I took this picture in 2010 in London. It was a from-the-hip grab shot as I was walking along Oxford Street. I just pressed the button as I walked past her. Undoubtedly an attractive girl, looking worried on phone against a poster of attractive people. I do hope she was OK. It is, in my opinion the best street photograph I’ve ever taken. I stress, my opinion, of course I’d hope you agree with me, but I have no expectation that you will.
I offer the picture as part of my review on progress so far the book I’m reading as per the title. I’m on page 120, and getting through the book fairly quickly. That shouldn’t be a surprise, there are a lot of pictures.
I can understand two reasons why people do street photography, it’s interesting and fun. But, as the book says, people do it for a host of other reasons. Frederic Lezmi, for example does it to make sense of his own identity. I’m not sure I understand that motivation, it seems a little bit too philosophical for me (and that is a who different subject).
The scope of Street Photography appears to be widening, but where people are involved I think the key is that they doing something, possibly purposeful. Which now means I can discuss my current frustration briefly – Covid-19 is the cause. This new more contagious strain. We aren’t sure yet how easy it is to catch which means that I am avoiding places where there are people unless it is absolutely necessary. Making the high street out of bounds, where a lot of the interesting activity is happening. My walks at the moment are boring!
