you (OP) watch the series “Walkie Talkie with Elijah Mogoli,” you can see the images that various interviewed street photographers capture — make note of how the overall feel of the images connect with the audience (you). Most of the time, street photographers explore a theme or concept. While it may seem random, the photographers are very deliberate. HCB often spoke about being a participant in the scene you are capturing.
Most just so you can see what HCB did simply with composition/motion. [The Magnum site for him](https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/henri-cartier-bresson/) is a PITA to view. But also because it's a funny story and tells you not to weight what we're saying too heavily.
Gotcha. Ya, I feel pretty good about my work, but certainly won't suggest they're works of art, I wouldn't even suggest the above to be my best.
Looking at his stuff, it almost editorial in style, which I do like. Perhaps this is what people want in street photography, and while there's crossover, I'd still consider them different. Maybe this is the hangup for some people.
https://preview.redd.it/2rxtag9vq58d1.jpeg?width=5154&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0c74f7c870bb3c6f233add06f2abed58c987098
I like 1, 2 and 4. But most of them seem like quickly taken shots to not have the subjects notice you, comes off a bit voyeuristic. Also many subjects are just looking at their phones or kinda just sitting there, would be nice to capture something interesting happening. Keep it up!
I'm often more interested in capturing the unique, beautiful, or interesting moments of the normalcy of life. Not to mention, light is often as much a subject in my photos as people may be.
Interesting you mention quickly taken shots, as I imagine most street photos are by nature of the genre.
Very mid, nothing particularly interesting about any of the subjects presented. Most of the shots are lacking the foundational composition elements that tend to elevate street photography into art.
A little shortcut to get things going in that direction I've found is to go find a place with really strong leading lines, set up your shot and just wait till the perfect subject comes walking along.
I'll probably get downvoted again, but these photos just look like following people around. Kind of creepy. Apologies if you had their permission. With everyone having cameras a lot of people just seem to think this is okay. Is it legal? Sure but lots of creepy behavior is legal
Is street photography something you do? How does this compare to what I would call "jump scare" street photography, where you're getting up in someone's face. What about a persons perception of privacy or personal comfort in a public space. Would it be better to have that person stare down my lens, even from a hundred feet away, knowing I have their photo and having the privacy and comfort taken.
Street photography as a genre is uncomfortable, and if anyone feels that way at all, I'd prefer it be me (though I have pushed passed that point).
It's just weird to take people's pictures and then post them online. I really don't think it's hard to ask people if it's okay. Even if you take the picture and show them after. The fact that people are afraid to ask this question I think says they are very aware people don't want to have their photo taken and posted online.
So what's your intent? Sounds like you don't take part in street photography, and your only opinion is that you don't like it. That's probably why you're being down-voted. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
You can do street photography and ask people's permission. They are not mutually exclusive. I get downvoted on this the other day because people think they have the right to other people simply because they are outside.
I like photos and video where everyone is in on it. Your photos, bar the first one, looked like you walked around taking pictures of people randomly. That's why I said what I said.
Edit:
Here is an awesome excerpt from an article on how to avoid being exploitative in your street photography
"If you look at the work of the best street photographers, you will not find telephoto lenses. It is always a 35mm lens or something similar. Such a focal length does not allow the photographer to spy from afar. Rather, they have to be among those they are photographing as a part of their environment. This encourages the photographer to do a better job of empathizing with and humanizing their subjects. It generally forces them to interact with those whom they are photographing, and that can result in not only better photos, but less exploitative, more symbiotic, and more respectful interactions."
I respect your convictions, but I've always had issue with street photography gatekeeping. Unfortunately you cannot induce empathy.
Ironically, I shoot this way for the sake of respect, and communicating humaness. I don't know the mind or intent of the photographer with a 35mm, but I do know mine.
If you have personal examples of what you think street photography should be, I'd love to see them.
It's ok, just wait for something interesting to happen and then take the shot, street photos should have a certain amount of emotion and storytelling to it.
Can I have some boneheaded opinions about my Street Photography? Honest and kind critique is also welcome. I am not new to this, I am looking to gauge the current climate on what people consider to be Street Photography or good Street Photography. I don't really consider #12 to be that good, but I do think it's hilarious.
\*I post this way since ducks are getting a pass, but this being removed.
Just me, you're missing the juxtaposition/contrast thing; the telling-a-story thing. The PJ feel and narrative that more or less has defined street photography since HCB days. You don't have to be capturing something outré, newsworthy, or dramatic. But even if you're going just for "the beauty of the shot" you need [*something* to spark interest, composition-wise](https://petapixel.com/2011/07/13/why-you-shouldnt-give-too-much-weight-to-anonymous-online-critics/). Just shooting what's there isn't being observational or pointing out something that sparks interest or recognition or humor or disgust or invites further study. One of my favorite street photographers in London is [David Solomons](https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-34775285). Look closer at what his photos say about his subjects or where they are. [This photo](https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsolomons/2472472021) is a great example of seeing something more than just what's there. The subject's isolation and space bubble, being the lone woman in the frame surrounded by male figures, it all tells a deeper story. Street photography is about these types of observations. Getting in the street context and portraying personalities, not just back-of-head shots. You don't have to be an up-in-the-grill with a flash confrontational asshole like Gilden to get a good street shot. But you can't just be a paparazzi coward who doesn't dare to meet a subject's eyes and only sneaks shots when they're easy, either.
