Don't Call Me a Street Photographer

Check out Street Journals:
Digital: faizalwestcott.com/store/stre...
Physical: www.blurb.com/user/fwestcott?...
Visit Squarespace for a free trial and use the code "FAIZAL" for 10% off your first purchase: www.squarespace.com/faizal
My Instagram: / westcott
License my photos: stills.sjv.io/c/2422710/15438...
All photos are edited with my presets: faizalwestcott.com/store
Get 20% off your first annual subscription to Capture One Pro 23: captureone.co/FWestcottFEB23
Music from Musicbed - sign up today and use the code "FAIZAL" to get 1 month free: fm.pxf.io/c/2422710/1347628/1...
Camera used for photos and video - the Fujifilm X-T5: partner.shopmoment.com/WDZPrO
Lens used with Fujifilm X-T5: amzn.to/3YPdT6s
More of my gear: faizalwestcott.com/gear-kit
Buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/westcott

[@ivangraypiece]

as a graphic designer, im supper happy to see you are publishing editorials of your work!! def buying all of em and putting it in my library to enjoy! thanks to your papa aswell :)

[@winslow_j]

Always inspired by your ability to not feel pressured to "fit in." Even myself, I just moved to new york a few months ago, and immediately started using a 24mm lens to capture the classic nyc street scenes. It was fun because I was inspired to do so, but after a little while I started getting bored of it. It all looked the same, and I burned myself out. I started using my zoom lens again and making the work that I like and finding fulfillment in that, but the pressure to make "real street photography" creeps in a lot. I like the title of this video, and the idea of not wanting to be just that one thing. Another great video as always.

[@FaizalWestcott]

Those of you interested in buying all four journals I will be uploading a discounted bundle soon! Just keep an eye out for it :) UPDATE: Unfortunately cannot make a bundle for the physical ones on Blurb...but for those interested in all 4 digital versions, there's a bundle available on my website!

[@anthonymollicone]

Please, do! 🔥

[@yanyuchan2235]

Absolutely! This project is amazing and nothing can match the experience of holding a physical print!

[@rafeakspvd]

Man…I’ve been wanting a Zine from you for so long. Sooo excited to get my hands on them and the fact that you created it with your father really is incredible. Congrats on it all. ❤

[@FaizalWestcott]

Thank you so much!

[@MagieraTom]

Some of your thoughts really resonate with me. Sometimes I feel like I have to decide on what kind of photography I want to do and stick to it no matter what. Like I have to put a label on what I do or I have to be known for that one specific thing I do. But life is so messy and complex and yet so beautiful that I don't want to put myself into a box. Like you said I want to photograph "whatever, wherever."

[@martinhendry]

Enjoying the sense of artistic growth over the last year or so. Definitely get the sense that you're finding yourself in photography which is something, when all is said and done, we all can aspire to as photographers. 👏

[@FaizalWestcott]

I really appreciate the kind words!

[@eyeofalchemy]

Hey man. Been following your journey now for a good few years. You always inspire me when I'm stuck in a rut, and you inspire me even more when I'm in my flow. I didn't want to ask any question, I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done for us over the years. The knowledge. The locations we got to experience. The perspective you see the world from. Your work. Your thoughts on certain things. Everything, man. We appreciate you. From Cape Town, South Africa. P.S you are one of the people who inspired me to start creating on KZbin. And even though it's nowhere close to yours, I've learned that being me is the best thing I can be and I'm working on that. Cheers.

[@arpcsm]

I LOVE that BNW feels and everything in this video!! sooo moody! 🥹

[@dillonpurugganan833]

Contents like these keep the essence of photography alive. Watching this makes me feel like I’m browsing through the shots of renowned photographers like Elliot Erwitt or Henri-Cartier Bresson. Now, people use the term “street photography” too lazily. Apparently, it only takes a fancy camera, a blurry background/ bokeh and a subject/model to qualify as street photography. Because of this, many new generations of photographer are using the same formula and label themselves as street photographers. It’s actually killing the essence of it.

[@AAggggggg]

THIS

[@bclaypoo]

Love your choice of music here too.

[@nestorscheller8733]

Beautiful pictures, amazing !!! Congratulations

[@ArchiesLens]

As someone who just went on a trip to Japan and took lots of photos of the street and my surroundings (not necessarily people) I connected deeply with this video. Great work and commentary.🌸✨

[@dominiqueloubet]

Encore une bien jolie vidéo sur Paris. Content que vous ayez apprécié votre voyage en France !

