The Street Photography Greats: Joel Meyerowitz

I've partnered with Joel Meyerowitz and the Masters of Photography guys to promote his online street photography course, which you can enrol on here:
mastersof.photography/joel-me...
(Disclaimer: if you sign up for this, I get a small ‘thank you’ from Joel’s team).
Joel's Book: "Where I Find Myself" (Amazon):
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/178627186...
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I'm the Founder and Course Leader at StreetSnappers, an organisation which provides street photography workshops and courses in London and across the UK, Venice, Lisbon, Prague and Paris. Whilst I'm an Official Fujifilm X-Photographer (ambassador), this channel is for everyone, irrespective of what sort of gear you use - including film users!
Please subscribe to receive news of new videos about street photography. You'll find tips & techniques, gear reviews, critique sessions, information about locations for street photography and lots of news, insights, ideas and developments from the world of street photography.
Workshops website: www.streetsnappers.com
Subscribe to my street photography newsletter: streetsnappers.com/street-pho...
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Personal work: www.brianduckett.com
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The gear I use: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/streets...
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#streetphotography #streetphotographer #streetsnappers #brianlloydduckett #workshop #fujifilm #photography #workshops

[@nfornick]

To sum up, 1. Buck the trend 2. Don't overthink it 3. Find beauty in the mundane 4. Experiment with different gear 5. Have a strong work ethic 6. Overcome your shyness/fears 7. Understand that the moment is now 8. Shoot the streets in colour 9. Always have a camera with you 10. Be persistent 11. The moment trumps perfection 12. Just do it

[@Tofushoots]

"When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in Black and white, you photograph their souls."

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, it was a great quote.

[@johnbullock8885]

This video left me feeling really refreshed and ready to shoot with a good, healthy attitude

[@StreetSnappers]

I can't hope for more than that! Thanks very much for the feedback, John. I think there's no better model than JM ;-)

[@lafroig17]

your videos about streetphotography are truly outstanding! thank you a lot!!

[@StreetSnappers]

That’s too kind! Thank you very much :-)

[@sc0ttmagoon]

Brian, this is great. I am a huge fan of Joel, not specifically for his photography, although he is one of the greats, but moreso because of what he contributes to the photography community. I have heard and watched many interviews with Joel and he is always so giving. He seems so genuine in wanting to help others to see and experience photography with the same infectious enthusiasm he has. I've never tried to emulate his photographic style, but I often think of him when I am doing street photography for the casual manner in which he moves through a crowd and observes people. I hope to find a way to send him a note of appreciation for the impact he has had on me even though we've never met.

[@StreetSnappers]

What a great comment. Thanks Scott - I agree with everything you say :-)

[@mariemclaughlan5404]

Your assignment is amazing you are giving me the confidence to go on the street and do my own thing thank you so much and god bless.

[@TimGreig]

Joel Meyerowitz is such a nice guy, as well.

[@janetb9990]

Another great episode in this excellent series, Brian. Very inspiring and lots to take away......thank you!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks, as ever, for the feedback, Janet x

[@Cava2907]

Great video Brian, I always liked Joel Meyerowitz and his approach to life and photography, so I really enjoyed this episode. Thank you and looking forward to your next one.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much, Piotr - glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@chloesastry1252]

Thanks, really enjoyed this. The perfect complement to Joel's online Masterclass course which I am nearing the end of (though planning to listen to it all over again the minute I finish...)

[@zoonaanz3411]

Waiting for the next one in this series! Awesome content Brian!

[@okestone7349]

So glad I found your channel yesterday. I'm just starting out in street photography and your videos are a perfect blend of inspiration and instruction, giving me more confidence to move forward with my practice. This series on the Street Photography Greats is especially useful in providing creative insight, thank you!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the comment - good luck on your street photography journey!

[@paramidge8935]

Lovely, unpretentious little presentation on one of the most honest snappers. Thanks.

[@SandyGypsea]

Thanks Brian. An excellent introduction to Joel's work. I'm off to look for more!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Sonia! There's lots of stuff about him here on KZbin and loads of books out there :-)

[@matteo.dalessandro]

I really love Joel's work. Your video about him is very useful. It gave me precious hints about my path towards consistent growth as an amateur photographer. Thank you!

