The Problem With Street Photography

Street photography is one of the most popular genre's of photography on KZbin, but rarely are the ethics of this genre of photography discussed. In this video we take a look at some of the right and wrong ways to go about this discipline. Of course it is a legal right to photograph someone in a public place, but it may not always be the right thing to do.
Get your film here, and support my channel!
Kodak Gold - amzn.to/3vApug6
Kodak Ektachrome E100G - amzn.to/4amsCLi
Fuji 200 - amzn.to/3zlDKHF
HP5 - amzn.to/3OJXSc3
Portra 160 - amzn.to/3Q92Xfh
Portra 400 - amzn.to/3RkDJvi
#FilmPhotography #AnalogPhotography #streetphotography #streetphotographers #35mmphotography

[@KrisHomemadeBaking]

Also shout out to all those tiktokers who take pictures of beautiful women without getting their consent, and then approaching them and saying "look I took you a beautiful picture!!!" It's so cringe!!!

[@Overexposed1]

It really bothers me too. That’s the exact thing this video is pushing back on.

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

indeed; in the EU not a problem i think as the law protection the representation of a person a very strict. Even when you paid a model; they keep the right to change their mind and prevent you from using the image (of course you can demand you money back; might require going to court). So making photos of random people, aimed and specific will get you in trouble very, very quickly. (and right so ... as you said; imagine it's your mom, sister, brother, son or daughter).

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

I'll add to my previous post; if you made money (or attempted) with the image; you will be in front of a judge probably. You'll have some options to address the situation. The subject stays owner of their own representation (not of the photo, that is yourself). So posting photos on social media can become expensive and a legal liability quickly.

[@chesslover8829]

​@@Overexposed1Judge much?

[@Overexposed1]

@@chesslover8829 Yes I do judge this type of behavior. I have a daughter and empathy.

[@markysng]

As someone who grew up on street photography, I really understand the dilemma. I wouldn’t classify jumping out at people with a camera to capture undignified reactions as street photography. street photography, is about capturing people navigating the urban space in a more ‘raw unfiltered’ way. What you describe, while it does happen in the streets, does not resemble that in any way and is closer to something of a paparazzi style. I think one thing that i’ve tried to do as a street photographer is to capture people in a way that their identity isn’t discernable. I think the main concern is the idea of your subject’s identity being in places they may not want it to be. But when you take a shot from behind, or one where they are a silhouette, or even motion blurred, you aren’t capitalising on a specific identity but more so of the presence of generic human activity. The subject remains anonymous in the image but remains a spokeperson for the everyday beauty. Most of the time, having a discernable face can be very distracting as well. If taking a pic where someone is recognisable, I think snapping and then telling them that you took it, just so you can preserve the candidness of that moment is a possible option. I mean if you are in the EU or Middle East then different story. But if its legal I honestly think its the best compromise. If they aren’t happy with it after the fact, then just apologise, delete it and be respectful. I’ve done this for many many years and people never had issue with it. As a photographer its my job to make the subject feel at ease to give their honest opinion and not feel pressured, or be able to detect if they aren’t too happy about the matter. However i think with the rise of youtube and tikok photographer who don’t have formal training in this area, this is becoming a big issue. Where I am from it is legal to take pictures of people in public places so long as you aren’t doing so for professional purposes. However publishing this on social media, while it may not be a formal profession still involves an influx of money to the creator in some cases. I think better lines do need to be drawn. Hahaha this is just my two cents from my experience in both street photography, a bit of press photography and photojournalism. I think while your video raises excellent points about what I call the violence of street photography, it simplifies a lot of matters. But for the most part it resonated very well with me.

[@ChipSuey207]

I'm late to the party here but where do you fall on photographers like Saul Leiter, who were far more abstract in their approach, or even someone like Eggleston who absolutely captured some candids of strangers (in tiny southern towns) to great success?

[@stevemphoto]

First I cannot disagree with your premise. The only issue that I have with your argument is that you seem to be looking at street photography from a KZbin perspective. Of course you will see what I call sensationalized street photography here. They need the views as you pointed out. When I was starting to take photography seriously I consumed a lot of KZbin. But it came apparent to me that someone was missing. I decided to go buy some photo books and I bought Steve McCurry's - India. My mind was blown by the images in that book! It immediately put KZbin and KZbin photographers in perspective. There is a chasm between actual artist create, and what you typically see on social media. I would offer that you try searching "street photography" on MoMa's web site...you won't find any KZbinrs or KZbin style street photos there. You mentioned artistic intent in your video...if look at Alex Webbs photos and you will see amazing colors and composition. Or Saul Leiter photos...as you mentioned using longer lenses...as well at Ernst Haas! And for getting closer to your subjects look at Bruce Davidson's - Subway....and amazing series on NY subway life. I caution forming an opinion on a genre through the lens of social media. That's like me saying I don't like dancing because of the latest TikTok twerking trend. I do lots of types of photography and as you can guess I love street photography as well. It may never be your thing...and that's perfectly ok...but as a genre it has a rich history (long before the internet) and there are hundreds of amazing photographers to discover.

