Street Photography Workshop

Early November last year, Eric was in India to conduct Street Photography Workshops in Mumbai. All in all, 3 batches and I managed to get into the last one on a weekend. But this post is not about a review of the workshop. I do not think its fair to do a review, since each of the participants must have come looking for something and its hard to say what worked for them and what not. I was there to network and I was quiet happy to connect with fellow photographers who were as passionate about street photography as me. This was also my first formal training on photography. I am a self taught photographer, learning by observing, talking and doing. And for those who love reading there is enough on the web and elsewhere in form of books. There is no alternative to picking up your camera and learning by shooting.

Allow me to ramble on.... 2011 was the year, I finally found my calling in street photography. I had struggled earlier and often rationalized by saying that its too early for me to narrow down my genre - let me shoot what I feel like. But Street Photography always felt more honest and sensitive. It went well with my sensibilities. So coming back to the workshop, it was a good idea to attempt understand what made a street photograph work and what not. Did I get the answer, probably not. There are some rules, but as is always said, rules are meant for broken. Street Photography is very personal, you have Bruce Gilden in your face street portraiture, or the witty juxtapositions of David Gibson or for those of who prefer HCB a strong focus on compositions - geometry and forms as the father of street photography himself put it.

Over the 2 day workshop, I must have spent 2-3 hours shooting on the street. And as expected my outings with the larger groups were a disaster. I somehow never get into the zone when shooting with large groups, the whole idea of everyone honing onto same subject just takes the zest out of shooting. So most of my shots that worked, I have 4-5 of them, are shot during hours I was alone. We were asked for select the 2 of the best shots. It would be great to know which ones do you like most. At the risk of biasing your opinion, I have added my views on why the shot worked for me. Critique of a photograph - of why it works, just manages to work or does not work is an important skill set for any aspiring photographer. While there is fair bit of objectivity, there isnt enough of it always. For me photographs work at two levels much like music. There are some which immediately catch attentions, the instant wow factor which often becomes the reason to spend more time looking at a shot. And there are times usually with more complex layered shots, where the story untangles after a few looks.



Shot this at Gateway of India. A popular tourist location, cliched infact. The unusual stance of the kid and the latent energy made this work for me. Kids always manage to do what they love and thats why they make such great subjects on streets.

The Little Warrior

It was already 8 30 am when I shot this somewhere around Taj. The story of street dwellers told and untold in many ways, continues to touch my heart. This poignant moment and shot remained one of my favorites of the day.

Life!

There are times when while editing you realize what else your camera caught. I had intended to shoot only the old man - a nice interesting face that attracted me. The girl was caught in the frame luckily. The uncanny contrast worked for me. There are times when contrary to feedback, some images work for me - this is one of them. I do not really have an answer why.

Contrasts

I am not into street portraiture, but this one was of an ear cleaner at the Horniman Circle. I was later told that every single of 60 workshop participants had shot him, almost making him a celebrity, but this one was probably one of the better ones. I have to remember to give him a printout of his photograph.

The Ear Cleaner

Shooting cabbies is easy and when they are sleeping its even easier. I was surprised to see him in the back seat (probably not his cab) and his grey hair and weary hands had so much to tell. With my 35mm I could not get the wide perspective I would have loved, but am happy with this shot.

Weary Hands

Weary hands and now weary feet. Another easy shot some would say. Its always easy to shoot sleeping people. For me there was the story of a long night, and the perspective powerful enough to include it here.

A Long Hard Night

Which of these shots would you have chosen if only two were allowed to be picked. Do share what made you choose the one you did.

And a thank you note to Eric, who is a cool person to hang out with. His workshops are not about him lecturing but about you finding out what works for you. More than anything else, his passion and love for street photography is a great inspiration. Kudos to you mate.