[Leica] philosophy of street photography

[leica at screengang.com (Didier Ludwig)]

Brian

Your definition of street photography is quite strict. Why should it not be 
allowed to interact with the subjects? Subjects not showing awareness does 
not mean there was no interaction. Sometimes I talk with the people before I 
shoot them, sometimes afterwards, soemtimes not. That's not the same as 
directing them how to pose. The result, the picture, counts, and I wouldn't 
restrict myself too much with rules how to get it.

Didier


>I've been curious for years why it is that the norm in street photography 
>is not to interact with the subjects. I am primarily a portrait person, and 
>everything about portraiture involves interacting with the subject. The 
>street photographs that get the most accolades seem to be those in which 
>the photographed subjects do not show awareness of the photographer. I 
>always find that unsettling.
>
>Why is this? Is there some philosophical basis, or is it just habit?
>
>Brian