- Yes, it's Infinity, I know :) -
There are different layers in Street Photography photo - And the more layers (lets call them Dynamic Points of Interest? - 'DPoI' scale) there are in photo, the better it is. Or is it?
I'll try to explain this confusing theory of mine -
For example, the photo above. It's a story of two perfectly obvious and distinct DPoI's - The beggar (poor) in contrast with the Lexus (rich). Pretty simple, actually. Not the best of my works. What makes it 'blog worthy' is the fact that it's a 'moment'. Second later, the dimensions 'broke' - car left.
The fact that both are distinct and obvious, makes it's a rather plain photo. That's, by the way, the reason why we love taking photos of homeless people. They make a great DPoI ("Dynamic Points of Interest", yes?)
Now, let's observe this photo, I've encountered a few days ago on Twitter - "Metamorphosis" by Dave Taggart - No doubt it got a 'WOW!' factor, but it also got only one DPoI - The old man is dynamic, but the graffiti is static.
It means, that if you got a good (good = got a photo potential) location, all you need to do is wait for the right DPoI to arrive to complete the scene.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it's easy or 'bad'. Dave's photo is great (one of those I wish were my photos) but I do say that if you can spot such locations, these photos are more easily achieved than photos with multi DPoIs'.
Having said that here is an ultimate single DPoI photo - iN-Public | Nils Jorgensen - That's location not many will identify is a 'good potential'.
His gallery is amazing, as I've mention numerous times on numerous posts in the past.
Of course, it has to be more complicated than that. See for example this classic photo by the Master Henri Cartier-Bresson - It got only one DPoI, yes, but the whole composition, every element in the photo, is there to support it. All the lines are connected in a dynamic movement - That's a level of street photography I will spend the rest of my life to achieve.
The examples above were given for black and white photography. When you add color to the mixture, it get's even more complicated - Here and here. Add light... You get the picture. Photo.
Maybe I'll switch to Macro photography :)
P.S - Last week my photoblog was added to the much dignified list of blogs featuring on Megapixeld.com - Thank you, Scott (@nuwomb)
There has been 47 Responses to 'Lexus' so far
Anonymous
But that's an infiniti...
a.h.lex says:
why must the contrast between the poor and the rich to difficult DPoI's? i think this is contrast is one. Of course you could see two DPoI's in this photo, but if you see two, then you have to look at three ones. Every DPoI's for itself and in a conclusion of both.
Al right, Ilan. I think this is a great photo and a more better one than a mock scenery.
Thanks for this impressions - best regards,a.h.lex.
Jerome says:
The theory of street photography ! Do you give courses ? ;)
Nice thoughts as always, I'll think about this next time I hold up the camera
Tatiana says:
Forte en contraste cette photo ! Bien vu !
Ry says:
I really love the shot and the write up. Great work. And thanks for sharing all those super links!
Turnbill says:
Well, theory or no theory, this is a very fine photo!
Luis says:
Ilan, I can see your skills in street photography are growing day by day, congrats
Joanna says:
Very interesting capture!
I know I can always find something really interesting, captivating on your blog. Always pleasure to peak in here!
Anna says:
Ilan I will definitely book mark this post. This is very interesting. Your photo is amazing, I actually got my eyes on the beggar, I thought it was statue for a second, lol. Excellent, I like yours the most, but the one with bold head and spheres is very funny! Anna :)
Elaine- says:
i WON'T think about that the next time i point the camera haha too much thinking takes the fun out of it all... GREAT shot tho
João André Farinha says:
Really, really interesting post. Not only you have a great point, but also showed very interesting exemples to support it. Great rading!
Marco says:
You managed to isolate some "elements" and compose an interesting story. Great street shot! If you need any more inspiration, check out these video's anout street photography: http://www.vimeo.com/6497905. Have fun.
beanow says:
Strong street shot! Beautiful B&W!
Liang says:
I loved how you explained the overall effect of this shot, very nicely taken. Hope you had a great Happy Halloween!
fabrizio says:
fantastic b/w strong contrast
Nicolas says:
Great Ilan, hard picture, difficult subject, but great for sure.
Ivar says:
Great write-up on street photography, and a excellent and strong photo to accompany. Very nice
jpla says:
Deux mondes se sont croisés ! Très joli N&B !
JP
om says:
Great contrast and balance. effective shot.
Doum says:
A theory I never hear before. Thanks a lot to explain the concept and theory. I think many photographer use this concept unwittingly... it's part of artistic research. Without the homeless, the picture can be use for advertisment! Bonne semaine.
jelb says:
bonsoir,
great composition and greyscale..bravo!
Scott Webb says:
That guy on the left is cool looking! And thanks for the link to Megapixeld!
bluechameleon says:
Seriously a powerful image and such great contrast of the luxury vehicle and buildings. I love how emotive this shot becomes with his expression. As always, your street shots are inspiring!
TIM TOPPLE says:
Hi -
sorry to use comments for non-topic contact, but i lost your email address (i'm sure i had it here somewhere!). I would LOVE you to help me find a template. I have been scared to change it, incase i lose all previous posts, and also, i never think that any one image at a time is good enough to stand alone! I think 'if they don't like this one, they can scroll and see dozens more!'. That's my theory. But - I would like info on changing, a style like yours perhaps that i can mod. I'd give it a go if I could change it back...(and keep my URL. )
thanks.
re: this post - I like your theories. but I imagine when these elements align and i'm camera ready, it's a one in million chance! I'm lucky to get one DPOI. love the shot tho...
tt
John Maslowski says:
Interesting concept Dynamic Points of Interest, never gave it much thought before. I can see how you could also apply it to landscape photography too. I think your image here is very moving, one that is very thought provocative and hopefully sends a message. We are all human beings, rich or poor.
Omar says:
Sad picture, but this is part of our life. Impressing shot and well processed
Darietto says:
Sometimes i find your words so hard to understand. Maybe because of my bad english or maybe because you have such a great idea of what photography is that it's impossible to catch it at all. When i take a picture i don't think too much about the DPoIs, i follow emotion's lead; infact my photos are not so good as yours :)
Framed and Shot says:
Great contrast in this shot ~ in several meanings!
David Reber says:
Great shot Ilan!
rhys says:
I like your DPoI theory, I'm going to think about that some more.
This is a cracking shot, the guy reminds me of someone from a Don McCullin image, you've caught a moment here that many of us would wait a lifetime to catch
TammyWarren-Cricket says:
Great image with powerful words. I do adore contrasting images.
vera says:
excellent this one with this opposition! your post processing too!
Pere Chuliá says:
Las dos caras del lujo. Muy buena. Saludos.
gentse koppen says:
wonderdul street photography
impressive shot
PFL0W says:
This post has been removed by the author.PFL0W says:
wow, outstanding shot. great juxtaposition and composition.
KC Photog Blog
iheartfilm says:
Man, that homeless guy looks like he's been places.
Marcie says:
Interesting commentary. Love how you philosophize about street photography. Amazing face on this guy!!!
William Alexander López says:
Great composition, beautiful street photo !
katakan says:
very interesting capture
Antoine says:
Very interesting capture.
Kike says:
Muy buena toma y sirve como buen ejemplo de las desigualdades que existen en el mundo que vivimos. Saludos
minimodi says:
thats a character, nice capture!
Marcelo Aurelio says:
Good capture, great composition.
bibolet says:
good contrast
Anonymous
I'm not sure what the car is, but it's not a Lexus
Singapore portrait studio says:
good juxtaposition!
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