Taking It On The Street
We’re all familiar with the term ‘street photography’, but what is it exactly? ProPhoto sat down with award-winning Australian photojournalist and documentary photographer Jack Picone – who has gained a global reputation for his reporting of world events and social issues – to find out what are the key philosophies and practices of street photography.
Does street photography have a precise definition or is it more a number of elements that all come under the general heading?
“If we’re talking about dictionary definitions, then yes, street photography has a precise definition. Encyclopaedia Britannica defines street photography as a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. However, I’d like to also add that street photography should be driven by the genuine motivation to capture raw slices of life. I believe accuracy is what really gives street photography true character.”
What are the origins of street photography? Presumably it would have been quite closely linked to the development of more portable cameras. Can you outline some of the historical milestones?
“Street photography ascended in the 1920s when the first commercially successful 35mm still camera was released. For me, street photography revolves around authenticity and spontaneity, and the 35mm camera really helped launch street photography and popularise it in the years that followed. This is a quality capable of keeping your subjects relaxed
