A Simple Way to Capture Complex Street Photos

[@ivunchow]

If you got questions or have any orher topic you want me to cover, let me know in the comments!

[@RS-Amsterdam]

I have no questions, just enjoying your videos and your way of shooting. Thanks for sharing.

[@AlexOnStreets]

Something color related! Color matching? Finding color? Working a scene based off color? Also lighting. Finding good light. The importance of light. 🤌🤌

[@szajbsonbm4506]

@@AlexOnStreets Yes please

[@brunoenigmamcmxc]

So much quality in your videos, they’re very inspiring and a pleasure to watch! 🙏

[@iancxxx]

Are you located in Toronto? Would you consider organizing a street photography meetup?

[@simonbarnes7124]

I think we are witnessing one of the iconic photographers of our time in Ivan Chow. Why, because his insight and attention to his craft is unparalleled from most street photographers today. I’ve been a professional since 1993 so I feel qualified to make such a bold statement. He has a special gift that most photographers lack. His photo of the plant in the window I knew was not accidental. It is a truly remarkable image. I noticed the shadow mimicking the shape of a face the first time I saw the photo in a previous video. My favourite street photographer is Trent Parke and his work is a world away from virtually all you tubers shooting street. Thanks Ivan, it was a pleasure as always watching you at work.

[@ivunchow]

One of the nicest comments I’ve ever received here, thank you!

[@DarrylHebbes]

Check out Jeremy Paige too

[@simonbarnes7124]

@@DarrylHebbes I’ve seen his work. It’s very good.

[@meditationdaily1129]

Agree also the colors green and red, such a chance!! If she didnt wore green I’d sure have photoshopped the dress.. Ivan is amazing indeed

[@Anothonysmith-ti7xp]

I completely agree.

[@TheWutangclan1995]

I use to think that walking around and gung hoing my area was the only way to achieve these types of results. This breakdown was really simple and made me realize I can just be still and observant, without having to run around.

[@AlexOnStreets]

Boom! The video youtube desperately needed. A "controllable" element in the frame mixed with un-controllables or as I call it, a 'static' element mixed with 'kinetic' elements is the basis for every workable scene. Patience, Focus and Luck! Amazing things can happen. Focal length also plays such a large role.. for a month or so every year I try to get back into 50mm but in condensed cities like Tokyo, 50mm is actually really difficult to layer and I often can't even finish a roll. I revert asking for street portraits, shooting random reflections that never turn out and boring city scapes any tourist would take. Once I have a 35mm on and especially 28 or even 21.. I feel I can breath again. Like suddenly I can use my eyes naturally and take photos of what I see, not what I have to force into frame. I actually think a lot of people struggle with layering because they are using the wrong focal length for the area they are in. Not saying you can't make any lens work but a lot of people are too stubborn or scared to challenge themselves when the opportunity is right in front of them. Or even literally, standing next to them. Anyways, I loved how you were able to visualize this concept and execute it so seemingly easy. But we both know it took so long to make. I don't know how you do it. If I had to make this id probably get carpel tunnel before getting a chance to click export.

[@artivism4068]

great comment thank you

[@AlexOnStreets]

@@littlebluepages Sure! But not as much as I say, "Damn I love the fact I moved to Leica M10, shot it for 2 years and still made a profit off the initial purchase after selling" Now I made multiple other camera and lens purchases with that profit. In the end though this camera stuff is all about what fits your shooting style. So it only matters to the individual. I can't say I recommend any system over another without literally knowing everything about someone. That's why I don't make those gear related videos anymore.

[@ivunchow]

Appreciate man 🙏🏻 I was gonna get into focal lengths in this one but that would’ve made it into a 30min video 😂 That point about using the correct focal length for your area is everything. 28 is always gonna be my go to, but here in Toronto, a 35 or 50 makes more sense.

[@artivism4068]

@@ivunchow what do u think the right focal length would be in nyc? why a 35 or 50 for Toronto??

[@juleejensen]

@@AlexOnStreets Do you make any videos anymore?!?!😂🤪🫢

[@artivism4068]

This was one of the best street photography videos ive ever seen!

[@ivunchow]

Thanks man!

I wish, that more people would talk about their work in the same way. Very helpful.

[@ElusiveFrame]

This style shooting is so different from what I am used to. In a world where everyone is in a rush we just need to slow down and be more thoughtful of our photography. 😀

[@jordhon]

this man is burning film negatives for us!!!! cmon!!!!!! (amazing video ivan)

[@ivunchow]

😂

[@kendrickjenkins96]

This is quite easily the best tutorial on how to actually compose images that i’ve come across. No hard rules or anything, but a legitimate process of creative composing.

