The still life is often the most moving thing.
Its quietude and simplicity can evoke profound emotions, making it a powerful subject in street photography. That’s why still life appears in my street photographs. Last time, I decided to participate in the LensCulture contest named “LensCulture Street Photography Awards 2023.” The decision was spontaneous. While analyzing other works, I noticed that most are full of action. I would say street photographers try to find famous “decisive moments,” and they take great pictures full of colors. For me, many of these pictures are similar to Cartier-Bresson’s photos.
They are great. Still, for me, they are somehow identical to each other.
I do not say that my photos that present still life are better. Still, for me, they can move all the different people much more. I would say my pictures are more contemplative. My photographs can touch one’s soul. What images did I submit to the contest? For today (I wrote this text on the 9th of June, 2023), I introduced two series of pictures entitled “Inspired by Tolkien” and “Childhood.” These series, with their unique blend of still life and street photography, are a testament to my distinct approach. I suppose I will write more about these submissions in the future. I still consider submitting the third set of pictures, entitled “Death” or “Transience.”
Nevertheless, I still need to make a decision in this case.
I want to stress that most of my pictures are still. There is no action there. Most of the photographs in the Lensculture are visually stunning, but, for me, these images say nothing. Most of them are great, and that’s all. Rather, a minority of them anyhow. I hope my pictures, in the long run, will change the world. Honestly, I do not doubt my photos will affect and inspire sensitive souls. Even if seemingly they present still life, almost nothing, they can touch and move each part of one’s soul.
Do I want to win the contest?
Yes and no. Yes, because without faith, I would not submit my pictures. No, because I do not care at all whether I will win or not. It won’t change my attitude to street photography anyhow. What matters to me is the emotional impact my still-life street photography can have on the audience, stirring their souls and inspiring them in ways they may not expect.
