What is street photography? No, not photographs of roads and thoroughfares. Street photography is a style of documentary photography that captures candid images in public areas. This isn’t limited to “the street,” photos can be from anywhere people congregate.
photo credit: Paul Charnas
Street photography captures moments, sometimes humorous, sometimes ironic. Many images document what is missed by passersby, the people, the moments overlooked. You don’t need specialize gear, any film or digital camera will do. Telephoto lenses maybe helpful if you’re shy about approaching people. Street photography is taking on a new form through the use of mobile phone cameras. iPhones have resulted in a slew of new street images.
photo credit: Ed-meister
Flickr has many street photography groups. Check out the search page and take a look at some group pools. Or, read the bios of some of street photography legends for inspiration:
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
- Robert Frank
- Alfred Eisenstaedt
- W. Eugene Smith
- William Eggleston
- Brassaї
- Willy Ronis
- Robert Doisneau
- Garry Winogrand
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