5 Images That Changed My Street Photography
I’ve taken many images over the years, some more memorable than others. So after skimming through a few hundred of my favourites, I landed on these five photographs as my most impactful. When I think of my artistic growth, confidence in sharing my craft, finding meaning behind each frame, and understanding the technical side of making images, these five stand out. An important note to make when looking at these images is that I’ve taken thousands of “bad” shots (imo). Matter of fact I still take bad shots just not as many as I used to. I still do make mistakes out in the field, however, that’s when I’ve seen the most growth. That new way to look at things holds true for all things we are passionate about: practice makes progress because perfection doesn’t exist! OK, let’s get into it.
“MONDAZE” - 2011
“Mondaze” - Fall 2011, Toronto, Canada
I had only been shooting street for a few months when I stumbled upon this moment in 2011. My camera toolbox at that time was very limited, consisting of just my iPhone 4. The X-factor was an app called Hipstamatic. The app had innovative features, one being the ability to shoot directly in Black & White (a new experience for me). I remember seeing this person walking with an umbrella a few feet away. I quickly opened the app and simply waited for him to enter my frame. The problem was he walked faster than I had anticipated so I turned my phone to try and get the whole umbrella in the frame. I also didn’t know much about shutter speed hence the blurry, tilted image. BUT, I learned a ton about patience, silhouettes, creating mood, and single-frame storytelling. That day, I felt like I was onto something.
“HOME” - 2014
“HOME” - Fall 2014, Toronto, Canada
Four years after I made this image, a client said to me “ I love the juxtaposition of your composition. I mean, how long did you wait for your subject to cross your frame with the word “VISITOR” right there!?” I had to take a second look at my own image. It took me four years to understand and see what he meant (so obvious, I know). I learned in that moment that I need to be more present when I’m shooting street. It’s not about the cool composition but about the details which tell a bigger story upon reflection.
“UNDECIDED“- 2016
“Undecided” - Winter 2016, Toronto, Canada.
In most frames that I create, I first see myself as the subject. Hear me out. Mentally, I connect with the subject because I‘ve either been where they are or want to be where they’re going. Sounds silly, I know, but it really is what I relate to first. I remember a time when all I wanted to do was leave Toronto. Leave my home, my neighbourhood. I just needed a refresh and a new start. I eventually packed my bags and moved to Harlem, New York City. It was a time where I experienced many emotions including loneliness and solitude (that’s a story for another day!). Naturally, this image and the concept of home really resonated with me. I didn’t feel it then but in retrospect, I was definitely going through it. Nonetheless, a beautiful moment that always takes me back.
“Higher Learning”- 2019
“Higher Learning” - Winter 2019, San Francisco, USA.
Any street photographer will at some point share with you a story of pure luck of how they “got the shot”. It usually has nothing to do with them other than pressing the shutter. Do any of these clichés sound familiar to you? ”I was just at the right place at the right time,” “the stars were aligned,” “I just turned around at there it was,” “the photo gods were watching over me”… etc., etc.
These all sum up this beautiful moment in street photography for me. I mean please just analyze all the small details of this composition. The back story is I was walking down a street in San Francisco near city hall, I saw this gentleman and loved the colour of his early 80s trenchcoat. In passing, I snapped off one frame. It was only until I looked at the image later did I see all the fascinating details. The NAT GEO book (do they still print these?), the vintage green, post box. But of course, it’s the brilliant, hair braided-antennae coming out from his head. I was speechless but thankful. I learned empathy in this moment. It is my duty to honestly document my subjects but it’s my choice of what light to shine and it will always be compassion over clicks, eccentric over safe. This moment also reminded me of why I love to shoot street!
“Eyes of the forgotten” - 2017
“Eyes of the Forgotten” - Fall 2017, Toronto, Canada
It was not until I had this perspective of my city from the rooftops of Kensington Market that I realized the Toronto I grew up in was leaving us for good. This was now the era of skyscrapers, condos, and construction. The soul of the city was leaving and Future Toronto was here to stay.
What I learned technically from this image was the importance of going back to a tested location and to PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER! A change in weather literally changes everything. Sunrise, sunset, rain, snow, fog, night, and day, all have an effect on your final image. Though I love this photo, I wonder what story a setting sun would tell.
So there you have it, five images that changed my photography and I think pushed me to where I am at this point in my career. To be quite honest, I feel like I’m just getting started! Looking back at these images reminds me of just how much more I have to experiment with in the world of street photography.
Can you remember a photo or two that changed the way you approached the way you shoot? Please share in the comments below!
Until the next blog, stay creative and believe in yourself.
Peace,
t.
A Snowy Cinematic Night of Street...
- 25c
Making the most of a very cold night.
