Part 3 Reflection

Reflecting on the feedback for my (In)Decisive Moment section has been a valuable experience, both in terms of refining my approach to street photography and in understanding how to strengthen my final set of images. My tutor noted the two images that stood out most: the man photographing while I photograph him and the figures focused on a camper van in the car park. These images caught my attention too, and it’s clear to me now how their composition and narrative work well as decisive moments. What I didn’t realise before was just how much potential these moments have for storytelling and for further developing the direction of my street photography.

The idea of photographing people as they photograph others is an interesting avenue to explore. There’s something captivating about capturing the interplay between photographer and subject, especially when the roles are reversed in the image. This moment gives the viewer a glimpse into the act of photography itself. Similarly with the camper van image, despite its flatness creates a solid narrative and provides a subtle story about what these people are doing. I see how these images fit into a coherent set, and this is something I want to build on as I move forward.

One of the key takeaways from my tutor’s feedback is the importance of being open to refining my work. The suggestion to reshoot and expand my ideas is something I’ll be putting into practice. I’ve already started thinking about how I can add more variety to my approach. There’s a need to capture more “decisive moments” that feel authentic, and I’m now aware of the power of getting closer to my subjects. Street photography can often benefit from a certain level of intimacy, and I’m keen to push myself out of my comfort zone in this regard. By getting physically closer to the action and exploring more varied lighting and locations, I’m confident I’ll add more depth and diversity to my imagery.

I also appreciate the suggestion to incorporate contact sheets into my process. This would give me a way to demonstrate how I am refining my choices throughout the process. I’m starting to see the value in reflecting on my contact sheets, not just as a documentation of what I shot but as a way of visually tracking my thought process and decision-making. Additionally, I’ll be using these reflections as part of my ongoing practice of sustaining creativity, as suggested by Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle. This method could help me gain deeper insights into my work, offering a more structured approach to my reflections, which will ultimately support my creative growth.

The feedback also mentioned to include images from other photographers whose work I admire. I see how this can add further depth to my own creative process. For example, street photographers like Alex Webb, Garry Winogrand, and Bruce Gilden have had a significant impact on my approach. Their ability to capture fleeting moments with a sense of narrative is something I want to emulate. Reflecting on their work, comparing their compositions, and understanding their techniques will provide valuable lessons as I refine my approach to capturing the decisive moment.

In conclusion, I’m excited to build on the ideas from this assignment and explore new ways to develop my street photography. I look forward to pushing myself further and producing a stronger, more refined set of images that truly communicate the essence of the decisive moment.