Emotion vs. Abstraction in Street Photography
What’s poppin’ people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re going to be discussing emotion versus abstraction in street photography.
I believe there’s this misconception in street photography that one must either be purely documentary-based, photographing life as it is, or a photographer who’s looking to abstract reality and create their own artistic expression.
But ultimately, one mustn’t follow one or the other to create strong photographs. I believe the best photographs synthesize the raw emotion of the subject within our frames with the abstraction of composition and form. This synthesis can elevate our photography to a whole new level.
The Balance Between Emotion and Abstraction
We want to balance the best of both worlds—to create a photograph with strong form, strong geometry, but also raw and visceral human emotion that captures the essence of the street.
Where the power of black and white lies is in its ability to strip down to the basics, allowing you to focus on:
- The moment
- The gesture
- The human emotion
It removes the distractions of color and all the superfluous details when you crush the shadows and expose for the highlights. The aesthetics of high-contrast black and white create drama and intensity, making it the perfect medium to fuse both abstraction and emotion.
The Power of Candid Photography
Photographing candidly is at the forefront of street photography. The best way to capture raw human emotion is to make sure moments are:
- Unscripted
- Unposed
- Real
“Photograph life unposed. Photograph life in a way that doesn’t get in the way—let the emotional impact of the photograph speak for itself.”
When making photographs of expressions, ensure they remain authentic. Shoot quickly and stealthily, avoiding interference with the scene.
A small compact camera, like the Ricoh GR, makes this process easier. Since it’s so discreet, you can get closer to a scene without people noticing, allowing for raw, candid moments.
Using Light and Shadow for Impact
The abstraction of reality through light and shadow can add a visual impact that elevates even the most ordinary scenes. Some simple techniques to enhance this include:
- Silhouettes and reflections
- Exposing for the highlights and crushing shadows
- Emphasizing mood and mystery
“The simplest interplay between light and shadow can be enough to evoke emotional impact—without even using people within the frame.”
A photograph doesn’t need a person to convey emotion. Sometimes, light and shadow alone can be enough to create a sense of drama and mystery.
Geometry, Form, and Proximity
Finding the balance between abstraction and emotion is a fine line. You can achieve this balance by understanding:
- Geometry, lines, and shape
- Composition as second nature
- How to make a scene feel structured, but full of soul
A mistake I often see? Photographs that feel too cold, too distant. Sometimes, the subject is too far across the street or gets lost in the frame, making it difficult to connect with the moment.
“This is where closeness and proximity help you capture those raw human emotions.”
Get closer to the subject. Feel the beat of the street. Allow intuition to guide your framing, making your composition natural and effortless.
Learning from Ray K. Metzker
A master of this technique is Ray K. Metzker. His approach to deep shadows and exposing for highlights is the perfect example of blending abstraction with human presence.
Metzker mastered the art of abstraction in street photography and is a great reference for combining abstraction with human emotion.
Take a look at some of his photographs:
- Deep shadows creating mystery
- High contrast giving drama and intensity
- Subjects emerging from darkness, floating in space
Metzker’s work is a foundation for studying how to integrate abstraction and emotion into our photography.
My Approach to Abstraction
Here’s how I apply these ideas to my own work:
- Underexpose by one stop
- Crush the shadows to separate subjects from the backdrop
- Emphasize the highlights to elevate the important elements
Even without a human subject, these techniques create mood and emotional impact, proving that abstraction can be just as powerful as raw human expression.
Can You Do This in Color?
Yes! While I focus heavily on high-contrast black and white, it’s possible to blend abstraction and emotion in color photography as well.
For example:
- A man playing with a watermelon
- The backdrop crushed in shadow
- Pigeons in flight adding movement and drama
The interplay between light and shadow still works in color—it just takes a more refined approach.
“Shooting high-contrast black and white is the simplest solution for abstraction, but color can work if handled carefully.”
Practical Tips for Experimentation
If you want to experiment with abstraction and emotion in your own photography, try these techniques:
- Shoot in high-contrast black and white – Strip away distractions and focus on form.
- Use deep silhouettes and shadow play – Let the absence of detail add mystery.
- Focus on body language and gestures – A simple movement can carry the frame.
- Master composition and framing – Make this second nature so it doesn’t feel forced.
- Look for moments that elevate the mundane – Find the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Final Thoughts
“Photography is not about depicting reality—it’s about showing what life could be. Create your own version of reality.”
Street photography is about playing, tinkering, and experimenting. There’s no need to strictly document the truth. Instead, find your own balance between abstraction and emotion.
Go out there. Explore the unknown. Make your own world through the camera.
If you want to see Ray K. Metzker’s work, I have a flip-through on my YouTube channel. Check it out in my photo book playlist—it’s a great foundation to build upon and understand the masters.
Thanks for reading. Now go out there and shoot! Peace.