[@Simonsaysbrown]

Shoutout to your and your pops! Such an awesome idea. Gotta cop.

[@footnote19]

The intro B/W montage could have been a Wes Anderson movie 🎥 love you’re artistic sensibilities throughout. X

[@FaizalWestcott]

Haha, a lot of people liked that from one of the last videos so continuing that style here. Maybe it becomes a thing for all videos...

[@UlyssesAokiPhoto]

Yo those opening shots in B&W were mad. Loving the abstract photos too. One of those window shots (a light blue one) reminded me of Pierre Soulages, one of my favorite abstract painters.

[@FaizalWestcott]

Thanks Ulysses 🥰

[@FedThePoopy]

Man I really really appreciate that you tried to make that distinction between a "photographer" and a "street photographer". I'm sick of people being critical or getting all fussy when somebody calls something a street photo that isnt isn't putting your camera in somebody's face and getting a reaction. Let's just call ourselves artists, photographers, whatever. Sorry if you've made a video on this already but is it possible you can share how you make your living off of photography? I know it's not your typical content but being able to stay for a month in a place like Paris (I could only stay 2 days on a weekend a month ago on a weekend trip and then saw BillyDee that very next week at protests with fire and SUN) really is a dream and I think a lot of us want to know how possible that is for us. Keep up the great work!

[@antoniocarrara_]

So much quality content here. Thank you, Faizal.

[@hasinakassam]

You have been a massive inspiration to me as of lately since i just found your channel. I was so excited to see that part of your video when you talked about your Street Journals. im excited to order myself a physical copy to have in my library and get inspiration from :)

[@rwttshots]

You are such an inspiration! I love your photography, it's always a pleasure to study your art and it somehow really resonates with me. Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@charleslsmith2012]

Great video, Faizel. You're quite the storyteller. Love the soundtrack, narrative, and imagery. I'm looking forward to seeing your next production.

[@Muchtoobizy]

A pleasant and relaxing video to watch of Paris, which is my city. I enjoyed the casual mix of still photography, video and the commentary from your ever-such-a-tiny appartment. The ability to spend an entire month in one place, definitely gives you more than a tourist's perspective. If you can manage to support yourself traveling from city to city doing these documentaries, you will have a life that millions would envy.

[@iaincphotography6051]

"Streetish Photography". There Faizal that buggers up the genre police. My title for anything shot in the Urban environment. Loving the shots.

[@Ludoballeux]

Such an inspire work you have made in Paris! I'm lucky enough to live close to this city and looking forward to go there more often to photograph it! Thank you for the inspiration you bring for many of us 🙏

[@anna-riikkapitkanen185]

Loved every bit of this video! Thank you for making such an inspiring content.

[@gerryphilpott9766]

Love the title! I started shooting in '78 when I got my Nikon F3 and between living in NYC in the 80's and getting in a lot of travel before kids in the 90's, I just called it photography. When I got back into photography a few years back the world had changed. Between Instagram, KZbin and others I've probably never heard of, suddenly there are these defined categories of photography - Street, landscape, portrait, etc. I've even seen sites that discuss the 'rules of street photography' which is comical. Not sure why people have to decide what kind of photographer they have to be, to me that is forced and it probably shows in their work. I think you grow as a person and as a photographer if you pursue what brings you joy and fulfillment and moves you, then miraculously the images that follow are pretty damn good. Even if they aren't great all the time, you had a great time making them. The journals look great and it's a unique way to showcase your work and thoughts in a format that is tactile and lasting, not just a swipe up the iPhone. Keep up the good work on your photographic journey.

[@rorykennedy672]

Super happy to hear about the journals!! I’ll be ordering a hard copy of Morocco 🎉🎉

[@pedronordskog]

Ordered my physical journal! Keep up the great work :)

[@tom.allez2134]

Wonderful photos. Can’t wait to check out some of your journals

[@itsmahdisadeghi]

Your videos are awasome by the way bro!

[@martinglb]

Love your videos and work. Congrats for the books. It's always interesting to see someone's eye in places I know

[@DebiSenGupta]

Loved the pic with the reflection in the mirror and the lines of the zebra crossing leading away was great

[@FaqiehTeakwork]

I've been waiting for your zine so long, so excited and definitely will buy one copy of it❤

[@kylephotos06]

stunning photos, thank you for the inspiration

[@sonholee5769]

really cool music track. A minimalist influence and lends a bit of sophistication that fits Paris, I think

[@TheDevotd]

Just bought all 4. Your work and perspective is inspiring.