[@johncbourne7862]

Thankyou. Without a doubt the best, most rewarding and sensitive insights into street photography I have seen on KZbin. Definitely a keeper.

[@JayRegular]

wished this video existed when I first started out photography. having an understanding of the technique doesn't make it easier to capture a shot on the street, but it does help tune the mind to identify when a scene works, and in turn you can build upon the scene with extra elements. Great work as always man!

[@erwinflohr9704]

I agree fully, thnx for sharing

[@iainmacdonald7034]

I enjoyed this, Ivan - thank you. At the end you said it's all about luck. There's a saying that goes something like: Luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparedness. So let's be sure we're properly prepared.

[@fraserlee_film]

Considering how slow paced this video was, it completely flew by. Great job

[@thehishamahmad]

I love layering and have been implementing this techniques since 2016. My main inspiration is Alex Webb

[@paulmckenzie8776]

One of the best photo education videos of all time. Great that the images are mainly from my home town.

[@Charlie_YS]

Many times I was discouraged, but your advice and words help me a lot. Ivan, thank you very much. I found this treasure of a channel on youtube, thanks again for your videos. Greetings from Peru..

[@MelbourneOldFashioned]

My street photography at first was based off what I’d seen on other shooters videos…every day life, no real story. No tension, no layers. I learned from a fellow unit stills mentor (I shoot on film sets) that I needed to be patient. I was in such a rush to capture everything that I captured nothing. This video explains perfectly what I aim for in my photos. I’m still not quite where I want to be but I’m getting there. Thank you Ivan for this wonderful video

[@lars69lp]

These are the best 18 minutes i've spend on KZbin for a long, long time 😁🙏 Thank you so much 🙂 Even if i'm not able to make enough time for my passion (street-)photography in my life right now, i'm trying to add layers to the pictures i take of my little kids and my family in general. You helped me a lot with this Video!

[@jenloraine9993]

I’m glad that I steep in your video. You explain so calmly and also de music. You won me 🧡

[@ryanblackburn892]

Wow! Probably the single best street photography tutorial I’ve stumbled across! Thank you for giving up an in depth look of your process and how to step by step guide to start and progress.

[@OceansVideo]

The first 4:45 min were literally mesmerizing. Thank you so much for this little pearl of peace in a stressful world.

[@_H_2023]

I feel like I've watched hundreds of videos on street photography (slightly exaggerated) but a lot and I can honestly say this video was beautifully crafted & paced with detail throughout, thank you this stood high above the usual street videos on KZbin. Thank you.

[@stevenml5748]

Thank you. So great. So helpful.

[@edovephotos]

A very helpful lesson with some excellent suggestions for technique and approach. I also benefited from your explanation about layering supported by examples. The pace and organization of the lesson is just right for me. I do not agree with the last thing you said - "at the end of the day it's really only about luck." Luck helps and is sometimes a main reason for getting a strong street photo, but I don't think it is really ONLY about luck. In your video, you carefully and convincingly show that a strong street photo also requires finding your first layer, grabbing hold of anything that you can control, etc.

[@victortondee3084]

Your video is an art piece on its own!

[@marc.s.moisan]

This was really helpful! Thanks man

[@jklphoto]

Some stellar images here Ivan. Your hard work was rewarded. Love "boy spinning blue ball". Classic. Coming up, I was taught to compose looking for Foreground, Middleground and Background. You deserve far more followers!

[@ivunchow]

Thanks JK 🙏🏻

[@ka_sh_iif]

Thanks! I’ve struggled with the concept of layering and would stare at the pages of photo books wondering, how!? You laid this concept out in a way I really could wrap my head around. I always appreciate your content man. 💯

[@ivunchow]

Wow thanks Kashif! I appreciate the support 🙏🏻

[@GiantEvertonian]

Agree 100%

[@Yves216]

Struggling already for a while to create interesting layered pictures and glad to have found your video. Love how you broke down the process to get started. Thank you.🎉

[@ohjajohh]

17+ minutes of goodness! Nice video, I really feel like I learned something new

[@M123OCT]

Thought-provoking, but also a beautifully-made video in itself.

[@tims8305]

Superb! Love your calm commentary in our shouty world. Thanks.

[@macallanvintage]

Dear Lord Mother of Christ😹 This is the 1st time I actually ADMIRE a KZbin photographer’s street photography shots. And I hv been doing street photography since 1985.

