What is Street Photography? | Thorsten Overgaard

More street photography tutorial videos
- Take Your Street Portraits to the Next Level: bhpho.to/2YhDN8K
- Finding Your Photography Niche: bhpho.to/2CW8u8T
- 5 Reflection Portrait Photography Tips with Monaris: bhpho.to/3wayAMr
- How to Find Your Street Photography Style: bhpho.to/38sOlDT
- 10 Steps to Make Your Street Photography Stand Out: bhpho.to/3ByF7Sk
- Street Photography: Let Your Feelings Guide You: bhpho.to/3bFYrmO

[@abigailsockeye1586]

my favorite danish photographer who teaches photographing

[@legendarycondor]

To all those who say he's not 'the best photographer'. Of course he isn't. I agree. His photography is not strong. BUT, he has the guts to teach and bring people from level 1 to level 2. He does not need to be the 'worlds best' in order to teach and inspire. What a bunch of haters ya'll are.

[@inigotaylor9401]

C Tabs but the fact is, his photographs are boring. It is isn't about hate, just amazement that people are so impressionable and are sold on his workshops.

[@TheIkaika777]

Then where do those people go to get from level 2 to level 3 and above?

[@JWMCMLXXX]

The facts is [subjective opinion]. It isn't about hate, it's just [cynical insult]

[@JWMCMLXXX]

The next free video

[@dougmccart4590]

You guys know fuck all about photography

[@lawrencehorowitz9291]

A strong reminder that light, composition, passion for making photographs are what matters.

[@sadenb]

Such an elegant starting line . I was walking down the street when :)

[@Jakethejakee]

People and atmosphere. I love it :)

[@glennsak]

Love Thorsten.

[@ismaelcastillo1955]

THANKS B&H for posting this video seminar of Mr.Thorsten Von Overgaard who is an incredible photographer and unique in the way he transmites his knowledge.

[@Kamasutralovers]

Whether you like Thorsten von Overgaard's work or not, which personally I do and I'm not a big fan of contemporary "street" photography, he has a real career as a photographer and is not someone who made a name for himself as a self proclaimed "expert" that spends his time reviewing cameras, doing unboxing videos, and posting boring pictures of charts and flowers in his garden. Ming Thein and Thorsten are the very rare breed of photographers who are active as bloggers while at the same time actually having succesful careers shooting. It's funny how all the haters such as Ed Hoover & Darren Lehane Photography, have basically no subscribers and a few hundred views on their KZbin channel (at best). Do they even have a fraction of the published editorial work in magazines that Thorsten von Overgaard has had? The mass of least accomplished are always the most critical of the accomplished few. or Easy to criticise, hard to accomplish!

[@inigotaylor9401]

My comments were constructive criticism, something that is part and parcel of looking at and considering art. If KZbin videos are just there to compliment the producers of the content it isn't an arena for learning, people should comment on work they don't like as actively and politely as work they do. I have to say I find it quite baffling that this photographer has such exposure when his work is in reality just ok. The way in which he talks about photography isn't particularly engaging either. From reading around his exposure and success seems tied to his involvement with Leica and talking about there cameras. Again not to take anything away from his work and effort but it is very telling that getting your name out there can be more to do with the camera you use than your vision. Great business man no doubt .An Interesting times to be a photographer

[@Siftedheart]

Kama Sutra Lovers well said thank you; I learned something today😊

[@TheIkaika777]

Kama Sutra Lovers, you just described pretty much every single KZbin photographer channel.

[@dippin1523]

your right, they are the real deal

[@AlfredLopez-photographer]

Inigo - "His photographs are total and utter garbage..." Not sure that's "constructive criticism". More like "disdain". In any case, if you say you're giving constructive criticism, then you should also provide the reasons why they are "garbage". Also, your take on street photography, referencing Bresson and Erwitt, is short sighted. First off, EVERYTHING is an "aesthetic". Yes, there are "boring" pictures, but that's a very subjective notion. Are you saying that William Eggleston's work is boring? Perhaps. He did shoot the mundane (tricycles, light bulbs, literal garbage), but his boring shots have sold upwards of several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Why? Because he has *his* aesthetic. Bresson and Erwitt wouldn't be caught dead shooting in color, yet here's Eggleston, and Meyerowitz doing work in color and not necessarily following in Bresson's or Erwitt's footsteps.

[@RogerHyam]

Nice talk. I think the key with Thorsten's photos is he likes people.

