Street photography is a diverse and rich genre that has captured the hearts of photographers for nearly a century. It encompasses everything from documentary to fine art, and every sub-genre in between. However, with the rise of street photography trends, it seems that this broad and exciting genre is being pigeonholed into just a handful of styles. This could be turning our cameras from unique creative tools into just a bunch of broken photocopiers.
The internet has been both a blessing and a curse for street photography. On the one hand, it has brought the work of photographers from all over the world to a wider audience. It has also given aspiring photographers access to a wealth of information, tutorials, and tips. On the other hand, it has created a culture of repetition, where the same shots and techniques are copied and replicated ad nauseam.
If you're new to the world of street photography and you turn to the internet for inspiration, you're likely to be met with a flood of reflection shots, low-angled mobile phone shots, and portraits with just the tip of the nose in focus. These examples may lead you to think that street photography is a narrow genre, limited to just a handful of techniques. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Street photography is a vast and multifaceted genre, with countless opportunities for creative expression. Unfortunately, street photography trends are narrowing the focus of the genre, and in doing so, they are discouraging newcomers from exploring the full scope of what street photography has to offer.
As with music, there are many genres of photography, each with its own unique style and flavor. You can start with one genre and move on to another, exploring new styles and techniques as you go. However, when it comes to street photography, the pressure to conform to the latest trends can be overwhelming.
It's important to remember that not all street photography can be taught through video tutorials. Some of the best shots are the result of serendipity and off-chance moments that can't be replicated. Street photography trends rely on repeatable scenarios that can be done day after day to create more content. Unfortunately, this often leads to the same shots being replicated ad nauseam, without any real creativity or originality.
Street photography is about capturing the essence of the world around us. It's about telling a story through images and expressing our creativity in a unique and personal way. Street photography trends may be popular for a time, but they don't define the genre. As photographers, it's up to us to break free from the trends and explore the full scope of what street photography has to offer.
In conclusion, street photography trends are not necessarily a bad thing, but they can be limiting if we allow them to define the genre. As photographers, we should be free to explore, experiment, and create in our own unique way. The beauty of street photography is that it has something to offer everyone, no matter what your style or approach may be. So don't be afraid to break free from the trends and carve out your own path in this exciting and dynamic genre.