In order for the street to speak to you, you’ve got to stay out there and see what it is. ~Bill Cunningham
I recently watched the wonderful documentary Bill Cunningham New York and loved the above quote by him (and many other quotes in the film!) as he describes his philosophy and approach to street photography. He is such an interesting photographer and person–a household name if you read The New York Times style section–renowned for decades of work capturing the street styles of everyday New Yorkers and celebrities alike.
Between that, and seeing the trailer for the upcoming Vivian Maier documentary, I got to thinking…we should celebrate street photography here at Mortal Muses in the month of May! Now I know this theme might send a world of shivers down some of your spines, but I’m going to challenge you to head out there and step out of your comfort zone if you can.
the watch salesman by urban muser.
Perhaps you don’t live somewhere urban where the bustling sidewalks and shops constantly offer up interesting scenes and camera-worthy characters. But don’t count yourself out. Instead, let’s agree to keep the definition “loose” this month. When I say street, it doesn’t literally have to be street. What I’m really after is seeing you capture a private moment in a public space. Get outside, explore, and shoot. Whether it’s a big city, a small town or a country road, try to capture a stranger in their daily routine or surroundings. Seek out the crowds and interesting faces in an airport, in a restaurant, or on a train…
Or find your subjects at a festival or a parade…
Midtown Village Fall Festival by soupatraveler.
In a park or at the mall…
Fountain Girls by Meghan Davidson.
Watching The Shoppers by jennifée.
As the opening quote above by Bill Cunningham suggests, you need to “stay out there”. These shots don’t always come quickly or easily; the ability to shoot with confidence comes with practice, and time. One tip that always works for me is trying to “wait and see.” If you come across an interesting wall or background, plant yourself and wait for someone to walk into your frame, like Cara did here…
this stall should be a canvas for local artists by tumbleweed.in.eden
black & white on bleecker by urban muser.
Or maybe you’ll want to try a drive-by shooting, like Holly did on her trip to South Africa last year…
drive-by shooting by soupatraveler.
This was more of a “walk-by”, but I never stopped moving as I went past this woman in midtown several months ago…
Maybe you’ll be inspired by some street fashionistas in your travels. I’m no Sartorialist, nor would my photos make the cut on Humans of New York, but I like to capture a stylish New Yorker every once in a while…
red is the new black by urban muser.
Shoot in color, shoot in black & white. Film, mobile or digital. Try to tell a stranger’s story this month. I’ll leave you with another quote, in hopes it will inspire you to get out there and show us what catches your eye.
A camera can get you close without the burden of commitment. It’s a nifty device that way, a magical passport into people’s lives with no permanent strings attached. ~Nina Berman
And don’t forget to share! Post your images in our flickr pool for a chance to be featured here on the blog in May, and let us know in the comments if there are any street photographers who inspire you.
Above all, have fun!
Christy | Urban Muser
AWESOME THEME!!! I love it!
There are so many street photographers I like, e.g. Henri Cartier-Bresson, Vivian Maier, Francesc Catala-Roca, Janey Kay (http://www.flickr.com/photos/janeykay2007/) and Jonatan van Smit (http://www.flickr.com/photos/n_ipper/).
Caro, glad you like this month’s theme. I hope to see some of your work in the MM flickr pool. And thanks for sharing these links!
I’d love to post some images to the pool, should I wait until there is a new theme category?
Thanks!!
Debbie
Hi Debbie, love your enthusiasm!! We don’t have any hard rules, but your street images may get lost in the diptychs if you do it too soon 🙂
So excited for this theme, Christy! Definitely pushing my photography. Awesome!
Thanks Meghan, glad you are up to the challenge!!
Oh my, this challenge has me nervous and excited. Hitting my comfortable edge and walking through it.
Woohoo Vanessa, you can do it!
Oh, I wish I had a bit more courage when it comes to street photography..!! Maybe this is the kick behind I need 🙂
My courage and inspiration to take these kinds of photos comes and goes. I wanted to challenge myself this month to get back out there because it has been a while. Let’s see how we do! 🙂
Street photography is such a challenge for me, but I was lucky to snap a few of Bill Cunningham this year at the Easter Parade. Being kind of shy about taking other people’s photos & not wanting my own taken, parades are great because people actually want you to take their photo.
Hi Cindy, parades are a great place to dip your toe into street photography b/c everyone is snapping away! Bill Cunningham rode past me on his bike at Columbus Circle last year and I wanted to tackle him!! That’s so cool that you got some shots of him 🙂
Excellent challenge for the month.
Have fun out there. If I may suggest stay in one place and let the image come to you, it will!
Don’t’ forget, “mood, moment, and light” makes a grand street image!
yes maureen, great advice!
I am so excited about this month’s theme! Awesome group of shots up there Christy…this is gonna be good!!!
Thanks Holly for letting me use some of your shots for this post 🙂 Love the drive-by!
Well this is quite the challenge for me, who is more than shy, but it has piqued my interested. I’m thinking it may be just the opportunity I need to get out there and give it a try.
Thanks!!
hi lisa, hoping this theme will inspire you this month. the confidence definitely comes with time. most people don’t even know i took their photo, or if they think i did, i just don’t look back at them so they are never really sure. you can do it 🙂
Great theme, Christy! Wonderful collection of inspiring images!!! I really enjoy street photography when I get the opportunity to visit the city…maybe a road trip?
thanks anna. yes, perhaps a road trip is in order for you 🙂
Great theme to challenge us all!
Thanks Lynne. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s street photos in May!
Really fun theme. Street photography is difficult here in the country, but I’ll give it ago.
Erik Kim is a really good resource on street photography: http://erickimphotography.com/blog/start-here/ . He even has a free e-book called “31 Days to Overcoming Your Fear of Street Photography.”
thanks for stopping by deirdre! i hope to see you give some rural street photography a try! and yes, eric’s site is great. i think holly is going to mention him in one of her upcoming posts.
Love this theme. I can be too impatient. I think the best street photographers can see the shot and then wait for it.
One of my favorites is Elliott Erwitt. His dogs are fabulous and he has a great sense of humor that shows in his work.
great advice jill, and yes, love elliott erwitt. thanks!
Thank you for including one of my images Urban! I love shooting street photography. Would do it for a living if I could.
“Leftovers” is pretty much my favorite of your street shots.
thanks again liz 🙂
So excited for this theme!
Staci, glad you are excited by the theme–hope to see some of your photos in the flickr pool this month!
Great theme! I’m always a little shy about photographing strangers on the street…as much as I try to be subtle, I feel like I’m way too obvious! Any tips on capturing these without being noticed?
Leslie, it can be intimidating for sure. You definitely want to try to mute as much of the sound of your camera as possible. I try not to look directly at people before–and especially after–I photograph them. I just keep walking and don’t look back, leaving them unsure if they just had their photo taken!?! It’s definitely a confidence game–accepting the fact that unless you’re using a huge zoom lens you’re probably not going to be able to go completely unseen, and that’s OK! Good luck, I hope you try it out again this month 🙂
Sweet! I love this months theme. I have a street photography blog, but haven’t done anything for it in over a year. Love your shot called left overs.
Christina, I hope this theme inspires you to take some street shots again! Thanks for your comment about my photo “leftovers” — I feel like there are so many stories behind that photo…
Hey Christy…cool blog, luv it!
Another street photog blog I admire and enjoy is called NYC Snapped at this link: http://nycsnapped.blogspot.com
Scroll thru and check it out!
Keep it coming!
Marty