Awhile back I stumbled across an interview of social documentary and street photographer John Free. The question posed was “On your website it says that you are a social documentary and street photography. Can you point out the difference but maybe also tell us more about the combination of these two genres as a photographer’s choice?”

Free responded, “I think that the three most important and also difficult forms or types of photography, is social documentary, photojournalism and fine art street photography, which was called straight photography when I started. I think that the difference between them is rather simple to understand. In photojournalism, six photographs with captions might be required. Social documentary photography requires 25-50 photos, which are each supported by a caption or short story. In street photography, it all must be done with one photograph and with no caption to help explain what cannot be seen. No caption and no posing, make street photography the most difficult form of photography that I have ever been involved with. My professional work in social documentary photography was very helpful in teaching myself how to get closer to the subject. Closer in many ways, not just where I stand, but how I can convey my feelings about a subject in my photograph of that subject. To bring as much life and understanding into the image, in order for the viewer to better understand the image.”

All interesting and I think very useful, but focused on this … “In street photography, it all must be done with one photograph and with no caption to help explain what cannot be seen. No caption and no posing, make street photography the most difficult form of photography that I have ever been involved with.”

I think it’s vitally important that our photographs be able to stand on their own as complete and self-contained personal statements.  All of your creativity and vision must become dedicated and focused to ensure that the picture you make faithfully reproduces what you initially saw in your mind’s eye … and felt in your heart.  But that’s only half the battle. What’s contained in the negative must be fully realized in the final print. Otherwise what had so much promise surely will end up as an also-ran.

When you make a photograph it should be a personal and intense experience. It doesn’t matter whether it’s made in Manhattan or Yosemite Valley. Same thing when you’re in the darkroom.

Easier said then done, right?  It is if you dedicate yourself to it!

It’s a new year. I’m going to try my best.

Stay safe,

Michael