Street Photography: The Art of Capturing the Candid Moment

Gordon Lewis' Street Photography is both a creative inspiration and also a pleasure to read. If I had to summarize it in one word, it would be "witty." By that I mean that Lewis is elegant, illuminating, and often funny, both in his writing and in his photography. Being able to hear his voice come through in his writing and in his photography (and the photography of others that he includes) really helps the reader understand Lewis's creative point of view. He shows us instead of telling us, and it is contagious.This is a book for someone who already knows how to use their camera technically, and who wants to improve their aesthetic/artistic ability in the domain of street photography. Obviously, the ability to "read" street photography competently helps one's creative ability to produce quality street photography. Because Lewis's voice comes through in both prose and images, one learns how to see the world as Lewis does.Let me give a simple example. Early in the book, he shows a photo of rich reds, complex architectural structures, and warm sideways light streaming in to bring it all alive. Only after admiring the photo did I read the caption, where I discovered, to my shock, that the photo was taken in the entryway of a Target department store (!!). When I looked back again at the photo, I realized that it could well have been my own local Target, and I wondered: how many times have I blithely walked past this incredible play of light, color, and structure, not bothering to look, because it was a Target? Throughout, Lewis shows how apparently boring everyday scenes can be turned into very interesting photos--if you just know how to look.I have many photography and art books with titles that have variants on "how to see," "how to read," "seeing like a photographer" and so on. Rarely do I come away from them--whatever else their merits are--feeling like I am more capable of seeing like a photographer or of reading photography; like anything else, such knowledge is slowly and painstakingly acquired. Yet this beautiful little book Street Photography delivers as much of that as one could reasonably hope in a surprisingly compact space.Again, I think what made the book work so well is the unusual connection between words and images. Commonly in photography books, the images are stunning and the words are either so few that they don't do much, or so turgid that you know why the author became a photographer and not a writer! This connection between words and images immerses the reader in Lewis' creative point of view. I'm glad for the few hours I spent in it, and I look forward to revisiting this book next time my creativity seems dried up, to remind myself that I have merely forgotten how to see.

I would tend to second Conrad Obregon's review. It is very difficult to write a really good book about street photography. The basics can be covered in a magazine article. That much will tell all that is needed to get started. What we are all looking for is a book that will help us to make *good* (or at least better) street photography. That is a very different matter. This book is a gallant try. However, as one who has dabbled in street photography quite often, but with rather little to show for it all, I don't think I gained much by reading this book. There are many photos in the book, most are quite good but few are memorable. The fact is, I think, that good street photography demands a rather special talent, besides a great deal of practice.

I expected fantastic photos, but I thought that was all I would get. Instead I got advice that I will be able to return to as I take my second turn through the joys of photography. The narrative comes to me at a glorious time. I enjoyed photography intensely when I was younger, but had been very frustrated by the photos I've taken in the last decade (all low tech digital phone cameras). This book helped me realize that I can enjoy photography again -- I just need to reengage with proper tools. The narrative speaks to his skill as an educator, as it invites the beginner in, without ignoring or disrespecting readers with greater expertise. Can't say enough great things about the book. I have already bought a 2nd as a gift for a friend.

Maybe I am experienced now enough to know what I don't know. Time for a workshop or class for me. Have my gear except for a tripod ans remote release but that is not really for candid street photography. I do love the photos in the book vut looking on a tablet is not a substitute for the printed vook for these. I take pics in NYC and other cities on occasional trips. The general advice in this book may be the inspiration uou need or some camera and links and other info which may be new to you. This is worthwhile to add to my library but not essential.

The book was well writhen.

This is a great introduction to so called street photography. I only wish that it was much longer and had more photographs by Lewis. He also steers clear of giving his opinion in various areas on the assumption that there are always other points of view. Commendable, but I would have appreciated knowing what he thinks in more detail, even at the risk of some controversy.

Good book. Got a lot of advises to photograph in America. American people are not open, they are shy and don't want to be in a photo, sometimes get mad. Well, this book does not tell you how to deal with them but gives very good basic ideals how to avoid it. Good print, the papers are good.

Worst 1970's book I've ever read. I did not like it and found no value that common sense wouldn't have already told me. Very disappointing.