My photography is a relentless pursuit of authenticity. PLEASE NOTE: This is personal, something I respect for myself and my vision and I am not interest to recommend this way to experience photography to others.

Whether I am documenting the streets or crafting portraits, my approach is rooted in an honest, raw representation of life. I have chosen black and white as my visual language because it strips away the distractions of color, bringing the viewer directly into the heart of the moment. There is no need for embellishment—black and white goes straight to the point. This is where emotions, structures, and the essence of a scene reveal themselves without pretense.

Street Documentary Photography

In my street photography, I aim to capture the genuine pulse of everyday life. There are no staged moments, no polished frames—just reality, as it is. To me, street photography is a form of reportage, a way to tell stories that are unfiltered and raw. It is not about winning awards or chasing trends; it is about the human experience, often in its simplest, most unguarded moments.

I reject the current trend in street photography that leans towards visual gimmicks or "snobbish conceptual" work designed for the gallery or festival circuit. Instead, I focus on what resonates with me—social reportage. I follow in the footsteps of greats like Berengo Gardin and the Mignon collective, who understood that street photography is a tool for capturing the flow of real life, not a means to create contrived images.

Portraiture

In my portraits, I aim to capture the soul of my subjects, with a focus on expressions and emotions rather than superficial beauty. My use of environmental elements in portraiture reinforces the idea that a person cannot be separated from their surroundings. I want my portraits to tell a story beyond the individual, connecting them to the world they inhabit.

Here too, black and white plays a crucial role. In removing color, I am able to direct attention to the core of the portrait—the subject’s expressions, emotions, and presence. This reduction to essentials creates space for the viewer to engage more deeply with the person before them. My portraits are not meant to be glamorous; they are meant to be real, with all the imperfections and textures of life.

Against Over-Production

I firmly believe that photography should not rely on post-production. The overuse of editing creates a barrier between the photographer’s intent and the final image. I seek minimal intervention, believing that the magic happens in the moment, not in the digital darkroom. My images are direct, almost confrontational in their honesty. I do not chase perfection; I chase truth.

By focusing on light, structure, and expression, I maintain a coherence across my work, allowing it to speak the same language whether I am on the streets or in a studio. My use of natural, environmental lighting and simple setups aligns with my vision of stripping away unnecessary layers. The result is a body of work that, I hope, feels sincere and unembellished—grounded in the reality of the world I live in.

Aesthetic Codification

My aesthetic is one of renunciation—the fewer the elements, the clearer the message. In this renunciation, I find freedom. Black and white is not just a stylistic choice but a way to distill moments to their most essential forms. There is nothing that cannot be told in black and white.

This choice keeps my focus on the structure of the scene, the emotions of the subjects, and the geometry of the streets. It is a universal visual language that transcends trends and offers a timelessness that resonates with my pursuit of excellence. As a photographer, I aim for coherence across all my work, using black and white to connect the dots between the intimate portraits I craft and the raw energy I document in the streets.

In Pursuit of Excellence

I believe that true mastery in photography comes through specialization. By narrowing my focus, I can dig deeper into my chosen subjects, refining my vision and pushing myself towards excellence. My dedication to black and white, to capturing real moments, and to maintaining a consistent visual language is how I distinguish myself from the noise of modern photography.

This is my manifesto. Raw, sincere, and unfiltered—this is how I see the world, and this is how I want to present it through my lens.

Alex Coghe's Decalogue of Photographic Approach

No Crop, Most of the Time
I strive to capture the frame as I see it in the moment. Cropping is rarely necessary, as my goal is to get the composition right in-camera, maintaining the integrity of the original scene.
Black and White as a Visual Choice
Color is a distraction. Black and white distills the image to its essential elements—structure, light, emotion—allowing the viewer to focus on the heart of the story. By not counting with a Monochrom Leica or Pentax (oh I would love to) I go with direct JPG, in order to think seeing and not interrupting to see exclssively in black and white.
Minimal Post-Production
My photography is about capturing reality, not altering it. I rely on natural lighting and environmental conditions, avoiding heavy post-processing to preserve the authenticity of each image.
Natural and Environmental Portraits
I include elements of the environment in my portraits, as they help to tell the subject's story in a more holistic way. The surrounding context is as important as the person in the frame.
Focus on Emotions and Expressions
In portraiture, I aim to capture the subject's inner world. Authentic emotions and expressions are at the core of my work, avoiding superficial representations of beauty.
Honesty Over Perfection
My images are raw and real, embracing the imperfections that come with genuine moments. I reject the pursuit of perfection, aiming instead for truth in every shot.
No Gimmicks, No Trends
I steer clear of visual games or conceptual gimmicks designed to please the art market or win competitions. My work is grounded in the traditions of social reportage, focusing on the human experience.
Street Photography as Social Reportage
Street photography is more than a genre; it's a way to document real life. My approach is to capture candid, unstaged moments that reflect the rawness of everyday reality.
Consistency Through Aesthetic Codification
I maintain a coherent visual language throughout my work, whether in street photography or portraiture. Black and white connects my images, creating a timeless, universal aesthetic.
Light and Composition Are Paramount
I prioritize mastering light and composition in-camera. These elements are the foundation of my photography, allowing me to create powerful images without relying on editing or post-production.

Alex Coghe - Personal Photographic Manifesto