Tony Ray-Jones' Approach to Street Photography

[@robertoposa1120]

He was very right - 90% of the so called street pictures are boring pictures but all of his points are very important for any kind of photography - love this little note

[@robinchun1]

'the more years I shoot, the fewer images I take' ... I love that!

[@robertocollo2890]

Fewer and better

[@StreetSnappers]

Haha - I'll soon be taking no pictures at all :-))

[@gstefanos2792]

What a joy every time I discover a master in street photography! And Tony Ray-Jones was one of the greatest.

[@StreetSnappers]

Indeed! Thanks for the feedback :-)

[@andreeadobre3190]

About "be more agressive" - I remember in film school professors always told us don't ever come with a shot in a film or a photo that could have been better if you moved more to the left or closer and say well, it was not allowed to go there, that's the best I could do. The point was talk to people, be open about what you do and learn how to be diplomatic and friendly to get what you want. That's what this rule of his made me think of, especially with documentary photography. But being self critical and setting high standards for yourself is a great interpretation as well. I agree with what you say about "boring pictures", there is so much out there that doesn't say anything interesting. But it makes me wonder, maybe they are boring to us today, but I can imagine people in the future looking at such pictures as historical documents about what life was like once upon a time. I enjoyed this video a lot, also the one on Saul Leiter, hope you make more videos about great photographers' legacy and what we can learn from them. Anyway, I wish you and your family wonderful holidays!

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Andreea - great response, especially the first paragraph (perfect advice). Thanks for your feedback and support and a Happy New Year!

[@suhaken]

I've been a street photographer since I saw the book "A Day Off" in 81 and now I'm 61 years old, I can still say that street photography is one of the most difficult genres of photography.

[@giuseppebertolini6705]

I think the “no middle distance” suggests to either get very close to the subject(s) or to try and include more of the surroundings to maybe add more relationships and layers to the image. Thanks a lot for these videos I’ve just recently discovered your channel but I’m genuinely loving every single video I see :)

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Giuseppe, thanks so much for the feedback - much appreciated. I think you are right about 'no middle distance'!

[@AckermannHans]

This is most useful MANIFESTO for all documentary or street photographers. Thanks indeed.

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, manifesto is a great word for it - thanks!!

[@MassiveBenny]

Loved this, especially when I noticed the shot at 1:46 is the Royal Pavilion at Ramsgate Main , now a Wetherspoons. Martin Parr shot a similar photo there years later in vibrant colours. Now I think maybe I should hang there! Excellent video Brian!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much for the feedback. I didn’t realise that was Ramsgate :-)

[@beatescheffler139]

Thank you very much for showing us this historical source. Each time I watch you on YT there is minimum one idea or hint I take with me. And I love the Masterclass Book in German😀😀

[@m.s.g1890]

Could not agree more with you on "Don't take boring pictures". I've kept that one in mind since I first heard it. Social media is crammed full of boring street photos! Photos with nothing to say, no compositional value or, really, any interest at all. I think the big problem is the Dunning-Kruger effect. I got into photography because of HCB, but take very few 'street' photos now as it's incredibly hard to find anything genuinely interesting. Cheers!

[@ogjbot]

Thank you for offering such great material and advice for free. I waste a lot of time on KZbin when I should be out shooting, however I genuinely feel time spent watching your videos is time well invested.

[@StreetSnappers]

That's too kind, thanks very much Owain! And Happy New Year!

[@myk1200s]

Hi, I just wanted to drop you a Big thank you. I came across your channel and I am really attracted To the way you put your thoughts Into getting your message out And your passion for street photography. Keep up the great work I'll be watching you from the central united States 👍🇺🇸

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi there - greetings from London - thanks so much for the feedback :-)

[@giuseppecagnetta2854]

A very interesting video. Thank you very much for introducing me to Tony Ray Jones. His lesson is extraordinary. When I see this kind of photography I remember the reasons why I like street photography. He was a great teacher. A big eye on modernity. I would like to try to give an interpretation of the last point. No middle distance reminds me of a saying in Italian: "No mezze misure!" Which means, no compromise, no hesitation, no uncertainty. The immersive photography of Tony Ray Jones is the result of his generous and total projection towards a creative gesture, which is at the same time an act of strong testimony of the world he wanted to represent and to which perhaps he belonged. Without half measures. Forgive me for my bad English ...

