Capturing Life
Finding your truth
Street photography is an opportunity to share social issues. Taking a camera into the public street is my zen space.
Leica M11, 35mm at f/8. 1/500 sec. ISO 2000
Introduction
As a commercial photographer, I carefully plan every commissioned job. Each shot is pre-visualised, considering lighting, background, colour palette, and subject. Assignment scope and limitations are also pre-approved, leaving nothing to chance.
In contrast, street photography is the opposite of advertising. It requires fast intuition to anticipate unscripted interactions. The unpredictability of street photography can be exhilarating when everything comes together in a perfect scene.
Background
The decline of English seaside towns has led to neglect, disrepair, and the migration of young people to areas with better job opportunities. This has left behind an often ageing and disenfranchised population.
The above photo is part of my local seaside town project, a collection of photographs juxtaposing scenes to tell the story of the vulnerable population. In the above picture, a street mural of barbed wire and watching eyes help bring my narrative to life.
In composition, I saw an Alsatian dog being walked from my left and an elderly resident approaching from the right. Fortunately, I sensed the potential and pressed the camera shutter as the dog playfully lunged, and the man recoiled in shock.
Approach
I prefer to engage people in conversation and build trust before asking to take a series of candid photographs. However, sometimes, like in this image, a compelling moment is instinctively captured.
Street photography demands patience and concentration, which are often best achieved alone. Before pressing the shutter, carefully consider how to position the camera, the depth of field, shutter speed, and the point of focus.
Scouting scenes is helpful, but unexpected moments on the street can be exhilarating and fascinating. Most importantly, your images will creatively capture unrepeatable life scenes in natural and authentic form.
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What’s next?
It is Goodwood Revival this weekend. It is a great event celebrating motorsport from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. The Revival is like stepping into a glamorous aesthetic film set, and I will share it in the next 'Incredible Journey' post.
Thank you for reading 'Incredible Journey'— Martin Urch Photography owns the copyright to all images.