What is street photography?
For me street photography is defined by the work by René-Jacques, André Jacques, Izis, André Martin, Willy Ronis, Robert Doisneau, Olivier Garros
from the eighties, Elliot Erwin, of course, Mssr. Henri Cartier-Bresson, Christian Sarramon, Atget, for that matter, Marcel Bovis, Sabine Weiss,
Philippe Gautrand, Edith-Claire Gérin, Albert Monier, Bernard Plossu with work from the eighties, Claude-Raimond Dityvon from the nineties,
Édouard Boubat (who’s work is very underrated), Jean-Claude Gautrand, Michel Lamoureux, Jean-Louis Courtinat, André Kertész from the twenties
and thirties, Martine Franck, Joseph Koudelka, Séeberger from the turn of the century (not the last one, ‘kay) to Brassåi – naming just the very well-
known.
What do the above have most in common?
True, they all made spectacular photographs of Paris.
Yes, most were French.
I mean it does stand to reason.
A significant number of the above photographers used Leicas and wonderfully rich Leica glass.
All of the photographs that are iconic to me, at least, were in black and white.
But ... foremost in my mind as a common denominator is the fact that these photographers loved their subjects. And, that said, I think one can
definitely see a difference in the way certain photographers – such as Mssr. Cartier-Bresson – photographed subjects in France – with, in my opinion,respect for them – and in the U.S. It would appear to me that Henri looked at America and Americans in general with a less passionate eye.
Whether they are your neighbor, a tourist, perhaps a guest worker or anyone ... they’re our global neighbors and we all – should, at least – love
everyone simply because they’re human. Our eye as street photographers should be tuned to their humanity. We shouldn’t discriminate.
Sometimes a homeless person looks beautiful whilst during other times they appear somewhat like their environment. Conversely, pretty people
have ugly moments. Nonetheless all subjects should be treated with respect.
Some of you may think I’m too purist of mindset.
Whatever.
All good.