About the (sad) state of photography
A recent video by Justin Mott
It is something I was reporting since several years. That made me me meet a lot of haters all over the years. I think festivals and the approval syndrome created this situation in street photography with unuseful visual jokes, staged photos, collages (yes collages) and fake conceptual. Emotions and gestures are currently considered outdated but time is the only judge.
Festivals and instagram created this state of things. There is a lack of emotionality in many shots today that seem repetitive and like a sort of stylistic exercise, not real interest in the subjects. Like those making rebus photography. Where is the documentation of the human condition?
The issue is also with the…teachers. They will give you a list of rules. And that is absurd. Street Photography should arise from a personal need, from a real curiosity towards the world around and people. And this means nobody should say you what lens working with or the appraoch to have.
Hey, I am already listening: “but you are teaching street photography!” Yes, but as photo coach i am not dictating any rule, I respect the creative freedom and I am just focused to help my students to meet their inner voice. That is why my workshops are useful and focused on real results.
Street photography. Once a raw, honest window into the human experience, it seems to be getting lost in a sea of gimmicks. Gone are the days of capturing the quiet moments, the fleeting expressions that speak volumes. Today, we're bombarded with "giant dogs" and "balloon heads," clever as they may be, but ultimately hollow.
Where's the Humanity?
The essence of street photography has always been about documenting the human condition. Henri Cartier-Bresson, the godfather of the genre, called it "the decisive moment" - capturing the essence of a scene in a single frame. Vivian Maier's work pulsates with the rhythm of life on the streets. These masters understood the power of a single glance, a gesture, a shared space.
The Gimmick Trap
Don't get me wrong, a playful, unexpected image can be delightful. But when "creativity" becomes synonymous with forced humor or staged scenarios, we lose sight of the magic that unfolds naturally on the streets. And, honestly, I don’t care of you and how you find fun a scenario, i want to see what happens in the world.
So, How Do We Revive Street Photography?
Refocus on the Human: Let's return to the raw beauty of human interaction. Look for the subtle stories in everyday moments - a couple sharing a laugh, a child lost in thought, a weary worker taking a break. Boring? No, I think boring is living the world around us as a sort of rebus and I can’t suffer the the visual jokes.
Embrace the Unexpected: The magic of street photography lies in capturing the unexpected. Be present, observant, and ready to pounce when a fleeting moment of humanity reveals itself.
Channel the Masters: Study the works of legendary street photographers. Learn from their compositions, their use of light and shadow, and their ability to evoke emotion through a single frame. I am proposing a series dedicated to the masters on my YouTube channel.
Let's Breathe Life Back into Our Streets
Street photography is more than just clever tricks. It's a powerful tool to connect with the human experience in all its complexity. Let's ditch the gimmicks, embrace the power of observation, and reignite the emotional core of street photography.
