Answers still to come and so are the questions, to speed this up can we please start by you emailing me a question or two. editor@street-photography.net
What is street photography?
I recently read that the definition of street photography is; photography conducted for art or inquiry.
A clinical definition, but one that begs to be unpacked. Let’s start with art: we all have our own unique perspectives from our life experiences.
This influences the hundreds of micro-decisions we make, just as we click the shutter button. The photograph, we create is as unique to the individual as a finger print is. Expressing your view of the world through the medium of photography, to tell a story and convey an emotion, is the definition of art.
Inquiry, is to be curious, to explore is to be human. Street Photography is a life long learning journey, one that pushes you out of your comfort zone, to get to the next creative level. In street photography, it is pushing yourself to get closer to your subject, traveling to new places, using different lenses, and talking to strangers. The ‘or’ in the definition should be dropped as art and inquiry are intertwined in street photography for both are needed to create a street photography image.
Is Street Photography also Social Documentary photography?
Often it is as it visualises the social landscape that we inhabit, but sometimes it is not as it depends on the content of the image.
Does Street Photography need to include people in the image to be called Street Photography?
No a lot of great Street Photography images do not contain any people ion them at all however they do often show that the photographer was observant of their surroundings and found something of interest to actually make a image of significance.
Do I need to use a Leica camera to make Street Photography images?
No you can use any camera, it just happens that some of the most well known Street Photographers happen to use Leica cameras, I happen also to use a Leica camera so know quite a lot about them. I will often talk about Leica cameras on this website. If you want other cameras mentioned then you are going to need to join me in this little adventure and contribute the content for the other camera brands to show that it is not just Leica cameras that are used for Street Photography.
Why do so many Street Photographers like Fuji cameras?
Because they are small light and as near as using a Leica as it is possible to get. just kidding, (well sort of). Fuji make excellent cameras and some of them are well suite to everyday carry cameras and this is important in Street Photography as you can’t make image if you do not have a camera.
Its it okay to use your iPhone or phone camera for Street Photography?
Yes, you can use the camera on your phone. just be aware that it is not appropriate to use it to upskirt women on the streets. I have seen people using their phones in inappropriate ways. This is both disrespectful of women and brings disrepute onto the hobby/profession of Street Photography so do not do it.
Is Street Photography Legal?
You can make images on the street in a lot of countries, so yes it is legal. However, we would recommend that you check the laws in your own country as the right to use the photography you make on the streets can vary between countries.