STREET PHOTOGRAPHY COMPOSITION - how Gestalt theory can help improve your compositions

[@TCizauskas]

Excellent advice, as always (but distorted sound quality).

[@gurindiadventures3810]

Yeah what was up with that sound??

[@erdejo01]

Yes, that's horrible! The first thing they teach you when doing video is to get the audio right! Bad audio is even worse than bad video! Something to look into...

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, I’m aware of the audio issue on this one. Problem now resolved for next video :-)

[@elementalview1]

I just ordered "52 Assignments" from Amazon. I can't wait to go through it and start a Project. Thanks, Brian.

[@davidwoods80]

I believe most experienced people have these theories in our street photography bag of tricks, but we haven't bothered with placing academic labels on them. A good technique, and the one I see violated daily on-line, and on KZbin, is asking yourself "So what?" before taking a photo. If you can't explain to yourself what makes the scene interesting, you don't have a photo worth taking.

[@Frekeman]

Do your ”so what?” due diligence at home when deciding which small amount of your photos taken during a day of shooting actually work. And which are worth publishing. If you think too much before taking a photo you’d miss quite a few good ones potentially. Let experience and gut instinct guide you instead.

[@davidwoods80]

@@Frekeman I agree; it's experience and gut instinct that lead me to the 'so what' decision. There's no time for great debate in street photography, and sometimes discoveries are made in editing that one consciously didn't 'see' when taking the photo, but your gut told you to press the shutter button. Having come from film, I'm a bit more conservative and don't machine gun a scene at 20 fps either. Maybe I miss the moment, but it's my art and yours may differ! Cheers.

[@StreetSnappers]

I agree - the ‘so what.’ Test is a good one and sadly rarely applied.

[@nikhilbrahma4134]

A NICE VDO WHICH DEPICTS A COMPLICATED THEORY IN A SIMPLE WAY-- I LIKE IT. THANK YOU SIR.

[@gkexposure4101]

One of the best street photography videos you will ever watch. Very informative regardless of your experience level.

[@StreetSnappers]

Wow - kind words - thank you!!

[@Philippp]

9:08 The identical looking VWs in the background are the cherry on top!

[@silvestersze9968]

Thank you for creating this video. It inspires me a lot! 🎉

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks - glad you like it!

[@foxdenham]

Good approach. No matter how intense the street environment we should ALWAYS consider composition but, rather than it being an analytical approach, it can be an intuitive thing. And intuition like everything else, ‘intuition composition’ can be learned, honed and applied.

[@GreenpetesWorld]

Thanks Brian, that's useful and interesting stuff. As a German speaker, the word "Gestalt" translates to the English word: "Shape". In photography, one supposes it could mean character and structure, and definite arrangement. Thanks for bringing this up anyway.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the translation - I didn’t realise that!

[@GreenpetesWorld]

@@StreetSnappers You're welcome. Didn't worry about the sound and nobody's perfect.

[@theodorapriska9860]

The 13 minutes spent with you have been more helpful than the hours/dollars I've spent in street photography classes. I'm off to buy your book!

[@StreetSnappers]

Wow - thank you for the kind words! :-)

[@mrcodhead67]

Splendid information, advice & tips. Gestalt!

[@juancarlosguzman2827]

Wow very important topic, thank you for sharing very helpful video I was just using rule of thirds and leading lines.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much much - lots more to come in 2025!

[@thomasclark631]

Excellent episode. Looking forward to your podcast.

[@tomlavin1603]

Thank You. What a great explanation!

[@jonathandavy2034]

Thanks Brian, some of the things mentioned I am familiar with, others were new to me. I have never heard of Gestalt theory though. I think this is an extremely useful video and is worth more investigation. I really like the use of practical examples to demonstrate a technique. It makes it so much clearer to understand. Thanks again!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Jonathan - best of luck with your street shooting!

[@pegasus912]

Very useful information, thank you!

[@johnspicer-ladyinred]

Thank you for this it helped a lot with my Street Images 👍

[@BGTuyau]

An excellent introduction to some of the key perceptual elements of street photography, clearly articulated, with good examples. But, yes, muffled sound.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the feedback :-)

[@tamarriabukha]

Thank you Brian. This video was helpful for me as a beginner and hobbyist photographer.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Tamar - I’m glad it was useful for you :-)

[@eduardosiquiercortes7574]

Thanks! This is one of the more interesting videos about photography that I've seen in many time.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much, Eduardo! :-)

[@alexanderberg569]

Great Lesson, thank u so much!

[@stevepuddifoot8117]

I saw you on the Southbank today, but you were talking to a group, would have come and said hello, but didn't want to interrupt. I was the guy that nodded, if you recall...

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Steve, yes I remember seeing you. Please do stop me and say hi next time! Hope you had a good day with your camera yesterday - perfect day for it!

[@brianpalmer9217]

Great vid, I have been looking for ways to cleanup the clutter in my street photography. Great tips and starting points!!

