Light, shade and Silhouettes are the lifeblood of street photographers. Winter, autumn and spring when the sun is low in the sky can present great opportunities for graphic images, vast areas of negative space or interesting geometry either as a backdrop or focus of interest for the photograph. When the light aligns with structures such as tunnels and covered walkways, ever more interesting juxtapositions become possible.
I find shadows intriguing. Many times, they are more interesting than the subjects that create them. Particularly when the light is low, distorted shadows can lose their recognisability and take on multiple meanings. This shot utilised both shadows and street art to create an interesting juxtaposition.
Bridges can be a great location for street photography. They often act as a magnet for shadows and interesting silhouettes. London Bridge is a maze of interconnecting tunnels, pathways and staircases. It is also nearly always bustling, with a pool of people coming and going that are potential subjects.
London Bridge is a haphazard jungle of intersecting roads, tunnels, station entrances, a bus terminal and hidden walkways. I love it. On bright sunny days, shafts of light cut across its many junctions, creating constantly changing shadows and silhouettes. This particular shot involved standing in the middle of traffic risking life and limb. I felt it was worth the risk!
Street photography can be an unpredictable pursuit. One minute you are walking around the streets in an area, with nothing catching your eye or even sometimes resembling a potential shot. It is all about capturing the moment. If you have to waste precious seconds changing lenses, focussing or adjusting your camera settings, the moment can disappear. This scene of an East London carwash was a mix of serenity and reflexive reaction.
