The history of street photography
Origins of street photography
The history of street photography goes back to the invention of the camera. But it wasn't until the 20th century that the genre truly developed into an art form.
The origins of street photography can be traced back to the early 20th century, when photography enthusiasts started experimenting with capturing urban life. One of the first well-known street photographers was Eugène Atget, who worked in Paris in the early 20th century. Atget was known for his images of the streets and architecture of Paris and is often regarded as the father of street photography.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Henri Cartier-Bresson began photographing the world. He was one of the founders of photojournalism and known for his ability to capture decisive moments. Cartier-Bresson was also a pioneer in street photography and is known for his images of daily life in cities around the world.
Smaller cameras, more street photographers
After the Second World War, street photography became increasingly popular and began to develop as an art form. Photographers such as Robert Frank and Garry Winogrand were famous for their images of American life in the 1950s and 60s. In the 1970s and 80s, street photography developed even further and new styles and techniques were introduced. Key to this, of course, was the development of ever smaller cameras. Lugging around a tripod and the rest suddenly wasn't necessary anymore.
For me, this is the most interesting period. Let's be honest: we all love those gentlemen in top hats and the rascals on the street corner. It's not nostalgia, just a wonderful black and white image to look at. It brings to mind old films, slapstick, and also, a little, times when people seemed more carefree. Back when smoking was still healthy, so to speak.
From black and white to colour
One of the most important street photographers of this period was Alex Webb. Webb was best known for his colour photographs and his ability to create complex images with multiple layers. He travelled the world to take photographs and was known for his images of Latin America and the Caribbean. Webb's work has often been compared to that of painters because of the rich colours and layering of his images.
In the 1990s and 2000s, street photography became increasingly recognised as an important art form and began reaching a wider audience. Photographers such as Martin Parr and Bruce Gilden were known for their satirical and sometimes provocative images of modern life. New styles of street photography also emerged, including "vernacular photography", in which photographers focus on capturing the unintended beauty of everyday objects and scenes.
The marvels of daily life are exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.
- Robert Doisneau
Digital photography and social media change street photography
The rise of digital photography and social media has further transformed and expanded street photography. Photographers can now easily share their work and receive feedback from a global audience. This has led to a greater diversity of styles and approaches to street photography.
In recent years, street photography has continued to develop and expand, with more emphasis on themes such as urban change, migration, identity and politics. Street photographers such as Daido Moriyama and Trent Parke have pushed the boundaries of street photography with their experimental techniques and abstract images. Valérie Jardin talks about contemplative photography, and I really like that term. Photograph what you feel, not necessarily only what you see. It leaves a lot of room for your own interpretation.
The history of street photography shows how a beautiful art form has developed over more than a century. What began as capturing urban reality with the first cameras grew into a respected photographic genre that reflects the essence of daily life. Pioneers such as Eugène Atget and Henri Cartier-Bresson laid the foundation and later inspired generations of photographers to explore new paths in style, technique and expression. With the arrival of smaller cameras, colour, digital techniques and social media, street photography keeps renewing and broadening itself. It's not just a look back at the past, but above all a lively, ongoing dialogue between photographer, street and viewer.
Key events in street photography
There have been a number of defining moments in the history of street photography. The list below is certainly not exhaustive, but gives you a nice overview. Some things are obvious, but some will hopefully give you food for thought.
The rise of the New York School of Photography
The photographers of the New York School of Photography, including Robert Frank and Diane Arbus, made groundbreaking street photos in the 1950s and 60s that changed the way people looked at the world.
Invention of the portable camera
The invention of the portable camera in the late 19th century, such as the Leica camera in 1925, made it easier for photographers to take pictures on the street and capture spontaneous moments.
The Magnum Photos Agency
Founded in 1947, the Magnum Photos Agency played a crucial role in the development of street photography. Magnum photographers, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Garry Winogrand, became known for their groundbreaking work on the street.
The invention of colour film
The invention of colour film in the 1930s made it possible to capture street scenes in colour, allowing photographers to discover new ways of telling their stories.
Digitisation of photography
The digital revolution of the 1990s and 2000s brought street photography to new heights, as photographers were no longer dependent on film and could focus on capturing the moment.
Street photography as a political statement
In the 1960s and 70s, photographers such as Danny Lyon and Bruce Davidson used their cameras as a political statement, documenting social unrest and change in the United States.
The rise of Instagram
With the rise of Instagram and other social media, it has become easier for photographers to share their work with a wider audience and to find new inspiration from others in the street photography community.
Ready to hit the street yourself?
Reading about history is one thing, making it yourself is another. Here's what's coming up soon.
London
London street photography masterclass
Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November 2026
€ 695
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