Finding Harmony in Chaos: The Craft of Photographic Ensembles

September 08, 2024

Over the years, I've taken the liberty of naming a genre of street photography that I love to create. Drawing inspiration from the world of music, I've called these photographs "Ensembles".

The "ensembles" aim to capture the essence of human complexity and daily life through a harmonious arrangement of subjects within a single frame. The goal is to create images that are more than just a sum of parts, but rather a visual symphony of distinct elements. At the heart of this practice lies the ability to observe and capture fleeting moments of harmony and formal balance within the chaos of reality.

Each subject in an ensemble has its own vertical graphic space, which is fundamental to creating a sense of order and structure in the overall image. These individual spaces allow each subject to emerge clearly and distinctively, while the general arrangement of elements within the frame creates a visual and narrative connection between them.

Through these ensembles, I strive to celebrate the diversity and complexity of the world around us, evoking the poetry of the ordinary by finding a harmonious balance amidst the daily tumult. It's an invitation to slow down and observe the world with new eyes, in search of those special moments when beauty and balance emerge from chaos.

Creating successful ensemble photographs requires a combination of artistic vision and technical skill. Patience is paramount - waiting for the right moment when all elements align can take considerable time. This patience extends beyond just waiting for subjects to move into position, but also for the right lighting conditions and other environmental factors to come together.

Finding the right location with potential is crucial. This involves identifying spaces that offer interesting backgrounds, good light, and natural paths for subject movement. The ideal location should provide opportunities for multiple subjects to interact within the frame in visually interesting ways.

It's essential to verify not just the positioning of the subjects, but also their relationship with the background. The background should be well-balanced and compositionally strong even in the absence of subjects. This creates a solid foundation for the ensemble and ensures that every part of the frame contributes to the overall image.

Technically, wide-angle lenses are often the tool of choice for this style. I typically use 28mm, 24mm, and 21mm lenses. These focal lengths allow for a broader field of view, making it possible to include multiple subjects and their environment in a single frame. They also create a sense of depth and scale that can enhance the relationship between subjects and their surroundings.

With extensive experience, I've developed the ability to recognize potential patterns and compositions as they're forming. This skill allows me to anticipate and prepare for moments before they fully materialize, increasing my chances of capturing the perfect ensemble.

While skill, patience, and preparation are fundamental, a touch of luck can indeed be the final ingredient in capturing an exceptional ensemble photograph. Sometimes, unforeseen elements come together in ways that couldn't have been planned, creating truly magical moments.

This approach to photography challenges both the photographer and the viewer to engage more deeply with the image, inviting exploration of the relationships between different elements and discovery of the story being told through the careful arrangement of subjects. It's a meditation on the interconnectedness of life and the beauty that can be found in the most ordinary of moments when viewed through a thoughtful and artistic lens.

Have a look to the Ensemble Gallery: https://www.walkingphotographer.net/ensemble

Episode #1: a Walk with André Kertész

September 03, 2024

Welcome to a Walk with, Episode 1!

In this first episode, we dive into the world of André Kertész, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.

André Kertész (1894-1985) was a Hungarian-born photographer who became a naturalized American citizen. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern photography, known for his innovative approach to composition and his ability to capture intimate and spontaneous moments of everyday life. Kertész's work spans street photography, personal snapshots, and more experimental techniques, making him a versatile and influential figure in the history of photography.

André Kertész is considered one of the pioneers of street photography, a genre that focuses on capturing spontaneous and often unexpected moments of everyday life in urban settings. His artistic sensitivity and ability to observe reality from unique perspectives made him an innovative photographer in this field.

Kertész developed his passion for street photography in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s, a period of great artistic and cultural ferment. In Paris, he poetically captured street life, depicting everyday scenes with particular attention to composition, light, and atmosphere. His photographs not only document the reality of his time but also convey a sense of intimacy and humanity. Kertész was able to find beauty in the simplest and often overlooked details, such as the shadow of a person cast on a sidewalk or a reflection in a puddle.

One of the distinctive aspects of Kertész's work in street photography is his innovative use of perspective and framing. He often shot from unusual angles, using diagonal lines and asymmetrical compositions to create dynamic and engaging images. This approach led him to capture scenes that reveal the hidden beauty of urban life, highlighting fleeting moments that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Despite his talent and innovation, Kertész often worked away from the spotlight, without receiving the immediate recognition that other photographers of his time would have received. However, his contribution to street photography is undeniable, as he opened new avenues for artistic expression and influenced countless photographers who followed him. Today, his work is seen as a benchmark for anyone interested in street photography and how it can tell stories through spontaneous and deeply human images.