[@bb-in-bullcity]

Just bought the Morocco 🇲🇦 volume! Congratulations on putting these all together. I’m sure it took a lot of work and I’m hype to have a copy at my home

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Brilliant video and congratulations on your journals! First thing people ask, what do you do? I say I am a creative. Then define it. What is more important is being a doer! Thanks for sharing and inspiring! Fantastic images!

[@pedrobartolomei7707]

I just bought your istanbul Zine, definitely going to buy me a preset when i get my Fuji... looking forward the Paris Zine too... Thank your dad for the support!

[@pedrobartolomei7707]

ok now that i have seen the Zine... It was GREAT! loved it feels like i was there with all the side information and much apreciated contact sheets, would be nice to include time of each capture, it would give some orientation for people on how to get empty market streets for example!. great work!

[@luispessoa04]

Completely agree. Do not limit yourself within a style. And more than a type of Photography, don't let yourself be limited by some style of your own. The more you let yourself be limited by a certain specific stlye, the more boring, repetitive and predictable you get. The only style i really value is a good photographic eye, no matter the style, not matter if every picture fits into your pre defined type of photograhy or not. Each picture should have a value by itself. You just see too many excellent photographers where you see 5 photos and it's like you saw the entire portfolio, because they all look the same. Art should be free and unpredictable.

[@bookslope]

Great stuff! I bought the digital bundle right away!

[@markmuller3086]

Hi Faizal, I so enjoy your videos and images. The music you use is great. Your images are really cool. I’ll pick up your Lisbon book from Blurb. (By the way, I think it’s so cool you do your books with your Dad!). My wife and I took a break and relaxed in Jardin de Luxembourg too, so I really enjoyed that segment. Your tips are very helpful. All the best.

[@rugososphotos3646]

Love the vibes of this video :)

[@photogroup16]

the zine looks cool, and th download option is also a great idea. Thanks for the chill video

[@illkoncept]

Dude. I love this. I've been collecting textures and photos of those ripped posters here in NYC as well. Ernst Haas used to shoot the same back in the day. They are endlessly fascinating to me. Paris looks like heaven for that. Anyways, love these videos man. Great photos too. Keep it up!

[@RewDowns]

That photo book and digital book looks amazing Faizal, well done!

[@FaizalWestcott]

Thank you so much!

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Such a great video, Faizal 🙏🏻

[@FaizalWestcott]

Thanks Tim!

[@geneyoon11]

Absolutely wonderful video as always. I’ll actually be there in a couple months! Any favorite coffee shops? Restaurants, neighborhoods you enjoyed?

[@po.ntandshoot]

Superb assessment /commentary of Paris.

[@simerroo]

Beautiful work

[@Lethorio]

Big fan of the chef image at 7:42. I have to ask, had you intended to use the blue/white/red of the French flag as part of the frame, or was that nice coincidence?

[@josephlai1078]

Another awesome film. Hopefully one day you will host a photo walk in your own style and hopefully I will be able to fly over and participate when that happens.

[@film.fiasco]

so you know, i always watch your videos on the tv sat on the couch, bc they just feel like a minidocs (bc watching on my phone or laptop is definetly not enough), and my gf always says the same thing: "you're watching this guy again?" haha. Keep it up bro, great work🔥!

[@fohrm]

Sheeeesh that photo at 6:00. Damn. Perfect.

[@roman__sadat]

I have been for long time here and never found a channel which is handled by real photographer the way you explain and motivated me I have to say thank u

[@interludemediasg]

“it’s the notion that you know you have a natural connection with people and the surroundings and don’t like to restrict yourself to pre-setups.” - I N A

[@movedmindpoRUSZonyUMYS]

The opening shot 😱

[@roystansell7640]

Thank you

[@dennisd7856]

The way you create your videos have this relaxed feel to it, topping it off with the great music selection, everything became an art piece. Can you share what camera you used for your video? and how did you make the color have its warm and vintage feel?

[@hazrulk6444]

Congratulations on the zines…say Hi to your awesome Dad…keep creating as I want to keep consuming your work

[@rodneybrown5889]

My wife I was in Paris in 2017, and toured the northern portion including Normandy… I am hoping to go back into my LR catalog and start revisiting the photos I took and perhaps look forward to publishing some of my travel photography to a further website….;) great video as always…

[@raroja]

Great to see these Journals! I've ordered a hard copy of 'London'. 🤓 Also: lots of great photos in this video. Looking forward to 'Paris'! 😉

[@FaizalWestcott]

Glad you got a hard copy! it's the best way to view them in my opinion

[@yammymyhammy]

when I see your videos. you make me feel like I'm wasting away which I am...After I bought my Leica I for some reason almost stopped entirely shooting...stopped exploring, stop documenting. I wouldn't normally say this publically ....I felt a tremendous pressure from it all to be better. To do more...your videos....thank you.

