Is this considered street or travel photography?

Photo by Timur M on Unsplash

Short answer: Is this street photography or travel photography?

The guide's view is that photographing life as it unfolds, whether at home or across the world, takes part in both traditions, so one frame can be both street and travel photography.

The Traditional Definitions

Traditionally, street photography has been defined as candid photography in public spaces, capturing authentic moments of human life, behavior, and emotion. It’s raw, unposed, and often shot in one’s local environment. Think of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s decisive moments or Vivian Maier’s striking portraits of mid-century Chicago.

Travel photography, on the other hand, has been characterized as documenting places, peoples, cultures, customs, and history during journeys to different locations. It often includes landscapes, architectural shots, portraits, and cultural events that tell the story of a destination.

Where the Lines Blur

But what happens when you’re practicing street photography techniques in a foreign city? This is where things get interesting. Consider these scenarios:

• You’re photographing a local market in Bangkok, capturing candid moments between vendors and customers
• You’re shooting the morning rush hour in Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing
• You’re documenting daily life in a Moroccan medina

1. Cultural Documentation

Both styles seek to document authentic human experiences and cultural moments. Whether you’re shooting in your hometown or halfway across the world, you’re capturing slices of life that tell stories about people and places.

2. Authenticity

The best images in both genres share a commitment to authenticity. Whether it’s a fruit vendor in your local market or one in a distant country, the goal is to capture genuine moments.

3. Technical Approach

The techniques often overlap:

• Working with available light
• Shooting candidly
• Looking for interesting compositions in urban environments
• Capturing decisive moments

Philosophy

1. The Story: What narrative does the image convey, regardless of where it was shot?
2. The Human Element: How does the photograph capture the essence of human experience, whether local or foreign?
3. The Moment: Is it authentic and meaningful, regardless of its classification?

Finding Your Own Balance

• Focus on creating meaningful images rather than categorizing them
• Learn from both disciplines to enhance your photography
• Embrace the gray area where these genres meet
• Let your personal style evolve naturally across both types

Conclusion

Perhaps the question isn’t whether an image is street or travel photography, but rather how it contributes to our understanding of human life and culture. The best photographs, regardless of their classification, tell stories that resonate across cultural boundaries and geographical distances.

The next time you raise your camera to capture a moment, remember that these genres aren’t mutually exclusive. They’re complementary approaches that, when combined, can lead to richer, more nuanced storytelling through photography.