[@StreetSnappers]

"No mezze misure!" - wow, I love that saying!! Thanks for your insightful comment, Giusppe. You English is great, by the way :-)

[@richardaldington9047]

What a timeless list for street photography no middle distance could be get the photo you want not something close

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks, Richard. You could be right - or maybe he meant the opposite - who knows?!

[@chucksavage3712]

I think that the "no middle distance" rule meant that the main subjects should not be too far away and details in the background shouldn't be too close or competing with the main subject. I interpret it as a reminder to clearly define the subject/background relationship.

[@StreetSnappers]

Interesting . . . I think you could be right, Chuck :-)

[@Chiefmismaker]

Agree Chuck, so 1. Have a clear subject, 2. Avoid stuff close behind the subject which competes for viewers' attention (reduces simplicity) (no middle distance), 3. Have what you like in the far background. This would complement his other pointers.

[@chucksavage3712]

Thanks for sharing the work of Tony Ray Jones, I was not aware of his legacy. It reminds me David Hurn's work, which I greatly admire.

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, they had a similar approach and were from a similar era. Both sublime photographers!

[@richardowen4558]

I know that a lot of street shooters are adverse to long lenses but I used a Nikon D2H and Nikkor 18-200mm superzoom for my travel/street photography. One image that pops to mind is a shot of two women on cellphones just off Leicester Square. Shooting wide open (f5.6 @ 200mm) I composed an image of one woman on the phone leaning on a metal post that created a great diagonal line. As I watched, a second woman strolled into the background on the phone and, as it turned out, BOTH were looking at me. I would never have gotten that image without the long lens. Today, I am trying what most street shooters consider a "street" prime of a roughly 50mm ff look as I try to see differently. I am retired now and wanted to lightened the load from my professional gear. BUT I am considering getting the Fuji 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 WR for my X-Pro2 and returning to my previous shooting style.

[@JohnChubbSr]

Fantastic video with great tips and advice! I kept a lot of what you say in my mind when I went out this afternoon for my first actual Street Photography session. Most of all I realized why you say what you say a little better. A man crossed the street, and I could tell he was excited to have his picture taken. He saw me taking pictures, pretty sure. I asked him if I could take his photo, and he said please do with a big smile. He picked up his dog and they were both grinning ear to ear with there tongues sticking out! Eye contact and all, this will be one of my most memorable shots. Pretty sure he's homeless, but it felt really great to put a smile on his face.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you John! What a great story and it proves the point that if you ask people, they usually say yes. Sort of thing that makes the whole day's shooting worthwhile :-)

[@antonioshulerphotography6407]

I love street photography omg

[@StreetSnappers]

Great stuff - please stay tuned for more!

[@PeteScR]

Another great video Brian. I have had TRJs 13 points on my wall here for a while now and see them every day. The one that I echo with particularly is " don't take boring pictures ". this is particularly applicable in these digital days where each exposure is cheap. I agree we have all seen too many of images of the cafe window etc. Have a great Christmas with the family and hopefully we will meet up in the new year.

[@StreetSnappers]

Completely agree with you, Pete! Thanks for the good wishes - and the same to you - I hope lockdown doesn't interfere with the plans too much.

[@robertoposa1120]

Very interesting thank you - about the distance - either close or far away (my interpretation )

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Roberto - you could be right - thanks for the suggestion!

[@christopherrodriguez1269]

I can't believe I've never seen TRJ's work. I think I just found my new favorite photographer. Great video and thanks for sharing his approach.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, Christopher. Thanks for commenting and Happy New Year!

[@jamesanglin4417]

Well done once again! And thank you for introducing me to this photographer.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, James - thanks for your support :-)

[@mikemoir2603]

Enjoyed this,thanks Brian…Tony sure knew how to fill the frame. His notes to self is good self-discipline & a wonderful way to compose & gather together his photos for your presentation/video.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, Mike - thanks for tuning in. Helen Levitt is next in this series!

[@mikemoir2603]

@@StreetSnappers Another pioneer! Looking forward to it,thanks...

