Street photography has changed considerably over the years. Whereas people once considered it an honor to be photographed, by the time of publication they might instead regard you with suspicion. That makes it all the more rewarding when you manage to tell an engaging photographic story or create a beautiful street portrait.
Apart from a few workshops, there are hardly any institutions that train people to become street photographers. Most street photographers are self-taught. They learn from other photographers, watch videos on YouTube, or read articles.
Books about street photography are scarce and often show only photographs with brief descriptions. Unfortunately, they rarely explain how photographers should conduct themselves on the street or how to take the best street photographs. This book does address those subjects.
Focus op Fotografie: Straatfotografie also discusses what equipment you need, how to photograph people unobtrusively, and how to post-process your images. Less obvious aspects are covered as well, including composition, putting together a portfolio or series, and the effect of color in your photographs.
The book is written in a way that makes it feel as though the authors are sitting beside you and talking with you. Their methods, tips, and tricks draw on years of experience in street photography. Above all, they avoid making it too technical, because technique is only a very small part of street photography. It is important to develop a feel for situations on the street and to enjoy the process—but especially to notice that your photographs are improving.
The book is packed with practical tips and countless inspiring photographs. It can encourage both beginning and advanced street photographers to take their street photography to the next level.
A web version of the book is available. Registration provides free access, along with relevant extras.
Huub Keulers is a digital communications specialist, photographer, and educator who lives in Elsloo, Limburg. Besides sports photography, street photography is his other passion. Contact with people and the chance to photograph something unexpected around every corner are what make street photography fascinating to him. His photographic style is stylized, with attention to timing, composition, and detail. Huub also gives talks and tailored workshops.
Marcel van der Looij works in innovation, is a freelance photographer, and lives in Zoetermeer. He began his career in 1979 as a photographer at Sotheby’s Amsterdam auction house, where he learned the craft of studio photography. After several years, he discovered that photographing static subjects was not really his thing. He became captivated by photographing people in general, specializing in portrait and street photography. His street-photography style is best described as documentary, with a recognizable preference for portraits.
Focus op Fotografie: Straatfotografie - Huub Keulers & Marcel van der Looij
Pages: 256
Price at the time of publication: € 39.99
Publisher: Van Duuren Media
Language: Dutch. This article refers to the Dutch-language edition.
