In this episode of the Street Photography podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nina Welch-Kling, a street photographer based in New York City. Nina’s unique style, particularly her approach to diptychs, caught my attention after I discovered her through Samuel Streetlife’s YouTube channel. Her ability to capture fleeting moments on the streets while weaving them into meaningful pairs of images is something to behold. Let’s dive into her journey and insights.

Nina’s Journey into Street Photography

Nina’s story begins on the bustling streets of New York City, where she developed a deep connection with street photography. For Nina, street photography is not just about capturing moments in isolation, but about finding connections—something evident in her book Duologues. This project, which spans several years, showcases pairs of photographs that complement each other, telling a story greater than the sum of their parts.

What makes her diptychs stand out is that she doesn’t go out specifically looking for pairs. Instead, Nina’s approach is to take photos as any street photographer would, and later pair them up based on themes or elements that resonate together. Her process is much like a marriage of two images, where each photograph enhances the other without overshadowing it.

The Art of Diptychs

Creating diptychs isn’t as simple as taking two photographs and placing them side by side. Nina explains that her diptychs evolve after the photographs have been taken, often blending images from different times and places. This approach adds an element of surprise to the process. “What you see in the diptychs may not be what I intended, but that’s the beauty of it,” she says. Each viewer brings their own interpretation to the photos, making the project ever-evolving.

Nina’s diptychs are not just about the visual harmony between images but also about the emotional and narrative connections they create. Whether it’s through contrasting light, scale, or moments of humor, the pairing invites viewers to think more deeply about the images’ relationship.

Street vs. Architectural Photography

As a street photographer, Nina also touches on the difference between street photography and architectural photography. While the former captures life as it happens, often including people, the latter tends to focus on structures devoid of human presence. Nina’s style blends the two, capturing the life and energy within a specific setting. Her use of urban landscapes, such as colored walls and contrasting shadows, brings architecture into the conversation while keeping the essence of street photography intact.

Flash and Interaction with Subjects

Using flash on the street is something that Nina has mastered over time. She points out that it’s not just about illuminating the subject but also about engaging with them. “Not every day do I feel brave enough to use a flash,” she shares. There’s an emotional connection that comes with getting close to people on the street, and while some days she prefers to blend into the background, other days she’ll boldly approach her subjects with a flash to capture them in a new light.

Anticipation and Quick Shots

One of Nina’s most notable skills is her speed as a photographer. Her friends even call her “Nina Ninja” because of how quickly she captures the shot. She explains that being fast allows her to take photos without the subject noticing, keeping the moment authentic and unposed. However, there are also times when Nina takes a more calculated approach, like following someone for several minutes to get the perfect shot. It’s a blend of anticipation and quick decision-making that makes Nina’s street photography so dynamic.

The Magic of Photography

When it comes to street photography, Nina says that she’s always searching for the “magic” in each moment. This magic often comes in the form of unexpected lighting or a subject in just the right position. For instance, she recalls a photo where the light illuminated a hot dog perfectly as a person walked by. These are the types of moments that make street photography exciting—finding beauty in the ordinary and capturing it before it fades away.

Finding Your Own Voice

Nina emphasizes the importance of finding your own voice as a photographer. It’s not enough to mimic iconic photos by great photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson or Robert Frank. Instead, she encourages photographers to learn from these legends, understand what makes their work special, and then incorporate those elements into their own unique style.

For Nina, photography is a journey of discovery. Whether she’s working on her diptychs or a completely new project like Rallentando, it’s all about exploring different ways of seeing the world. It’s about staying curious and pushing the boundaries of what you think is possible with a camera.

Conclusion

Street photography, for Nina Welch-Kling, is a blend of technical skill, creative vision, and emotional connection with the world around her. Her diptychs are a testament to the power of pairing moments in time, creating visual stories that challenge the viewer’s perception. Whether she’s capturing the play of light on a busy street or creating intimate portraits with her camera, Nina’s work reminds us that street photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about understanding the world, the people in it, and the fleeting moments that pass us by.

If you’re intrigued by Nina’s work or want to follow her journey, check out her Instagram or visit her website to dive deeper into the world of street photography through her eyes.