What's the point?

[ReginaldSMith]

Circling back to the question, "what's the point?" I hope it's obvious that the point and purpose is supplied by the artist, not the viewer, not the subject, not some art critic, and not the general public. Aside from commercial photography, the usual pursuit is self expression and self interest. Who doesn't spend time looking at their catalog and ruminating?

Only speaking for myself here, but I look at my photographs as a constant source of education, amusement, inspiration, and just blowing off time, the way many people listen to records (radio) or read books. My own photographs reveal my own nature over time. I see phases of interest I had and I see how they evolved. I see strangers I've met and recall their stories. It all is part of the fabric of life. There are no universal truths about photography or art. The truths are created by the artist, not "others." Ergo, when you ask, "what's the point of X, Y, or Z?" you've already discovered your own truth about the subject.

 

[John51]

Yes, street work is a sort of documentary record.

A camera mag in the 70s had an article about a guy that took pics of anything and everything in his locality. Then another pic if it changed later.

Lots of later comments in the letters page that he was wasting time and film. Looking back to those times, I wish I'd had done the same as a lot of local landmarks are no longer there.

 

[markjwyatt]

Some of the more popular sub-genres include "attractive young females", "people utilizing mobile devices", and "elderly people".

 

[faberryman]

Some of the more popular sub-genres include "attractive young females", "people utilizing mobile devices", and "elderly people".

Don't forget "backs of people".

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Backs of people.....

 

[markjwyatt]

Don't forget "backs of people".

Mix of colors by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

 

[eddie]

Don't forget "backs of people".

And the subgroup “cracks of people”, AKA Walmart customer photos.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Also backs of heads reference #131

 

[jtk]

Circling back to the question, "what's the point?" I hope it's obvious that the point and purpose is supplied by the artist, not the viewer, not the subject, not some art critic, and not the general public. Aside from commercial photography, the usual pursuit is self expression and self interest. Who doesn't spend time looking at their catalog and ruminating?

Only speaking for myself here, but I look at my photographs as a constant source of education, amusement, inspiration, and just blowing off time, the way many people listen to records (radio) or read books. My own photographs reveal my own nature over time. I see phases of interest I had and I see how they evolved. I see strangers I've met and recall their stories. It all is part of the fabric of life. There are no universal truths about photography or art. The truths are created by the artist, not "others." Ergo, when you ask, "what's the point of X, Y, or Z?" you've already discovered your own truth about the subject.

The "pursuit" may be self expression but the valuation is each viewer's IMO.

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Yes, absolutely. Non commercial photography is a personal pursuit of expression. Bingo.

 

[jonasfj]

Good street photography is when many different elements come together to form a strong image. Composition, lines, shapes, gesture and a story that triggers a thought or a laugh.

Street photography is difficult and I think that is the reason that there are fewer great photographs and quite a few not so...

 

[jtk]

Good street photography is when many different elements come together to form a strong image. Composition, lines, shapes, gesture and a story that triggers a thought or a laugh.

Street photography is difficult and I think that is the reason that there are fewer great photographs and quite a few not so...

IMO street is not a worthy genre. Genre itself demeans photographers, isn't something that a strong photographer would embrace.

 

[removed account4]

John Free explains the meaning of street photography in best way IMO:

https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnFreePhtography/videos

thanks darko !
i hasn't heard of him before and now i have.. fell into the rabbit hole and watched his videos ..

 

[Ste_S]

I find it hilarious that people get sniffy about street photography. as evidenced by a number of posters in this thread

 

[jtk]

Yes, absolutely. Non commercial photography is a personal pursuit of expression. Bingo.

The mere making of photos is not "personal expression" and photos for money are likely to be more valuable, finding clients that pay better, when they express something about the photographer (style / attitude) . E.g. Avedon, Platon, Penn. Money often seeks. Absence of money suggests lack of value more often than it suggests merit. Maybe ?

 

[ReginaldSMith]

The mere making of photos is not "personal expression"

Unless the photographer says it is. Just ask them.

The act of making a picture - either with pencils, or paints, or a camera - is an exercise in choices that are self-motivated with a purpose of expressing one's belief and reasons for those choices, AKA "self expression."

I don't often meet people who make photographs "for no reason" or with "no personal choice involved."

Why do you make photographs?

 

[removed account4]

Unless the photographer says it is. Just ask them.

The act of making a picture - either with pencils, or paints, or a camera - is an exercise in choices that are self-motivated with a purpose of expressing one's belief and reasons for those choices, AKA "self expression."

I don't often meet people who make photographs "for no reason" or with "no personal choice involved."

Why do you make photographs?

spot on...
not everything is a money making pursuit, not everyone wants to be some headline, or has an attitude and is looking for clients.
some just do it for fun as you say self expression ...

 

[Sirius Glass]

spot on...
not everything is a money making pursuit, not everyone wants to be some headline, or has an attitude and is looking for clients.
some just do it for fun as you say self expression ...

Well said. Some professionals are overstuffed on everything being about making money. Most of us photograph because we enjoy it. Sometimes earning a living on ones pleasures removes the pleasure from the pursuit.

 

[Bob Carnie]

I print for others to financially survive, but I print for myself for pleasure... Just finished 6 gum over palladiums for an upcoming show in Montreal and loved the experience, never tires for me.

 

[slackercrurster]

New Year's Eve...Skid Row Bar. I shot this in the early 70's.​

OP, if you question the value of street work then it must not be for you. You must have the right temperament for street shooting. Everyone does not have this temperament. Some are more suited for star trails or sunsets. Or maybe they like pretty girls and want to shoot naked women all the time.

Working on the street teaches you to think fast and be sure of yourself. Everything you learn on the street is applicable if you step indoors as well. Indoor, outdoors, it generally makes no difference to the street shooter. The street shooter is interested in candid photography of the human condition. We all shoot posed street portraits. But make no mistake about it...candid photography is what separates the men from the boys when it comes to street photography.

 

[Bob Carnie]

Great image Slackcruiser - almost like you focus stacked sharp where it needs to be

 

[faberryman]

But make no mistake about it...candid photography is what separates the men from the boys when it comes to street photography.

What a silly statement - separating men from boys - especially in this context.

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Slacker-----
Love that photograph. Fantastic.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I'm the one who doesn't shoot posed street portraits. And I'm not sure who is the boy here and above...



https://flic.kr/p/p7f8M9

 

[jonasfj]

New Year's Eve...Skid Row Bar. I shot this in the early 70's.​

This is an example of good street. The composition is nice letting the bar and that ventilation shaft (or whatever it is) frame the image. You captured enough environment to tell us about the place. What really makes the photo shine is the storytelling, and by that I mean the guy waving to his friend and the bartender opening the fridge.