Thinking Beyond Street Photography

I am interested in how by thinking past ‘Street Photography’ I can make changes to how I make photography, and in the process make more impactful images. If you are not already a member please subscribe and join me on this journey.

When I embarked on my journey as a staff photographer for the Brentwood Gazette, back in 1978, I captured my inaugural image—an enchanting street photograph. It portrayed a lively scene of Brentwood School boys engaged in a spirited snowball fight, and the editor put it on the front page of the paper. But now, I am interested in going beyond street photography!

Back then, when I was just 17 myself, I was blissfully unaware of the term “Street Photography”. Fast forward to the present, this approach has wholly consumed my thoughts as a photographer. It has become my passion, shaping the way I capture the essence of moments. Remarkably, I have even received commissions to immortalize people’s weddings through the lens of a street photographer. But what approaching does photographer with the mindset of street photography really mean, and what happens when we think beyond street photography?

A few days ago I was in Bristol, at the home of the Royal Photographic Society in The Paintworks to deliver a lecture about Haiku Photography and Photo Books to the RPS Travel Group, and deliver two Ginko Workshops, one on the Docks of Bristol, and the other around the Paintworks itself. Between the two locations, and experiencing the positive responses from the members of the RPS Travel Group, I have been inspired to spend the next few weeks of months researching through making photography and reflecting on it the following question:

What does it really mean to Ginko? Going deeper into the potential of a Street Photography approach to making images by thinking in haiku

For over a year now, the word ‘ginko’ has guided me on a journey—a walk with my camera, a stroll of contemplation where I strive to think in haiku. You can see some of that journey on my sister website: https://ginko.org.uk/

But in the upcoming weeks or perhaps months, I sense a profound unravelling awaiting me, an exploration to unearth the true essence of ginko. Through my playful rendezvous with ginko over the past 18 months, I have discovered that it holds the power to tranquilise my soul, to immerse me in a profound connection with the world around me, be it the bustling streets or the untamed wilderness.

To begin this new journey of research, this morning I have created the following secondary research questions, and some context to them. My intention is to unravel each of the five areas in a much deeper way, and see how developing more understanding affects my photography making.

1. What is Ginko?
2. What is ‘thinking in haiku’
3. What is Street Photography?
4. What is a Sense of Place?
5. What is the essence of a place?

The following text is just starting points on a longer journey to discover more

Ginko: In the world of haiku, “ginko” refers to a practice where a haiku poet goes on a nature walk or excursion specifically for the purpose of observing and finding inspiration in the natural world. The term “ginko” is derived from the Japanese word for “silver apricot,” which is a symbol of autumn and is associated with haiku.

During a ginko, the haiku poet immerses themselves in the environment, paying close attention to their surroundings and seeking to capture fleeting moments and sensations in their poetry. They observe nature’s details, such as the changing seasons, the behavior of animals, the play of light and shadow, or the sounds and scents of the natural world.

The ginko practice emphasises being present in the moment, cultivating a heightened awareness, and connecting with nature on a deep level. It allows the poet to draw inspiration from the immediate experience and distil it into concise and evocative haiku poems.

After the ginko, the poet may gather with other haiku enthusiasts to share and discuss their poems, fostering a sense of community and creative exchange. The ginko experience serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging the poet to refine their craft and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

Overall, ginko is a cherished tradition in the world of haiku, offering haiku poets an opportunity to engage with nature firsthand and create poems that capture the essence of their observations and experiences.

Thinking in haiku is a way of seeing the world through the lens of the haiku form of poetry. I am developing this to mean a haiku form of poetry, which is a journey inspired by some text that I read that referred to the Japanese Street photographer Shomei Tomatsu who once said to his mentee, Daido Moriyama, who is possibly the better known of the two when it comes to street photography that ‘Photography is akin to Haiku’. What did he mean by that?

In poetry, Haiku is a Japanese poetry form that traditionally consists of three lines with a total of 17 syllables, arranged in a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. The aim of haiku is to capture a moment in time, often relating to nature, with simplicity and directness.

When one thinks in haiku, they:

• seek to observe the world in a similar way, looking for moments of beauty or significance that can be expressed in a few concise, powerful words. 
• The haiku poet focuses on the present moment and uses sensory language to create a vivid and immediate experience for the reader.

How can these two aims be embedded within photography making?

Thinking in haiku requires a shift in mindset, an attentiveness to the world around us, and a willingness to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. By practising thinking in haiku, one can develop a heightened awareness of their surroundings, a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, and a greater ability to distil complex ideas into simple yet powerful language.