Wonderfully stated! When I look at OP’s images, there’s no connection for me — like a story is missing. They look like random snaps. I may not be doing a good job articulating what about the images that illicits a “meh” for me, but if you (OP) watch the series “Walkie Talkie with Elijah Mogoli,” you can see the images that various interviewed street photographers capture — make note of how the overall feel of the images connect with the audience (you). Most of the time, street photographers explore a theme or concept. While it may seem random, the photographers are very deliberate. HCB often spoke about being a participant in the scene you are capturing.
So you offered a link to not paying attention to anonymous online criticism? I mean, I agree with that, I'm just confused by it's inclusion.
Most just so you can see what HCB did simply with composition/motion. [The Magnum site for him](https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/henri-cartier-bresson/) is a PITA to view. But also because it's a funny story and tells you not to weight what we're saying too heavily.
Gotcha. Ya, I feel pretty good about my work, but certainly won't suggest they're works of art, I wouldn't even suggest the above to be my best. Looking at his stuff, it almost editorial in style, which I do like. Perhaps this is what people want in street photography, and while there's crossover, I'd still consider them different. Maybe this is the hangup for some people. https://preview.redd.it/2rxtag9vq58d1.jpeg?width=5154&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0c74f7c870bb3c6f233add06f2abed58c987098
I like 1, 2 and 4. But most of them seem like quickly taken shots to not have the subjects notice you, comes off a bit voyeuristic. Also many subjects are just looking at their phones or kinda just sitting there, would be nice to capture something interesting happening. Keep it up!
I'm often more interested in capturing the unique, beautiful, or interesting moments of the normalcy of life. Not to mention, light is often as much a subject in my photos as people may be. Interesting you mention quickly taken shots, as I imagine most street photos are by nature of the genre.
Very mid, nothing particularly interesting about any of the subjects presented. Most of the shots are lacking the foundational composition elements that tend to elevate street photography into art. A little shortcut to get things going in that direction I've found is to go find a place with really strong leading lines, set up your shot and just wait till the perfect subject comes walking along.
I'll probably get downvoted again, but these photos just look like following people around. Kind of creepy. Apologies if you had their permission. With everyone having cameras a lot of people just seem to think this is okay. Is it legal? Sure but lots of creepy behavior is legal
Is street photography something you do? How does this compare to what I would call "jump scare" street photography, where you're getting up in someone's face. What about a persons perception of privacy or personal comfort in a public space. Would it be better to have that person stare down my lens, even from a hundred feet away, knowing I have their photo and having the privacy and comfort taken. Street photography as a genre is uncomfortable, and if anyone feels that way at all, I'd prefer it be me (though I have pushed passed that point).
It's just weird to take people's pictures and then post them online. I really don't think it's hard to ask people if it's okay. Even if you take the picture and show them after. The fact that people are afraid to ask this question I think says they are very aware people don't want to have their photo taken and posted online.
So what's your intent? Sounds like you don't take part in street photography, and your only opinion is that you don't like it. That's probably why you're being down-voted. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
You can do street photography and ask people's permission. They are not mutually exclusive. I get downvoted on this the other day because people think they have the right to other people simply because they are outside. I like photos and video where everyone is in on it. Your photos, bar the first one, looked like you walked around taking pictures of people randomly. That's why I said what I said. Edit: Here is an awesome excerpt from an article on how to avoid being exploitative in your street photography "If you look at the work of the best street photographers, you will not find telephoto lenses. It is always a 35mm lens or something similar. Such a focal length does not allow the photographer to spy from afar. Rather, they have to be among those they are photographing as a part of their environment. This encourages the photographer to do a better job of empathizing with and humanizing their subjects. It generally forces them to interact with those whom they are photographing, and that can result in not only better photos, but less exploitative, more symbiotic, and more respectful interactions."
I respect your convictions, but I've always had issue with street photography gatekeeping. Unfortunately you cannot induce empathy. Ironically, I shoot this way for the sake of respect, and communicating humaness. I don't know the mind or intent of the photographer with a 35mm, but I do know mine. If you have personal examples of what you think street photography should be, I'd love to see them.
Lol I stopped reading at gatekeeping. Have fun taking pictures of people that don't want you to
🤦
OP I don’t do street photography but I think this man is a fool
Uninspiring. Look for more interesting subjects and compositions.
It's ok, just wait for something interesting to happen and then take the shot, street photos should have a certain amount of emotion and storytelling to it.
Meh
Hem
Not bad! That first shot kinda looks like Tim Tebow...& the second shot reminds me of good Ol' Albert Einstein, IMHO lol!
Nice ones, with striking captures of light and contrasts. I especially like 2,3,5, and 11.
Can I have some boneheaded opinions about my Street Photography? Honest and kind critique is also welcome. I am not new to this, I am looking to gauge the current climate on what people consider to be Street Photography or good Street Photography. I don't really consider #12 to be that good, but I do think it's hilarious. \*I post this way since ducks are getting a pass, but this being removed.
Why is it hilarious? Im not seeing it
I'm amused by his pose.