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Great Street Photographers take shit pictures

Far from wanting to knock “star names” off their pedestals, I intend to show that one can learn just as much, from bad or error pictures, as from the good ones. Indeed it may be that the “shit photos” separate out the best shooters from the common mortals, just as significantly, as the successful hits do.

Is Street Photography necessarily a solitary occupation?

Many Street Photographers talk of a spiritual-like experience when our perceptions are truly heightened and we can suddenly order the surrounding chaos in magical ways, to capture a beautiful single moment. Is shooting on one's own the only way to achieve this - how else can we be totally concentrated, immune from distractions?

In praise of verticality

I’ve always approached photography as the art of capturing reality in a way that is not instinctively obvious to the naked eye. This is one of the fundamental reasons I’ve often been drawn to the vertical format. Framing a picture within the upright dimensions of a 35mm camera, is a compositional choice which creates, by its nature, an alternate perspective.

Clear the mind and see the light

As the days of isolation have continued I have begun to become more and more aware of how the light at different times of the day turns quotidian household fixtures and fittings into objects of beauty. The simple duty of having to slow down has uncluttered my brain and increased my sense of perception. I literally see things today in a new light.

Visual conversations with Niall McDiarmid

Around 4 years ago I discovered Niall McDiarmid’s work. Over and above enjoying and admiring his images, I felt he ticked many of the boxes that were missing in my work. The crossover of portraiture and street photography really appealed, he was saying something meaningful that went beyond personal artistic expression.

Location, location, location

When we marvel at the skill of street photographers to extract from the chaotic mass of visual information that surrounds us, a spontaneous and magical moment of everyday life, it would seem that they are just blessed with good luck. The truth however is somewhat different. We head to locations that we know are going to provide us with rich photographic potential.

Steve McCurry – authenticity and the pursuit of perfection

It was about this time last year, that the world of photography was given quite a serious jolt. One of it's most famous, and popular practitioners- Steve McCurry, a regular with National Geographic and long standing member of the prestigious Magnum agency, best known for his iconic photograph of the Afghan girl, was accused of manipulating his images.

About

English freelance professional photographer based in Nantes, France. Street Photography has been my passion ever since I first held a film camera in my hand. I run Workshops throughout France and other major European cities.
I also have over 20 years’ experience in Editorial and Corporate work, as well as making a career in shooting Documentary Weddings.
For the last decade I have been a photography educator, teaching in the Graphic Design School for undergraduate students in Nantes.

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