Beyond the obvious

  The general consensus is that it is hard to define street photography. It means different things to different people. I want to share my perspective and then hear from you, dear reader, what street photography means to you. For me, street photography stands out as a unique art form that embraces curiosity and instinct as its guiding principles. Unlike photojournalism or conceptual photography, street photography relies on a genuine, unfiltered response to the surrounding environment. It is an approach that transcends preconceptions and embraces the raw beauty of everyday life.  In this blog, I'll explore the essence of street photography's ability to capture authentic moments and evoke deep emotions within us. Curiosity: The Driving Force More than anything else, street photography is fueled by an insatiable curiosity about the world. A street photographer ventures into the unknown, exploring the bustling streets with open eyes and heart. This curiosity becomes the driving f...

As a photographer, one of the most rewarding aspects of my craft is the ability to find beauty in the most unexpected places. Beauty is not confined to grand vistas or extraordinary subjects. Instead, it exists in the ordinary and the everyday. Finding beauty everywhere is a mindset—a way of seeing the world through a lens of appreciation and curiosity. It's about embracing the uniqueness of each moment and finding something captivating within it. Whether I'm exploring the bustling streets of a city, venturing into nature's hidden corners, or simply observing the people around me, I strive to uncover the beauty that often goes unnoticed. Photography has taught me to see beyond the surface, to delve deeper into the intricate details that make up our surroundings. I have learned to appreciate the interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant colours of a busy market, the delicate patterns formed by nature, and the expressions of human emotions frozen in time. The world is a tape...

  Travelling in a taxi, Japan.  Photo by Paul Indigo Marvin Heiferman, a curator and writer, has contributed to the Museum of Modern Art's online course, "Seeing Through Photographs." In this course, Heiferman offers a unique perspective on photographs, arguing that they are not just visual representations of reality but are also cultural artefacts that reflect the beliefs, values, and social conditions of their time. "The power of photography is more complicated than people admit to," explains author and scholar Marvin Heiferman in a conversation with curator Sarah Meister about the ubiquity and consequentiality of photographic images. Photography has been around for almost two centuries and has become an essential part of our daily lives. It is a tool we use to capture and document the world around us, but it is also a medium that shapes how we see the world. According to Heiferman, photographs are not just images but also cultural artefacts that carry meaning...

  Portrait of Willem Vermandere in a bookshop. Photo © Paul Indigo In a world where we are bombarded with images constantly, how can photography still manage to surprise us and make us see the world in a new way? Social media, news, advertising, and entertainment all rely heavily on visuals to capture our attention. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of pictures we see every day. It can be hard to imagine how photography could still surprise us or make us see the world in a new way. But the truth is, photography is a powerful art form that can still surprise and inspire us, even in a world saturated with images. My shoes are on the steep staircase in the Halletoren in Brugge.  Photo  © Paul Indigo One reason is that it allows us to see the world through someone else's eyes. Every photographer has a unique perspective. They invite us to see the world differently by sharing their images with us. A skilled photographer can make us see the beauty in the mundane...

Photographer, writer and artist, Paul Indigo (Photo by Magda Indigo ) Documentary photography is more important than ever because it plays a critical role in informing and shaping public opinion, particularly in today's fast-paced, information-saturated world. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, we are bombarded with images and information daily. It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. From a trusted source, documentary photography counterbalances the often sensationalised and biased coverage of social and political issues. Documentary photography can challenge dominant narratives and foster greater understanding and empathy by presenting a nuanced, humanistic perspective on complex issues. It can highlight underreported and marginalised issues, giving voice to those who are often ignored or silenced. In a world where many people feel disenfranchised and marginalised, documentary photography can help to create a sense of community and solidarity by ...