mlu19
Established
If you equate shooting street with the thrill of trophy hunting, it makes sense that shooting street would be such a thrilling and intriguing experience. You're literally hunting for that decisive moment and shooting well...people at your own will. Evidently, it is also a good vehicle to teach people how to concur their fear, or how not to give a f about what others think of you 
Why do you see so many so-called "mediocre" street photos these days? There might be just as many mediocre street photos back in the day but there weren't facebook/flickr or instagram to share on.
Why do you see so many so-called "mediocre" street photos these days? There might be just as many mediocre street photos back in the day but there weren't facebook/flickr or instagram to share on.
mpaniagua
Newby photographer
If you equate shooting street with the thrill of trophy hunting, it makes sense that shooting street would be such a thrilling and intriguing experience. You're literally hunting for that decisive moment and shooting well...people at your own will. Evidently, it is also a good vehicle to teach people how to concur their fear, or how not to give a f about what others think of you
Why do you see so many so-called "mediocre" street photos these days? There might be just as many mediocre street photos back in the day but there weren't facebook/flickr or instagram to share on.
+1 Couldnt agree more there.
Regards.
Some replies here understand the topic but others are reading a meaning that isn't there.
I would suggest it would be helpful to comment on what I actually posted.
Street photography itself is not being criticized here.
Understanding street photography is not the topic.
No one else has been 'blamed' for anything.
I simply made an observation: everything from poor to mediocre to average street photography seems to reap inordinate amounts of praise. For example, as someone who sent me a PM phrased it: "as if the shutter was just tripped accidentally when pulling it out of the bag."
It's almost as if *any* street photography is considered *good* street photography just *because* it is street photography.
This is not something I routinely notice in other genres.
I would suggest it would be helpful to comment on what I actually posted.
Street photography itself is not being criticized here.
Understanding street photography is not the topic.
No one else has been 'blamed' for anything.
I simply made an observation: everything from poor to mediocre to average street photography seems to reap inordinate amounts of praise. For example, as someone who sent me a PM phrased it: "as if the shutter was just tripped accidentally when pulling it out of the bag."
It's almost as if *any* street photography is considered *good* street photography just *because* it is street photography.
This is not something I routinely notice in other genres.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Thanks for this post, Ko.
Thank you for noticing and thank you for yours!
I made few more after this one with pokes to those who reminded me then I started and knew nothing about Garry Winogrand, Henri-Cartier Bresson, Walker Evans and so on. I was at the same stage and making same comments about homeless, backs, ladies and else. Looking at the pictures taken by those whom I mentioned, reading their interviews and essays about them helped me to "get street photography" and it is helping to get where with my photography.
I also want to mention RFF memeber airfrogusmc who is real mentor for street photography to me. At the earlier learning stage I was making same arguments with him as I could see here. But he was always calm even if I wasn't.
Highway 61
Revisited
I beg to differ. I never really noticed that crap got praised in a durable way by serious people.
It may be that nowadays, "street photography" is generally done by young people spreading the social networks with their "masterpieces", while keeping "liking" and "faving" everything.
I don't have any FB account, I don't have any Twitter account, I don't have any Instagram account, but I know what those social networks are and how they work (and how they make people lonely and unable to think by themselves after having taken some time to make their mind in an elaborated way).
When you see some profiles with dozens of thousands of "followers" and dozens of thousands of followed people, you get it all.
But, it won't be like that forever. These people will sooner or later realize that you don't create some real art with no story to tell and no real matter to make other people think of.
Huss
Veteran
I have been called the Seinfeld of Street Photography.
back alley
IMAGES
i must be a truly dreadful street photographer as my mediocre to average images get no praise, feint or otherwise.
Huss
Veteran
See, you get it!
HCB's shot is excellent as we see the sideways face of the man pouring the wine, inviting us to join his lunch party while we are drawn by the gaze of the others to the river.
