Garry Winogrand was a renowned American street photographer known for his portrayal of American life in the mid-20th century. His photography philosophy was characterized by a few key elements:
- Spontaneity and Candidness: Winogrand captured life as it happened, without staging or manipulating his subjects. He believed in the candid nature of street photography, where authentic moments were more important than technical perfection.
- Quantity and Selection: He shot prolifically, often taking hundreds of photos a day. This approach was part of his philosophy of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. He believed that the more he shot, the better his chances of capturing something truly remarkable.
- The Street as Theater: Winogrand viewed the streets as a stage where real-life dramas and comedies played out daily. He aimed to capture these fleeting, unscripted moments that revealed the humor, tragedy, and absurdity of everyday life.
- Documenting the Social Landscape: He was deeply interested in the social issues of his time, such as gender roles, racial tensions, and the political climate. His work is often seen as a visual chronicle of American life in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Posthumous Recognition of Work: Interestingly, Winogrand left behind a vast amount of undeveloped film. This fact underscores his focus on the act of photographing rather than the final product. Many of his photographs were only printed and exhibited after his death.
- Disregard for Technical Norms: Winogrand wasn’t overly concerned with the technical aspects of photography. He often disregarded norms like composition and focus in favor of capturing the spontaneity and energy of the streets.
- Influence on Future Generations: His style and philosophy had a profound impact on the genre of street photography. Future photographers were inspired by his approach to capturing the chaotic and unfiltered essence of street life.
Winogrand’s work remains highly influential, and his philosophy has shaped the way many photographers approach the genre of street photography.