Falling into the trap of visual complacency is easily done , especially when you find a aesthetic that works for you !
The question is should you stick with one approach or should you always be looking to twist ?
Is it a good idea to “Borrow” a visual style that belongs to another era ?
The beauty of commercial photography is that client demand drives the work , everything from how you shoot, when you shoot and what you shoot is dictated by the “Look” required by the client . Personal photography sets you free and transfers the responsibility of “The Look” to you !
“The Look” as I’m calling it here is important if you want your work to possess a feeling of continuity , cohesion & unity !
Sucking the colour out of scenes randomly, or changing your equipment regularly will not project a feeling of consideration , continuity & togetherness !
Random unrelated subjects are okay for one-off Street Pictures but might not be the best approach when creating a series !
A pre-shoot mental walk through helps to focus the direction and requirements of a planned shoot , remember this pre-visualisation is not set in stone, it is a starting point , visual style alone is not enough , what is your project about ?
Think about the archives of the great photographers and you will see a consistency of approach and visual values, that’s not to say these folk were trapped in their aesthetic , the best photographers know when to work and when to experiment / Learn !
Visual experiments are usually brought to the table of a project when they are tried and tested , live projects might not be the best place to discover that the idea you’ve invested in is a none starter , your average Street Photography walk is the ideal place to try new ideas and take visual risks !
New projects possess a beginning a middle and hopefully a end , each new shoot is a new opportunity to establish a “New Look” , or retain the same approach . A “FRESH” clean slate mentality should always be considered, rather than relying on the same old tried and tested approach, the same old , same old is not a manifesto of personal growth !
Change for changes sake does not make sense either , personal justification within your pre-shoot mental walk through should help to identify the advantages / disadvantages !
Imagine if photographers did not change or adapt , they would still be shooting like they always have ?
Enthusiasm is the fuel of photography , if you can’t get “UP” for a new project , you can’t expect others to buy into it , a project does not have to be huge , start off with sets of six pics that work together , the pictures are important but the development of mental process is the real learning opportunity !
Try to avoid the generic Street Photography traps , ensure your work reflects elements of who you are , the most successful pics usually rely on little more than the ability to anticipate “a Moment” , competent technique , decent kit and a little luck !
The real trick is consistency of seeing , the ability to recognise great opportunities when they arrive !
Shoot , Shoot , Shoot and then shoot some more , progress not masterpieces should be your objective !
At the end of the day your looking for needles in haystacks , the more you look the more you will find , don’t over think it , trust your instincts !
Truth be told Street Photography is about learning from experience on the street , frequent failure is a prerequisite regardless of experience and arguably the hardest lesson to learn !
Serious Street photography is a long isolated solo journey that should teach you about you !
Don’t expect to find definitive answers , none exist !
It’s up to you to keep asking the questions ….
David Barrett shot the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project is in progress and can be seen by clicking above .
The State Of Britain series is complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....
Check out the new UK Street Shop on this site to buy Prints, Walks & More …
He is based in the South West of England .