Peace,
Back on my blogging and it feels great!
This January must have been one of the coldest on record. Like cold enough to make me question if I should even get out and shoot. There were a few stretches where it dipped below -25 to -35! That’s just nuts even as a Canadian. I had to be strategic about when I headed out and have the right expectations about my desired outcome. In between the frigid days, we had two snowy days that warmed things up a bit and allowed me to pick up my Ricoh GR II and shoot without my fingers falling off! Here are a few moments that I landed on.
Loner’s Park - by @tahaphoto (Jan. 2022)
As of late, when I’m out shooting street I find myself connecting more to the feeling of solitude. I love the idea of stumbling upon a scene untouched and empty of humans. It’s like I’ve landed on a movie set before anyone else has arrived. So fun!
Lot Lights - by @tahaphoto (Jan. 2022)
See, the winters here in Ontario can get pretty brutal but I’ve found a way to stay warm and still get “the shot” by simply shooting from my car (made a whole video on it here). Now, I’m not the first to think of shooting from a car but it’s been really helpful on days when the weather is just too extreme. Take in “Lot Lights” (showcased above). I was driving around this parking lot for a few minutes looking for something that spoke to me when I saw this tan-ish car with its lights on. By shifting my focus to the melted snowflakes on the window I was able to create a bit of mystery and drama around a pretty simple scene.
Long Way Home - by @tahaphoto (Jan. 2022)
As I moved down the road looking for more stories to tell, I stumbled upon another moment of a gentleman on the side of the road walking against the wind and snow. Again, while driving slowly I was able to capture a few frames and a B&W edit seemed inevitable. It was pretty cool getting some of the snowflakes in the headlights. I felt it added another layer to the story showcasing the speed and intensity of the storm coupled with the harsh realities of winter.
Best of Friends - by @tahaphoto
Not every image will be perfect or your greatest but that’s OK because it’s the process that’s always exciting. I love experimenting with the tools I have in front of me whether it be a window, changing focal lengths or blurring my subjects to pique viewers’ curiosity. I love trying to tell a story without seeing the full story in front of me. It gives me a chance to be present and curious. It’s a lot of fun just to simply wander sometimes and it’s what gets me out the door on these cold days.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this short blog and a glimpse into one of my first nights out shooting in the new year. I feel it’s important to keep finding ways to get out and shoot, find new inspo and build on your consistency.
Until next time… Stay creative and believe in yourself.
Peace ✌️
t
BW Photo a Day challenge 010/014
Full day of everything else but photography. I'm starting to wonder if December was the best month to try a challenge. lol
010/014 - Dec. 6th 2017 - Victoria Park & Gerrard St.
Photo 010 story:
Light. Look at what a little light does, it was everywhere. Through the fence, through the paper, reflectiing on the staples, but what I love most about this image... "Greg" wrote out the entire add by hand. Does that mean he doesn't have access to a computer or was this done on purpose? I love it either way. He wrote down his skillset, got this photo-copied somewhere and posted it up. Old school! Only one left. :D
Peace,
t.
BW Photo a Day challenge 009/014
Day 9. Simply walking...
009/014 - Dec. 5, 2017 Roxton Rd. & Harbord St.
Photo 009 story:
I didn't see much on my travels this morning until I pulled up to this corner store off Harbord. "GIFTS". This is what caught my attention, just hanging there rusting away. "GIFTS". Now it's gonna sound corny but it made me think about life and how it's a gift. We're so lucky, I'm so lucky! :D Also, loved the vintage font, the old payphone in the foreground. Just a lovely, simple frame. A nice reminder along the path.
t.
BW Photo a Day challenge 007/014
A foggy Sunday. I was so excited when I saw fog but made no time to explore it. I know, I know, you're getting tired of me making excuses to find time to shoot. The truth is I tired of it too. Just go shoot, Taha! lol I promise to do better.
007/014 - Dec. 3, 2017 - Blantyre Ave. & Clonmore Dr.
Photo 007 story:
The fog was thick, especially over the park. I like that I captured a single person in the far left corner. :D
t.
BW Photo a Day challenge 006/014
Still struggling with time-management but fighting through it by at least bringing my RICOH everywhere that I go. I can be better. On a lighter note, I'm enjoying the black and white restriction, I feel it's helped me see more of the details found in the every-day.
006/014 - Dec. 2, 2017 - Devonshire Pl. & Bloor St. W.
Photo 006 story:
On route to Bay and Bloor, I found myself stuck in the car once again. Just before I hit Bloor St. I saw a person taking a south facing picture. I wondered, "what's she taking a photo of? So I looked into my rear-view mirror I saw the CN Tower. I actually stopped my car a few yards before the stop sign and took a couple of frames. This was the result.
Good night!
t.