[@JohnChubbSr]

These tips are utterly fascinating! They are ideas that make really good sense!!! Thank you, Brian.

[@shyamalganguly3598]

Gestalt theory is newest term to me! I'm indebted to you knowing about what composition means by this theory! But what it means one must try them out by shooting loads of photos trying to incorporate the rules in the pictures and it becomes a second nature taking them while shooting and it comes subconsciously and automatically to whatever picture the practised person tries! This probably the reason Henry Cartier Bresson said: your first thousand pictures are failures! The truth lies hidden in the statement which says what it means to keep your passion going with the same intensity even after one has been shot a thousand failed shots and if it's true for someone he has learnt the basics and composition during the time developing the sense, keen eye, nimble speed of reaction time to a situation, a cosy relationship with the equipment one has become familiar with, and a knowledge of lighting conditions which change in a split second giving a whole different look of a picture! All of these happens, or precisely the photographer makes it so in just one shot, but still it may subject to failure with a high probability! Taking successful photograph is always so eludingly dejecting and now we understand what makes photographers of the likes of being famous!

[@peterjoseph3839]

Thanks Brian! Really interesting. I will try to adapt the theory in my street photography. Hope You have a great trip to Venice!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the feedback, Peter. Venice was fab as always!

[@hornheavy8463]

Very interesting! Great images and explanation - thank you.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching :-)

[@timhazen1180]

As always, succinct and very helpful. Thanks!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much Tim :-)

[@jimwlouavl]

Great tips as I add street photography to my practice. Thanks for acknowledging the sound issues. I’m sure it was helpful to receive the more constructive comments

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for your comment, Jim - much appreciated :-)

[@philt_uk]

Great video as always Brian. 👏🏻 I’m going to use this next time I review my potential 'bangers'!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the feedback as always :-))

[@shishifat]

Mind blowing lesson. Opens up my eyes to new possibilities.

[@Schoolofshots1]

Another great video with tips and examples. It’s tough putting these tips into practice on the streets when things change so fast, but that’s where shooting often and always helps to get the reps in!

[@theodorapriska9860]

Actually, having watched this video, and actively working to put these principles into action, will soon make them like muscle memory. Truly... they are all about how you see images.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much for the feedback :-)

[@AristeidisSfakianos]

This is brilliant! I didn't realise how many of these I was already using and how many I was ignoring. I think practising each one of them and some in combination can definetely improve your photography and give a unique image. I hope you don't mind if, inspired by your video, I make one in my channel discussing the Gestalt laws from my perspective? Thanks a lot for your great video!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the feedback and good luck with your own video :-)

[@ginotarabotto]

Superb video!

[@kcajay]

👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍👍very nice Talking likes your videos Sir❤❤

[@tobywoolgar9517]

Thanks alot👍 i do street with film i do get a bit excited 😁 and don't slow down enough . This will help me be a bit less reactive out there 👍

[@westwood2960]

excellent 👍👍. thank

[@joelk8228]

Great show Brian. Always interesting and thought provoking! I can't wait for your next show and expertise ! Joel - Boise, Idaho

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much for the feedback Joel :-)

[@ChetanDodwad]

Fantastic tips. Thank you so much

[@1957PLATO]

Great theory that I somehow am putting into practice by instinct or by sublimation

[@frankfavale3872]

I enjoyed your recommendations. I will try them next time out.

[@martinhendry]

Thanks Brian!!

[@jcochran7196]

Very helpful Thank you.

[@Sapphire61]

Really interesting avenue to approach composition. Lots to thing on. Unfortunate about the distored sound.

[@beatescheffler139]

Thank you very much for this video! I enjoy your hints. They help me to concentrate when taking photos . Unfortunately I often feel beeing in a hurry when I take street photos. Must learn to keep calm and not thinking what people are thinking about me. Is there a seminar with you in Germany in 2022 or 2023?

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for your feedback, Beate. I have no workshops in Germany planned this year but would love to do one in Berlin in 2023.

[@iaincphotography6051]

Well explained Brian, a hell of a lot easier when you give examples rather than diagrams. Mind you I can't help but wonder how the great JMW Turner managed without the Gestalt Theory?

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Iain. Good point about Turner :-))

[@EdwardBartel]

Fantastic content - well worth trying to tune out the poor sound quality and slight focus breathing happening in the blurred out background. The content is still well worth a thumbs up and multiple viewings to absorb the principles taught here.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the feedback, Edward. Yes, I’m aware of the audio issue on this one. Problem now resolved for next video :-)

[@gr2159]

Great job and I enjoyed the photos. I wish you could use a pen or drawing pad to highlight details is the photos of better representation.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you. Good idea and I’ll give it some thought :-)

[@hudhudtv4155]

Great advice! 👍😍

[@carmenfissenden2530]

Excellent tabloid of ideas

[@tricamel]

Excellent information, I had never heard of Gestalt before so thank you. I'm sure many have mentioned that your autofocus is not behaving, but just in case 😀, and you may have had a bit of an audio issue. Article was still fascinating though 👏

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Paul - sorry for the AF and audio issues with this one - both now sorted!