[@dagmarwilde]

great impulses passed on great ... I can't remember having found a better video on the subject so far. Thanks a lot and greetings from Berlin

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Dagmar, and greetings from London! Thanks very much for your comment - I'm glad you liked it :-)

[@markorchard2272]

Just watching him work is a joy. The Bruce Gilden/Martin Parr 'flash in your face' creates scenes that would never exist without the photographer I feel. The JM method is real street photography I personally think.

[@StreetSnappers]

‘Real street photography’...... yes, I completely agree with you :-)

[@markorchard2272]

@@StreetSnappers markorchardphotography.wordpress.com/2020/07/18/the-orchard-printciple-street-photography-the-observer-effect/

[@emmaross2832]

Very enjoyable Brian. A lot of good points which I’d do well to remember next time I’m out and I think there’s a couple there that I’m getting better at thanks to your workshops 😊 Looking forward to seeing your documenting projects video! Thanks

[@StreetSnappers]

Many thanks Emma - you're doing just great - keep it up! x

[@olivergilberthorpe6789]

Thanks Brian, excellent video - very inspiring and just what i needed to watch. From today I am challenging myself to take my camera with me wherever i go. Thank you and i will keep watching more of your videos 🙂

[@markfly2569]

Really great advice. Most of the points you mentioned were within your first workshop introductory chat I attended and I’ve used those notes as a photography bible ever since. Excellent video.

[@StreetSnappers]

Ta very much Mark!

[@user-ru8fd2ed6y]

Excellent video !!

[@Maine_Focus]

I still consider myself new to photography. Found your channel about a week or so ago and enjoy the content. I moved to Cuenca, Ecuador from East Central Florida and my subject matter for photography has changed from bird photography and beach sunrises to more street photography. As I said before I’m still new so it’s a fun experiment. I just started to work with Black & White to learn the nuances of the discipline and find it more enjoyable than I expected. I am doing a project which I call, “Cuenca in Black & White”. Obviously I’m not famous for my creativity. I appreciate the value of color but feel I’ve just got started exploring monochrome and having a great time. Thank you for your great content.

[@jonoschen]

Great video about a living photography master. I read his book 'How make photographs' and it struck a chord in me. I've only been doing street photography for about a year, I'm trying different things, but there is something natural and honest about Joel's approach, style and philosophy, which I feel is helping me find my own, so much more than others. I guess it's a case of 'Each to their own', but I certainly recommend looking into his work and his openness to what he has learnt.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks! I agree with everything you say about Joel - he’s contributed so much to this world.

[@GregDominguez]

Another great video. I learn something from every video. Thank you.

[@StreetSnappers]

Glad it’s helpful! Thanks for the feedback, Greg :-)

[@JohnChubbSr]

Thanks, Brian. Always great thoughts, Sir.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you John! :-)

[@El_Patron__]

Fantastic video! I can only say thanks for the terrific advice.

[@AndySnap]

An excellent introduction to the wonderful Mr Meyerowitz. That book you mention is superb, and very reasonably priced especially given it's size! Another fine book is the little Phaidon 55 paperback monograph (was only about £10 *edit, just checked, price used can be much higher!) in which in one caption he mentions his notion of observing the whole street at once, like a cinema, which I found is a really amazing technique to try.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the feedback and the book tip - those little Phaidon books are great and I'll buy this one :-)

[@Sufibooks]

Great video Thank You Very Much

[@StreetSnappers]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Korocoran]

always very inspiring ! thank you

[@StreetSnappers]

Many thanks Philippe!

[@jacobthomson9369]

Very interesting.Many thanks.

[@karlowma]

Great stuff. Thanks as ever.

[@StreetSnappers]

Many thanks! :-)

[@khaldonkhalil7240]

Thank you, Brian!

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, Bahaa - thanks for watching :-)

[@mattc1176]

Truly brilliant Brian. I've been studying Joel's work more closely of late. The depth and quality of his photography, his incredible work ethic and that he's clearly a bloody nice guy too... These are solid, honest and invaluable lessons for us all: there are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. Thanks so much for making and sharing this video.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much Matt. He’s what I’d call a ‘proper’ street photographer and is such a great guy. We can all learn from him!

[@garylambe1187]

I've been contemplating buying his photography course Brian but wanted to spend my money on one of your workshops instead. However, having seen this I've decided to buy both now. Thanks for this video - very inspiring. Gary

[@StreetSnappers]

Great stuff - thanks Gary!

