Street photography is one of the more common niches of photography, and with virtually everyone having a camera these days I’ve been seeing the everlasting debate of what actually “counts” as street photography come up again, as if there were requirements for calling your photo street photography.

So…. are there requirements for street photography? If so what are they?

Some photographers argue the Robert Capa approach of needing to be up close and personal. The theory of “If the photo isn’t good enough, you aren’t close enough” (though I think Robert Capa meant closer to the war, rather than closer to the subject, lol). These photos typically involve wider focal lengths of 24mm to 50mm to be able to capture the subject, and the surroundings, which do force you to zoom with your feet and be, well… closer to the action.

More modern day photographers, such as Bruce Gilden, seem to hold this approach in high regard with his very in your face style. Or Brandon Stanton, by talking to the subject to get their story along with the photo. Both interacting with their environment.

I see this “in your face, wide angle prime” style echoed throughout social media as being the only way to truly be a street photographer.

But is this actually true?

Now I want to be clear, this is not a criticism of anyone or their work as I find photography to be highly subjective, which is one of the reasons I find this argument fascinating.

Although many street photos that utilize this method display raw attitude and emotion, sometimes through disruption of, or at least interaction with the scene, which admittedly make for great and interesting photographs. I would also argue that there is a place for excluding yourself from the moment as the photographer, and utilizing a longer focal length to hone in on the details of the street.

A couple setting up a picnic in a sunny spot during a blues festival. A woman getting in some morning exercise. A couple kids climbing streetlights for a better view of the parade, or simply some of the everyday workers that keep our streets and businesses running. All shot above 70mm. All on the street.

I think there is a beauty in observing without disturbing that can add to the story of a photo, and in some instances I think that disturbing the scene may actually detract from being able to capture what was going on, or may even change the attitude of your subject, missing the intended feeling of the capture.

Of course this doesn’t mean that the photo is now somehow worse. Although maybe it is changed. Maybe the story has now become about the photographer being in the space of the subject, rather than what the subject may have been doing.

But does that matter?

I would make the argument that street photography is about photographing stories on the street, period. Whether that is up close and personal at 24mm, or a special moment captured from afar at 135mm, or higher.

So does focal length matter for street photography?

I would say yes.

Though not in the sense that it validates whether or not it counts as street photography. I think that focal length matters more for the story you want to tell in your street photography, and whether or not you choose to be a part of that story in any sense, or whether you are a silent and passive observer of the different paths of life that surround you.

Until next time…