But my well versed friend, you miss-read my second point. I said 'creeper', not 'creepy'. This Winogrand pic that you link to, however, still works on the creepy level as the rigid young lady is being stalked by the man in the shadows, while the contorted mannequins can barely hide their glee.
sjones
Established
As for the unwarranted praise that street photography receives; I have not noticed this, but then again, when I’m viewing photos, I’m doing just that, not really reading any of the comments that may or may not follow below.
Moreover, since I don’t ask for critique, I don’t give it either…I think that only fair. As such, I don’t really muck about in critique-based forums. This said, I’ve heard folks in various forums complain that praise and compliments are excessively dispensed, so this problem is not unique to street photography.
In general…
Street photography doesn’t even necessitates a human subject. But if focusing on the purpose of the candid, one aspect to consider is timing. Often, the opportune photograph materializes and dissolves nearly instantly…that whole decisive moment thing. Consequently, consent beforehand is not possible.
If folks are burning out on the decisive moment thing, that’s OK, except again, one can say that about every other type of photography, particularly given the number of photos generated on a per second basis across the globe.
As for the ethics of candid photography, it’s a personal choice. I follow my own limitations, whereby I pretty much apply the golden rule…would I want to be photographed doing that or being in that particular condition. However, I typically wouldn’t impose these restrictions on other photographers.
These street photography bashing threads are relatively common, which is fine, but I never seem to receive an alternative recommendation that doesn’t face the same flaws. No one has yet to impress me with a new exciting route, not even close.
Then again, I’m pretty much stuck on stuff from say the late 1920s to early 1970s, which is really no different than someone who prefers classical music from centuries back; there’s no rule that we all need to shove to the front.
And really, so much of this often comes down to arguing that the color blue is better than the color red; thanks, you’ve got your things, I’ve got mine.
In any event, I would hate to think that the photographic documentation of humanity should be limited to posed shots or those done with prior consent.
Still, we can continue to single out street photography if it makes y’all feel better; I'm critical too. But, aside from ethical opposition to candids, it’s simply misguided to believe that any other genre or style is immune to similar faults or criticism.
Finally, no type of photography should need to advance a social message to validate itself; that’s ridiculous. This is not to discredit any type of art that seeks to improve humanity, which needs all the help it can get, but for the love of God, I don’t need ALL art to proselytize, even if for a good cause.
Then again, I don’t believe that photos tell stories, so as you might have gathered, I have no problem with photography being appreciated for form only; there’s nothing shallow about this…that’s aesthetics, and not all art is meant “to get” because often there is nothing intended ‘to get.’
Moreover, since I don’t ask for critique, I don’t give it either…I think that only fair. As such, I don’t really muck about in critique-based forums. This said, I’ve heard folks in various forums complain that praise and compliments are excessively dispensed, so this problem is not unique to street photography.
In general…
Street photography doesn’t even necessitates a human subject. But if focusing on the purpose of the candid, one aspect to consider is timing. Often, the opportune photograph materializes and dissolves nearly instantly…that whole decisive moment thing. Consequently, consent beforehand is not possible.
If folks are burning out on the decisive moment thing, that’s OK, except again, one can say that about every other type of photography, particularly given the number of photos generated on a per second basis across the globe.
As for the ethics of candid photography, it’s a personal choice. I follow my own limitations, whereby I pretty much apply the golden rule…would I want to be photographed doing that or being in that particular condition. However, I typically wouldn’t impose these restrictions on other photographers.
These street photography bashing threads are relatively common, which is fine, but I never seem to receive an alternative recommendation that doesn’t face the same flaws. No one has yet to impress me with a new exciting route, not even close.
Then again, I’m pretty much stuck on stuff from say the late 1920s to early 1970s, which is really no different than someone who prefers classical music from centuries back; there’s no rule that we all need to shove to the front.
And really, so much of this often comes down to arguing that the color blue is better than the color red; thanks, you’ve got your things, I’ve got mine.
In any event, I would hate to think that the photographic documentation of humanity should be limited to posed shots or those done with prior consent.
