Yes I’m talking to you. Who are you?
These days, it feels like whenever you do something, you’re expected to tell everyone about it and show it to everyone. Try to open social media and boom!!! Everyone is a performer. Everyone is showing you how to do things, laying down rules, talking about algorithms.
Street photography has unfortunately been swallowed up by this vortex.
I open my Instagram and it’s full of people shooting film. They spend more time showing off their camera/lens and filming themselves loading a roll than actually taking pictures on the streets. Then you see their portfolio and you realize that they’re awful. Really bad photos, about nothing…. Yet they still feel the need to tell you how to photograph and why. Even when their own work is terrible. And quantity is over quality!!! They post each day for the algorithm! So this means we’re flooded with a sea of shitty photographs.
I wonder how many people would still shoot film if social media didn’t exist. Actually, how many would still do street photography?
Without the possibility of putting themselves on display, of showing off their photographer routine how many coffees they drink, what they carry in their bag, what shoes they wear, which camera they own, which camera strap they use…
How many would keep taking phictures if they had to do it in the oblivion of a stage with no audience?
Now it’s up to you
Now try to do something without audience. Think of Van Gogh, painting without being able to sell almost anything, often refused. And yet he kept painting because he believed in what he was doing.Could you keep taking photographs just for yourself, simply because you love doing it?
That’s all folks
Stay well, have always light in your life
Best, F.S.
Here is the link to my personal best pictures: street photography gallery
Read more about street photography, art, cinema
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