STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Let's start by sharing my definition of "street photography." Although it can be downtown, it doesn't have to be. Anything I see from along the streets is part of my street photography-- people, the culture, architecture, history, retail window fronts, etc. I treat it like a documentary on street photography.

That said, some of the examples I will share go beyond documenting what I see. I like to explore with different effects, both in-camera and with photo editing software.

So, let's begin with this downtown scene of a restaurant/lounge in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas called The Avenue. When people notice photographers with a camera, they tend to look at the photographer, but I wanted the scene to look as natural as possible--folks just enjoying a drink. So, I got the shot from across the street with my telephoto lens. 

I saw this couple in fun conversation in front of The Yellow Deli in downtown Boulder, Colorado. I shot it as an in-camera double exposure, then added a photo editing application (Poster Edges) to give it a painterly effect.I look for unique, interesting elements in my compositions. In this scenario: the upside-down basket as a lamp shade, the old-style curtains, the guy's hat, and a hint of a bike. Bicycles are ubiquitous in Boulder.

While visiting Switzerland, I saw this interesting restaurant setting with a giant blue cow hovering over the diners eating at what looks to be a cheese/fondue kind of specialty cafe.

The cow and the cheese made for a somewhat comical and surreal combination.

I was in the middle of a 3-day workshop when I saw this man walking toward me. He instantly made an impression on me. We started talking and it became apparent that he was homeless. Donald is his name. I asked him if I could take his picture. It cost me $6.00, but it was definitely worth it. Donald had some great and interesting features. You can see life's wear and tear, ups and downs, and tribulations on his face. I converted the image to sepia tone to match the subject matter. 

As I was getting his picture, he told me he was famous--he had his picture on Facebook.

Here is yet another image from historic and picturesque Hot Springs, Arkansas. Downtown is known for Bathhouse Row. There are eight beautiful historic bath houses that line the east side of Central Avenue. The Quapaw Bath House is just one of the ornate bath houses that make downtown Hot Springs so unique and fun to visit.  

I saw this man in silver clothing walking briskly along a downtown Denver, Colorado street.
I quickly parked my car, fed the meter, and literally ran after him. I was curious. When I caught up with him I introduced myself, we chatted, and he let me take several photos of him. He said he was a street performer and that his name was JAMBOT. We then walked to 16th street, where he made most of his money. I got several shots of him. This is one of my favorites-- him leaning forward several degrees then freezing for several seconds as people gawked in amazement, including me! 

   

I enjoy photographing plein air artists as they paint their street scenes. I photographed this local artist, Paul, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Since the scene depicted a "then & now" theme, I converted the photo to black & white, except for Paul's painting and his make-shift palette--two paper plates.

So, go downtown or visit nearby towns and cities and just walk around with your camera. Sometimes the most common of subjects can become topics of and for discussion. Enjoy your walk. Send me some examples of your street photography. 

If you want to raise the bar on your photography and live in the Hot Springs/Little Rock area, holler at me if you'd like a 1-on-1 or small group field lesson. I will also be in the Denver/ Boulder area next May.