Trade Tricks: Street Life

One of my own favorite photographs happened by chance. My wife and I were leaving a movie theater, exiting into a street that had been nearly empty only a few hours before. Now, there were several thousands cheering and dancing around in celebration. It took me a few minutes to remember that the World Cup soccer match was being held at the Rose Bowl. From the lyrical chanting of “Brasil! Brasil!” I quickly knew who had won.

I had my camera and a 50mm lens with me, and began shooting. I navigated through the crowds, my wife close behind me. The impromptu celebration was exciting and intoxicating, even for someone like me who doesn’t follow the sport. Suddenly, I caught sight of a couple kissing in the middle of an intersection. Spurred by the cheers of the people around them, the young man arched the back of his lady friend and planted a lingering kiss on her lips. I snapped a few frames and the moment was gone.

Street photography is much more than just taking pictures of strangers. It’s really about taking disparate elements and, within the context of the frame, creating a relationship that’s beautiful, striking and sometimes even funny. It’s about “seeing”—recognizing the potential to bring light, color and gesture together.