Street photography is an ever-evolving field with countless enthusiasts worldwide. With the abundance of styles and techniques available, finding a unique approach can be challenging.
Coming to you from Tim Jamieson, this insightful video dives into the significance of having a unique style in street photography and offers straightforward steps to help you develop one. Jamieson emphasizes that what you consume shapes your output. By exploring a wide array of street photography works, reading books, and watching documentaries, you can gather diverse influences to build your style. Conversely, limiting yourself to a few photographers’ works might stifle your creative growth.
Jamieson highlights the importance of understanding street photography's history to identify where you fit in. He draws parallels to early impressionist painters who, despite their similar styles, managed to create unique and beautiful works. The art world thrives on mutual inspiration, and street photography is no different. While outright copying is discouraged, experimenting with different ideas from other photographers can help you find your voice. Street photography books like "Reclaim the Street" and "Magnum StreetWise" are recommended for inspiration and understanding the genre's rich history.
The video then transitions into discussing gear, focusing on how the choice of focal length impacts your style. Most street photographers prefer a fixed focal length lens, with 35mm being a popular choice for its similarity to the human eye's field of view. Jamieson’s favorite is the 35mm, which he uses for the majority of his work. However, he notes that experimenting with different focal lengths, such as 50mm for a balanced view or 28mm for a wider frame, can help you find what suits you best. Consistency in gear usage can lead to a more cohesive style.
Editing plays a significant role in defining your style. Jamieson admits the struggle of sticking to a post-processing style as tastes evolve. He suggests starting with in-camera simulations or presets from admired photographers but emphasizes the importance of eventually developing your own editing style. Mastering your chosen editing software and seeking feedback can help refine your approach. For film photographers, selecting a film stock and tweaking scans are part of the creative process.
One crucial aspect often overlooked is the subject matter. Jamieson stresses that what you choose to photograph greatly influences your style. He encourages introspection on what you want to convey through your photography. Your unique perspective, shaped by personal experiences and background, adds depth to your work. Experimenting with different subjects, especially within your community, can help you find your voice. He cautions against chasing social media popularity, advocating for photographing what genuinely interests you instead.
Jamieson also touches on the benefits of projects in developing and experimenting with styles. Projects provide a structured way to explore different styles without conflicting with your existing work. Whether through a website or social media, organizing your work into projects can offer clarity and direction. Long-term projects, in particular, can reveal your evolving style and interests over time. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Jamieson.