[@mbhambleton]

Thank you. This has made me THINK a bit more about what I am doing, this has got to help,

[@StreetSnappers]

Great - always a good thing, Martin :-)

[@AStudio57]

great tips, specially for us beginners... my interpretation of "no middle distance" is about not shooting at a same comfortable/distance all the time.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much Alex. I think you could be right about 'no middle distance' :-)

[@mbottambotta]

Thank you Brian for another inspiring video. I'd never heard of Tony Ray-Jones, and his list of notes do resonate with me. I'm a beginning street photographer myself, having started in June of last year after the end of the first COVID lockdown here in Prague. I forced myself onto the street with a photo camera that I purchased just for that purpose. My take on "no middle distance" is a purely personal one, that I've come to tell myself over the past month or two. I find that my shots are the most interesting when they're up close, or when they show the entire scene. Up close, they are personal and invite you in. The entire scene, they tell a story and its context, often with a strong compositional element. Whenever I take pictures that are neither up close to be personal, nor of the entire scene to tell the whole story, I invariably end up with photos that are uninteresting. That's how I interpret Tony Ray-Jones' "no middle distance".

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi there, and greetings from London! You're lucky to live in Prague - it's a great place for street photography and I run workshops there every year (my son used to live Zizkov). Good luck with your street photography :-)

[@TomFreer87]

I initially interpreted it meaning no middle distance focus zone, he’d have been shooting manual and I think it was a tip to adjust focus distance and become experimental following on from his other pointers.

[@StreetSnappers]

Interesting thought..... maybe you're right, Tom. Thanks :-)

[@DJFoucher]

I always like learning different aspects of street photography. Wonderful video... thanks 😊

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much - and Happy New Year!

[@davidhanson8833]

Very good. He was a very interesting photographer with a good approach to street photography with an eye for photojournalism. When I was starting out in the late 70s with my little Olympus OM-1, I typically shot with a 28mm Zuiko. I forced myself to get uncomfortably close to people and frame carefully to include or exclude the important elements as needed to allow me to print with minimal cropping. As I developed my own black and white film, I didn't want to waste film because I didn't bother to really see what I was taking. So much easier today to get sloppy and try to fix the images in post. Maybe what he meant by "NO MIDDLE DISTANCE" was don't take a photo are a compromise between two alternative views of a single subject in hopes to find something in the photo later. This was a great reminder to me. Going back to my early principles, next time I go out I want to compose and shoot photos where everything in the viewfinder supports an image that requires little or no cropping.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks, David. I had an OM-1 +28 at university and absolutely loved the rawness of getting so close - and it was a great way to learn about composition. And I agree with your sentiments about cropping :-)

[@chloesastry1252]

Thanks for this introduction to Tony Ray-Jones - I am researching him and his work this week and this has been a great place to start. Also a great way to keep being more conscious and mindful of what I am trying to do when taking photos.

[@StreetSnappers]

I hope you like his work, Chloe - such a great talent but such a shame he died so young :-(

[@chloesastry1252]

@@StreetSnappers Indeed. I was led to his work after looking into Martin Parr's work. A very enjoyable trail to follow.

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, it's all great work :-)

[@Yayasister57]

Thank you Brian, I certainly found that useful. I'm just getting into street photography and need all the advice and wisdom I can get!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks again - please stay tuned, there's lots more to come!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Great intro to TRJ some incredible images on display. Get closer is something I try to do often i my day job as well as personal projects. For certain subjects tho' where safety is needed, ya can't beat a long lens haha. I reckon the no middle ground could be not standing too far back with the subject matter starting in the middle ground, so basically get closer who knows tho' Great episode again cheers

[@MichaelFollan]

Great video, thank you for the analysis. Have a great festive period too.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much, Michael!

[@deejaybeephoto]

Really interesting. Thank you Brian.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, David, thanks for tuning in :-)

[@thomasclark631]

Thanks. I'll be researching his images. Happy Holidays.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Thomas, same to you :-)

[@hnguyen218]

Maybe no middle distance is shoot close up or far away but not in between 🤷‍♂️

[@andreeadobre3190]

That's how I see it too

[@StreetSnappers]

That could be the answer, Howard :-)

[@dav7955]

Would make sense ... Middle distance is kinda like eye level shots... Predictable and pedestrian.

