The term Street Photography modified form of the term straight photography which means straight out of camera and it is expected that there will be no manipulation and it has to be candid or un-staged under natural light sources. Though Now a days the trend of using flash in street photography is increasing. As this genre is very interesting and possibilities are infinite it is ever evolving. There are other types of photographs also available in a different genre and these photographs are also straight out of camera viz landscape, macro photographs etc but we will not consider them as street photographs though they are straight out of the camera. The metaphor needs to be understood. In street photography photographer freezes the mood and emotion of that place consisting people or without people with the other elements but presence of human must be felt through photographs. Day by Day, the definition, concept is being modified rapidly. Street photography not necessary to be on the street but any places where the concept and philosophies are there to support the image. Photography is a philosophic journey and it guides us to explore the possibilities in an unique way. As a street photographer I personally addicted in capturing human emotions within its ambience. Travelling different places in India and abroad is my hobby. I like exploring possibilities in everything. Scope for good photographs is everywhere but we should train our eyes to see the most interesting moment within thousand moments. Observation is the key. One has to develop a habit of clicking photographs by carrying small camera always. Our life is unpredictable so as opportunity for a good photograph. Freezing decisive moment is a reflex action which can only be developed through practice. Sometimes our hands work faster than our mind. I would say It’s a synchronisation of mind, heart and hand. We should avoid taking part in the race with others as nobody or nothing is ultimate so it is best to enjoy the journey rather compete. We all need recognition, accolades to get the attention of the world. We all like to hear good words or appreciations about us. We are human and this is what actually we want. I would say seeking praise is not bad either. For me it gives energy, power and boosts self-confidence. I think we have discovered only 5 % possibilities. More has to be done. Satisfaction is our real enemy. We often devote very less time to see a photograph it’s like blink of eyes and this is fatal . Every photograph portrays a meaningful message for which  attention is required. A good photograph required enough time so that it can be understood properly. Every viewer interprets a photograph according to their own way and perception. Some are successful and some are not in interpreting a photograph but one should enjoy the entire process. Three things we should remember while clicking a photograph.

1. Why am I clicking (reason for clicking)

2. What am I Clicking (Content )

3.When am I Clicking (Prefect Moment of clicking).
 

During my Street Photography workshop student asks various questions like when we should convert a colour photograph into a black and white ? For me the simple answer is we should convert every photograph into B&W then see if it works for you or not ,then choose the right one. Some possesses preconceived ideas that if a photograph is converted into B&W then it will become classic and soulful image but this is entirely wrong as colour has its own essence too. We need to know the colour theory and how complementary colour works though in street photography the implementation of color theory is difficultor is less. You can be a great street photographer without knowing the colour theory properly as in street photography it’s all about moment where content is the King. To make us grow or broaden our vision we need to learn photography through photobooks, workshops, seminars, YouTube videos, photo talk by masters. Most of the time, we spent lot of money in purchasing various high-end gears as we need advancement but at the same time, we should spend time and money for quality learning also. What will we do with a great high-end gear without having anyproper knowledge about photography? It’s a parallel thing. It must be synchronized properly.

The above text is a product of self-observation and definitely may vary from opinion of others as, art is always subjective.

Short Biodata

Raj Sarkar is a Kolkata based street and travel photographer and an educator. He is the co-founder of World Photographic Forum and a senior mentor of APF (Art Photo Feature) magazine. He was in the executive committee member of Kolkata International Photography Festival 2019 and also a profile reviewer in KIPF. He is the consulting editor of Indian Photo Art Magazine and curator of 121clicks.com. Presently he is the X-mentor of Fujifilm India. His works have been published in numerous prestigious national and international magazines. He is also a regular contributor of Fujilove magazine and Grettyimages.His works has been exhibited in London street Photography Festival,Italy Photography Festival, Kolkata International Photography Festival etc.

Social Media Links

Website : www.rajsarkar.com

Instagram : https://instagram.com/street_raj?