maciej-dakowicz

Life Unscripted: The Best Street Photographers Ever

Whether you’re a photography student or just someone who loves taking pictures, you’ve no doubt heard of some of the most famous street photographers in history. People like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Bruce Gilden, and Vivian Maier are all names that come up time and again when discussing the best street photographers of all time. But what makes these photographers so special? And why do their images continue to inspire us?

The Best Street Photographers of All Time

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most famous street photographs ever, and try to answer these questions. In this list you’ll find examples of modern and contemporary street photography as well as the best from the history of the genre. It’s important to know where the genre was born and also the direction it’s travelling in the hands of modern photographers.

Street photography is a means of social documentary, often it’s value is only truly discovered many years after the images are taken. It’s incredibly difficult to fathom how important or historically significant a photograph will be at the point of it’s capture, which is why the very best street photographers amass a body of work over an entire lifetime. Not only does it tell their personal story, but it also tells the ever evolving story of the world around them and us. Let’s look at some of the greats of the genre and then explore the work of the youngsters new to the game who have picked up the mantle and are carrying on the tradition.

Dougie Wallace

Dougie Wallace is a street photographer who captures the energy and chaos of city life. His work is often compared to that of legendary photographer Bruce Gilden, but Wallace has developed his own unique style. Working primarily in black and white, he uses a wide-angle lens to create dynamic compositions. His photos are full of movement and provide a glimpse into the hidden corners of the city.

Wallace was born in Scotland and grew up in London. He began taking photos when he was just a teenager, and he quickly developed a passion for street photography. After working as a freelance photographer for several years, he decided to focus on his art full time. In 2010, he released his first book, Street Photography Now. Since then, he has exhibited his work all over the world and has won numerous awards.

Dougie Wallace is one of the leading figures in contemporary street photography. His photos offer a unique view of the city, and they provide us with an insight into the lives of its residents. For anyone interested in this genre of photography, his work is definitely worth checking out.

dougie wallace

Andre D. Wagner

Andre D. Wagner, was born to Haitian immigrants in New York City in 1967. From a very young age, he was fascinated with the city streets and strongly connected to his community. Even before he picked up a camera, he had always been drawn to photography, seeking out astonishing images of his city and sharing them with others through social media. It wasn’t until 2010 that Photodre truly entered the world of street photography, turning his focus to capturing everyday moments on bustling city streets with his unique perspective and unique style.

Through careful observation and attention to detail, Andre’s photos are full of energy and emotion. He has developed a unique artistic point-of-view that conveys the intimate connection between people and their environment, revealing the beauty of everyday moments amidst urban chaos. His work has earned him acclaim from critics around the world and collaborations with some of the most prestigious brands in design and fashion. Today, Andre continues to be one of the most prominent street photographers working today, capturing stunning images from cities all over the globe. But behind every great photographer is a story full of curiosity, passion, and creativity – a story that is sure to inspire anyone with an interest in photography

andre wagnerMaciej Dakowicz

For over a decade, Maciej Dakowicz has been capturing the essence of everyday life on the streets of his hometown of Cardiff, Wales. Through his expertly composed photos, he has given us an in-depth look at the bustling city and its diverse array of inhabitants, from street performers and shopkeepers to jubilant children and weary pedestrians.

Dakowicz’s passion for photography started at a young age. Even as a child, he was drawn to old films and black-and-white photography, captivated by their gritty realism and evocative storytelling power. As he grew older, he began experimenting with modern digital cameras and honing his skills as a street photographer. His intense curiosity and dedication to documenting his surroundings have led him to create some truly remarkable imagery that reflects the vitality and beauty of urban life.

Today, Dakowicz continues to delight audiences around the world with his vivid snapshots of daily existence. Whether he is photographing chaotic protests or peaceful moments between family members, there is an authenticity to his work that makes each image feel like a window into another world. Undoubtedly one of the most talented street photographers out there today, Dakowicz has become a must-follow for all those who are interested in exploring street photography.

maciej-dakowicz

Vivian Maier

For much of her life, Vivian Maier was a quiet, introverted loner who kept to herself and rarely spoke to others. But this enigmatic woman possessed an exceptional talent for photography, capturing striking images of everyday city life on the streets of Chicago with her camera. Known by many as a “street photographer,” Maier took great care to craft beautiful photographs that documented the complexities and complexities of human emotion and experience on the bustling sidewalks and in the quiet corners of post-war America.