Still, we can continue to single out street photography if it makes y’all feel better; I'm critical too. But, aside from ethical opposition to candids, it’s simply misguided to believe that any other genre or style is immune to similar faults or criticism.
Finally, no type of photography should need to advance a social message to validate itself; that’s ridiculous. This is not to discredit any type of art that seeks to improve humanity, which needs all the help it can get, but for the love of God, I don’t need ALL art to proselytize, even if for a good cause.
Then again, I don’t believe that photos tell stories, so as you might have gathered, I have no problem with photography being appreciated for form only; there’s nothing shallow about this…that’s aesthetics, and not all art is meant “to get” because often there is nothing intended ‘to get.’
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Of course they can. They are likely to have considerable trouble in carrying out the threat, but they can still make it. Or they can just stab you...
Legally. this is a minefield. It varies from place to place, and time to time. Mostly, though, a variant on the old "reasonable man" (or woman) test is all you need to worry about. The people who are the most excited and excitable are rarely the most reasonable, or the most likely to pursue pseudo-legal threats.
Cheers,
R.
This phenomena is not referring to social media. I'm not on Instagram or twitter and don't view street photos on facebook and am not counting 'likes.'
This is a general perception common to various media, going back many, many years (the 70s to be specific) including print magazines, coffee table photo books, to modern online magazines, to photo blogs (including blogs of well-known street photographers) and photo news sites. The praise could be from random commenters on a blog, to writers in American Photographer or Pop Photo many years ago and everything in between.
This is a general perception common to various media, going back many, many years (the 70s to be specific) including print magazines, coffee table photo books, to modern online magazines, to photo blogs (including blogs of well-known street photographers) and photo news sites. The praise could be from random commenters on a blog, to writers in American Photographer or Pop Photo many years ago and everything in between.
And once more for additional clarity, this is NOT a 'street photography bashing thread.'
John Bragg
Well-known
I get Street Photography when it is well executed, like any other genre. For me it is all about content and composition. There are very few people who can melt into the background and be the observer of human life and daily activity without drawing attention to themselves. That in itself is the cause of a lot of mediocre street shots. If you have a small pocket camera it helps as people are not threatened by them, but an SLR/DSLR with a massive zoom is another thing entirely.
emraphoto
Veteran
This and Roger's 'just stab you' was worth the whole 3 pages of reading.
shimokita
白黒
"First there is a mountain / Then there is no mountain / Then there is." - Donovan Leitch (from a Buddhist saying originally formulated by Qingyuan Weixin)
Just because of the shear numbers and social media etc. you are going to find a lot of [street] photos / photographers in different phases of their shooting experience. Sometimes I have to search long and hard for something positive to say about a particular photo... and if inclined to comment, in most cases I would rather be supportive. Sure a comment about (e.g.) muddy shadows is also supportive, but one might choose the time and place.
Yesterday I ran across "Sense of Place" by Motohashi Seiichi... support the good ones ; )
Just because of the shear numbers and social media etc. you are going to find a lot of [street] photos / photographers in different phases of their shooting experience. Sometimes I have to search long and hard for something positive to say about a particular photo... and if inclined to comment, in most cases I would rather be supportive. Sure a comment about (e.g.) muddy shadows is also supportive, but one might choose the time and place.
Yesterday I ran across "Sense of Place" by Motohashi Seiichi... support the good ones ; )
f16sunshine
Moderator
^^^ "Gawking"
The next great Genre category?
Maybe I'll start a flickr group just to see what happens.
The next great Genre category?
Maybe I'll start a flickr group just to see what happens.
Paulbe
Well-known
splitimageview--I agree! It hasn't hit me yet why taking pix of complete strangers is art. My best "street" photos were of architecture--oh well...
Thanks for the opinion..
Now--what camera and film/lens is best??!!
Paul
Thanks for the opinion..
Now--what camera and film/lens is best??!!
Paul
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
je suis creep (she is la belle)
je suis creep (she is la belle)
Thanks for replying to me.