[@justm720]

I really appreciate your attention to your craft. You've inspired me and am now excited what the future holds ^_^ Thank you.

[@ritchieman83]

Ivan I’m from Australia and my godfather is in Hong Kong thank you for sharing this incite and perspective of what is happening in this city and what the future may hold.. god bless more people need to be aware a whole culture will be lost

[@adriantsing]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@jdstrobist]

Another beautiful colourful video from you Ivan I really enjoyed watching this cinematic video and I especially like the photograph at approximately 4:11 into film. I now have a greater insight into layering photographs-thank you. 😎✌️

[@BadSloucher]

I'm starting out in street photography and found this video today; it's a gentle encouragement for me. Thank you for taking the time to make it 👏🏻

[@stansabev]

Exellent material. About the last word, “luck”, nobody will get lucky in this wideout having a camera and be willing and able to pay attention and wait.

[@Anothonysmith-ti7xp]

What a wonderful honest POV and really calm and insightful.

[@vytran4448]

Thank you for your sharing knowledge. From 9:14 to 9:27 this scene is very priceable .Very poetic and gentle . Good to see Falun Dafa spread to the world

[@thecandidframe]

A wonderful primer on layered compositions. I appreciate the work you put into this.

[@omara4307]

Bro, you broke down everything so perfectly!

[@Coferul]

Thank you for wishing me good luck; I'll make sure it turns out that way. For years, I've been wandering the streets, seeing stories through my eyes. I try to put them in order. I try... Things in my life aren't very stable, but I'm working towards that.

[@pierrepauwels8966]

This is one of the best video I've seen about layering and about Street photography in general. Thank you for sharing this. High quality content and beautiful work indeed!

[@ivunchow]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@carolinezaramati9193]

Great channel Ivan , like your work! Thanks for simplifying this complex issue of layering!

[@rd.gerdes]

Your shooting style/philosophy is refreshing and fascinating, as are your images. This is a unique video and I am so glad I watched it. Not only are your photos thoughtfully created and beautiful, your skill at creating an outstanding video are awesome. I especially liked when you isolated examples of layers. New subscriber, IG follower here. Thanks for sharing your work!

[@peterhirzel]

"I have a really low success rate and I am stubborn", love that and share that secret too🤗

[@josep6673]

Thank you very much for your photos and your video with that smooth rhythm. It's been years since I discovered an artist who made me enjoy their work so much. Congratulations.

[@clintwoosley9512]

Really helpful presentation. Your examples are excellent. Thanks for doing this work.

[@shotsbymrslow]

Thank you for this gem, not only it's very inspiring, but thought provoking aswell.

[@willylizarraga8006]

As usual, and you're consistent here, Ivan, well thought through, elegantly edited and above all wise. Thank you for bringing a modicum of reflexion to an art form that tends to be too smart, fast and gear oriented for its own good.

[@stuartcarden1371]

A genuinely helpful video. A rarity on photography youtube (more than just gear reviews) - Thank you!

[@peterronchetti1736]

Wow, this is the best advice / tutorial video I've seen for ages, great inspiration for my next trip to Guadalajara, or anywhere!

[@OhSnapDanny]

This is the first video i come acroess of yours. It was so well thought out from beginning to end. Thank you for letting us see the world through your eyes

[@steven72853]

Just ran across your channel a month or so ago...I really enjoy (and learn) from the videos you produce. Thanks so much!!

[@nymmit]

Thanks for sharing and introducing into street photography. Nice video and calm advise.. 👍

[@MyfriendscallmeAdi]

Thank you. This was a joy to watch and very helpful! Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@gladzor]

Your thoughtful and insightful videos are always an inspiration, Ivan. You bring out the poetry that very few are capable of seeing, let alone producing, in 'street photography', as evidenced in your stills and in your videography. That's a rare gift, and thank you for sharing it with us.

[@ivunchow]

🙏🏻 thank you!

[@AManWhoWasntThere]

Fantastic work! And very well thought out advice. Thank you for sharing!

[@daveincork]

Thanks for all the great videos Ivan, it's nice to be able to give you something small back to say we appreciate it!

[@ivunchow]

Too kind man, thank you!

[@allendrexel7622]

Another fantastic tutorial, Ivan. And your work here is gorgeous!

[@DavidEvenson]

I love your work, and your videos are always super insightful. Setting yourself up in advance for some of these shots makes so much sense. Reducing complexity is always a good thing.