Maier’s work has become particularly well-known over the past few years, as people began searching for information about this mysterious artist whose identity remained a mystery for decades after her death in 2009. As more details about Maier’s life continue to emerge, it has become clear that this gifted photographer was also quite complex, with a fraught relationship with her family and an obsessive need for privacy. However, despite these challenges and setbacks throughout her life, she continued to capture the hearts and minds of people everywhere through her stunning artistic vision. Through her poignant imagery, we can come to better understand not just Maier’s story but also our own place in the world as global citizens navigating ever-evolving modern landscapes.

vivian maier

Nick Turpin

Nick Turpin is one of the most renowned street photographers in the world today. His dynamic, high-contrast images have been featured in countless major publications, and he has attracted an enthusiastic following on social media.

Nick was born and raised in a small town in England, where he developed a deep appreciation for photography at an early age. He spent many hours exploring the streets with his camera, interacting with people and observing the rich culture and diverse landscapes that made up his hometown. After graduating from college with a degree in photography, Nick moved to London to pursue his passion for street photography full-time.

Over the course of his career, Nick has travelled all around the world, capturing stunning images that vividly capture life on city streets. Whether documenting everyday scenes or highly staged events, Nick’s photographs are always imbued with artistic flair and bold originality. Through his work, he has become an inspiration to thousands of aspiring photographers who dream of making their own mark on the art world. And despite facing hardship and criticism throughout his career, Nick remains driven by an undeniable hunger to create unforgettable images that truly resonate with viewers on both an emotional and intellectual level.

nick turpin

Joel Meyerowitz

Street photographer Joel Meyerowitz has been instrumental in shaping and defining the art form over his long and successful career. He got his start in the late 1960s, when he began capturing candid shots of everyday city life on the streets of New York. His eye for composition, combined with his experimental approach to photography, set him apart and earned him a dedicated following among photographers and art enthusiasts alike.

Meyerowitz is known for experimenting with different cameras, film stocks, and printing processes throughout his career. By working across various media, he was able to explore different styles and develop his own unique approach to street photography. In addition to capturing some of the most iconic images from the era, Meyerowitz was also responsible for pioneering new techniques that helped to propel street photography into the mainstream. Today, his work continues to be celebrated as a textbook example of creative vision and technical mastery. Through it all, Meyerowitz has remained true to his roots as an unassuming street photographer with an insatiable curiosity about our ever-changing world.

joel meyerowitz

Martin Parr

For decades, Martin Parr has been capturing incredible images of everyday life on the streets of cities around the world. Born and raised in England, he initially trained in graphic design before discovering his true passion for photography. It was during a trip to New York City that he discovered the unique perspective offered by street photography, and he went on to develop his own distinctive style over the years.

To truly understand Parr’s work, it is important to look at some of his key influences and inspirations. He cites Saul Leiter as one of his biggest influences, noting how Leiter’s use of colour and intimate compositions had a profound impact on his approach to street photography. Additionally, Parr’s interest in collecting images from magazines and newspapers helped to shape his iconic documentary style, which often captures rich details from ordinary people and daily activities.

Over the course of his career, Parr has travelled all over the world capturing unique moments on the street. From London to Tokyo and beyond, each city offers its own distinct set of challenges and opportunities for photographers like him. Despite these challenges, though, Parr continues to produce remarkable work that stands out as a testament to the power of photography. His timeless images offer an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of others.

martin parr

Elliott Erwitt

Elliott Erwitt is a world-renowned street photographer whose images capture the humour, whimsy, and pathos of everyday life. Erwitt began his career in the early 1950s as a member of the Photo League, a group of young photographers who sought to document urban life through candid shots taken in public places. In 1953, he moved to Paris where he worked as an assistant to Robert Frank and studied under Henri Cartier-Bresson. It was during this time that Erwitt developed his signature style of candid photography, which often makes use of unexpected juxtapositions to create humorous or poignant effects. Throughout his long career, Erwitt has produced numerous books and exhibitions of his work, and his images have been featured in magazines such as Life, Look, and Vanity Fair. In recent years, he has also turned his lens on man’s best friend, producing a series of endearing portraits of dogs that have charmed fans around the world. Elliott Erwitt is a master of street photography whose infectious sense of humour and sharp observations continue to delight audiences of all ages.