[@krach1854]

Thanks for this video, truly. I've had these same thoughts for so long, but seeing how extended and prolific Street Photography is increasingly becoming made me feel as if I was taking crazy pills. We need more voices like yours

[@Overexposed1]

Thank you so much!

[@curbysounds]

I like some street photography, but it's usually to do with architecture, or experimenting with lights and shadows more than capturing random unexpected subjects. I tend to agree with you, I couldn't take street photography for many of the reasons you said. I empathize too much with the person who doesn't want their picture taken, I certainly wouldn't want some random person taking photos of me for a few seconds of content on a KZbin video

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’m so happy to see someone talk about this. People have no self-awareness when gentrifying the concept of street wear and street photography.

[@KrisHomemadeBaking]

As a relatively polite guy myself my easiest way to gauge the appropriateness of street photography is by asking myself how "icky" I would feel a week, month or even years later when I'm looking at my choice of subject for a picture. A few months ago, on a subway train ride, i saw someone wear some really cool maid outfit, and she was riding alone in the train. I thought it was a cool imagery but as much as I felt that it could make an interesting picture, i just could not do it because I'd come across creepy regardless of if the picture was taken with any consent. It definitely would not have been something of a good look if i were to picture and to post it online. Honestly this is a whole different rant, but theres a huge amount of creepers in the film photography scene in the country I'm at (Taiwan). Its kinda disgusting. I recently took a picture of a couple whom I didnt know who were having a picnic under a sakura tree, and it literally took me just asking them politely whether its ok to take that picture before i got that picture taken. Gaining consent for pictures really isnt hard. I didnt ask them to do anything but to continue to act like i wasnt there (i.e. eating their food on a lunch box).

[@Overexposed1]

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your insight and hearing about your approach.

[@steveborghardt]

As someone who has lived in NYC and who travels through the city every day for work, I'm of 2 minds on this. First off I'm in complete agreement as far as being respectful and not getting in peoples faces or taking shots of folks that they probably would want taken. I also understand and respect rural sensibilities around basic respect. I used to take pictures of my sons baseball and soccer games - many of the parents gave compliments and re-posted my shots on social media. Then I thought, well...maybe there might be one parent or more that might not appreciate me taking shots at the game where they're kids might be in the pictures but stayed silent, because of that I don't take pictures at my sons games anymore. It started to feel wrong. Second point - as I used to live in NYC there were things that happened on a pretty regular basis that might make a person uncomfortable - it's just part of walking down the street or riding the subway in a large metropolitan area. Someone taking a picture where I happened to be in the shot was not a big deal for me, and in a big city this is going to happen. To me it's about who you are and what kind of story are you trying to tell. Saul Leiter is one of my favorite street photographers - his work never felt exploitative. There are others as well Hugh Brownstone comes to mind as someone else who does it right. As I'm primarily a nature photographer I've never been really comfortable doing street - but it's definitely I intend to do more of..respectfully. .....anyways - I kind of went off on a tangent here...I'm glad you made this video as you brought out a lot of points that I've been thinking about lately. Thanks

[@aw614]

I never cared for the aspect of going to cities and shooting random people, when I go travel to other cities, most of the time its shooting buildings, graffiti, landscapes and cool cars. A lot of it relates to how I feel, I never felt comfortable of people taking pictures of me, so I assume that is how others feel.

[@CalumetVideo]

I’m glad you have brought this up. I have had a bad experience, I don’t do street photography as much as I used to. I think even in urban areas since 911, people have become more sensitive about being photographed on the streets. At the same time there are now cameras everywhere and camera phones and people don’t seem to have a problem with that. People today in the urban cities seem more cold, distant and easily agitated. I have seen a video on the street photographer Mark Cohen, he used to get right into peoples faces and take photos, but that was a time when we were not as cognizant on personal space.

