#2 Connection

Where I naval gaze about how I interact with the world and my camera...

Have you tried to find a project that goes beyond a theme or a concept, and towards something more meaningful and connected?

My typical street photography is disconnected. I’m in an environment making photographs that are candid, but not interacting directly with that environment. I’m there making pictures and don’t hide my camera or intention, but I have learned to remain as inconspicuous as possible, to capture those candid moments so as not to ‘bruise the scene’.

What’s missing for me is connected photography. By connected photography, I mean where there is interaction, but from the point of view of an observer who is documenting what is happening. There may be an exchange and an acknowledgment, but the moment can still be candid. The subjects know they are being photographed. I talk to them and interact, ask for pictures whilst encouraging them to keep doing what they are doing. Often, they forget about me and keep going about their day. This sometimes happens for me spontaneously, especially when I’m feeling the rhythm of the street, but it’s not on tap all the time.

There is, of course, a middle ground. This is a different interpretation of connection - one that arises from invested time and effort, or because of the photographer’s vision. Having almost become part of the landscape, been accepted as such, a photographer can blend into the background. But the familiar rhythms and the routines of the place provide an understanding and connection to what is important and significant and what is not.

I’m not saying one approach is any more valid than the other. To be clear, I have enjoyed wonderful moments photographing in a “disconnected” way on the street for years and will continue to do so. It’s very accessible, as all I need to do is walk out the door, with no plans or research required, and come home with a bunch of (mostly mediocre) photos. It is one of the main reasons why so many gravitate to the street.

I also have many projects based on themes going in my Lightroom collections that one day will see the light of day. These are projects, unified by a certain attribute, place, time, and even frame of mind. They are a reflection of me as a photographer and how I see the world, to what makes me push the button. I’m connected to those photos.

With a more documentary approach, time, relationships and a story are needed. What do those things look like exactly? I guess that’s why I’m here, writing this to you and future Steve.

Connected photography takes time. You cannot just walk out the door and start making connected work unless you have skin in the game - invested emotionally, physically and mentally into the place, the event, the person, the story.

Every frame gets me closer, though, I’m sure of it.