Welcome to the latest episode of the Slices of Time Street Photography podcast. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Archie Worth, a talented street photographer based in Edinburgh. His striking black and white images, with their strong contrasts, have made a lasting impression on me. Archie’s unique approach to capturing the urban landscape is truly inspiring.
About Archie Worth
Archie is 24 years old and has lived in Edinburgh since 2019. His journey into street photography was an unexpected one—he began his photographic path almost by accident. After purchasing a camera for a holiday, he realized it was just collecting dust, so he decided to venture out into the streets of Edinburgh and start capturing whatever he could find. A key turning point in his journey came when he saw an exhibition by local photographer Robert Blomfield, which ignited his passion for street photography. The high contrast, film-based black and white work of Blomfield heavily influenced Archie’s own style.
Key Moments from the Conversation
We covered a range of topics in this episode, from the evolution of Archie’s street photography to his personal experiences experimenting with lenses and gear. Archie discussed how he moved from the typical tourist photos of Edinburgh to capturing candid moments on the streets. We also touched on the challenges and rewards of balancing the aesthetic quality of images with the rawness of the moment.
One of the key insights from our chat was Archie’s deep respect for simplicity in street photography. He explained how he often gravitates towards minimalist compositions and silhouettes. These elements, along with his use of high contrast, have become staples of his work, giving his images a distinctive, timeless quality.
Photography Gear and Experimentation
Archie shared his process of experimenting with different lenses, particularly his switch from a 50mm to a 28mm lens. While the 50mm lens remains his go-to choice, the 28mm offers a different perspective and encourages him to shoot more wide-angle street scenes. This shift represents a thoughtful exploration of his craft, as he experiments with new techniques and compositions.
In terms of gear, Archie uses a Nikon D780, a hybrid DSLR with mirrorless functionality. Despite being part of the Nikon “club,” he’s not concerned with the ongoing gear debates in the photography community. For him, the camera is simply a tool for capturing the moments that matter, and he believes that any camera can be used to take great photos, as long as you understand how to use it.
The Creative Process
Archie emphasized the importance of consistency and patience in street photography. He regularly dedicates his days off to shooting, typically spending hours walking the streets of Edinburgh. He spoke about the necessity of being “poised and ready” to capture fleeting moments, often moving through a location multiple times to find the right angle and composition.
One notable observation Archie made was the difference in his shooting style when he’s out alone versus with friends. While going on photo walks with others can be enjoyable, he finds that shooting solo allows him to focus more deeply and shoot more effectively. This practice has helped him hone his eye for great moments and compositions.
A Moment of Reflection
As we wrapped up the conversation, we delved into the deeper meaning behind some of Archie’s iconic images. One standout shot, a photo of a woman in a wheelchair passing by a dog, was highlighted for its ability to capture a quiet, emotional moment. For Archie, these types of photos go beyond mere documentation—they evoke a story, a connection that resonates with viewers.
We also discussed the challenge of titling photos. While Archie admitted that some of his photo titles come from a more playful, “pretentious” place, they often add another layer of meaning to his work. Titles like “Different Walks of Life” reflect his desire to communicate the diverse human experiences captured in his images.
Conclusion
It was a pleasure to sit down with Archie and hear about his journey, influences, and the evolving process of his street photography. If you’re interested in seeing more of his work, you can check out his Instagram and website. He also has a photo book featuring some of his best images from Edinburgh, which can be purchased through direct contact.
Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Slices of Time podcast. If you enjoyed the conversation, don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes, and feel free to reach out with any thoughts or questions.