elliot erwitt

Garry Winogrand

Garry Winogrand was one of the most influential street photographers of the 20th century. Born in New York City in 1928, Winogrand began taking pictures in the late 1940s, using a simple 35mm camera. His early work captured the energy and vitality of post-war America, and he quickly gained a reputation for his dynamic compositions and candid shots. In the 1960s and 1970s, Winogrand continued to document American life, turning his lens on issues such as race relations and the Vietnam War. His photographs were often played up in the media, adding to his notoriety. Winogrand died unexpectedly in 1984, at the age of 56. His work continues to be celebrated for its insight into American culture and its ability to capture everyday moments in a powerfully poignant way.

garry winogrand

Jill Freedman

Jill Freedman has been one of the most celebrated street photographers of her generation. With her work spanning five decades, she is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field and has helped to shape photography as we know it today.

At an early age, Freedman was inspired by the urban landscape and began photographing scenes on the streets around her. Her unique eye for composition and colour quickly set her apart, and she chose subjects that complemented her unique artistic vision: fragmented moments captured in the bustling city streets. She focused not only on people, but also on architecture, cityscapes, and scenes featuring cars and industrial machinery. Even though much of this work was devoid of human subjects, it reflected a deep appreciation for and understanding of humanity in all its forms.

Throughout her career, Freedman continued to experiment with new techniques and styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional street photography in bold new ways. Despite these efforts or perhaps because of them, she always remained true to her artistic vision, creating breath-taking images that continue to astonish viewers today. Whether capturing spontaneous moments or carefully staged tableaux vivants using models instead of real people, Freedman never fails to leave an indelible mark on those who see her work.

jill freedmanBrassai

Born in 1899 in Hungary, Brassaï was a street photographer who captured the unique atmosphere of Paris at night. His black and white images were often grainy and blurred, lending them a sense of mystery and immediacy. In addition to his photos of Parisian life, Brassaï also documented the city’s architecture and graffiti. He was one of the first photographers to celebrate the seamy underside of urban life, and his work helped to establish photography as an art form.

Brassaï began his career as a painter, but he soon turned to photography after moving to Paris in 1924. He initially struggled to find his place in the city’s vibrant art scene, but he eventually developed a distinctive style that set him apart from other photographers. Brassaï’s photos were often taken at night, when the streets were empty and the city took on a different character. He used long exposures and innovative techniques to capture the unique atmosphere of the city.

In 1932, Brassaï published his first book of photographs, “Les amis dePlace.” The book was well-received by critics and helped to establish him as a leading figure in the world of street photography.

brassai

Lee Friedlander

Street photography has a long and rich history, and no one played a bigger role in that history than Lee Friedlander. Born in the 1930s, Friedlander grew up in Buffalo, NY and quickly fell in love with the art of photography. During his early years as a photographer, he was heavily influenced by renowned street photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank. However, Friedlander quickly made his own mark on the field with his unique perspective and innovative techniques.

Through images like “New York City” from 1970, Friedlander offered a compelling glimpse into everyday life on the streets of New York. His work combined sharp formal elements with an instinctive feel for light and shadow to create arresting portraits of individuals at work and play. These images were characterized not just by their brash subject matter, but also by their off-kilter angles and unconventional cropping. In this way, Friedlander captured the energy and chaos of urban life while still reimagining what it meant to be a street photographer.

Throughout his long career, Friedlander continued to push photographic boundaries with creative new projects that explored everything from industrial landscapes to reflections on time and space.

lee-friedlander

Bruce Gilden

Street photographer Bruce Gilden has been capturing the essence of modern life on the streets for decades. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he first became interested in street photography while studying at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. In his early years, he was drawn to the grittier neighbourhoods of his native city, shooting images that revealed the raw energy of a bygone era. However, as his work evolved over time, Gilden became known for pushing the limits of traditional street photography techniques with his bold and sometimes unsettling portraits.

