Shoot to Be Understood: Juxtaposition in Street Photography
Hello everyone, photographers! In yesterday's post, we talked about the power of juxtaposition in street photography, and today we will continue along the same path. I believe that juxtaposition is the cornerstone of street photography, as it allows anyone who sees the photo to understand it, without the need for advanced technical knowledge in photography.
I have always said that I like to photograph for those who do not know about photography. Critics with doctorates, master's degrees, and studies in image and photography, with their ability to find flaws in others' photos, often do not see the flaws in their own. As we vulgarly say in Spain, "I've been around the block" and I couldn't care less about what they say.
Just as languages are made for communication, photographs should be made for people to understand them. I believe this is the basis of photography, whether street photography or not.
I do not have formal studies in photography; I have learned on my own while walking, observing, and shooting in automatic mode. Perhaps I do not know as much about photographers and techniques as others, but you do not learn to observe in school, you learn from a young age. You are either an observer or you are not. I know many people who know a lot about photography and criticize others' photos, but they do not have a single good photo.
I like to photograph for people who do not know about photography but who understand my images, like my father, like yours, and like most of the people you know..
My father's limited photographic knowledge does not prevent him from understanding a photograph that catches his attention. If you show him a very technical photograph, with plays of light and shadow, arranged in the rule of thirds, and with dynamism but without a clear scene, he gets bored and stops looking at it. However, when he sees a photo he understands, he not only enjoys it but also comprehends it. Photography should be a universal language. Isn't that why we photograph? So that people spend some time with our images.
Now, let's talk about this photograph:
In this image, we see a scene on a beach where an older woman, dressed in her Sunday best, boldly looks at a young girl in a bikini who is sunbathing. The image is minimalist, taken up close, with each person practically on one side of the frame, guiding the viewer to understand it.
The juxtaposition in this photo is evident:
The contrast between the older woman, conservatively dressed, and the young girl in a bikini, enjoying the sun. This difference in clothing and attitude creates a visual and thematic contrast that is easy for anyone to understand. The older woman seems to be judging the young girl, which adds a layer of narrative to the image.
The gaze of the older woman is key. She is not looking at the sea, the sky, or another point on the beach. She is looking directly at the young girl, with an expression that can be interpreted as disapproval, curiosity, or even envy. This gaze is the focal point of the image and invites us to wonder what the older woman is thinking.
The arrangement of the people in the frame also helps to emphasize this contrast. The older woman is standing, observing from the shade, while the young girl is lying down, enjoying the sun. This arrangement creates a sense of distance between the two women and suggests that their worlds are very different.
Besides the juxtaposition, the photograph has other elements that make it interesting:
The composition is simple and effective. The image is composed of two main elements: the older woman and the young girl. The rest of the frame is empty, allowing the focus to be on the two protagonists.
The light is natural and soft. The sunlight illuminates the scene evenly, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
The color is monochromatic. The image is in black and white, giving it a classic and timeless touch.
This photograph is not only technically correct but also communicates a story effectively, using juxtaposition to convey a clear and understandable message. It is a perfect example of how street photography can be accessible and meaningful to everyone, regardless of their technical knowledge in photography.
I hope this post inspires you to look for and use juxtaposition in your own street photographs. Until next time!
What do you think? Help me improve and give me your opinion!
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