[@CalebThomasMedia]

Like you said, even if you are legally allowed, it doesn’t mean you should. Consent is key in literally every human interaction. And if someone doesn’t respect consent where they don’t technically “need” it, where else are they gonna disrespect consent?

[@Overexposed1]

Thank you for your comment! Appreciate you watching!

[@tubewatcher155]

To me street photography should be limited to what one can see with the naked eye without a camera. In other words if I have to have a zoom lens to zero in on someone doing something across the street from me then I shouldn't be able to take that picture. Street photography should be in the range of 35 to maybe 55 mm prime lenses and focus on natural scenery meaning not trying to get close with your lens if you couldn't get close with your body. Don't even get me started on these tik Tok and KZbin so-called videoographers who walk around with $5,000 worth of equipment strapped to their back and act like they're just casually strolling through the park and just decide to snap a few random photos.

[@TristanColgate]

I think you have to also consider the modern online context. In the 1950s, if you took a cool picture of a guy jumping over a puddle, or on a street with a broken nose, you'd have to get that film developed. You'd have to convince someone it was any good, you'd have to get it into a book or an exhibition, and then, maybe a few thousand people might get to see it. Just maybe it gets in Time magazine after a year, and some of its thousands of subscribes might take a peak at it. Today you can take that creepy "creeped out, annoyed looking woman" shot in the coffee shop, and have it editted, online, and in front of millions of people before you even finish your latte. When Vivian Maier was snapping photos, someone on a street with a camera was still going to be a rare thing, and people were more likely to be intrigued. Nowadays virtually everyone has 3 cameras just on the thing they think of as a phone. The context has changed, and in the modern context, it's not original, unique, interesting, or fun. It is, in reality, potentially quite scary.

[@Overexposed1]

Really interesting angle to look at it. Thank you for your comment. The world, and photography has certainly changed.

[@dcarrera01]

I don't think that this is specific to rural areas. I have always lived in cities, usually large ones, and I simply cannot feel comfortable taking a picture of a stranger without their consent and I do not understand why so many photographers act like that is OK. I don't see it as politeness. I see it as an issue of respect and simple consent.

[@focustiltphoto]

I enjoy looking at some street photography (not all), but I pretty much hate it as a person taking photos. I often don't feel comfortable about it. I do shoot in towns and cities fairly often and I include people in some of the photos to give a sense of scale or life, but many times it's just photos of objects, signs, interesting buildings, and empty streets for me. I don't mind people taking my photo, but I might actually hit somebody if they got close and popped a flash in my face. I'm a nice person, but I can have a very short fuse when people get into my personal space.

[@joshh6395]

Personally found most individuals don’t care, but I also don’t take photos of homeless people, women in exercise gear and children, I’ll admit I’ve broken my own rules very occasionally but stick to them pretty strongly. Only time someone has contacted me or asked me about a photo is because they wanted it which I gave it to them for free fully edited. Also note fiazal Westcotts channel was shown in the short capture of KZbin. He doesnt shoot a lot people and when he does he doesn’t use identifiers.

[@filmstockreel]

The points you’re making are valid. As someone who enjoys street photography there are obviously problems with the genre which you’ve highlighted. Same can be said for any type of photography. I think street photography can be done in a way that’s artistic and not exploitative or of just women in outfits. Folks need boundaries and I feel like you bringing this up will shine a light on it. Also I see you used some of my POV vids. I’ve been a fan of the channel for some time so feels like some sort of accomplishment 😊. Nice video

[@Overexposed1]

Thanks for hanging in there!

[@ToddDeSilva]

So I’m of 2 minds about street. I,like you are polite (Canadian) and find the flash in your face street gross, but I do like the idea of street when it’s done as sort of an observer. I like to people watch so in that regard it’s interesting to me to see how people are throughout the day. When I do it, I generally try to follow some “rules”, biggest one as you said don’t be a dick, I don’t focus on kids unless I have the parents consent, and those I will often get their emails so I can send them the photos, and if there’s something that I really like about a person, I will be polite and go up and compliment them on it and ask them if I can take a photo of them (saying I’m a photographer). I’ll give them my card or socials. If they say no I thank them and move on. Street is definitely a touchy genre, so it’s hard to say if it’s wrong or right. I do think some people have good intentions with it, but a lot tend to be exploitative. It’s tough.

[@michaelnewmanphotography]

Man I feel the same . I’ve wanted to start a project of photographing people mowing grass but I feel so weird taking photos of people without their knowledge

[@LearnFilmPhotography]

Do it man, that could be such a cool project!! You can get their permission. Or ask for it afterwards, and delete the photo if they're not happy.

