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Street photography

Street photography is one of the most captivating forms of photography. There is something magical about capturing everyday life in its most spontaneous and unfiltered form. Perhaps that is why street photography has become so popular.

The beauty of street photography is that you can do it anywhere: in your own neighbourhood, while travelling, or even just on your lunch break. What makes it extra special is that street photography lets you encounter elements of almost every other form of photography - from portraits and architecture to still life and abstract images. It's all about finding that one moment, that one look, that captures the essence of life on the street.

Overcome your fear of street photography

Yet for many people, it is not easy to just grab a camera and photograph people on the street. The fear of just photographing people on the street, or perhaps attracting unwanted attention, holds many back. But trust me, it's really not scary. During my street photography workshops I teach you how to overcome this fear and confidently use your camera on a busy street or a quiet alley.

What I particularly emphasise in my workshops is that street photography is not only about technique, but also about learning to observe and anticipate the right moment. You will see that as you gain more experience, you not only become more comfortable with street photography, but also get better and better at capturing unique, spontaneous moments. I am convinced that my extensive experience in street photography and my passion for capturing everyday life make me the right person to guide you in your photographic journey!

A brief history of street photography

Street photography has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the beginnings of photography itself. One of the early pioneers was Eugène Atget, who captured the streets of Paris with his camera in the early 20th century. His work, though originally intended as documentation, is now seen as art and has paved the way for many others.

Henri Cartier-Bresson, often called the father of modern street photography, introduced the concept of 'the decisive moment', capturing exactly that one fleeting moment that perfectly captured the essence of a scene. Elliot Erwitt, with his perceptive humour and eye for the absurd, also left an indelible mark on street photography.

In more recent history, photographers like Joel Meyerowitz and his protégé Melissa O'Shaughnessy have further developed the genre, with a vibrant, colourful approach that captures city life in all its dynamism. Here in the Netherlands, Ed van der Elsken, with his raw and sometimes provocative images, has left us with a wonderful document of city life. And contemporary street photographers like Bas Losekoot, Julie Hrudová and Fokko Muller continue the tradition, as I do, by capturing the unique stories of city life.

Three tips for better street photography

  1. Trust your invisibility
    One of the most important aspects of street photography is the ability to blend into your surroundings. The less attention you draw to yourself, the more you can capture without disrupting the scene. This does not mean hiding, but rather learning to photograph in a natural and relaxed way so that people do not realise they are being photographed.
  2. Practice patience
    Street photography is often a matter of waiting for the right moment. Sometimes something interesting happens in front of your eyes, but more often you have to wait patiently for that one moment to happen. Stay alert and ready to take the photo when the opportunity arises. If necessary, take a few photos of a potentially interesting situation and only later at home choose which photo in the series is the most captivating.
  3. Use the right lens
    A good lens choice can make a big difference in your street photography. I often recommend working with a 28mm, 35mm or 50mm lens. These focal lengths are ideal because they allow you to get close to your subject without distorting the perspective. They also force you to actively participate in the scene, instead of standing at a distance. The format I use: 28mm for in a busy market or shopping street, 35mm for documenting photos with layering and 50mm for across the street.

Join one of my photography workshops

Street photography allows you to explore and capture the world around you in a new way. Whether you are a novice photographer or already have some experience, my workshops are designed to help you improve your skills and boost your confidence. During the workshops, we will dive deep into the techniques and thinking behind street photography, and I will teach you how to shoot confidently or invisibly in any situation.

I cordially invite you to join one of my street photography workshops. Together, we will explore the streets and learn how to capture unique moments in everyday life. You will see that street photography is not only exciting, but also has a tremendously steep learning curve. I look forward to taking to the streets with you and helping you develop your vision of street photography.