Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Street Photography
It would have been nice if some black and white street pictures had been included as well. B&W has
been the aesthetic (and practical) choice of many street (as opposed to reportage) photographers, because
especially in a street setting with random colors everywhere, B&W clarifies the intent of the image. This
is not to say powerful color street photography is not possible. There are many who practice it-but the
novice reading these pages might do well to give B&W a try as well.
-- Mani Sitaraman, November 23, 2000
"careful use of on-camera flash"? Excuse me, but the flash is extremely visible in the photogrpah.
-- Jan Mattsson, November 24, 2000
The flash light is reflected in two of the windows - the upper window of the door in the left, and the one
above the [right hand side] girl's head. It is also reflected in the man's spectacle frames, in his watch's
strap and bracelet, and on his shoe. The man in the foreground is significantly more exposed than the
two women, and is rather flat due to the shadow less nature of on-camera flash. There is considerable
glare on both the doorframe and the post supporting the rear window. I don't think flash was appropriate
here; it was certainly not used carefully.
When I saw "Street Photography" I jumped for the link immediately. I was rather disappointed, like
others, that there are no black and white photographs. B&W, to me, epitomizes street photography. I
could only spot one photograph (the first one, girl on steps) in which the subject was actually the person
for that person’s own intrinsic worth - a street portrait, if you know what I mean. Preferably candid. The
one of the girl on the steps is good, although the sunglasses detract from it. Eyes always hold expression.
Of course, asking the girl to take the glasses off may not have went down well. Posed street photographs
can be good, but I have yet to see one that doesn’t appear obviously posed. Pics of many different
people, in different countries, all chatting on phones, are interesting for documentation, but to list them
as teaching examples on "street photography"? The Venice Beach photo is interesting, in a different
way. There is nothing candid about it - six people are staring directly at the camera lens. Nevertheless, it
has got tremendous detail, and showcases a wide variety of human beings, young and old, male and
female, black and white, fit and fat, introspective and out-going, and even a good ole dog (looking rather
bored with it all). Colour was appropriate here. Well done with this one!
-- Samuel Dilworth, November 25, 2000
If flash had not been used in that photo, the interior of the coffee shop would probably have been
underexposed. Maybe a bounce flash should have been used.
-- Andrew Grant, November 26, 2000
Actually, myself I like the way the flash is visible in that photograph: the flash reflection makes you
http://www.photo.net/photo/street-photography (8 of 31)7/3/2005 2:18:44 AM