Budapest: A Symphony of Light and Life

August 20, 2024

The streets of Budapest pulse with an energy that captivates the soul. This city, where history and modernity dance in harmonious rhythm, offers a visual feast for those who seek to capture its essence through a lens. With the Leica Q3 in hand, one feels ready to embrace the city's myriad stories.

As dawn breaks, golden light spills across the Danube, illuminating the grandeur of the neo-Gothic Parliament building. Its intricate spires reach skyward, a testament to human artistry and ambition. The Leica Q3's 28mm lens proves perfect for capturing both the sweeping scale and the finest details of this architectural marvel.

But Budapest's true magic lies not just in its monuments, but in the vibrant tapestry of life that unfolds in its streets. In the bustling markets of District V, vendors arrange their wares with practiced hands, their faces etched with stories of generations past. Cafés spill onto sidewalks, where the aroma of strong coffee mingles with animated conversations. Here, the Q3's fast autofocus becomes an invaluable ally, freezing fleeting moments of human interaction.

As day turns to dusk, the city transforms. The Chain Bridge, a marvel of 19th-century engineering, becomes a glowing beacon spanning the river. Along Váci Utca, street musicians serenade passersby, their melodies weaving through the air and adding another layer to the city's sensory richness. The Leica Q3's exceptional low-light performance allows these nocturnal scenes to be captured with remarkable clarity and atmosphere.

Budapest's artistic spirit reveals itself in grand galleries and striking street art alike. Murals bloom on weathered walls, turning ordinary streets into open-air exhibitions. Each piece tells a story, inviting the viewer to pause and contemplate the city's evolving narrative.

To photograph Budapest is to engage in a dialogue with the city itself. Every frame captured is a collaboration between the photographer's vision and the city's generous offerings. From sweeping vistas to intimate portraits, each image becomes a brushstroke in a larger picture of urban life, culture, and the enduring human spirit.

As the week draws to a close, one realizes that to truly see Budapest is to look beyond its physical beauty. It's about capturing the emotions, the energy, and the very heartbeat of a place that has witnessed centuries of triumph and struggle. Through the lens of the Leica Q3, we don't just document—we interpret, we feel, and we connect.

Budapest, with its blend of historic architecture, atmospheric streets, and vibrant urban life, is a captivating city for black-and-white street photography. Its rich textures, architectural grandeur, and dynamic scenes along the Danube offer photographers endless opportunities to capture the city’s timeless charm. Here’s a selection of iconic spots in Budapest, each uniquely suited to black-and-white photography, bringing out the soul and elegance of the Hungarian capital:

Chain Bridge: This iconic suspension bridge connects Buda and Pest over the Danube River. In black-and-white, the bridge’s strong lines and architectural details are highlighted, contrasting beautifully with the river below, especially on foggy days.
Fisherman’s Bastion: Located in the Buda Castle district, this fairy-tale-like structure offers stunning views of the city. The neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture looks particularly striking in monochrome, enhancing the historic atmosphere of the setting.
Parliament Building: This majestic riverside building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Budapest. The intricate details of its neo-Gothic architecture, captured in black and white, reveal the building’s grandeur and contrast sharply against the Danube’s reflections.
Great Market Hall: Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market, the Great Market Hall is filled with vendors selling local produce, crafts, and Hungarian specialties. In monochrome, the hustle and bustle of the market are accentuated, highlighting the textures of the stalls and the architecture of the iron-framed hall.
Andrássy Avenue: This UNESCO World Heritage site is lined with elegant buildings, luxury shops, and historical landmarks. Black-and-white photography emphasizes the avenue’s symmetry and elegance, from the Opera House to the famous cafes and mansions.
Heroes’ Square: This grand square with statues of Hungarian leaders and iconic columns is both monumental and powerful in black-and-white. The monochrome tones bring out the drama of the sculptures and emphasize the square's historical significance.
Jewish Quarter and the Great Synagogue: Known for its street art, ruin bars, and vibrant culture, the Jewish Quarter is a rich, layered area with history around every corner. In black-and-white, the textures of old buildings and walls tell the story of the neighborhood’s past and present.
Liberty Bridge: Smaller and lesser-known than the Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge has an art nouveau design with ornate details. In monochrome, the bridge’s ironwork stands out against the river, capturing the historic elegance of Budapest’s bridges.
Margaret Island: This island park in the middle of the Danube provides tranquil scenes with paths, fountains, and ruins. Black-and-white captures the peaceful ambiance of the island and emphasizes the simplicity of its natural and historical beauty.
Keleti Railway Station: With its grand facade and bustling atmosphere, Keleti is one of Budapest’s busiest train stations. The architecture and constant flow of travelers create dramatic, timeless images, ideal for capturing the transient nature of travel.

