street photography Archives

Street Photography and Portraits

People often think that street photography is an infringement of portrait rights, but they don’t understand the nature and purpose of street photography as an art form. Street photography is a form of art that captures the essence of urban life in a way that tells the story of the city through the language of the camera. It also records people’s emotions and styles. It’s about paying attention, feeling things, and sharing your vision, not about being secretive or invasive. So, it’s clear that linking street photography with violating portrait rights is a big misunderstanding and a devaluation of this art form.

On the other hand, painters who work on the streets, whether they’re painting landscapes or people, work in a way that’s different from street photography but is still an artistic reproduction of the real world. Painters often choose to work on the street because it’s a great source of inspiration. They find the reality and diversity of life there really inspiring, and their paintings are a direct expression of what they see and feel, which is similar to street photography.

Street photography: life is a movie, and everyone is an improviser

Street photography is like an impromptu movie you watch for free in the real world. As you walk down the street, you see everyone as the star of their own story. The photographer captures all those little moments, like the way people move, what they look like, and the way they bump into each other. It’s as if the director never said “cut.” The drama of life has been captured on camera, and you are the audience and recorder.

You don’t need a script or an actor to rehearse because the most real and touching moments often happen in the most unconscious moments. People walking, talking, smiling, frowning, and every subtle change of expression and natural twist of the body are like the invisible director’s interpretation of their plot for you. All you need to do is stand back, use your own unique perspective and keen perception to capture those fleeting images, as if you were using someone else’s body to tell a colorful story of theirs and the world.

Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)

Street Photography: Capturing the Extraordinary in Everyday Life

As I’m taking the photo, I suddenly realize that I’m about to bump into a group of people on the other side of the street. There’s a moment of tension in the air as we both move towards each other. In the blink of an eye, I took the photo, capturing the moment when we were about to meet but had never really touched each other.

This photo isn’t just a clever blend of light and color. It’s also a subtle capture of emotions and stories. It goes beyond the everyday look of things and captures the subtle sense of distance between people and the unknown stories that are about to happen. In the picture, the pedestrian’s expression might be with a hint of surprise, a hint of a smile, or immersed in their own world of calm. These real and natural moments are the essence of the “street feeling.”

These photos can make you forget the photographer is even there. It’s as if these moments were already in the world, waiting to be discovered and recorded. There’s no posing or fancy sets—just the raw, unfiltered reality of life and the simplest ways people interact.

When people enjoy these photos, they often find themselves entering into the scene, imagining they’re the one walking on the road or the photographer who pressed the shutter. They can feel the sudden surprise and warmth of a chance encounter in a busy city. Sharing this “street feeling” isn’t just about looking at pictures. It’s about connecting with people on a deeper level. It’s a way to find a little bit of peace and comfort in the midst of a fast-paced modern life.

This kind of photography can often transcend time and space, creating a bridge between the photographer and the audience. It allows people to find beauty in the everyday.