Why My Street Photography Sucks
When I first started photography back in 2005 I was fascinated by street photography, although I didn't know that it had a name at that time. I liked taking pictures of people in unposed, unplanned situations. It was fascinating for me because posed shots all looked alike and they were mostly boring. The unplanned stuff seemed to be where all the fun was, at least in my opinion. It's funny because they say that the longer you do photography (or anything really) the better you get at it, but for me it seems like it's exactly the opposite. Here is a picture that I took back in 2016, when I was still into street photography. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I like it.Coney Island 2016
I never used to let something like the weather stop me. Rain or shine, winter, summer, and anything in between, I was always out there taking pictures. I remember one time it was so cold that my fingers were numb even with gloves on, but I didn't care. I loved being out there. I honestly wonder what changed. I still love photography, but street photography just doesn't bring me the same enjoyment as it once did. We all get "creative block" from time to time but lately it's been something more.
I've always been introverted, even as a child. I did try to fit in and make friends, but mostly because it was expected. To be honest, I preferred reading, photography, and just enjoying stuff on my own to "socializing" and having too many people (and too much damn noise!) around me anyway. When I started street photography I always felt it to be more a silent observer than anything else, and some of my favorite photographers follow that kind of style. I don't mean creepy weirdo hiding in the bushes kind of thing, but it was more about observing and capturing events. Now there seems to be this social aspect to it that is just really off putting to me. I don't mean you can never talk to people, but just like with a job, where you can't just do your damn job and keep chit chat to a minimum, it's become expected that you're a social butterfly and it is just fucking exhausting!I love watching those POV photography videos on YouTube. I've even started my own channel but in all likelihood it's going to just turn into hiking and walk and talk videos (while hiking of course, haha.) My favorites are the kind that aren't specifically focused on photographing people but the scene around wherever the photographer happens to be, or cool things they come across while they're out walking. Some of the pictures of people are quite interesting so it's not like I'm totally off street photography. One photographer that I enjoy watching seems to always be getting into multiple conversations in each video, which fair enough because people naturally are curious about you taking pictures of them or other people. He also likes asking people if he can take pictures of them and then spends a few minutes posing them in various ways. He posted a video compilation of his videos over the years and it seemed like every clip had him approaching random people. I don't even like approaching people I know. LOL! I got stressed out just watching all the interactions with random people. I had to click out of the video. Nonstop conversations is like how I would imagine Hell to be. 😄😄😄 The last few times I've gone out to take pictures, I've come back with complete shit. These next images are a perfect example of that.
This next set I do kind of like, but they aren't my best stuff. To be fair, maybe I would have gotten better shots if I hadn't been in such a mood. I went for a walk and took my camera to try and relax a bit but that didn't happen. I thought the shot of the father pushing his daughters on a scooter was kind of cute because of how they're all laughing.
Another reason I'm kind of moving away from street photography is that I'm sick of seeing or being around the same things whenever I leave my apartment. Crime, homelessness, drug use (a few months ago I saw a guy shooting up heroin in Midtown in broad daylight), graffiti, etc., etc. Yes, those things always existed but it is just every freaking where you go and I'm just so sick of seeing it. I don't think photographing that shit is "art". It's exploitative to the people they're photographing (regardless of whatever their vice is), and nothing about it is fascinating. I've never been a fan of big cities. Unfortunately, I've never lived outside of one. I've sent out probably hundreds of resumes over the years, and even gotten a few responses. Even though video calls have been a thing for many years, and especially now with a lot of companies forced to admit that yes, remote work is possible without loss of productivity, people still want to interview in person. I can totally understand that if you are interviewing someone that lives in the area, but from another state? Let's do an initial video interview and then if you are seriously considering me, call me in for an in person interview. Forgetting for a moment that moving costs thousands of dollars (hiring a moving company, having to put down rent, and up to two months security, etc.) companies actually expect you to fly out there, spending a few hundred dollars total, for a job you might not even get? And then to do that every single time you get an interview request? 🤔🤦🏻♀️ I'm being pissy. I'm still in a mood. I'll be better tomorrow. (I probably won't but I'm trying to be more positive, if for no other reason than my own peace of mind. Blissful ignorance and all that jazz.)The Real New Normal (Lower East Side, 2022)
