I’ve been looking at some of the images emerging from a couple of street photographers lately (Ouarzi Ouarzi and Mark Grandcourt in The Street Photography Club). Their’s isn’t a new phenomenon, after all Saul Leiter had a more aesthetic approach than the documentary style that many street photographers achieve. However, the examples that I am excited by are more creative, more artistic, that build on a basic form, yet add an artistic edge – they have an individual style (emerging, perhaps, but individual).
I’d like to think my images are ‘layered’, yet in practice they are really fairly straight documentary. So I asked my new ‘research assistant’ for some tips…
To infuse a contemporary artistic style into your documentary photography, consider experimenting with these approaches:
- Integrate Mixed Media: Adding elements like text, graphics, or other media can create a layered narrative. This approach can convey more context or emotions, similar to how contemporary artists blend various mediums to deepen the story they are telling with their artworks.
- Adopt a Conceptual Focus: Move beyond mere representation to infuse your work with symbolism and thematic depth. This means capturing images that reflect broader societal issues or personal narratives, transforming them into a platform for critical discourse, much like contemporary art often seeks to provoke thought and dialogue.
- Use Colour Boldly: Colour can dramatically alter the mood and tone of your photographs. Contemporary art often utilises bold and unexpected colour palettes to evoke emotions or highlight contrasts. Experimenting with colour—either in the shooting phase or post-production—can modernise your aesthetic and draw viewers’ attention.
- Incorporate Abstract Elements: Instead of focusing solely on clarity and realism, consider introducing blur, unusual angles, or abstract compositions. Such elements can make the familiar appear strange and new, encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with the image.
- Digital Manipulations: Leveraging digital tools to alter images can introduce a modern edge. Whether it’s overlaying images, creating collages, or using software to add effects, these techniques can help your work resonate with the digital and hyper-real qualities prevalent in contemporary art.
- Interactive Presentations: Think about the presentation of your photography. Contemporary art often involves the audience in the art itself. Consider digital exhibits, installations, or multimedia presentations that allow viewers to experience your photographs in novel and engaging ways.
By incorporating these elements, your documentary photography can adopt a more contemporary style, making it relevant and compelling in today’s art scene. These strategies not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also deepen viewer engagement and interpretative richness.
Seeing my Lisbon course as the best opportunity at the moment to experiment with this, I decided to begin by focusing on (2) the adoption of a conceptual focus. Again, this is something that I like to think I am doing, but most attempts are surreal rather than creative. Again, I asked my assistant to research some tips for me…
Incorporating symbolism and thematic depth into your documentary photography during your Lisbon course can turn your images into a powerful medium for commentary and reflection. Here’s how you might achieve this:
- Research the Context: Before you begin shooting, spend time understanding Lisbon’s history, culture, and current social issues. Look into the city’s unique aspects, such as its architectural styles, public spaces, and how these elements relate to the broader themes of change, resilience, or community. Knowledge of the local context can guide you to capture images that resonate more deeply with these themes.
- Identify Symbols: Once you’re familiar with the context, identify objects, scenes, or activities that could serve as metaphors or symbols. For example, Lisbon’s trams might represent the city’s journey through time, or local markets might showcase the blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. Use these symbols to create layers of meaning in your images.
- Tell Personal Stories: Engage with the locals to capture personal narratives that reflect wider societal issues. This could be through portraying their daily routines, special events, or personal challenges and triumphs. These stories can provide a human connection to larger themes, making your photographs more compelling and relatable.
- Capture Contrasts and Paradoxes: Look for contrasts and paradoxes in the cityscape and in daily life that reflect broader societal issues. This might involve juxtaposing the old and the new, wealth and poverty, or bustling tourist areas against quiet residential streets. Such contrasts can visually prompt viewers to think about inequality, progress, or coexistence.
- Use Visual Metaphors: Experiment with visual metaphors to add depth to your images. For instance, reflections in water or mirrors can suggest introspection or dual realities. Shadows might hint at hidden truths or overlooked stories. These elements can subtly introduce complex themes into your work.
- Collaborate with Subjects: Whenever possible, collaborate with your subjects. Let them express their own stories and perspectives through the way they pose, the places they choose, or the objects they hold dear. This collaboration can add authenticity and richness to your narrative.
- Curate Thoughtfully: Finally, the way you curate and present your photos can reinforce their thematic depth. Group images that speak to each other, create tension or dialogue, or develop a narrative across the gallery. Your exhibition layout and the accompanying text (or lack thereof) can further guide viewers to engage with the themes you wish to explore.
By focusing on these approaches, your photography can transcend simple visual documentation and engage viewers in meaningful discourse, reflecting the complex tapestry of life in Lisbon.