[@thomastuorto9929]

Good stuff.

[@elliottg.1954]

It's true what Brian says - try it on people and you'll see. This video has revealed perhaps what attracts people to photographs; it's subtle psychology. Other things they like to see in landscape photos is a main object, context, and everything in focus. It may be that people instinctively like to see what they'd get with the human eye in landscapes.

[@oy3ah2025]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 -OY3AH!

[@rogerwalton8160]

Gestalt theory - takes me back to my college days in the 1960s.

[@oldad73]

Excellent content. However, in addition to the audio quality (which didn't worry me too much) I found the focus hunting of the video camera really distracting. Only your eyes were truly in focus and even then not all the time. Perhaps the aperture was too wide giving a too short DoF.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the feedback, David. You’ll be pleased to know I’ve invested in a new mic and I think I’m now on top of the focus situation. I hope the next video will be technically more accomplished!!

[@cozymonk]

Like the video and the format. Your audio is very much clipped in this video, though.

[@KenRuan]

Lovely. One suggestion: Fix your audio - it is peaking/clipping/mic too hot - either device or post issue

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I’m aware of the audio issue on this one. Problem now resolved for next video :-)

[@weisserth]

The content is great, but it’s really tough to suffer through the horrible audio quality of the video. I think it’s worth the effort to fix the audio and re-upload.

[@dda.visuals]

yes!! iZotope RX and voilà

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, I’m aware of the audio issue on this one. Problem now resolved for next video :-)

[@joetrent4753]

I prefer a lot of the time to find a good scene and wait for interesting people entering the frame to provide me with a good shot opportunity so I usually have the time to think about the composition.

[@Pik871229]

I believe practice makes perfect, you will have the sense therefore react quickly figure out the subject and shoot That's how I made it

[@italogiardina8183]

It seems whatever a smart snapper can do, a wised-up snapper could hopefully do profoundly.

[@Wordchipper]

Sometime, do a video on "permissions" if you shoot recognizable people. What's the proper procedure to avoid legal problems.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks - good idea - I’ll make a video about this soon.

[@markusklein6309]

I admire how you correctly pronounce „Gestalt“.

[@StreetSnappers]

Haha, thank you Marcus. It is the only German work I know !!

[@silvestersze9968]

In the video, you stated: “it’s probably lacking some basic gestalt principles” … do you mean the photographer (photograph itself) or the viewer?

[@StreetSnappers]

The photographer - we can incorporate some of these principles at the picture taking stage.

[@silvestersze9968]

@@StreetSnappers Thx!

[@Ch0obyHD]

Thank you so much 🦾

[@colinwaylett9122]

Very interesting video, thanks.

[@mrlingzf]

Good at discovering beauty in life. However, many people can't say what beauty is. In fact, beauty is premised on time and space conditions, and the standard of beauty is constantly changing with the development of society. Stillness is beautiful, and movement is beautiful. Color is beautiful, and black and white is also beautiful. But no matter how these evaluation criteria change, how time and space change, the only constant bearing and reflection of beauty is the feeling of the soul. External beauty is always felt with inner joy, admiration, and comfort. It cannot be called beauty if one feels unpleasant, unfamiliar, uncomfortable. Therefore, beauty, pays more attention to the inner feeling, not just the outer form. However, the inner feeling is inseparable from the outer form, the inner and the outer, the yin and yang are mutually rooted, and neither is indispensable. Therefore, while we are pursuing beauty, we must improve not only the external form, but also the inner feeling. Aesthetic workers must not only practice their skills, but also cultivate their own minds, and finally achieve a high degree of harmony between internal and external, and create unparalleled aesthetic masterpieces for people.

[@asmundma]

Therese is a big problem ,with your sound. Too much reverberation, the mic is maybe too long from your mouth.

[@IanWheldale]

New microphone needed methinks. Sounds like distorted sound via a drainpipe.

[@pixelpixel5376]

Anyone else have issues with the sound ????

[@whateverm8t]

👌

[@EricMichaelMehl]

Audio is a little off on this video boss .

[@masjienistje]

Good video but the sound is really clipped

[@thehowlingterror]

Pity about the sound

[@Chiefmismaker]

Brian! The sound is terrible on this!

[@BeauvanHout]

Great content, but this audio is reeealy bad….

[@amosk24]

Ugh can't watch. Please fix audio

[@johnadams3038]

You sound like a voice from a propaganda radio.. :D

[@stuarttracey2009]

Awful audio

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, I’m aware of the audio issue on this one. Problem now resolved for next video :-)

[@videoforbusinessmarketing6566]

Terrible audio!!!!!!!

[@rcchronicles25]

That was excellent advice, thank you