[@aprilroselilleyman]

Thank you for making this video! I've felt the need to like street photography over the years - but honestly, maybe it's a woman thing but when I notice the other person notices (which they inevitably will) it makes me feel so uncomfortable and guilty. I end up saying sorry or feeling the need to explain that I took their picture, which they don't always approve of. Yes I could get amazing street photos if I didn't care about others peoples feelings, if I walked and snapped fast chasing photo opportunities and ignoring people's looks of curiosity or anger... But the fact is that I care deeply, and I think that's what (street) photography should be about - showing peoples emotions and being empathetic to all walks of life. I've had amazing experiences where I've asked permission, and oh my - not only are the photos great, but the feeling of consideration and respect trumps sneakily taking photos/or blatantly not giving a fuck and shoving a camera in someone's face.

[@Windowserrorsong]

Thanks for making this video. I have had similar feelings after seeing KZbin videos of people going out to do street photography. Glad to know other people feel the same way.

[@valkyrieweather6152]

Yeah I totally agree. 100%. Unless you're a credentialed photojournalist on assignment, street photography makes me feel uncomfortable. I personally hate being photographed and have a lot of self-image issues and would have a lot of ill-feeling towards someone taking a picture of me.

[@autoredox]

LOUDER SIR Thank you for lifting this topic up.

[@Overexposed1]

Thanks for watching. Fully expecting this one to get some push back. The discussion is important, though.

[@TCMx3]

I like this video a lot. Maybe the only thing I dont 100% vibe with is the idea that it's politeness. I say this as a person who escaped the South; I stand very firmly on the kindness side of politeness vs kindness but feel it's a bit orthogonal to street photography. I agree, however, that it's about empathy, and the lack thereof. Interestingly enough, the people who fail the worst at that also fail to make good photographs. For the most part, I feel that good (non-reportage) photography with human subjects largely is made by people who are either part of or invited to participate (I'm thinking of Larry Towell or Josef Koudelka) in the community they are photographing. The person who point blank flashes someone on 5th avenue expects to never see that person again, because if that was someone you had to talk to everyday, there is nooooo way you'd be doing that lol.

[@Overexposed1]

Thanks for the comment - appreciate you watching!

[@LearnFilmPhotography]

This is something I've been thinking a lot about as well and plan to make a video. I do a little bit of street photography, and I am a huge fan of art. I love collecting photobooks and making my own. When it comes to photographing homeless people, I actually think homeless people have more to gain by those images spreading than by nobody taking them. They're/iving in absolutely terrible conditions, and it's a failure of our societies that let them continue to be there. So the people who benefit from those photos not being taken are the rich and powerful, who are actively deciding not to help them. If these images are taken in a way that shows the trouble they're in, I personally think that can inspire more action (if it's framed appropriately). It's like how the photos of child labour in the 1920s were what stopped child labour, and how the Migrant Mother photo inspired action across the US. And I 100% agree with you about the difference between art and reportage, though those two fields often overlap. The difference is reportage is so much more rare these days, and everyday people are doing more of the reporting as the real reporters are stuck behind their desks coming up with viral headlines to get clicks. There are a lot of ifs in this statement, but I think it's better that we do photograph the homeless, and not in this way of making them look strong - because that assauges our guilt and our need for action. People in power, and those who keep them there, need to see how dire the situation is, otherwise it just continues.

[@Overexposed1]

Thank you for your comment. Best of luck with your video, I will be excited to watch it!

[@asamcqueen3513]

I've heard some of this referred to as poverty p.... eh you know what that word is. I tried doing some street esque photography in Japan, usually getting consent by holding the camera up and waiting for someone to nod if I was trying to include them on purpose. I did explicitly ask one if I could use the flash, he was busking and said sure, I need to find that drive, because that was a good shot. I will say however, that I live near DC and I don't need to photograph a person to illustrate the homeless problem, the benches are hostile whether or not someone's using it. I don't really like the random shock factor just shoving a camera in someone's face pictures because they don't really tell a story. I'd rather do something like photograph the lighted marquee outside a theater, the subject of the photo is the theater, the line out the door is incidental to that, and the photo is of something that's actually going on, it tells a story, it's not something I forced to happen. Though I much, much prefer capturing a sunrise in the mountains.

