The Art of Street Photography
Welcome to the Course
By Peter Kalnbach
The Art of Street Photography
Visual Storytelling
Do you know that moment when you're scrolling through Instagram etc. and you're stuck on some pictures longer than others?
Often this is precisely due to little things in the picture.
Today we want to get to the bottom of this phenomenon.
What we will be focusing on
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What do we mean by “visual storytelling”?
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How is visual storytelling different from other types of street photography?
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Which techniques help to tell stories in pictures?
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What are examples of visual stories in street photography?
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Do you need special equipment for this?
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What tips and tricks can help?
What even is Visual Storytelling?
Based on the film genre, visual storytelling is about telling a (small) story and arousing emotions with an image - i.e. visually.
Unlike film, however, this is often open and subjective.
Contrary to the film, there is usually not THE story in one picture.
The task of visual storytelling is to have enough elements in the image to trigger the viewer's imagination or emotions.
Visual Storytelling:
Images that…
...often seem like scenes from a movie.
...capture random moments.
...tell little stories and create emotions.
... are multidimensional/complex.
Technical perfection and “naturalness” are not the focus here.
Differentiation from Cinematic Street Photography
Limitations
Unlike film, photographic history often only has one image or a small series of images available.
The scope, clarity and complexity of the story are therefore limited.
It often refers to reflections on thoughts/emotions, the next interaction or mood.
In addition, we are dealing with real moments that are candid, pass quickly and are often not reproducible.
Stories are not created just by the Camera
Is that even street anymore?
I don't believe in street photography myths and...
... don't just use 35mm as a focal length!
... use not only prime lenses but also zoom lenses!
... use the camera's series photo function!
…crop regularly!
... edit my images in Adobe Lightroom!
My Personal Formula
Moment and Mood
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Is there a story to tell?
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Does the setting contribute to the story?
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Is the setting in proportion to the story?
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Does the story take place in the right place in the environment?
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Are the conditions suitable (weather, time of day)?
The Subject
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Interesting / Appropriate
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Body language / facial expression / leg position
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Details vs. Whole
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Silhouette vs. Clear
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Individual subject vs. Group
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Out of or in focus
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Positioning
Recognizable or “mysterious”
Depending on the scene, a person can be shown recognizable (attention GDPR) or not recognizable.
If you choose a recognizable person, then the appearance and expression are central to the picture.
If everything is right here, emotions are pre-programmed into the picture.
In the unrecognizable variant, the person moves into the background and becomes an extra in the scene. Appearance and expression are no longer central and human emotions are replaced by mysticism and mood.
Composition helps direct the viewer's eye
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Composition rules (e.g. 1/3 rule)
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Direction of movement/view
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(Natural) frames
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Guide lines
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Levels
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Reflections Use
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Surfaces / panes / tarpaulins etc.
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Pay attention to the edge of the picture
Creative techniques as part of the composition
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Portrait vs. landscape format
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Far vs. Closer
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Whole scene vs. detail/subject
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(Depth of field)
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Motion Blur vs. Frozen Motion
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Intentional Camera Movement (ICM)
Light and Colors
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Interesting light source (artificial or natural)
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Direction of light incidence
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Complementary colours
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Contrast
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Integration into composition
The Main Questions
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Does the image tell a story?
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Does the image stimulate thought processes or trigger emotions?
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Is an interesting interaction taking place (“tap-the-shoulder” test)?
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Do all the elements in the image fit together?
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Is the viewer's eye guided correctly?
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Are the conditions (weather, light) ideal?
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What mood should be conveyed?