Street Photography Inspiration

Inspiration:

Every art form possesses its masters, innovators, and underappreciated heroes. As artists, we derive inspiration, motivation, and a well-defined path from these distinguished figures. An extensive body of literature has been produced regarding the exemplary practitioners of street photography, encompassing top ten lists, distinguished black and white photography, and notable works in colour, among others. This essay seeks to examine the less overt yet equally significant sources of inspiration—elements that I routinely employ while capturing the streets of Tokyo.

Sound  

Music can be used effectively. I listen to it during my commute into the city, but I never shoot with it playing. Alongside the beautiful light in Tokyo, ambient sound is the most essential element. It informs the senses of countless subtleties that influence both the image being created and the mind behind it. Sound is such a powerful storytelling device that on YouTube, TV, and even in movies, we often overlook poor visuals more readily than we do poor sound. An increasing number of images shared on social media include music and sometimes the ambient sounds of the city.

The simplest way to add sound to your work is to listen. Take a moment to hear what’s happening beneath the surface of your favourite shooting location. Does it contribute to the story you want to tell with the image you are creating? If not, there’s no harm in becoming more aware. If so, having another contextual layer will help create a consistently more compelling image.

I am so passionate about sound that I purchased a sound recorder and all the necessary gear to capture Hollywood-quality ambient sound. This is not a boast, but rather an expression of my enthusiasm. Moreover, it has become a mission to capture sound that can be presented alongside a parent image.

Whether used or not, being aware of the sounds around us heightens our consciousness, which is precisely what we wish to record: a moment of shared awareness. An instant of distilled humanity that all three parties—the subject, creator, and viewer—can appreciate.  

Time

There is often nothing more rewarding than a day spent in the old quarter, the neighbourhood that time forgot. It is rustic and nostalgic; everything seems to come easier here. These places, which exist in all cities, have layers of texture formed by their rich history. Part of your past is present, making it feel very comfortable.

Visual nostalgia imbues any photograph with a distinctive quality, rendering it instantly recognizable as taken in a particular iconic location. I capture these types of photos daily, but I strive to understand the character that time has bestowed upon a neighbourhood. I use time much like I use light. This spot enjoys excellent light in the early morning but not as much by mid-morning. This alley has existed longer than I have, so it must hold secrets to reveal. I must view it in that light to infuse some of its history into the images I create there.

The hard truth about time is that we need a lot of it to truly experience just a moment. This requires several return trips to the same locations for, often, the same image. Nothing is better than capturing something fresh and exciting, except finally nailing the image in my mind that has eluded me. That can only happen with the patience required for return visits and an understanding of the intangible qualities that time evolves.  

Shoes

A good pair of shoes is essential for a day of walking the streets of any city. Keeping my feet comfortable in all weather conditions is critical to focusing on the work, not on my tired, sore body. Good shoes make my feet happy in harsh conditions; what can my feet do for me?  

My feet guide me as much as my eyes, almost as much as my intuition. In fact, my feet serve as a tool for my intuition, just as a camera becomes an extension of my arm.  

For example, as I walk along a fascinating city block, I find my feet wanting to turn around and see the reverse perspective of what I just photographed. I often loop through an area, needing multiple trips to take in everything once because my feet cause me to see it twice the first time.  

A quality pair of shoes is essential for me. After a bit of breaking in, trust develops in this relationship. The shoes will absorb the distances travelled, and before long, they will instinctively know where to go in any circumstance. 

Sound, Time and Good Footwear

All of these factors illustrate the connection established with the streets. Much like a sculptor with marble or a painter with canvas, the process of forming a bond with the street and cultivating relationships with this organic canvas is essential for achieving the next level in street art photography.