From his early interest in hobo culture to his exploration of urban subcultures like punk rockers and hip hop stars, Gilden has always aimed to capture something genuine and authentic about life on the streets. His iconic images have earned him a prominent place among the great photographers of our time, and his innovative approach remains an inspiration for aspiring photographers everywhere. Whether you’re a casual observer or an avid fan, there’s no denying that Bruce Gilden is one of the most intriguing figures in street photography today.

bruce-gilden

William Klein

William Klein is a ground-breaking American photographer and filmmaker who is widely known for his unconventional style. Klein began his career as a fashion photographer in the early 1950s, but he soon began to experiment with more experimental techniques. He became known for his use of unusual perspectives, high contrast, and distorted close-ups. In 1956, he published his first book of photographs, “Life is Good & Good for You in New York,” which featured many of his now-iconic images. Klein’s work continued to evolve throughout his career, and he eventually began making films as well. Today, his work is widely respected by photographers and critics alike, and he is considered one of the most important street photographers of the 20th century.

william klein

Alex Webb

Street photographer Alex Webb has a fascinating history that has spanned several decades and varied settings. He first discovered his passion for photography as a teenager, when he got his first camera and began snapping images of life around him. Alex began working professionally in the 1970s, capturing shots all over the world with his signature, moody style. His photographs have been featured in many major publications, including National Geographic and Time magazine. Through it all, Alex’s dedication to his craft has never faltered. His work is a testament to the skill and artistry of street photography, and it continues to inspire and intrigue viewers all over the globe. Whether you are a seasoned photography enthusiast or just starting out on your own photographic journey, Alex Webb’s work is sure to inspire and captivate you.

alex webb

Robert Frank

Robert Frank was born in Switzerland in 1924, and at a young age, he was exposed to the vivid world of photography. To learn more about his craft, he would often visit museums and galleries, studying the work of other photographers and experimenting with different techniques. Eventually, this passion for pictures led Frank to begin taking street photos himself. Over the course of his career, he travelled all over Europe and North America, capturing fascinating images of everyday people going about their lives. His unique perspective made him stand out from other photographers, and his raw and gritty photographs soon put him on the map. Today, he is considered one of the most innovative and influential street photographers in history, a true pioneer who changed the face of photography forever.

robert frank

Ricky Powell

Ricky Powell is one of the most iconic and influential street photographers of our time. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he never studied photography or received any formal training in the field. Rather, his talent and distinctive style developed organically through many years spent wandering the streets of New York City.

Powell’s career as a photographer began in the early 1980s, when he first stumbled upon fresh graffiti while exploring the city on his ten-speed bike. Captivated by this unique and vibrant artistic movement, Powell began to document street art with his camera. Soon, his photos started appearing in magazines across the country, and he quickly became known as one of the premier street photographers working today.

While Powell is best known for his candid shots of urban life, he has also developed masterful skills in portraiture and landscape photography. And despite being an accomplished artist in his own right, Powell still considers himself a student of the craft. According to him, there is always more to learn about our world and all of its fascinating inhabitants. Through his art, he hopes to shine a light on hidden moments that might otherwise be overlooked, reminding us all how rich and beautiful our lives truly are.

ricky powell

Daidō Moriyama

Daidō Moriyama is a Japanese photographer who is considered one of the most influential figures in street photography. Born in Osaka in 1938, Moriyama began his career as a freelance commercial photographer before moving to Tokyo in 1964. There, he became associated with the mayoral campaign of stringently anti-Establishment politician Tadamasa Goto. The experience radicalized Moriyama and he soon began to explore more experimental methods of photography. His most famous series, “The Hunter” (1972), was a direct response to the Vietnam War and featured disturbing images of everyday life in Tokyo. In the late 1970s, Moriyama co-founded the photography collective Reminders Photography Stronghold. He continues to produce provocative and visually arresting work that has helped to shape the course of street photography.

daido-moriyama

Fan Ho

Fan Ho was born in Guangzhou, China in 1931. As a child, he enjoyed exploring the streets of his hometown and taking pictures of what he saw. After moving to Hong Kong in 1949, he began working as a professional photographer. During his career, he captured some of the most iconic images of the city, documenting its transformation from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling metropolis. In addition to his street photography, he also experimented with portrait and landscape photography. His work was widely published in magazines and books, and he even directed several films. Fan Ho passed away in 2016, but his legacy as one of the greatest street photographers of all time lives on.