[@gstefanos2792]

Makes perfect sense and is consistent with most of his shots.

[@baladino]

Brian, he had a background in graphic design if I’m not wrong. There is considerable irony in his images something which might have influenced Martin Parr later on. His images seem to have been framed with a 35mm. Brian, this is a good video. Thank you.

[@nightfiredance23]

Very interesting and useful video! Thank you!

[@StreetSnappers]

Prego! Thanks for commenting :-)

[@danishphoto]

Thanks, Brian for introducing me to a very clever street / documentary photographer and telling his story. It is a pity he passed away too too early. He could have become the "English Winogrand". He is a guy we all can learn from. Stunning and interesting photos keeping the late sixties in our mind. As a street photographer, we sometimes forget how important our street photos can be in 50 or 100 years, if we deliver some of our shots to the local historic museum. (In Denmark nearly every towns have one. Here local volunteers (mostly retired people) meet every week to collect local photos and stories from the past) I also wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I am always looking forward to your next video.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks again, Daniel, for your feedback and support. Happy New Year and I hope it's a good one for you!

[@wallywo7392]

Hi I have been watching the channel for some time, thanks for your hard work. Great introduction to TRJ and couldn't agree more with you regarding a philosophy on steet photography. Social media has a lot to answer for! I hope you and your family have a Happy Christmas!!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Wally! Best wishes to you, too, for Christmas and a creative and inspirational new year!

[@MrMauriziomazzoni]

Wonderful piece of advice

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you Maurizio!

[@raydunn3501]

That was Great Brian,,, and a great topic,,, a voice from the past but still relevant today,,, I love looking at old photographs and thinking what drew their eye to that scene,,, No middle distance,,, could that be interpreted as keeping everyone in focus,,, ??? or maybe cut out the space, get in closer,,, Who knows,,, ONLY TRJ has the answer to that. Great content Brian cant wait to see what you come up with next.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much much for your feedback and support, Ray - and Happy New Year!

[@arnoldplotnick8212]

Very interesting, and very helpful for a relative beginner like myself. I'd never heard of TRJ before. It's fabulous stuff. Such a shame that his life was cut short. I'm going to fashion a list of my own, as you suggested. I'm sure it'll help keep me grounded. Thanks again, and happy holidays.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks, Arnold - I'm glad it was helpful and happy that you like TRJ!

[@jaapjandevries1935]

Thanks, I love these series!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much - and Happy New Year!

[@DannerPlace]

That list is great!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you Dan!

[@eat-the-rude4156]

I'd interpret the last one as either get close to your subjects or have them far in the distance, instead of having them somewhere in the middle where you neither can make out any information about the person nor are they just a small accessories to the environment

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for that - having thought about this since producing the video, I think you're right.

[@angiej4865]

This is great - I agree with you. I'm very new to street photography and I'm already bored with seeing shots of people's backs, (whatever the context/scene) and people drinking coffee!!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for commenting, Angie - I'm glad you recognise the issue! Good luck with your street photography in 2021 :-)

[@alanburton7426]

And people on their f'n phones! Grrrr....

[@alanmooney]

Perhaps he was reminding himself to take photos UP CLOSE to get more of the subjects personally and therefore more feeling in the image. Or maybe to take the shot FUTHER AWAY , go longer, from across the street to get more of the surrounding action but not from the middle distance, his first note to himself was BE MORE AGGRESSIVE. As you said we will never know, this note was never written for discussion by other photographers and certainly not to be viewed and discussed worldwide. What a great subject for a KZbin video, I think the author would pleased that we think that the note is worthy of this discussion.

[@robertdumon2202]

Good stuff, as always, thanks!

[@osvaldoheredia6359]

'Simple' and at the same time far reaching instructions.Thanks. Brian, giving workshops in Amsterdam in the near future? After lockdowns, curfews and travel bans of course

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Osvaldo! Yes, I'd love to come to Amsterdam to do a workshop and it will probably be next spring :-)

[@drixmor]

great video! Thanks!