[@1billiedale]

Very good presentation. Especially appreciated his talk about the legality of public photography. I am well aware of my rights but so many individuals who would like to do street photography are too meek and too afraid to point their camera at a stranger in public. Get over it! Public photography is your right and you are protected doing it by the First Amendment. Know your rights and get out there making photographs.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

It comes with doing it. The more you do it, the less there is a barrier, and the easier it is to be friendly and natural with people who will return the same.

[@1billiedale]

@@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard Right! After you do it for a short while it becomes second nature.

[@Alexxxxir]

Living in New York, around 2002, and before learning about my rights as a street photographer, unfortunately, one of my unexpected experiences was rather negative, when in a broad daylight, in the middle of the summer, I tried to photograph from a distance a highly attractive young white girl walking alone towards me down a secluded section of a boardwalk in Brooklyn. Seeing me photographing her, she actively chased me and proceeded to interrogate me as to why I was taking photos of her. She demanded to see what I snapped and after viewing the photos, forced me to remove them. As she was getting rather loud and envisioning a brooding problem, I complied as she was insatiable and on the verge of calling the cops on me. 8-( However loudly insulting me still wasn’t enough for her, and when I started heading back to my car, she proceeded to follow me and as she was walking, she also began to rouse a few groups of local young thugs, (who apparently knew her), and who were sitting aimlessly at the time on the benches along the boardwalk. They quickly started forming a separate group and also proceeded to follow me along with others “to do the justice”, with the girl still heading the “procession”. I guess she really wanted them to attack me or at the very least beat me up… I was certain that I would be attacked at any moment, losing my photo equipment, but somehow barely managed to escape this unfortunate encounter when I finally reached my car. Later I called the police to ask about my rights as a photographer, describing what had happened to me, but didn’t get a clear answer about wrongful actions by the girl. Later, after researching the subject of my rights as a photographer, I purchased a book about this very subject, now written by a lawyer-photographer, who described in details do’s and don’ts of street photography and other rights of photographers. So, each time I see all the lovely photos taken by Mr. Overgaard of friendly or unsuspecting people/pedestrians and other human subjects, I unfortunately instantly recall my negative experience with the girl. Also, his selection of urban places around the world in which to photograph is generally in selected well-to-do safe neighborhoods of mostly Europe or even one neighborhood of New York: the Manhattan, with mostly classy, refined, friendly people who generally populate these neighborhoods with cozy street cafes, and who don’t think negatively when they see a camera lens pointed at them. I suppose Mr. Overgaard’s motto to “always wear a camera” has to be also interpreted as in “wear your camera in safe neighborhoods”. Having on you (as in his case) roughly $25K worth of Leica equipment, dictates careful selection of one’s surroundings.

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

It would be good to see an Overgaard video regarding the use of Leica's Noctilux lenses - or any of their 'fast' lenses - indoors. I regard taking photographs in coffee shops, art museums, libraries, and taverns as just another type of 'street photography.' In an art museum you don't need neutral density filters to take advantage of your f/0.95 and f/1.4 f-stop settings. Indoor 'street photography' isn't quite as straightforward/easy as its more common, outdoor version

[@danielbielecki9399]

excellent street photography!

[@johnfarley4201]

WONDERFUL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GREATLY APPRECIATED.

[@llr3zall151]

Interesting how most of the photos shown where in the 50mm focal range! So many people are telling you go with 35mm or 24mm! 50mm has such a classic look.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

I agree. 50mm is very classic.

[@Alexxxxir]

It's "classic" because the lenses with focal distance of 50 mm (on FF) mimic the way we see the world around us with our own eyes. Not 24, not 35, but 50!

[@streetphotography.globetro7744]

Nice !!!! As lover of street photography i really enjoy this video, thanks for share it.

[@anils.rkumar6551]

You should watch more videos

[@streetphotography.globetro7744]

@@anils.rkumar6551 why ?

[@antoineveling2650]

Love your Gym boots!

[@mhsvz6735]

Thanks.

[@DiviPhotos]

Cool video nice job

[@davesouthwood1545]

Epic Thorsten, be great to catch up in Africa sometime..

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Yes!

[@hoorayforpentax3801]

0:49 That's an interesting way to look at it. I'm not sure you could call it wrong.

[@cubeedoo]

Unfortunately, it has become even tougher in Germany: As far as I understand it is not only about publishing them, even taking pictures of individuals without their permission or legitimate interest is prohibited by GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) - and people are very aware of that. I still like the philosophy that a charming picture should not be a crime.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

I do it anyways. The good thing is that if you look like a tourist with a camera, you can be left alone.

[@bunkerbunt3390]

Here comes the light 11:44

[@kozz1984]

Nice photos. I have personally never been a fan of humanity in general so I haven't explored street photography.