[@gojkodjurkovic]

Great video. Thank you for the links to the book also.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, Gojko - thanks for watching :-)

[@markpowell9008]

Really enjoyed this session Brain - thank you

[@StreetSnappers]

You're welcome, Mark :-)

[@jonathanparkes1603]

One word… awesome 🤩

[@bcegerton]

I won any of Masters of Photography’s course and chose Joel Meyorwitz, that was a couple of years ago and still haven’t got around to getting my teeth into it, I think it’s been a case of having too much time on my hands that I got to the point of “I can’t be bothered”, now I’m getting my head back on track so to speak. I’ve a couple of his books too, his “how I make photographs” is actually next to me now.

[@StreetSnappers]

I hope his inspiration brings you back into the game, Bryan :-)

[@mattlatham8405]

Great video Brian just started buying photography books yours and Joel's are the first ones on the shelves. Definitely agree with ignoring Instagram and shoot what you want.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much for the feedback, Matt. I hope you enjoy the books :-)

[@mattlatham8405]

@@StreetSnappers they are great Brian looking forwards to your 52 black and white book to come.

[@tonydesarzec907]

I love Joel.

[@StreetSnappers]

Me too - great guy :-)

[@NelsonVieiradaSilva]

I am a big fan of Joel too. Thanks for this video.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, Nelson - glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@joseteran3478]

Great review and synthesis.

[@ruiluis6264]

Great video! ThankU! Cheers!

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, Rui!

[@jamesmoros1274]

Brilliant explanation and delivery 😊

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks so much James :-)

[@outtathyme5679]

Thanks. Great insight

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure - thanks for the feedback :-)

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Awesome presentation thanks mate

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Paul!

[@johnb8538]

That was excellent..... thank you for the tips and wisdom- yours and Joel's..... as I write this to you- I look over at the 9 or 10 cameras ( 3 different brands- film and digital)....I have- and when I go out to shoot- I think- which one today?..... or which lens- not really understanding why.... "just do it".... so when I heard you say- "Experiment with different gear"... wow, that's it.... now when my kids (grownup....) say- you got another camera- "how many cameras do you have?!).... I can say "Not enough".... "I am experimenting with different gear"... (I just picked up a Nikon F4 and Nikkor 180mm manual lens )... so the experiment 'term' resonated with me- ........ I went out a couple months back with my 135mm fixed to shoot for the first time with it on the streets- not really knowing what to expect- not the typical street lens- but hey- I had a lot of fun with it- and learned- and I got ONE keeper- interesting shot looking up the street with waves of people walking- isolated on one person - depth of field was crazy- something I would not have known about- had I not "experimented"... and I did not know then that I was experimenting.... but YEA, that's it.... oh- thank you- the great experiment will continue...... Brian- if you ever come to San Francisco, the beer is on me... and the tour!.... cheers from the City by the Bay!

[@StreetSnappers]

Haha! You can never have too many cameras ;-) Thanks for the feedback :-)

[@lawrencehorowitz9291]

Terrific video!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you Lawrence!

[@bradleybeck-hill8742]

Great video Brian. Just purchased the book via link 👍 I previously always drifted towards B&W for my own images, however I’ve made a conscious effort of late to just use colour and I must say I now prefer it, especially when I look back at them after a little time. It definitely challenges me more but I love it. I think the black and white love for me originally came from bad images looking a little better in black and white, but it would still be a bad image and in truth not look any better lol. Loved the content of this video. Very inspiring.

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Bradley - great to hear from you again and thanks v much for the feedback. I hope all's well with you :-)

[@bradleybeck-hill8742]

Hello Brian, I’m very well thank you. I actually also ended up purchasing the course via the link following your video and I’m loving it. Perfect timing and wonderful content.

[@StreetSnappers]

@@bradleybeck-hill8742 Great stuff :-)

[@MrHaixi]

that's pretty awesome, many thanks

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, thanks for watching :-)

[@italogiardina8183]

Photography for future generations presents an exciting paradox by tokenizing that any state of affairs of the world represented as an artifact (photographic or what ever) contains elements that any possible age could appreciate or not. Contingent on methodologies of interpretation, so photography may only ever be about the subjective lived experience of being a kind of person (photographer identity politics) in a mode of modernity. Good review

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks for the interesting comment, Italo!

[@serenadp6137]

You are great!

