What is photography about , maybe that should read what is your photography about ?
This most basic of questions could reveal most about you and your photography motivations , aims and objectives !
Perhaps the opening question should be, What can your photography be … ?
Understanding “Why” we do anything is never a bad thing but undertaking a thorough examination of photographic motivations will not only help us understand recent activities, it could / should inform the decisions we make that help determine our direction of travel !
Enjoying the activity of making exposures out on the streets might be the beginning and end of your Street Photography motivation , the creation of a inner smile and a general feeling of wellbeing is arguably the greatest incentive to undertake Street Photography , regardless of the end result !
Connecting with your everyday in a new way is the challenge should you choose to accept it !
Photography really can help us to connect with life , not just life in general but the lives of others too and that’s before you engage with the social aspects of photo groups , workshops and festivals.
The real surprise photography delivers to me is a deeper understanding of my own life , its a well worn phrase but trying to make sense of my everyday through photography is a deep challenge , especially during these turbulent times !
A frosty morning converted this bus stop into a abstract photo opportunity that reflects the conflicts of these times !.
Street Photography can be whatever you want it to be , it could be based around your neighborhood , town or even the local bus stop , the secret is to keep it simple , look deeply on a regular basis, build and learn, one shoot / shot at time ! Don’t let your ambitions run away with you …
Having decided on what to shoot , where to shoot and when you can shoot, try to develop a frame work of ideas to work within , think about the work of others that you admire , how was it created , is the light consistent etc etc ? Find inspiration wherever you can , develop a plan and make a start , it gets easier once you make a start !
You could be forgiven for thinking that this blog is about connecting with your environment , neighbors and community and on one level it is but the real takeaway here is about connecting within yourself , with your own feelings , thoughts and emotions and finding ways to express who you are through your photography !
I can’t believe you have nothing to say, photography really can be more than a process that shows how things look, it can amplify your thoughts and echo how you feel .
Learn the language of photography, seek significance and connect with yourself …
The beauty of life doesn’t happen somewhere else , it reveals itself to you everyday but you have to be in the right place to notice it …
The right place is a receptive mental space …
Tree in a retail car park , its not what you see but how you see it !
David Barrett shot the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project is coming to a end, hopefully ? It 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 .....
He is based in the South West of England .