Joel Meyerowitz 1981 Street Photography Program

Michael Wolf welcomes World Press Photo controversy - British Journal of Photography

I have reservations over this work until I saw it a the Format Photography Festival in March. This is what I noted "it has a power of narrative that is due to the fact that once the initial images are  taken out of their "environment" it all starts the brain working to decode the storyline".

Michael Wolf uses cropping to isolate specific images and by removing some reference areas it creates a new narrative. An innocent image of someone crossing a street by cropping in close with other people. Taking this image as an example, close cropping gives a feeling of entrapment and claustrophobia as the "cast" appear to move closer together;it becomes a CCTV image of a mugging about to occur.

It's as much about choosing the decisive moment to press the shutter as it is about placing the main components into the image to relay the new storyline the characters have to follow. As such I consider this to be photography of the street and of equal value as any street photography.

Bruce Gilden goes "head on" in Derby

Exclusive video: Bruce Gilden goes "head on" in Derby - British Journal of Photography

Bruce Gilden: 'Head On' - Trailer from Olivier Laurent on Vimeo.

This is a link to a trailer for great video by Olivier Laurent currently being shown at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery as part of the Format 11 international photography festival. This years is dedicated to Street Photography.

Bruce Gilden was filmed on the streets of Derby getting some of the shots being exhibited alongside the documentary and it gives an insight into his methods and motivations. It clearly shows how the mantra of the street photographer " get in close" can be achieved with sympathy and compassion for the subject. His skill is as much about his observation of his subjects as his ability to communicate with them.

This confirms that excellent Street Photography is created by more than merely acting as an observer, but also by getting an empathy with the subject. Until you can understand , how can you explain.

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