Street photography is a genre of photography that captures candid moments and scenes in public places. It has the potential to go beyond surface-level observation and delve into deeper aspects of human life and society. Here are some ways in which street photography can explore and uncover profound aspects of our world:

1. Human stories and emotions: Street photography allows photographers to capture authentic moments of human life, showcasing a range of emotions, interactions, and narratives. By observing and documenting these fleeting moments, street photographers can provide insights into the human condition, showcasing joy, sadness, love, resilience, and more.
2. Societal dynamics and cultural reflections: Streets are a vibrant backdrop for observing societal dynamics and cultural expressions. Street photographers can document the diversity of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles present in a particular place. By capturing these nuances, they can shed light on social issues, cultural identities, and the changing fabric of society.
3. Visual poetry and symbolism: Street photography has the potential to transform mundane scenes into visual poetry. Through composition, lighting, and timing, photographers can capture ordinary moments that hold deeper symbolic meanings or evoke emotions. It offers an opportunity to find beauty and meaning in the everyday aspects of life.
4. Context and environment: Streets provide a rich context for capturing the interaction between individuals and their surroundings. Photographers can explore the relationship between people and their urban or rural environments, documenting how architecture, public spaces, and landscapes shape human experiences.
5. Documentary and historical records: Street photography serves as a valuable document of a specific time and place. It can become a visual record of historical events, cultural shifts, and urban transformations. Photographers can contribute to the collective memory by capturing images that reflect the spirit of an era or depict social change.
6. Challenging perceptions and stereotypes: Street photography has the power to challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions about certain communities or places. By capturing diverse individuals and narratives, photographers can offer a counter-narrative that promotes understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the richness of human experiences.
7. Self-expression and personal exploration: Street photography also provides a platform for photographers to express their own perspectives and artistic visions. By exploring their unique style and approach, photographers can share their observations, interpretations, and reflections on the world around them.

In summary, street photography can go beyond mere visual documentation to explore the human experience, societal dynamics, cultural reflections, and personal expressions. It has the potential to reveal deeper layers of meaning, provoke thought, and foster a greater understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

What is a sense of place?

A sense of place is the feeling of connection and belonging that an individual has to a particular geographic location or environment. It is the subjective experience of being in a specific place and the emotional, social, and cultural connections that are associated with it.

A sense of place can be shaped by a variety of factors, including personal experiences, cultural background, historical events, architecture, and geography. It can also be influenced by the natural environment, such as the terrain, weather patterns, and local flora and fauna.

Having a strong sense of place can be important for personal identity, social relationships, and well-being. It can provide a sense of rootedness and continuity, and can also foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment.

What is the essence of a place?

The essence of a place refers to its core qualities, the intrinsic nature that defines its identity and sets it apart from other locations. It encompasses the intangible aspects that evoke a particular feeling, atmosphere, or mood when one is present in that place. The essence of a place is subjective and can vary based on individual perceptions and experiences, but it often captures the spirit, character, and unique elements that make a place special.

The essence of a place can be found in various aspects, including:

1. History and heritage: The historical significance, cultural heritage, and traditions associated with a place contribute to its essence. It may include historical events, landmarks, cultural practices, and architectural styles that reflect the place’s past.
2. Natural environment: The natural landscape, geography, and biodiversity of a place shape its essence. The presence of mountains, rivers, ecosystems can contribute to the overall forests, or unique character and allure of a place.
3. Cultural expressions: The arts, music, literature, cuisine, and other cultural expressions that originate from or are associated with a place can be part of its essence. They reflect the creativity, values, and identity of the local community.
4. Social fabric: The people, communities, and social dynamics within a place influence its essence. The way people interact, the sense of community, and the local traditions and customs shape the atmosphere and character of a place.
5. Symbolic meaning: Places can acquire symbolic meanings that become part of their essence. They may be associated with significant events, figures, or ideas that hold emotional or cultural importance, evoking a sense of identity and pride.
6. Unique characteristics: Distinctive features, landmarks, or geographical elements that differentiate a place contribute to its essence. These could include iconic buildings, natural wonders, or specific geographical formations.

The essence of a place is a blend of these elements and often arises from the collective experiences, stories, and memories of the people who have a connection to that place. It is what makes a place memorable, cherished, and capable of evoking a particular sense of attachment or belonging.

I am interested in your thoughts on all of this, and welcome comments. Over the next few weeks and months I will be unpacking the above, and look forward to seeing where it takes me. The next articles will including considering the two workshops in Bristol, and the impact on both myself and the attendees

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.