Aesthetics in Street Photography
What’s popping people, it’s Dante! Today, let’s dive into a topic that’s been at the forefront of my mind lately: Aesthetics in street photography.
The Shift Toward Aesthetics
In the past, my focus was on depicting reality as it was—capturing raw, unfiltered moments. But now, my mindset has shifted. I’m drawn to abstracting reality, pushing the limits of what a photograph can be.
“How much darker, how much more contrast can I push my photos? What can I do to make a photograph more surreal?”
This shift reflects my belief that a photograph is more than a document—it’s a work of art. Art should be beautiful, and aesthetics play a crucial role in achieving that beauty.
The Role of Technology
In this digital age, crafting the right aesthetics has become more complex yet incredibly rewarding. I focus on getting my images right in-camera:
- Small JPEGs.
- High-contrast black and white.
These choices streamline my process, eliminating the need for post-processing. Why waste time in Lightroom when the camera can do the heavy lifting?
“We’re in 2023—no more darkrooms, no more tedious dodging and burning. The camera should do the work.”
Creating My World
With aesthetics at the core, I’m not just taking pictures—I’m building my own world. The world of Dante. This approach fuels my curiosity and encourages me to see life’s unpredictability and surrealism through a fresh lens.
The Power of Mundane Scenes
Street photography often reveals the extraordinary in the ordinary. When you frame mundane moments, they can transform into something surreal, even otherworldly.
“Life is unpredictable. What may seem mundane can become insane within the frame of a photograph.”
A New Artistic Direction
This new approach moves beyond the traditional documentary style. I’m less concerned with capturing reality and more focused on abstracting it. It’s about creating an artistic interpretation of the world, emphasizing:
- Darkness.
- Contrast.
- Surreal aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
Street photography is evolving for me. It’s no longer just about capturing life as it happens. It’s about shaping that life into something uniquely my own. By focusing on aesthetics, I aim to create art that transcends the moment and invites viewers into a surreal, compelling visual experience.