Street or No?

<p>Hello folks,</p>

<p>Would photos like these be considered "street" or not? Shot from public sidewalk. Kansas City Street Narcotics Unit Tactical Team serving a high risk drug related warrant.</p>

<p> </p><div></div>

<p>Second photo coming here:</p><div></div>

<p>yes!</p>

<p>As a former press photographer I would say they are damn good news photos. Particularly the second one. You got a face. It would make a usable crop also. </p>

<p>News photography, not street photography.</p>

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<p>News photography, not street photography.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>What would be the difference?</p>

<p>I agree with Mike.<br>

<br /> There is a great definition in <em>Bystander</em> , which is the most authoritative book out there on street photography:</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>They have made candid pictures of everyday life in the street. That, at its core, is what street photography is.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>This photo looks like some guy was dragged out of his house by the cops. Hardly "everyday life in the street."</p>

<p>So Jeff, in a nutshell, ''street is something that is always there?''<br>

Makes sense.</p>

<p>Jeff:</p>

<p>Actually, the guy was sitting on the porch fence when the TAC unit approached and despite being told several time to get on the ground he refused and hence got a helping hand. Inside the house crack, Rx pain killers, and heroin was located. </p>

<p>While, sadly, this is everyday life in some parts of KC, MO, I understand what you're saying and it cleared it up for me so thanks!</p>

>>> What would be the difference?

 

Seriously?

 

Pick up a newspaper (web and TV is fine too) and look at the photos captured from various "breaking" news events. And then

compare with images from various "street photographers" found in books and on the web - no need to list them. Do you see a difference?

<p>I agree, spot news not street.Nice photo by the way. </p>

<blockquote>

<p>Seriously?<br>

Pick up a newspaper (web and TV is fine too) and look at the photos captured from various "breaking" news events. And then compare with images from various "street photographers" found in books and on the web - no need to list them. Do you see a difference?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Brad, Sorry that I am not as intelligent and as accomplished as you are. You are obviously above my pay grade. If you would have read my short answer to Jeff, I agreed after I gave it some thought. My initial response was yes, because it took place on the street.</p>

Why so snotty?

 

It was a straightforward answer.

<p>More "photojournalism" as opposed to "street." That said, I really like the image, it's excellent!</p>

<p>Sometimes, a photo can be both. I don't think they're necessarily hard and fast categories. Were the lighting or perspective different, you'd get the opposite answer.</p>

<p>Thanks to everyone for the comments. So, let's throw a few more pics in where things are actually happening in the "street".</p><div></div>

<p>And one more:</p>

<div></div>

<p>First two were definitely better from an aesthetic and technical standpoint. I see why you posted those first.... </p>

<p>Peter:</p>

<p>Indeed, the later two are from old scans. Both have sold multiple times though. Gotta love textbooks for Criminal Justice, and a surprisingly large amount of kiddie books - "My Dad's a Police Officer" type of books.</p>

<p>It's photo journalism, not street photography, though the first couple are pretty good. It's designed to inform about a particular event.</p>

<p>Do the cops ever hassle you when you are taking photos like these?</p>

<p>Justin,</p>

<p>I was just about to ask that question myself....!</p>

<p>I would imagine they might not be so friendly if they think you're trying to document police misconduct...</p>

<p>Man, you either live in a bad 'hood or hang around in one.</p>

<p>Justin, Peter and Mohir:</p>

<p>Heck no, I live in a small, rural Nebraska town where the crime rate is pretty darn close to zip, nada, nothing. But, I do editorial stock photography for a living and specialize in law enforcement, prisons and related topics. Hence, I go on a large amount of "ride-alongs" with various departments and agencies. I also do forensic photography for local law enforcement when they need a hand. Having staff ID's from the Sheriff's Office, local PDs and the state Department of Corrections never hurt either.</p>

<p>Almost all my images come from pre-arranged (and approved) ride-alongs but even if something happens and I'm passing by and whip out the camera I have never been hassled nor harassed by cops. </p>

<p>Well that certainly explains it. Out here if you did that, the LAPD would be all over your case. But to be fair, there are certain neighborhoods where I wouldn't even dream of toting thousands of dollars' worth of camera gear.</p>

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<p>Out here if you did that, the LAPD would be all over your case.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Sometimes. Cops that I've been around in LA are used to cameras, and ignore them.</p>

 

<p align="center"><a title="20081118-DSC_2345 by NoHoDamon, on Flickr" href=" title="20081118-DSC_2345 by NoHoDamon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/3042756402_fa189a6aa5.jpg" alt="20081118-DSC_2345" width="650" height="520" /> </a></p>