[@josypete]

your channel is awesome! I loved this particular video... your work just speaks to me. Question regarding any film simulations that you might use.... do you have a way to keep track of which quick custom setting might be which simulations? That's been a challenge for me. I will set up a film sim recipe in the quick menu, but then not remember which sim each one is. Thanks in advance... and keep doing what you're doing! :)

[@spektrograf]

Totally agree with you about Paris. The beauty is in everything outside the staid, romantic stereotype of Paris. Like all big cities around the world, it's diverse, has depth, and has the different energies of humanity in a compressed space. Paris displays the colors of urban cultures in its own unique way as part of urban cultures in global metros. Upper Marais is a perfect neighborhood to locate. Center to tonnes of variety of good eats with all the vibe, and easy access to several metro lines to take you anywhere within or outside the Périph.

[@lueniopue2488]

Love this série of vidéo in Paris. I studied there. Coming from an island (New Caledonia) i was surprised first and enjoy a little more after few month. It s a different way of life way far from islander. But the city itself was amazing with beautiful architecture.

[@bmeclipse]

Selamat malam, Pak Faizal. Great set as always. Really enjoying your vocal diary as well.

[@johnmarriott9166]

Well done 👍

[@interludemediasg]

Love the reflection shots coz I do the same! 🤍

[@Kezleu]

Bravo .et merci beaucoup 😊

[@FredericBonneauPhotography]

Love your videos been following you for some time now. Question: where do you print your zin

[@AnthonyJGianotti]

I hate being put into a box. I’m a photographer that shoots whatever interests me. Street, landscape, portrait, animals, staged, candids, etc. I also don’t shoot just one thing with one type of camera. I’ll use modern mirrorless, old dslrs, old digicams, point & shoots, my phone, film rangefinders, slrs and point & shoots, disposable cameras, primes, zooms, etc. Being put in a box and putting yourself in one leads to stagnation, lack of creativity and removes enjoyment from the art form imo and is also why I think many people put down photography as a hobby.

[@lorenschwiderski]

7:36 is good, but 7:42 great frame and shot! 8:32 nice feel and frame. In regard to reflections, it all seems overdone, as in in certain cases it works to perfection, but once overdone, or not interesting, becomes just an exercise. Fine video and info on the city. Well done.

[@Yourhighnessnona]

Beautiful. When it comes to your "street" videography, do you think you use the same principles as with photography? How do you feel they differ from each other? I love to learn more about your philosophy on videography because I love to watch your work in motion. PS: Shoutout to a helpful, creative dad! :)

[@user-iv2mz5fj6o]

Hi Faizan! First of all, thank you for your content, its always very inspiring 🎉 I have a question, why you always use mechanical shutter? Cause in this condition (natural light) is no strobing at all.

[@thebiblioholic]

Ordered the Istanbul zine from Blurb.

[@NachoDCBVlogs]

What a great video. One question: what kind of lens did you use for this street session? 50mm 35mm 23mm? Greetings and thank you. ❤

[@ahmedadly6929]

I am a Fan of your work, wanted to ask are Physical copies of your Journals available in EU?

[@JR-we8le]

Thx man

[@garywilson2926]

How good was the old posters. Definitely wall hangers.

[@kylosroom]

this video is beautiful.

[@byleosanches]

Awesome video. Which is your preferred street journal yet? I will buy one for sure

[@FaizalWestcott]

I would say Morocco, but they're all great (definitely not biased)

[@cbr_n]

FYI, Paris not being this extremely clean and romantic city is called the 'Paris Syndrome' and is especially common amongst Japanese tourists

[@chrisgawatphoto]

Your would be amazing large prints. It deserves to be in museums next to master artists.

[@ernestthomas9406]

well, after seeing your video I call myself a urban photographer, because I don't live a rural or suburban setting & I photograph in cities!

[@bestoftheshit]

Great video and photo as usual! Recently I fell in love with shooting Black and white on my X100T, there’s something about the simplicity and lack of distraction in b&w, you really inspire me to shoot in different and creative ways! Thank u!

