Interesting discussion. I believe Keats was referring to a similar frame of mind when he referred to the artist being in a state of ‘Negative Capability’ - “that is, when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.” i.e. being fully open to receive whatever the street has to throw at us. I do like the idea of being 'in the zone' of being 'in the flow' and hence why street photography is very much a solitary activity for me.
I feel that being in the right frame of mind is necessary for any form of creative act. I think the most wonderful side-effect of photography is your raised awareness, of seeing things that others miss because you are making such and effort to seek out the images. For me it is such a solitary act - I cannot photograph with anyone else - it just doesn't seem to work - and i'm so with you when it comes to headphones ... in someways music and empower you somehow, it can make you feel 'braver' when shooting - but I feel it also really distracts from looking, concentrating, not to mention the fact that, nowadays more than ever, you need to have your wits about you shooting in many street situations.
I'm always so torn on the subject of street photography, because I absolutely loove good street photography, but often wonder about the ethics of it. And then hypocritically, dismiss it as not my problem, since I'm not the one taking those photos.
Btw. those are so good. Make me want to sketch them for practice!
Most likely get hated for pointing this out but ‘disponible’ is not just French, but Spanish and Italian as well; same meaning in all three. Nice read nonetheless. Thanks.
Great article, Neil. When photographing out on the street, my headphones stay in my bag and my mind is switched on. I've missed way too many shots by being tuned in to something else, instead of creating photographs.
Excellent essay, Neil! This is one topic, I wanted to write about, because I think it so so important. To me it is crucial to my own photography to have this kind of awareness. And it not only concerns street photography, but all kinds of genres. If I am not in the right state of mind, I know I will fail. Just happened to me yesterday.
This is a great article, Neil! I’m not a street photographer, however this tells a lot about what a street photographer needs to do to be ready to get the shot.
Be available and receptive. Very good advice Neil.
Interesting discussion. I believe Keats was referring to a similar frame of mind when he referred to the artist being in a state of ‘Negative Capability’ - “that is, when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.” i.e. being fully open to receive whatever the street has to throw at us. I do like the idea of being 'in the zone' of being 'in the flow' and hence why street photography is very much a solitary activity for me.
I feel that being in the right frame of mind is necessary for any form of creative act. I think the most wonderful side-effect of photography is your raised awareness, of seeing things that others miss because you are making such and effort to seek out the images. For me it is such a solitary act - I cannot photograph with anyone else - it just doesn't seem to work - and i'm so with you when it comes to headphones ... in someways music and empower you somehow, it can make you feel 'braver' when shooting - but I feel it also really distracts from looking, concentrating, not to mention the fact that, nowadays more than ever, you need to have your wits about you shooting in many street situations.
Great article ... and some wonderful images!
I'm always so torn on the subject of street photography, because I absolutely loove good street photography, but often wonder about the ethics of it. And then hypocritically, dismiss it as not my problem, since I'm not the one taking those photos.
Btw. those are so good. Make me want to sketch them for practice!
Loved this issue Neil, got a new subscriber out of me
Intriguing
Most likely get hated for pointing this out but ‘disponible’ is not just French, but Spanish and Italian as well; same meaning in all three. Nice read nonetheless. Thanks.
Great article, Neil. When photographing out on the street, my headphones stay in my bag and my mind is switched on. I've missed way too many shots by being tuned in to something else, instead of creating photographs.
Excellent essay, Neil! This is one topic, I wanted to write about, because I think it so so important. To me it is crucial to my own photography to have this kind of awareness. And it not only concerns street photography, but all kinds of genres. If I am not in the right state of mind, I know I will fail. Just happened to me yesterday.
This is a great article, Neil! I’m not a street photographer, however this tells a lot about what a street photographer needs to do to be ready to get the shot.
This is great. Trying to inhale the lessons of this essay.