[@Dragontasticvideos]

Well then thats a great starting point to get into Street haha.

[@JWMCMLXXX]

"Dogs live on the street. Dogs are awesome" - Diogenes, 326 BCE

[@blankplanet1476]

Agree with the guy above, we have too many street shooters who are fond of people. Would be interesting to hear what a guy who doesn't like people have to say about our society!

[@cwl82108]

@54 :30, as a Hong Konger,i can pretty sure that the guys walk by is a famous celebrity in HK instead of some passer by,he is a TV Dramma actor LOL

[@prabhakaranvannadil5894]

nice experience of listening. may I know your experience of photography in India if ever visited ?

[@woutdezeeuw1604]

I like your shoes :D.

[@JWMCMLXXX]

"It's not personal. It's not because you took their photo. It's just because you are in Paris" On Parisians being annoyed at your mere presence XD

[@robertbutts9835]

So would it not be better to call it social documentary photography ?

[@ChrisW.Fuji_Canon]

🙏😍🙏

[@tchin2020]

I think it's great that there are actually people who are self taught photographers and who have the understanding that photography is Subjective. A photographer can't impose snapshots on the public and describe them as some thing sensational. Anyone that has the knowledge of shooting a camera can take a picture. If that person has taken random street snapshots of everyday life for a decade, can present these photos as some thing phenomenal or have a gallery friend and blow them up and sell them for big bucks. I've seen 1,000s of exhibition photos, and think they are crap, but just because they are famous, sell books and have the gift of gab...their photos are unique...remember photography is Subjective, so any photograph is unique to the person who took the picture... None of these pictures ”wow” me at all...the photos are just snapshots on the way to the market... Blow up your photos and they will look just as awesome...even better, put your favorite in a photo book binder from costco and they will look great...just remember these guys can afford all the best leicas because it's a Business deduction...

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

I'd be grateful if you'd list, say, three things that all "good" photographs have in common. When you're looking at a photograph, what makes you say: "Ah, that's a good one!"

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

That's a good question, but a bit tough :-) but let me try: 1) It has to have an emotional impact. If you look at other people's photographs you know when they have it. When you look at your own, you tend to notice errors or things they don't have, or what you wished they should have. That is why sharing your photos with others is a good thing because their comments and reactions tells you what it does. 2) For me, a photo that makes me wonder and want to be part of it, that is a great photo. 3) A photo that inspires me to go photograph or go write or travel or something. In short, it brings life. Maybe not the perfect three (I'll work on refining them :-). -Thorsten Overgaard

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

@@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard , thank you for responding. I knew that was a very difficult question. It's like asking someone "How could you justify paying $460 million dollars for THAT painting?" (Someone was able to.)

[@inigotaylor9401]

Interesting talk, For me this work relies upon nostalgia in subject matter, style, influence and treatment not to say it doesn't have place and indeed there are some very enjoyable images but it all feels a bit cliche. The Influence and importance of classic reportage photography i.e the likes of HCB and Erwitt to name just two is undeniable but referring back to it to much becomes a new kind of pictorialism, a sort of aesthetic hunting where your looking for an aesthetic theme as opposed to "real" reality, that is of course a contradiction but to sum it up in a kind of metaphor Cuba seems to pull in Leica wielding street photographers and they all seem to end up with the ubiquitous 50's American car in there work, of course this is a huge part of the "outside" view of Cuba (cliche) but I'm probably more interested to see the Toyota's and Peugeots and real contemporary life a supposed to the cigar smoking man leaning against his Cadillac with a crumbly wall behind him. Robert Frank didn't photograph Jukeboxes and Cadilacs because they were nostalgic, he photographs them because it was step here and now of America 60 odd years ago. Paul Graham touch upon this in a talk which is available to view on youtube and it was really interesting in the fact that now his work is 30+ years old people view his work with the same nostalgia for 1980's Britain in his Beyond Caring series. He made the work in it's time of contemporary and banal situations, the work had value then and the nostalgia accumulates and the political and the aesthetic value is a fascinating element to consider. Again some great images and nostalgia has an important place in documentary recording. Good talk. Thanks

[@WeiyanWo]

Well said. Better to understand the reason behind rather then a mere copycat.

[@gabrielecavazzini1660]

I would say "Cuba seems to pull in Leica/Nikon/Canon/Fuji/Sony/Pentax/Olympus/Hasselblad/Panasonic/Ricoh etc wielding street photographers and they all seem to end up with the ubiquitous 50's American car in there work" :)

[@owainshaw]

I would add iPhone to your list, and then I think we can probably call it a day.