[@robertwrightphoto]

A photographer I used to work for would take copies of her books on her assignments to gain introduction, access, etc. Also as an appreciative gift to a location or person that had been generous with their support for her project. You could bring your journals also in the same way, I am sure people would open doors seeing what you are doing and the quality of the work.

[@FaizalWestcott]

that's some very nice advice, thank you for sharing!

[@memocho6935]

Hi Faizal, thank you for the great video. I have watched almost every video of yours. I know this might not relate to your current video, but I wanted to ask your opinion on my thoughts about getting new gear. So my apologies first. I have been pursuing photography and almost ventured into a professional path by working as a wedding/theater photographer. However, due to my timid and shy nature, I gave up on that career path and instead found joy in capturing street photography. When my professional gear was no longer available, I began my true photography journey with the X-Pro2 in 2015, which unfortunately is now near dead with a black screen. Fast-forward to now, I am faced with several important decisions to make, both in my personal life and regarding my camera gear. To refresh myself, I have decided to go on a month-long trip to Europe, giving myself the freedom to explore both video and photography and see if I want to continue on this path or not. However, I have been facing some conflicts for the past few months as the new Fuji cameras (such as the XT5 or XH2s) haven't provided the same pleasing experience as the X-Pro2, which still gives me the feeling of the film and digital, making me hesitant to move on. While I found GFX 50sII more pleasing to shoot, it lacks the expected video quality for such a remarkable camera. Now, I'm torn between whether shooting streets as part of my personal project with the GFX 50sII is a good idea, or if I should give the XT5 a try, like you do. I strongly believe that a camera should be lightweight and easy to use in everyday life. However, as I consider moving on to the next step, there are several factors that make me hesitate. I don't expect you to provide a definitive answer, but I would love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Would you separate the camera for video and photo, or find something hybrid that can compromise the quality of both sides, yet have all-in-one. I know it is not the gear but the person shooting behind, but I have not put much thought into this for too long that I thought it was best to ask advice from someone who has been actively using recent Fujis. Apologies for the long message once again, but I am truly inspired by your endurance and passion for photography. Thank you for the great content!

[@maksimbobkov3349]

bravo!

[@olgadekell]

Is the London Journal all B&W or is just the cover? 📖

[@mahdiali6732]

The zines sound interesting, but let me ask you something about black and white prints (PhotoBook or zine) using blurb. I printed a couple of them (black and white) and found that all the images are tinted with green color.. have you faced this issue? If yes, how did you go about it?

[@MikeChudley]

Some really nice images in here man! Great work.

[@gustavostone9295]

very romantic，that is what life it is

[@salmasabhira]

i aspire to be as creative as you

[@lizcombes4978]

What are you shooting with in this video please?

[@denislaroche3957]

I used to live in the 5th in the early 90's (fer a moulin street) nice memories and I agree, your are "just" a photographer, get over it people\...😊

[@TheNakedPhotographer2023]

3:27 I too abhor the term “street photography” - i say that I’m a documentarian.

[@jeffp1519]

In your last video you were working from your apartment and had a couple of external drives connected to you Mac. I’m curious how you’re using those. Are they purely for backup purposes? Do you store your images on them and work from them? Use them as a go-between to transfer images between computers? What’s your process? Cheers.

[@FaizalWestcott]

I have a 4tb SSD for photos and another for video, I back them up to other drives, cloud, and NAS system. I could make a video on this topic more in-depth!

[@jeffp1519]

@@FaizalWestcott, thanks for the response. I’ve always bought the largest hard drive that I can afford when I’ve bought computers over the years. However, it’s recently been suggested to go with a smaller drive and use external SSDs, as they’re cheaper and portable, so I was curious how you were using yours. I have decades of images stored on my DAS and NAS connected to my desktop Mac Studio, and generally like to have the last few years of images with me on my MacBook Pro, so that I can grab photos as needed. Especially since I rarely find the time to process all of the images from an outing/trip/vacation.

[@Ranger629]

Were you shooting with a 35mm lens? Or a 50mm lens?

[@FaizalWestcott]

In the POV segment it was the XF35mm f/2

[@QR1983]

I agree with a lot of what you said, "Street Photography" is a very broad, yet also very narrow genre. Strictly speaking, a lot of the photos you make wouldn't be allowed on the Reddit Street Photography sub, because they think they have the rights to say what is and isn't street photography. I much prefer, as you say, for it all to be called art, and judged on its merits that way.