[@robertocollo2890]

“No middle ground” seems to suggest a compositional tip. Say: foreground “something” - middleground “the subject” - background “the background”. You should not frame with “something” so pushing “the subject” away to the middle. It deserves the foreground. Of course, several and somehow related subjects can lay both fore AND middle, or even more grounds.

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, that makes sense - thanks for your thoughts Roberto :-)

[@rvmconstruction]

Excellent video 👍👍

[@john7005]

I think no midle distance refers to fokus. Like fokus front or background. Od you are working with manual Focus!

[@jorghahn2903]

With documentary-style street photography I always wonder if the photos were also of interest had they been shot in today‘s time. In my view, these photos are most of all interesting because they show me life from a time that I did not live in.

[@StreetSnappers]

Ah, yes, you're right of course! And the same will be said in 50 years time of the pictures we all take today. Great observation!

[@jorghahn2903]

@@StreetSnappers I fully agree but it's a bit frustrating... 😉

[@mediolanumclassic]

A personal approach is to feel the place and people, this means to be in an emotional open state

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Mauro - yes, I agree with you there.

[@paulsehstedt6275]

You nailed it as usual!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much Paul - and Happy New Year!

[@iaincphotography6051]

Interesting thoughts and I liked the shot at the races at 3.04 in and we criticise the young of today about littering!

[@StreetSnappers]

Haha, yes, you're right! Race-goers have never been a 'tidy' lot!!

[@stevebrassington3227]

Great one Brian

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Steve - and Happy New Year!

[@SitanshuSrivastav]

Very Informative Video ❤️

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much Sitanshu :-)

[@checkmybadself]

Such a shame that we lost him at such a young age. I often think of that list and “middle distance” comment for me is to get closer - make sure the subject fills the frame more. Just a guess!

[@StreetSnappers]

You could be right about 'get closer', although he did specifically mention that earlier. But if it works for you, that's good enough - and 'fill the frame' is good advice :-)

[@carelvanderlippe]

Perhaps Tony Ray-Jones meant by "no middle distance" that the main subject should not be centered.

[@StreetSnappers]

Possibly, Carel - I guess we'll never know ;-)

[@carelvanderlippe]

It is nice that we are not sure, because it stimulates our imagination

[@EDK4822]

No middle distance feels to me as not taking a decision to get closer

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, you could be right, Erik - who knows?!

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Maybe no middle distance refers to the use of shallow DOF?… 🤔

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, very possibly!

[@seamanjive]

Good stuff there, thx

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure - thanks for watching :-)

[@runninblue9415]

An interesting analysis of a brilliant, timeless list. Wonder what he would have done with digital. Huge loss.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for commenting - yes, huge loss :-(

[@nickfanzo]

Jones was a genius.

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, such a pity he was cut short.

[@ordinaryimages]

Perhaps "No Middle Ground" means no deviation from the list above…a personal manifesto of sorts.

[@StreetSnappers]

I'd never thought of it that way - maybe you're right - thanks for the suggestion!

[@Bob-ls7uf]

The first sentence the word is assertive not aggressive

[@StreetSnappers]

I have a facsimile of the original note and it says aggressive’.

[@Bob-ls7uf]

@@StreetSnappers That's as maybe but the word you show on screen is assertive.

[@StreetSnappers]

@@Bob-ls7uf then my mistake. My apologies.

[@Bob-ls7uf]

@@StreetSnappers No need for apologies mate, just thought I'd point it out. Good vid and some very good pointers for street photography. :)

[@amigagr]

for me, no middle distance=take simpler pictures. no need to overload the image with foreground, middle and background subjects.

[@denniswilliams4789]

There is an approach to street photography? Street is the epitome of snapshots and its devotes believe that is 'special'. I do not believe a one percent success rate validates a methodology of "go out and see what comes up" No control over the content , no creation of the content- likewise control or creation of the lighting ... you shoot what is in front of you and if there's nothing in front of you worth shooting -completely subjective of course- you don't shoot. The fewer images taken simply acknowledges that many street images traditionally revered are without merit. As you get older it is easier to call manure, manure , and skip PC "feelings".

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for your comments - very interesting :-)

[@gb52]

A lot of so called modern street photography is very boring, pointless and thoughtless snaps. less is more.

[@StreetSnappers]

'Less is more' - I like that - thanks!