[@seanquigley3624]

When I shot street in Cuba it was only American 50's cars or eastern bloc, that was in 2004

[@adelinrapcore]

Hey man , i wonder , your snickers are capable of taking pictures too?

[@2yoyodog]

I take photos while riding a bicycle..I am a "bicycle photographer."

[@jairosa823]

...traducirlo al español...?....sería estupendo.

[@BandH]

Hola y muchas gracias por su sugerencia. Por el momento es algo en lo que estamos trabajando. Por favor mantengase pendiente ya que actualizamos nuestro contenido a menudo.

[@legendarycondor]

Thanks Thorsten! Don't listen to the butt hurt people here criticizing you cause they feel they're better informed than you are. If they are such great photographers they should start their own lecture and stop hating on others.

[@robertbutts9835]

I have a hard time with the term "street photography" Garry Winogrand said it says nothing about who you are . So please let's here about that ... If your documenting life on the street then what is he doing and not all shots were in the street ..so again we have different photography .

[@y34r]

Lot of jealous haters in the comment, it’s damn funny

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

You must admire that people take the time to watch a 60 minutes video to review it for others :-)

[@edwassermann8368]

omg, these shoes…

[@SuperPussyFinger]

When you're not looking, he does the moonwalk in those dazzling fuckers.

[@ralfscherer6552]

Thank you Thorsten for sharing your experience with us. N🍦 Photos from you. I like it. The most things you said I agree with you. But not the thing with holding the camera. I don`t like to shoot from the eye hight. For me its boring. It`s our natural view all the time. I shoot mostly from the hip or searching for some unique angles. And I love the humanity aspect in street photography. For me humans have to be in a street shot. Storytelling or creating a cool look. Thats my goals. Thank you again Thorsten I also had a lot to say for street photography. Please invited me B & H ralfscherer.com Greetings from Germany

[@Alexxxxir]

Really nice photos at your site....

[@anils.rkumar6551]

They are not really STREET PHOTOS, Common

[@fangxusun1723]

good talker, but it's sad that none of his photos impressed me.

[@ItisBean]

what is light? Light is a kind of electromagnetic radiation.

[@biruknegus]

Boring!

[@thelining4078]

thanks for the outing. everytime you’re bored, you’re making a mistake. if you’re open, you can learn in any situation.

[@djakkdjakkd]

Overall this guy is just a businessman that knows some techniques and sells courses and webinars for half a grand. U can't learn being a good photographer, it's not a trick dear people. It's something U need to achieve yourself. If u really want to be good at story telling in photographs U will pick up a cheap camera yourself and start experimenting and ask for feedback to real artist that fight for a dime. This guy is all about the money and his pictures tell that. There's no emotion or connection to the subject. Most of the pictures are really forced and so hyperrealistic that there is almost no room for own interpretation, somethingthat's essential in (fine) art, which he claims to be in. Do yourself a pleasure and look for the answer elsewhere and start with yourself!

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

It's a free seminar, and it's free here on KZbin. So you can take away from it what you want :-)

[@aquilifergroup]

What about you? What are your accomplishments?

[@diordrama]

Dull pictures. dull person. He's not a photographer. He's a dude with a camera.

[@aquilifergroup]

Like you

[@herbprattle5054]

Very boring and uninformative (except laws). Photos are a solid 2 (scale 1-5). A couple merit 3-1/2. Good reason for resulting mediocrity. "I don't think a lot about lines or geometric patterns." or composition. Only importance is emotional impact, which is personal to him and relies on the back story (explaining the situation) for others to see why he bothered to take his snapshot. Det er det.

[@Makta972]

Perfect exemple of that leica nonsense. This guy think that because he use leica cameras that his work is great. Very boring Snapshot with $$$$$$$ gear.

[@edwassermann8368]

His own work presented here is weak at best. Not someone I would be looking for advice…

[@GoA7250]

The slide show behind him is his portfolio... there was some great shots in there.

[@goswo]

No I am sure you would look in the mirror and ask the amazing guy you see. It takes one to know one - and you are not the one, so what can you see, and does it really matter... :-)

[@denaeads1369]

Ed Hoover, your photograph of Bangladesh is so much better. Oh wait, you don't have one.

[@blankplanet1476]

Well, the guys who make great pictures are too busy shooting and working on their projects to teach anybody anything about photography lol.

[@edwassermann8368]

@@goswo have you got some problems formulating a reasonable, coherent thought that is related to this? dum-dum, what do you know about how I view the world? tell me more dipshit…