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 ...

  Chris As you flip through a glossy magazine or scroll through your social media feed, you come across a stunning image of a model wearing the latest perfume. She exudes perfection with her flawless skin, radiant smile, and captivating gaze. The image seems to whisper, "If you wear this perfume, you can be just as beautiful and glamorous as this model." But have you ever stopped to think about the story behind that image and what it truly represents? As a professional photographer commissioned for an advertising shoot, the model becomes the symbol of the ideal woman, representing all those who look at the advert. She is objectified, reduced to a visual prop that embodies perfection, and the message is clear – use this product – you too can achieve that level of perfection. But in reality, the model is not a real person, but rather a carefully curated image created to sell a product. Unfortunately, this objectification of models in advertising has also seeped into the world o...

Encounter on the street in the snow As a photographer, understanding human behaviour is critical to capturing compelling images. Emotions, gestures, expressions, and body language all reveal insights into human behaviour, and our practice as photographers is to capture these nuances. To anticipate moments, one must be acutely aware of body language and expressions. We can create a comfortable environment by getting to know our subjects. You can also offer guidance if this does not interfere with your objective. The goal is to capture authentic and natural images that resonate with viewers. Creating relatable images is essential to the craft of photography. To do so, we must consider the emotions and experiences of our audience and tailor our images accordingly. This personal touch can help create powerful images that connect with viewers on a deeper level. Understanding human behaviour is essential to the art of photography. Observing and studying behaviours can help you create images ...

  Fashion with attitude (full story here ) I wanted to share my latest personal project with you and get some feedback from you, dear valued reader. In today's world, individuality and self-expression are highly valued, and one of the ways people choose to express themselves is through fashion. The clothes we wear can speak volumes about our personality, mood, and even our individual journey. Each of us is unique, and the way we dress reflects that.  View the full series of images on  Flickr here . As a photographer, I wanted to capture this essence of individuality and self-expression through fashion and colour. In this series of portraits, I aimed to showcase a diverse range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds, highlighting their unique styles and personality. My subjects come from all walks of life, and I wanted to showcase the beauty and power of their individuality. The way we dress is a form of self-expression, and I wanted to capture that in a ...

From the refined elegance of tea ceremonies to calligraphy and the simple yet complex beauty of Zen gardens, Japanese aesthetics offer a unique perspective on the nature of beauty and its relationship to our environment, emotions, and sense of self. But can we apply these aesthetics to photography? In this blog, we'll explore nine fundamental Japanese aesthetic principles and seek to answer this question. First, here's a summary of the Japanese aesthetic principles we will cover: Kanso: The principle of simplicity, clarity, and cleanliness. Fukinsei: The principle of asymmetry, irregularity, and balance. Shibui/Shibumi: The principle of simplicity, understatedness, and refined elegance. Seijaku: The principle of stillness, silence, and tranquillity. Datsuzoku: The principle of spontaneity, freedom, and detachment. Yugen: The principle of mystery, depth, and subtlety. Shizen: The principle of naturalness, spontaneity, and harmony with nature. Wabi Sabi: The principle of embracin...

  She nipped to the shop in her nightgown to buy some washing detergent.  A lot of people try to define street photography. Here is my view. Street photographers often aim to document the human condition and the social, cultural, and political aspects of the places and communities they photograph. Street photography can be spontaneous and candid, with the photographer capturing unplanned or unscripted moments as they unfold, or it can be more planned and staged, with the photographer seeking out specific subjects or compositions to photograph.  Street photographers typically capture images of people, architecture, and other elements of the urban environment, often with an emphasis on capturing the atmosphere and energy of the place. Street photography can be documentary, capturing real life as it unfolds, as in the case of the lady returning from her errand, or more artistic and expressive, exploring themes and ideas through photography. It is also amusing to see the reac...

  I turned the corner and saw this light pouring across the veranda at Kenninji, the oldest Zen Buddhism temple in Kyoto, Japan.  What is the Zen of Photography? The Zen of photography is a way of approaching photography that emphasises mindfulness, simplicity, and the present moment. At its core, it is about using photography to cultivate awareness and connect with the world around us. One of the fundamental principles of the Zen of photography is to approach photography with a beginner's mind. This means letting go of preconceptions and judgments and approaching each moment with an open and curious attitude. It is about seeing the world with fresh eyes as if seeing it for the first time. Another important aspect of the Zen of photography is to focus on the moment. This means being fully present and engaged in the act of taking a photograph and not getting caught up in thoughts or distractions. It involves letting go of the past and the future and fully immersing oneself in t...