Street photography is often thought of as a genre that captures life in public spaces, typically with a focus on people. However, the definition of street photography is broad, and it’s not always necessary for people to be present in every shot. While some photographers focus on human subjects, others explore scenes, cityscapes, and urban environments without showing people. The question remains: does street photography have to include people?
What Exactly Is Street Photography?
Street photography, as commonly defined, is about documenting everyday life in public spaces. It’s about capturing candid moments, often without the subject’s knowledge, and freezing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. People are a central part of this genre, but they are not necessarily required for every photo.
Do Iconic Photographers Always Include People?
Looking at some of the most renowned street photographers, it becomes clear that people are often featured, but not always. Henri Cartier-Bresson is famous for his “decisive moment,” where he captures people in just the right instance, making them a central part of his work. Similarly, Vivian Maier often photographed people, particularly children and women, with a focus on everyday life.
However, not all influential photographers follow this trend. For instance, Elliott Erwitt is well-known for his series of dog photographs, where people are sometimes present but not the focus of the shot. Daido Moriyama also created numerous street photos that didn’t feature any people at all, choosing instead to focus on the atmosphere of the streets themselves.
This variety in style and focus shows that street photography doesn’t have to revolve around people to be powerful or meaningful.
What About Modern Street Photographers?
Today’s street photographers also take different approaches. Photographers like Boris Hamilton often work without people in their photos, yet their work still hints at human presence through empty spaces or subtle clues. On the other hand, photographers like Fredrik Axling focus almost entirely on capturing the lives of people in public spaces, making human subjects central to their compositions.
Meanwhile, Geit Eero’s work often avoids people altogether, yet still resonates with many for its emotional depth and storytelling. These examples reinforce that contemporary street photography is not bound by the necessity of including people.
Why Include People in Street Photography?
People-watching is inherently interesting, and humans make compelling subjects. Including people in your photos can add an emotional layer to your images, as the expressions and body language of individuals convey powerful messages. Moreover, people often add unpredictability to a scene, making photographs more dynamic and lively. For example, the clothing someone wears, whether it’s a brightly colored coat or a unique accessory, can bring a visual pop to an otherwise mundane background.
People can also introduce context and emotion into an image. A candid moment of a person laughing, deep in thought, or interacting with their environment often provides insight into the scene, making the photograph more engaging.
Why Skip People in Street Photography?
There are also strong reasons to leave people out of street photography. Removing humans from a scene can create an air of mystery and invite questions—what happened to the people? Why is the space empty? This approach can evoke a sense of tension or quietude, adding depth to a photo without the need for human subjects.
Additionally, focusing on other elements, like animals, abandoned spaces, or even just the interplay of light and shadow, can lead to more abstract and atmospheric street photography. Elliot Erwitt’s famous series of dog photos is a perfect example of how non-human subjects can be just as engaging.
For some photographers, avoiding people can also be a matter of practicality or personal preference. Not everyone lives in a crowded area, and sometimes it’s just easier to capture the surroundings without waiting for a person to pass by. Others may feel uncomfortable photographing strangers or worry about privacy concerns. These are valid concerns, and it’s perfectly fine to choose a style that avoids human subjects.
Is There a Right or Wrong Approach?
Ultimately, the inclusion of people in street photography is up to the photographer. There’s no rule that says you must have people in every photo for it to be considered street photography. The genre is flexible, and whether you choose to include people, focus on the environment, or capture abstract moments, it all falls under the umbrella of street photography.
Many photographers enjoy experimenting with both approaches—capturing human moments in one frame and empty streets in another. The beauty of street photography lies in its diversity and the freedom it offers to explore various facets of the urban experience.
In Conclusion
Street photography doesn’t have to include people to be impactful. It’s a genre that allows for a variety of approaches, and each photographer’s style is a reflection of their unique perspective. Whether your focus is on human interaction, the solitude of an empty street, or the small details that make up urban life, street photography is all about capturing moments that tell a story. So, take your camera out, experiment, and find what resonates with you.
As street photographers, the most important thing is to document the world around us—whether that includes people or not.