[@ivunchow]

Thank you!

[@stevekingswell9143]

Great piece of cinematography along with a valuable set of lessons - really rather good! I do like your laid back style too.

[@EricAdeleye]

This video was outstanding. Thank you for sharing this.

[@rd.gerdes]

Thanks!

[@gally.streetphotography]

What a fantastic video. So much value here and so many great captures 👏👏👏

[@PrincessUnicornSprinkles]

I have a big old nikon d80. How do people react? They jump out of the way lol :(

[@bubbachua]

thanks for sharing what a beautiful and inspiring video

[@StanleyKubick1]

you have some really nice photos displayed and great cinematography overall

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Just gotta say man, your photography and your KZbin content is top notch. I’ve learned a lot from your channel and it’s a source of inspiration to me which has also helped me a lot to start my own channel and grow it slowly. Keep it up man! 🙏🏻

[@ivunchow]

Thank you and good luck with the channel 💪🏻

[@drunkinChina]

just the kind of top notch images and advice I expected to get from an Ivan chow video 🔥🔥🔥

[@ivunchow]

Appreciate it 🙏🏻

[@frankthetank9513]

This was great. Amazing work. It felt meditative.

[@paullafleur6112]

Very valuable reflections. Thank you

[@tirameyhey1845]

I really like your video and style. Got so much out of it as a beginner. And it’s so comforting you take time to explain things! It gives me the time to get into it and capture what you mean. Fully finished sentences and proper endings to videos are getting rare in tiktok times! So thank you for going against the tide and keep up your great work!

[@dbugatto]

Another gem of a vid , nicely done.

[@ivunchow]

🙏🏻

[@hmuz8388]

Maaan your use of color is just…ummm 👌🏻

[@ivunchow]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Preeno]

This is next level street photography IMO. You’re a fantastic photographer and I thank you for explaining the process.

[@ivunchow]

Thanks!

[@aevai]

This video and these photos are stunning!

[@AArtinartt]

Wonderful video….layer photography is new to me or how to compose it, is. Thank you, your work is amazing.

[@gcosio]

Wow. One of best photog videos I’ve seen! Thx!

[@ivunchow]

Thanks!

[@marcpilon4585]

Luv it. The Independent Photography street Photographers Contest: most winning pictures are Layers. I just found my way

[@jacobthomson9369]

Thank you for an enlightening point of view.

[@EdmondStreetzz]

Great Video Ivan as always

[@rogertebb1997]

Thank you so much for this. It is a beautiful inspiration and a great encouragement.

[@TomFreer87]

Incredibly insightful.

[@tommorgan6771]

This is great and insightful work, thank you

[@Tedytie]

what camera ur useing for video shooting bro?

[@BryanBrock_]

Love this! Great work Ivan.

[@ivunchow]

Thanks man 🙏🏻

[@ezekielkok1848]

Awesome video bro! Thank you for sharing your thought process. It really makes my street photos look like snapshots only. I love your photos here. Especially the workers and that yellow paint you walk by everyday. Thank you for teaching me how I can improve my own photography. God bless!

[@mr_cramberry]

Wonderful photos!

[@henrrryy]

Great guide with step by step breakdown!

[@gharrop1]

This is an outstanding, thought provoking video. I have been thinking about layers and how most of the greatest photos I admire have them, for some time, but have not properly worked out how to even begin to try to create potential scenes rather than hope, very occasionally, for a moment of pure chance and luck. I think and hope your clear demonstrations here are gong to completely transform my approach to street photography. Thank you for sharing your advice.

[@DebiSenGupta]

Very good explanation. Thank you

[@StevenLawson]

Really excellent video this Ivan, with structured, meaningful advice and detailed breakdowns of scenes. It made me realise that I've always been more instinctive about street photography and that there's great value in a more thoughtful, structured approach, so thank you. Also, some really fantastic images among your collection.

[@ivunchow]

There’s not correct way to go about it. Just find one that works for you 💪🏻

[@winedemonium]

Great video and a very helpful class Ivan, thank you.

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Great shots and advise!

[@bernardlesperance742]

One of your best, if not your best.

[@shereemaebalangue1296]

Another amazing and insightful video Ivan. Well done. Such a fan of your work and story telling.

[@ivunchow]

Thank you!

[@GiantEvertonian]

I'm starting to introduce the art of layering to my work just to keep things interesting. I found this video very useful and a great foundation to build on. Thank you for putting it together, Ivan. Cheers, John St ps Some quality images there too mate 👌👊🙌