[@StreetSnappers]

That's too kind - thank you Serena :-)

[@Luna-cf3op]

Very nice advice x

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Luna :-)

[@henryrogers5500]

I shoot with the best of both worlds. I will load Kodak 35mm color film in my Nikon F, and Kodak Tri-X 35mm black and white film in my Canon FTb or in my Minolta SRT and will carry both cameras around my neck! Great video!

[@StreetSnappers]

I’ve been using Tri-x sine the late 1970s and it’s my favourite ever film stock. For colour it’s Portrait 400 but that’s getting really expensive now. I might do some videos about analogue :-)

[@henryrogers5500]

@@StreetSnappers Hi Brian, thanks for responding. I love Portra 400 and use it often. I will also use the cheaper Kodak color film, as well. I’m 65 and I wish I would have been interested in photography during my teen years, but I wasn’t up until a year and a half ago. They offered a photography course in high school back in the early 1970s. Better late than never, I guess. 🙂 P.S. I use zoom lenses for close-up candids for my street photography while trying to be stealthy and incognito about it. I’ve had good success doing it that way. Or I’ll take Garry Winogrand’s approach and fiddle with my camera and snap the shot quickly at someone or a group. It’s a good technique he uses to make it look like he’s not deliberately aiming his camera at anyone in particular.

[@carlosmcse]

All of these points are great. But before you get there you have to master the basics. Also some people just don’t have it. Like playing a guitar. Some people practice until their fingers bleed and they’re destined to be crap. They just don’t have it. The best thing most people can do is shoot the Instagram cliches we see every day.

[@ashutoshtewari6181]

Thanks

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, thanks for watching :-)

[@torqueofthedevil8145]

Nosferatu is that You?

[@StreetSnappers]

Haha!

[@obiromaniankenobi1136]

Was the first thing that came onto my mind as well… 😅 greate video of course… but he does kinda look like nosferatu in some shots.

[@pynchia4119]

I agree with Joel: forget black and white!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Py!

[@adrianlewis799]

Not to argue with a master. Oh but hang on. I am doing just that I think lol. For me Black and white is king. My reasoning is that I often find colour to be a distraction. My take home for this video is that colour breathes life into an image and the point is both valid and well made. however, I would argue that black and white imagery has its own depth. The subtle or sometimes bold shift from black to white and all the greys between I feel, far better describe the emotion in a face, a scene and the absence of colour helps to concentrate the eye and the mind on what is really going on rather than the often beautiful distraction that colour provides.

[@StreetSnappers]

Great comment, Adrian. And of course you’re right - because it works for you. It would be a mistake to follow the ways of the masters ‘because they’re masters’ and we all find our own way. I love to see black & white done well and it clearly ticks your boxes. There were plenty of people before (and after) JM who made a very strong case for black & white - and it’s hard to argue with that :-)

[@AVau.]

Dear Brian, I know you from your book, which I bought one year ago. It's great and help me on my work in the streets. Last week I discovered your channel and I'm a big fan of it. Especially the post about Joel Meyerrowitz. A great tribute to him! Many things that you mention in the video or that Joel also tells inspire me. Thank you for this insight! I'm really looking forward to more episodes in your StreetSnapper channel. Greetings from Karlsruhe, Andy

[@gharrop1]

Thanks Brian for a very thought provoking video. I don’t entirely agree about B/W shooting, I agree it can be style over content sometimes but I do thnk it can emphasise a subject and remove some distractions, when I shoot Black and white I always set my camera to it , so that is what I see in the viewfinder…maybe you should choose a great photographer to profile , you could challenge yourself and focus on someone who chooses black and white? Just a thought. Many thanks for the stimulation.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Jeff - great suggestion and, coincidentally, I'm probably going to feature Klein in the next video in this series, who was predominantly a B&W shooter.

[@Targuer]

Good evening Joel m is a great photographer of admirable color. I discovered photos of Stanley Kubrick and I like them. Can we talk about him as a great photographer, outside of his films?

[@bamsemh1]

What the street tells, or what the people tell 😉 huge difference

[@StreetSnappers]

Indeed.

[@emadaram9640]

Dear brine. I highly appreciate you for your very amazing training videoes. They are absolutely useful. I'd like to know if taking the classes titled "fundamentals of art" work for street photography? Thank you for your respond.

[@rmassar]

Really good video. Do you know if it’s possible to export the recipes and Import them to another computer?