[@AnalogueDiaries]

What a great video and valid points 👏 Many could learn from this. Street photography can be cool, but pointing a camera right into someone’s face invading their personal space or photographing homeless is disrespectful to say the least. As a woman I had a couple of experiences with creeps with cameras and it was not pleasant. It was in my Eastern European nature to directly confront those dudes though 😂

[@Overexposed1]

Good for you! Thanks so much for watching.

[@terencelaubach6565]

Exploitive and contrived and the distance in between. $2.73 and don't be a dickhead. (Pastoral scenes with nary a human to be seen and the interest and beauty people bring to a "street" photograph) You're so right, courtesy and empathy are essential, especially today.

[@ThingOfSome]

You are right and it is utterly shocking how many people on this and other platforms think disregarding other people like that is okay. That being disrespectful or impersonal is the way to be "edgy".

[@neroloupsolitare8075]

Just gained a follower, street photography is a very sensitive and serious chapter in photography. Feels like at times there is no morality and everything from the subject is stripped. Sadly not everyone is raised on a set of scruples.

[@larryeffler7108]

I agree with most of what you said. However, the title is not accurate. It should have been called “The Problem with ‘Dick Head’ Photography.” (But I suppose with that title KZbin wouldn’t have paid the $2.73. 🙂) I am also a Southern guy who is inherently polite. I also manage to do street photography without “cramming a camera in somebody’s face.” Maybe my photos are somewhat exploitative but this Southern gentleman doesn’t think so. We can avoid exploitation by applying the Golden Rule. Don’t post a photo of a stranger that you wouldn’t want posted of yourself.

[@Overexposed1]

You got it Larry. Appreciate you watching long enough to pick up the nuance.

[@renemies78]

I don't really care about street photography from Modern photographers but most of Vivian Maier's celebrated work was street photography and her photographs are beautiful. So I guess it depends. But don't shove your camera in people's faces and don't take pictures of homeless people. That's gross. Great video and discussion.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I liked how you mentioned the whole ‘polite society’ bit. You’re a polite guy too.

[@autoredox]

7:52 bars

[@maniktakesphotos]

Man, you’ve been on a run recently. Another great video to add to the list.

[@Overexposed1]

Thanks! I feel like I’m finding my voice - and the videos are generating good discussion!

[@anthonymiller8979]

Thank you. My thoughts are similar to yours.....just because you can does not mean you should (take random photos of people on the street).

[@LaFuenteOnFilm]

Similar feelings on everything here lol

[@pd1jdw630]

I think, and it’s the morality but also the logical reasoning in my head. Street photography sure has its place. It’s an important genre that shows our ways of living in a set period of time. If we look at fashion magazines from the 90’s perse we don’t see that at all on the streets. But also times have changed. We see someone with a phone now and just think about it. Is he just taking photos? Or is there some other intent. And like you said. The social security in more rural areas are way higher. The everybody knows everyone makes it a different story when your taking a camera in the middle of the street and then take a picture.

[@armandoladegas3964]

Respect, like in any other aspect of life. Good video 👍

[@Overexposed1]

Boom. You got it.

[@samgregg]

I understand your point, I think it is more that street photography has been twisted into something completely foreign from its original meaning. Tiktokers jumping out with sony alpha 1's and massive telephoto lenses and taking people's picture at 300m away is a far cry from he works of someone like Lee Friedlander where an individual might be the focus but the art is found elsewhere in the framing and composition. Friedlander especially is often in the photos himself or present in the environment with the photos taken close by. For me, street photography is all about the way people as humans exist in a city and navigate it as a landscape. It is about scale, and architecture more than people as individuals. I also mainly gravitate to wider lenses as such, relying on them to help show the environment as the focus, and people just the background, and for scale almost. I agree 100000% with your point about telephoto lenses and taking pictures of the unhoused as being far more problematic. I think taking pictures of the unhoused is despicable, when the only purpose is for Instagram clout.

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

Same for me; street photography with individual people in the shot is a no-no; from politeness but also, here in de EU (Europe) there are very strict laws about using an image of a person. The person always has the right to their representation; a photo of them, so consent must be in writing; but can be changed at any time. Even when you hire a model they have rights of their representation; and can decide you cannot use a photo anymore. The EU does allow making a photo of a group of people; or where it is clear a person is not the subject of the image.

[@goodfellas5702]

That's not everywhere in EU. Many countries are ok with shots so long as you are in public and it's not for commercial use

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

@@goodfellas5702 ... so you confirm what i stated. Where you are is not relevant. The subject is and stays owner of their own representation. And yes, it is the law in the entire EU. You can choose not to be strict about the law; but it does not change that it exists and the subject of your photo can tell you to remove it.