Do you know what calling RFF member as "my friend" is considered as offensive here buy some? I'm immigrant in Canada who has changed it and many others have changed it and we understand each other. But those who are frozen in time and single culture are not accepting it.
It is up to you to judge Winogrand as the creep. He wasn't hiding, he was using 28 mm lens and to get this close to person and as openly as Winogrand did is nothing creepy to me. It was well visible in advance what he was photographing on the street. He was not hiding, but staying in the middle of the flow.
Winogrand was from immigrant family. He mentioned what with his photographs he was "student of America". This is very close to me. I was taking pictures of Canada since we landed. It is still a lot to learn to me about Canada and Canadians. And it is changing fast.
Here is the picture I recently took openly with camera to my eye. I named it "je suis creep (she is la belle)"
Why I took it same way as Winogrand was taking it? I'm not horny creep to print and dink at it later. I'm documenting the life. Have you seen people dressed like this in Winogrand pictures or Vivian Maier photography? The world has changed and it has to be documented as it is constantly changing. Only few decades ago women in Iran were free to dress as they wanted to. It has been changed and choice was not made by them.
http://rarehistoricalphotos.com/women-protesting-hijab-1979/
Now, back to hobos and backs. This is the photo which triggered HCB to photograph.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6o7o4U5d21qbeumgo1_500.jpg
I googled Henry Cartier-Bresson photography and hobos, backs photos were plenty. I'm not big fan of it, but experts think opposite. Not "street photography" experts, but museum experts.
https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...555/1394404645825/henri-cartier-bresson-9.jpg
https://artblart.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/hcb_mexique-1934.jpg
http://www.urban-photography-art.com/image-files/henri-cartier-bresson-berli.jpg
http://d2jv9003bew7ag.cloudfront.net/uploads/Henri-Cartier-Bresson-Near-Strasbourg1945.jpg
http://www.soulcatcherstudio.com/exhibitions/bresson/notre_dame.html
So, Peace on Earth and salam alaikum.
je suis creep (she is la belle)
Thanks for replying to me.
Do you know what calling RFF member as "my friend" is considered as offensive here buy some? I'm immigrant in Canada who has changed it and many others have changed it and we understand each other. But those who are frozen in time and single culture are not accepting it.
It is up to you to judge Winogrand as the creep. He wasn't hiding, he was using 28 mm lens and to get this close to person and as openly as Winogrand did is nothing creepy to me. It was well visible in advance what he was photographing on the street. He was not hiding, but staying in the middle of the flow.
Winogrand was from immigrant family. He mentioned what with his photographs he was "student of America". This is very close to me. I was taking pictures of Canada since we landed. It is still a lot to learn to me about Canada and Canadians. And it is changing fast.
Here is the picture I recently took openly with camera to my eye. I named it "je suis creep (she is la belle)"
Why I took it same way as Winogrand was taking it? I'm not horny creep to print and dink at it later. I'm documenting the life. Have you seen people dressed like this in Winogrand pictures or Vivian Maier photography? The world has changed and it has to be documented as it is constantly changing. Only few decades ago women in Iran were free to dress as they wanted to. It has been changed and choice was not made by them.
http://rarehistoricalphotos.com/women-protesting-hijab-1979/
Now, back to hobos and backs. This is the photo which triggered HCB to photograph.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6o7o4U5d21qbeumgo1_500.jpg
I googled Henry Cartier-Bresson photography and hobos, backs photos were plenty. I'm not big fan of it, but experts think opposite. Not "street photography" experts, but museum experts.
https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...555/1394404645825/henri-cartier-bresson-9.jpg
https://artblart.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/hcb_mexique-1934.jpg
http://www.urban-photography-art.com/image-files/henri-cartier-bresson-berli.jpg
http://d2jv9003bew7ag.cloudfront.net/uploads/Henri-Cartier-Bresson-Near-Strasbourg1945.jpg
http://www.soulcatcherstudio.com/exhibitions/bresson/notre_dame.html
So, Peace on Earth and salam alaikum.