Stilllife Challenge
October 2020
One of the most discussed topics in Street Photography is whether or not to accept, in this category, photographs without the presence of humans. Before entering the topic, I would like to clarify that for me there are many ways of dealing with the street, and that everyone should be able to develop their own way, without being obliged to follow rules too strict. Just as in literature, I am against 'genres'.
I believe that to be a street photographer is not critical the use of a particular lens, the interaction with the subject, (as I have written in other articles) etc. etc. but have the spirit of the street: the ability to grasp a moment and tell a story starting from the reality. That's why many pictures in which there are no human beings are beautiful street photographies, because they make visible something that does not appear. Someone has called this type of images: 'Still life street photography': images that document what we buy, or sell, things that we consume and throw away... Normally in this type of photography there are no humans, but they have a human content because they show things we use every day, like the props in the theater of life in the street, and so are able to tell a more complex reality.
Also great photographers, recognized by all, have scoured the empty streets making their shots unforgettable: Walker Evans, Lee Friedlander Eugene Atget. They are the best disconfirming evidence of the idea that street photography needs to have people in it.
Winogrand (the “Father” of street) hated the term 'street photographer' and called himself a 'photographer.' He was more interested in taking pictures rather than to classify himself for critics. ;)
Don’t worry about definitions - it is “street photography” or not - Just make photos with a soul! ;)
Batsceba Hardy
Is the human presence always necessary? NO, Though, to be street the image has to suggest, evoke, indirectly represent humanity, through human symbols or artifacts (mannequins, street signs, adverts, graffiti), through animals or objects that play the role of the humans, through the things humans buy, produce, fetishize, consume or discard
Still Life
We use the term Challenge lightly here in Progressive; it’s more of an invitation to share with us your shots on theme. This time around, judging by the response, you were more than happy to so. But no surprise there, we asked you to seek out your more unusual Street shots: Still Life.
We had fun judging the entries. Plenty of absolutely stunning shots. It was also a joy to see the ‘photographer’s eye’ in a new way.
Thank you all for sharing and congratulations to those who made the selections and especially those that got so many votes. They’re all beautiful.
Keef Charles
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Among 218 images our: Anat Shushan Andrea Ratto Bogo Pečnikar Delfim Correlo Edita Sabalionyte Fabio Balestra Frans Kemper Irina Escoffery John Gellings Karlo Flores Keef Charles Nadia Eeckhout Theodoros Topalis have voted for these photos:
FIRST PLACES
SECOND PLACES
THIRD PLACES
Finalists:
Frans Kemper has prepared the pdf for all of you