Photobook

Ojasvi Shivashankar | K2

Wildlife photography. Landscape photography. Product photography. Event photography. All these branches of photography have quite self-explanatory names. They also have very clear objectives. So, one would assume that “street photography” simply means taking photos on the street. What is this black sheep of photography? It doesn't seem as impressive or interesting as the other, does it? Allow me to try and convince you otherwise.

“I think every photographer should define what the street means to them, in their own way. There's no one way of defining street photography.” - Carolyn Drake
(famous photographer. Proof that I'm not gaslighting you guys)

Street photography is perhaps the most creatively liberating form of photography. Evidently, every branch of the art has its own merits, but since street photography is not limited by hard-and-fast rules or rigid definitions, it offers far greater scope for abstraction and creativity.

Shaping Gods

Watchman of the Fleet

A Family Outing

For me, it is the art of perception. When you see photographs from this genre, you take on the eyes of the perceiver, the photographer. The more unique the perception, the more engaging and evocative the picture. For every shot you take, there are hundreds of different ways you could have taken it.
But perception isn't all there is to it. Street photography is candour. And not the “look that side and laugh” or “act as though you're talking” kind of candour. True candour. It captures people as they are, and truthfully reflects the world as it is. In a time that relentlessly chases likes, views, and artificial, unrealistic lives, street photography captures what life actually looks like. That genuineness is truly refreshing.

A Man's Bestfriend

A Pondicherry Afternoon

The Hands Behind Chai

But finding this genuineness requires patience. More often than not, the moment is more important than the content. You could take a portrait of a fisherman. But capturing a fisherman readying his boat for a voyage out to sea is far more fascinating. These moments last seconds, if not fractions of a second, and catching them demands extraordinary presence of mind and razor sharp observation. To notice a perfect setting for a shot and then wait for the perfect subject to pass by, without knowing if it will even happen, can truly test your patience and dedication.
But the secret ingredient to a good picture is the story.
Movies tell you stories through dialogue and action. Photography tells you stories through captured moments. A compelling portrait is one that makes you wonder what experiences those glimmering eyes and weather-beaten face have experienced. An interesting picture makes you wonder and question, tickling your curiosity. A powerful photograph is one that invites you to discover the story it is aching to recount. An evocative picture is one that bubbles up emotions and warmth in your heart, sometimes without any evident reason. The beauty of street photography is that it is living. Every picture holds stories, lives and humanity. It is an art that has soul.
Street photography is all this and much more. It has taught me invaluable lessons. It taught me to observe and to live in the present. It forced me to learn to speak to strangers. It annihilated my introversion by hammering me with rejection. Most importantly, it taught me that opportunities are never simply given to you, but they are all around you. You just need to look for them.

Weatherbeaten by Experience

Weaving in Time for Tea

Weatherbeaten by Experience

Who is the Imposter?

Threads of Thoughht

Shimmering Contemplations