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

​@@benbunch4159 ... the subject stays owner of their own representation; how ever you made the shot or where, privacy has priority. If you want me too i 'll post the link to info that is complete. That does not work easy for somebody making and selling street-photography.

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

​ @florind2268 You can sell street photography in the EU, no problem. (I'm from Belgium) The GDPR law states if the subject of the photo is a (recognizable) person; that person has and keeps the right to control what happens to the representation of them. This might prevent you from displaying it, sale, etc. They can change their mind at any time. (if there was a contract, they have to face the consequences) The subject does NOT own the copyright, and cannot do themselves as they want with your image, you own the image itself. You have control over what other do with the image you made. A person who clearly poses for the photo is considered as giving consent. (they can change their mind!) In general for street photography or events; if you make a photo of the Grand Place in Brussels; with people in the shot; you can use it; publish; sell. However; if a person is recognizable in the image they can ask to delete them; make them unrecognizable or remove the image. I supported large corporations with their GDPR compliance. For example their image & video DB; they had to identify every person in every video or photo; link the contracts. If a person in any publicity or video requests to, the image has to be deleted. It was an expensive effort that took a long time.

[@eatenbyopium]

Street photography is LAME as fuck only a few people can do it right. I just don’t like it, like at all really.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

4:18 The machine gun of truth enters the chat

[@danienelphoto]

I agree 100%

[@PokhrajRoy.]

1:49 SHOTS FIRED SHOTS FIRED

[@belaacs5238]

Bruce Gilden has been a Magnum photographer (street) for 40-some years. At the Magnum maybe they know street photography, don't they? Anyway, everything is subjective in any art form, so whatever you don't like, somebody else just loves it.

[@Overexposed1]

Missed the point.

[@LearnFilmPhotography]

Dude, Magnum is NOT reputable. They've published a ton of really shady works over the years, including photographers soliciting child prostitutes in third world countries. Just because something is published does not make it right.

[@dangilmore9724]

Street photography, while an interesting genre, is downright bizarre in some instances. It can also be dangerous for the photographer. Doing photography in a city like Memphis, Tennessee can get you mugged or worse regardless of the genre. That, and the denser the population is, the more likely you are to encounter belligerent lunatics who are spoiling for confrontation. You have to have situational awareness which means having eyes in the back of your head.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Agree 100%

[@ramaxey]

Well said.

[@TheDamnGarage]

I came, I watched, I agreed. This is the only street photography video I'll be watching. I block every channel that has a street photography thumbnail to be honest. Also to be honest, I don't like taking pictures of people.

[@gavenevans]

Feels like a lot of hooplah.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

6:32 You said the quiet part out loud 🔥

[@confrontingphotography4815]

Yes to everything you said, and a couple of additional thoughts. 1- the majority of YT street videos are also not very good adds for Leica which is repetitive and boring. 2- Photojournalism should not get a pass, unethical and exploitative photos are taken and published by journalists fairly often. 3- The audience for street photography also needs to take some heat, you show a bunch of clips of Bruce Glidden in the video. A great deal of his work is just bad photography, also he openly states that he “has no ethics” yet he was elevated by Magnum, why do they feel it’s ok to promote some kind of sketchy narcissist who takes huge number of crap images?.4- We also have to admit that the painter Jackson Pollock looms large over street photography. Street was gaining a lot of popularity as Pollock was being lionized as an action painter. Seems pretty obvious that a certain group of street photographers wanted to emulate him, wanted to become “action photographers” it’s pretty childish. 5- Finally, at least as sometimes practiced here on KZbin street can be a very lazy genre. It’s takes a lot of work to understand a place, it’s, history, how it’s visual environment developed, what it means, the local concerns of people living somewhere, the poetry of a place. Off of the top of my head I can’t think of many KZbinrs who even know how to do the work to learn such things. Chris Chu’s basketball project was one that did make an investment in a single place and a group of people. But project’s like that are few in number on YT. And certainly many street photographers don’t think it’s important to know a place at all when shooting street. Evidence of this is found in all the video saying that LA sucks for street photography. It’s actually a great place for it, but knowledge of the city and its people is a prerequisite. Without that knowledge you make a video like Yvonne Hanson did. Standing down town on a Saturday afternoon wondering where are the people were. Totally clueless to the fact that about 5 blocks away the streets were teeming with life, but a tourist wouldn’t know that.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

5:14 Lady Diana you’d have loved this guy.