fan ho

Saul Leiter

Street photographer Saul Leiter began taking pictures in the late 1940s, initially with a 35mm camera given to him by his father. Leiter quickly developed a unique style, using radial and diagonals to create bold compositions. He also experimented with colour, often incorporating unusual hues into his work. In the 1950s, Leiter moved to New York City, where he would live for the rest of his life. It was there that he began to focus on street photography, capturing everyday scenes with an artist’s eye. Leiter’s work often captures people lost in thought, going about their daily lives. His effects-laden photographs are both beautiful and poignant, revealing the hidden beauty in the everyday world.

saul-leiter

Henri Cartier Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson was one of the most influential street photographers of all time. His style was characterized by a candid and unobtrusive approach to capturing everyday moments, as well as an obsession with capturing fleeting moments of true beauty. Born in France in 1908, he launched his career as a young man, taking cues from the styles and techniques of great painters like Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. He quickly developed a knack for observing his surroundings attentively and translating them into breath-taking photographs.

Cartier-Bresson’s work soon garnered worldwide renown, and many critics have praised him as the “father” of modern street photography. Despite his success, however, Cartier-Bresson remained humble throughout his life and continued to actively hone his craft until his death in 2004. Today, his legacy lives on through the stunning photos that he left behind, which continue to inspire photographers around the globe. Whether you are a photography novice or an experienced artist yourself, it is impossible not to be moved by Cartier-Bresson’s remarkable body of work.

henri cartier bresson

Further reading on Street Photographers

The above list is by no means exhaustive and is really only the tip of the iceberg, below I’ve listed some further street photographers for your consideration:

  1. Bruce Gilden (b. 1946) is an American photographer known for his confrontational, close-up approach to street photography. Gilden’s gritty street portraits, often taken with a flash, capture the raw essence of his subjects and provide a powerful visual commentary on urban life. He has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1998 and has published several books, including “Facing New York” and “Fashion Magazine.”
  2. Diane Arbus (1923-1971) was a ground-breaking American photographer known for her powerful and often controversial images, which shed light on individuals living on the margins of society. Her work challenged traditional norms, providing an unflinching look at the diverse range of human experiences and capturing the raw emotions of her subjects.Born in New York City to a wealthy family, Arbus initially pursued a career in fashion photography alongside her husband, Allan Arbus. Dissatisfied with the confines of the fashion world, she turned her attention to documentary photography, focusing on those who were often overlooked or marginalized, such as circus performers, transgender individuals, and people with mental illnesses. Arbus’s images were characterized by their intimate, unapologetic approach. Her subjects were frequently photographed up close, gazing directly into the camera, resulting in powerful and haunting visuals. Her use of a square-format camera further distinguished her work, setting it apart from the polished aesthetics of her contemporaries. Throughout her career, Arbus received numerous accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship. Tragically, she took her own life in 1971 at the age of 48. Despite her untimely death, her impact on the world of photography remains profound. Arbus’s work has been featured in countless exhibitions and publications, and she continues to inspire generations of photographers. In many ways, Diane Arbus was a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of photography and exploring subject matter that was considered taboo at the time. Her fearless approach to her work, coupled with her exceptional ability to connect with her subjects, has solidified her place as one of the most important and influential photographers of the 20th century. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of photography to challenge perceptions, evoke empathy, and reveal the complexities of the human experience.
  3. Alex Webb (b. 1952) is an American photographer known for his vibrant and complex street photography. Webb’s work often explores the cultural tensions and interactions within diverse communities, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. His use of color and layered compositions creates rich, evocative images that have been widely exhibited and published, including his books “The Suffering of Light” and “Istanbul: City of a Hundred Names.”
  4. Eric Kim is a contemporary American street photographer and educator, who has made a significant impact in the genre with his candid, high-contrast images. Kim’s work often explores themes of identity and the human condition, while also teaching and mentoring aspiring photographers. His popular blog and workshops have provided valuable resources and insights into the world of street photography.
  5. Thomas Leuthard is a Swiss street photographer known for his candid and minimalist style. Leuthard captures the essence of urban life through his compelling compositions, often focusing on the small details and interactions that define our everyday experiences. His work has been showcased in exhibitions and publications around the world, and he is an active member of the street photography community.
  6. Fan Ho (1937-2016) was a Chinese street photographer whose work often featured dramatic lighting and a strong sense of narrative. Ho’s images explored the daily lives and emotions of his subjects, providing a unique perspective on the rapidly changing urban landscape of post-war Hong Kong. His work has been celebrated in numerous exhibitions and publications, including his books “Hong Kong Yesterday” and “A Hong Kong Memoir.”
  7. Tatsuo Suzuki is a Tokyo-based street photographer known for his high-energy, black and white images that capture the unique energy and character of urban life in Japan. Suzuki’s work often focuses on the chaotic and frenetic aspects of the city, highlighting the contrasts and juxtapositions that define modern Tokyo. His work has been showcased in exhibitions and publications worldwide.
  8. Valérie Jardin is a French photographer with a passion for storytelling through her street photography. Jardin’s work often focuses on the small, intimate moments and interactions that make up everyday life, capturing the essence of human connections and experiences. Her images have been featured in exhibitions and publications around the world, and she also hosts a popular photography podcast, “Hit the Streets.”
  9. Rinzi Ruiz is a Los Angeles-based street photographer known for his keen eye for light and shadow. Ruiz’s work creates striking and evocative images of the urban landscape, often highlighting the contrasts and textures that define the city. His photography has been showcased in exhibitions and publications, and he is an active member of the street photography community.
  10. David Alan Harvey is a renowned American photographer and member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency. Harvey’s work often explores themes of youth culture and the human experience in urban environments, capturing the energy and vibrancy of city life. His images have been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, including his books “Cuba” and “Divided Soul.”
  11. Matt Stuart is a London-based street photographer known for his humorous and witty images that capture the quirks and idiosyncrasies of everyday life. Stuart’s keen eye for timing and composition has made him a celebrated figure in the world of street photography. His work has been showcased in exhibitions and publications, including his book “All That Life Can Afford.”
  12. Ying Tang is a Shanghai-based street photographer known for her vibrant colors and strong compositions. Tang’s work provides a unique perspective on contemporary Chinese urban life, capturing the energy and emotions of the city’s inhabitants. Her images have been featured in exhibitions and publications worldwide, and she continues to explore the ever-changing landscape of modern China.
  13. Marius Vieth is a German street photographer with a passion for capturing the essence of urban life through his evocative and visually striking images. Vieth’s work often focuses on the small details, textures, and interactions that define our daily experiences, offering a fresh perspective on the world around us. His photography has been showcased in numerous exhibitions and publications, and he has won various awards for his innovative approach to the genre. As a part of the contemporary street photography scene, Vieth continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of the art form.