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Roberto - no, I don’t think it’s possible but I’m happy to be corrected if anyone on here knows otherwise?

[@christianbagnall9138]

It's all about Garry Winogrand

[@StreetSnappers]

Of course, he’s great.

[@JayGrapherTh]

wow - all the points are great but 11 really speak to me "the moment trumps perfection - "...often the frame itself isnt a perfect frame" that sometimes it feels there's criticism thrown around about the framing and no one really want to talk about the subject and the moment that is actually happening inside that frame.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks - completely agree with you :-)

[@patduz]

Very interesting - like always . But I disagree a little on the color unseated B&W. For me the color disturb the reading of this kind of picturing. The color can be used when the color is as important as the subject, but if not the B&W is better.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks, good point :-)

[@tobywoolgar9517]

Great photographer nice over view 👍 does any know some one like a famous photographer who took pictures in small towns. Not big city's.

[@StreetSnappers]

There aren't many, but I'll shortly be doing a video about 'small town street photography'.

[@tobywoolgar9517]

@@StreetSnappers thanks I just thought Citys have got to be easier.. Luck forward to it.

[@ToyoteroMundial]

Any updates in 2022?

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, I’ll be profiling some more of the ‘greats’ in the coming months :-)

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

I can hear Joel laughing at your description of his method of street photography being thoughtful and "kindly." If you think George Foreman was a "kindly" boxer, sure.

[@StreetSnappers]

I was meaning more about his personality and his approach to people on the streets generally. He’s just a ‘nice guy’.

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

@@StreetSnappers , I don't doubt that Joel's a nice guy, but I can still hear his laughter at your comment. I believe Joel's a "just take the photo!" kind of street photographer.

[@arvestrandsphotography]

god information , but why don't you have a podcast instead , it's almost only you in pic anyway

[@harvierichardwrk]

Great video Brian - I am looking forward to learning more about this man ! I feel embarrassed to have no knowledge of him - a bit like when I went into a record shop in Greenwich village and heard “A Kind Of Blue” for the first time and said to the assistant- whose this … about 6 people turned round and said in stunned amazement “MILES DAVIS!” - thanks for the introduction. I have to say That I disagree tho !! I love love love Black and White - I’m sorry but that’s it!! See you in the street - Richard Harvie

[@jimofmarseille]

Are there great street photographers today that can "compete" with Meyerowitz ?

[@sjpconnor]

Um, Joel is a) not dead, and, b) still taking photographs. You keep talking about him in the past tense.

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, I realise that. I’m referring to the majority of his work as a street photographer, which was taken in the past. Sorry to have caused confusion.

[@Boatzerama]

Bad idea leaving out B&W.

[@StreetSnappers]

Oh dear, I can never seem to get it right for you, Michael. I’m so sorry.

[@jonathanparkes1603]

Very annoying because I’ve spent even more on books🤣🤣

[@Boatzerama]

I don’t believe you should leave out black and white.

[@gregclark886]

the idiots are sending us back to the cellars

[@StreetSnappers]

What do you mean?

[@stuartriley4976]

I shoot almost entirely in color. But lately, I've been playing around with desaturation and selective coloring. Depending on the image, the results can be quite interesting.

[@fredriksvard2603]

There are no great street photographers, there were a few a long time ago when it was new but generally it's even lazier than landscape photography.

[@badhabit714]

would 've been better if it was Less Brian talking and showing more of Joe doing his thing.

[@StreetSnappers]

Where do you suggest I get easily available, copyright-free footage of 'Joel doing his thing'? Any suggestions gratefully received! In the meantime, I just do my best. I'm sorry if it's disappointing.

[@henryrogers5500]

@@StreetSnappers I think you did a great job! I learned some things from your video!

[@kennethakennetha]

I'm not a fan of meyerowitz. I think his photography is over hyped and overrated lol. I don't see his photos that compelling. It's just my honest opinion. I am not a pro. I'm just passionate about photography and just voicing out my opinion. I'd pick eve arnolds over joel anytime

[@Targuer]

Good evening Joel m is a great photographer of admirable color. I discovered photos of Stanley Kubrick and I like them. Can we talk about him as a great photographer, outside of his films?

[@Targuer]

Good evening Joel m is a great photographer of admirable color. I discovered photos of Stanley Kubrick and I like them. Can we talk about him as a great photographer, outside of his films?