Hi Bruce .... I'd like very much to give you a few "atta-boys" for this little gallery, but I can't.
The "street" is a dynamic, vibrant, organic place, teeming with activity and life, filled with joy and sorrow and humor and relationships. There are connections between people, between people and objects, between circumstances - some swift and ephemeral, others slower, longer lasting, and, perhaps deeper. I think "street photography" is about showing those connections, those relationships, and telling stories. Showing something of the joy and sorrow and excitement and tension that exists out there. While I have been characterized as a "street photographer" (regardless of how true that may be) I have never understood what such photography was all about - at least for me - until this evening when I looked at your small gallery. Bruce, it pains me to say this, in part because I like you so well personally, in part because a lot of your work is great and touches me deeply, but I must be honest. These photos pretty well miss the boat as far as I'm concerned. There's no life in them (with the possible exception of the MLK memorial shot), no vibrancy. I don't feel connections or relationships. Composition in some cases is poor, but it's often hard to find good composition "on the street" as there's so much going on. You've got to shoot fast, and learn to see almost intuitively, being able to see everything in the frame in a fraction of a second, or being able to assess a situation and know when to make, or not make, an exposure. I want to thank you for putting these pix up. From a purely personal and selfish standpoint they have helped me define and understand some of my own work a lot better. Perhaps we can get together in San Francisco or Oakland, and spend a day together making some photos on the streets. Kind regards, Shel > [Original Message] > From: Bruce Dayton > I have gathered together a little gallery of my street attempts at > our recent outing. > > Enjoy... > > http://www.daytonphoto.com/Galleries/NorCalSF/index.htm