Street photography has long been an enchanting genre that captures the soul of urban life, weaving together fleeting moments and the unguarded expressions of strangers. This art form has fascinated both professional photographers and amateur enthusiasts alike, as it offers a unique insight into the rich tapestry of human existence. I hope you enjoyed exploring the works of both classic and contemporary masters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is street photography?

Street photography is a genre of photography that captures candid moments in public spaces, particularly within urban environments. It often features people going about their daily lives, highlighting their emotions, interactions, and the atmosphere of the setting.

  1. Who are some classic and contemporary street photographers?

Classic street photographers include legends like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank, and Garry Winogrand. In the contemporary realm, photographers like Alex Webb, Vivian Maier, and Martin Parr have continued to redefine the boundaries of street photography.

  1. What cameras do famous street photographers use?

The choice of camera varies from one photographer to another, depending on personal preferences and the desired outcome. Some classic photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank have used Leica rangefinder cameras, while contemporary photographers like Alex Webb and Martin Parr have employed a mix of film and digital cameras, such as the Fujifilm X100 series and the Ricoh GR series.

  1. What lenses are best for street photography?

The best lenses for street photography typically have a focal length between 28mm and 50mm. These focal lengths provide a natural field of view, making it easier to capture the essence of a scene. Some renowned street photographers, like Henri Cartier-Bresson, have preferred 50mm lenses, while others like Garry Winogrand have opted for 28mm lenses.

  1. Is it better to use a DSLR, mirrorless, or film camera for street photography?

The choice between DSLR, mirrorless, or film cameras for street photography depends on personal preference and comfort. DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer the advantage of faster autofocus and greater flexibility in terms of settings, while film cameras provide a more tactile experience and often produce unique, organic results. Many contemporary street photographers have embraced the convenience of digital cameras, while others continue to cherish the timeless charm of film.

In conclusion, street photography is a captivating art form that has captivated generations of photographers. By examining the works of both classic and contemporary masters and understanding their choice of equipment, you too can learn to see the world through their lens and capture the poetry of everyday life.