Street Photography Composition: Cut the Noise

THE INSIGHT

Something I noticed at the last DARE workshop was how easily photographers add to a scene, especially when they’re starting out. Perhaps it comes from insecurity: a busy frame feels like there’s more happening and therefore more proof that the photograph is good. But every extra person, sign, colour and object gives the viewer another way out of the picture. For me, photography is largely an act of subtraction—moving closer, changing position, waiting for somebody to leave or excluding anything that doesn’t serve the image. Simplicity isn’t about photographing less interesting things. It’s about deciding what the photograph is actually about.

THE QUESTION

Look honestly at your own photographs. Are all those elements strengthening the image, or are you keeping some of them because you don’t quite trust that the central subject is enough? What could you remove from your photography without losing the thing that made you lift the camera?

THE CHALLENGE

Find a scene that interests you and make your first photograph as you normally would. Then stay with it and keep removing: move closer, change your angle, simplify the background, wait for distractions to leave and make a new frame each time. Don’t add anything and don’t manufacture a moment—just keep subtracting until removing one more thing would damage the picture. Bring back the simplest photograph that still holds the feeling of the original scene.

the CONTACT SHEET

YOUR INSIGHTS

In last weeks newsletter I invited you to trust your first impulse when shooting as a way of getting ahead of your thinking.

ISO Steve | @isosteve100

For one hour use, The First Impulse Method, act with the first three seconds.

The clock started at 11.15.

I started walking and shot a few candid shots. The images felt disconnected to me as I like to connect with my subjects, to engage them rather than simply lift the camera, fire away and move on.

Then I spotted her.

A girl eating chips, fighting off the pigeons.

I took the first candid shot within three seconds.

Then I asked could I take her portrait. She said yes.

We started talking, I discovered she was at collage and was into photography. Nice to hear young people using a camera.

I took a few more portraits of her then moved on.

The clock was still ticking.

I took a few more shots in the area then the time was 12.14

That was it.

Afterwards I thought I’d completed the challenge.

Then I realised "But you missed a minute !”

Johannes Mueller | @JBMGreece

This week’s challenge called for committee meetings all the time until I had the hour to do it. Deadline day, 10- 11:00. Where to go, how to set up, what if nothing happens or nothing triggers my reflex? All in the bloody mind. I shot some portraits, nothing special. But then, when I completely relaxed in that state of determined readiness, this old lady appears with her obviously heavy trolley of groceries on her way home where the road is quite steep. A young man saw her and offered to help her. I did not hesitate, just told them that I have to take a picture because the moment was simply wonderful.

A simple act of kindness.

I discovered preparing is worse than executing. Patience and consistency rule. We never know when an opportunity shows up, but we can be ready for it. And at least this challenge’s mindset not to think first but to train reflexes should be done permanently.

Jason Morgan | @jason_d_morgan_photo

I mean to get involved, and it passes me by. This was last weekend....a food festival, I got caught her by the girl....it just started to rain so I wanted to catch the streaks of rain so slowed the shutter slightly. I love the look, the light and the feeling held in the moment. I'm pleased with this one.

Tim Clark | @timclarkih

What did you attempt?

I was hoping to get something from the Southbank. Plenty to chose from but spent more time at this spot. I didn’t want the normal Southbank skate shot.

What challenged you?

I couldn’t see the skaters coming in to frame. It made the process a bit more random which was fun.

What did you discover?

What you have in your minds eye ‘aint going be what you get.

As a Dare challenge I chose this one. Just try it … who cares..

Stuart Mills| @theblackandwhiteseal

My photography time this week had all been taken up processing and scanning film from the weekend so I didn't have an hour to fully take on the challenge. I still wanted to contribute so phone in hand is had a walk round my house until something caught my eye. I liked this plant on the window sill how it was catching the morning sun.

I really dislike using my phone for photography so that was a little challenge and just keeping an open mind, not overhanging it and waiting for the shot to show itself.