Each of these spots offers a unique perspective on Budapest, allowing photographers to capture the essence of the city’s history, architecture, and daily life in the classic tones of black-and-white.

Departing Budapest leaves one not just with a collection of images, but with a profound appreciation for the art of seeing. The city serves as a poignant reminder that photography at its best is not solely about equipment, but about the ability to recognize and reveal the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary moments of life.

Yet, having a tool like the Leica Q3 as a silent partner in this visual journey undoubtedly enhances the experience, allowing one to focus purely on the art of observation and storytelling.

Go to my Budapest Street Photography Gallery

Steve McCurry with the Leica SL3 - People of Burma

July 01, 2024

I'm thrilled to share with you an extraordinary experience: a week in Mandalay, Myanmar, shooting a video for Leica Camera documenting Steve McCurry as he uses the brand new Leica SL3.

Mandalay proved to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration. The streets teeming with life, the colorful markets, the majestic temples: every corner told a story. I had the privilege of immersing myself in a rich and fascinating culture, meeting extraordinary people along the way.

The dawn light on golden temples, the vibrant colors of traditional textiles, the intense flavors of local cuisine, the mystical atmosphere of monasteries: each day brought new wonders to capture with the camera.

The Leica SL3, Steve's camera of choice for this project, is a powerful tool for visual storytelling. At its heart lies a 60-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, capturing exceptional detail and dynamic range. The Maestro IV image processor ensures lightning-fast performance, allowing Steve to react swiftly to fleeting moments. The hybrid autofocus system combines contrast-detection and phase-detection for accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. The SL3 also boasts impressive video capabilities, recording up to 8K resolution for stunning cinematic results.

I wasn't just documenting Steve, I was also using the SL3 myself to capture the beauty and energy of Mandalay. The camera's exceptional image quality and high-resolution video capabilities proved to be invaluable. I particularly appreciated the camera's ability to shoot in 4K at 60fps, allowing me to capture smooth, slow-motion footage of bustling markets and vibrant street scenes.

For the project, I primarily filmed in 4K at 30fps, ensuring clean and detailed visuals. The 10-bit 4:2:2 color profile provided ample room for color grading in post-production, allowing me to achieve the look I envisioned. The Leica SL3 proved to be a versatile and reliable companion, perfectly suited for the demanding conditions of travel filmmaking.

My deepest gratitude to Leica Camera for offering me this unique opportunity, and of course, a special thanks to Steve for sharing his work.

Exploring the Streets of Hong Kong: A Week of Street Photography with the Leica Q3 and M11

July 01, 2024

As a street photographer, I recently had the incredible opportunity to spend a week in Hong Kong, a city that has long been a source of inspiration for artists and photographers alike. During my time there, I discovered a fascinating metropolis that pulsates with life, energy, and a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation.

Hong Kong is a street photographer's paradise for numerous reasons. The city's dense urban landscape provides an endless array of visually striking scenes, from the iconic neon signs and towering skyscrapers to the bustling markets and narrow alleyways. The juxtaposition of old and new, East and West, creates a captivating visual narrative that begs to be captured through the lens.

For this trip, I opted to shoot with two exceptional Leica cameras: the Leica Q3 and the M11 paired with the 50mm Summilux lens. The Leica Q3, with its fixed 28mm lens, proved to be an ideal companion for capturing the essence of Hong Kong's streets. Its wide-angle perspective allowed me to encapsulate the city's vibrant atmosphere, while its fast autofocus and silent shutter enabled me to capture fleeting moments with ease.

When it came to street portraits, the Leica M11 with the 50mm Summilux lens was my go-to setup. The M11's rangefinder design and manual focus encouraged a more deliberate approach to composing shots, while the Summilux's wide aperture created beautifully shallow depth of field, isolating my subjects from the busy backgrounds. The combination of the M11 and Summilux produced portraits with a timeless quality that truly showcased the character of Hong Kong's people.

As I walked the streets of Hong Kong, I couldn't help but be reminded of the work of Fan Ho, one of the city's most celebrated photographers. Fan Ho's iconic black and white images of Hong Kong in the 1950s and 60s have become synonymous with the city's visual identity. Inspired by his work, I found myself drawn to the monochromatic palette, which stripped away the distractions of color and allowed me to focus on the interplay of light, shadow, and geometry that define the urban landscape.

Black and white photography has a long and storied tradition in street photography, and for good reason. By removing color, the photographer is forced to rely on the strength of composition, contrast, and emotion to convey their message. In Hong Kong, I found that shooting in black and white helped me to distill the essence of the city, highlighting its grit, charm, and the raw humanity that pulses through its veins.

In addition to the still images, I had the pleasure of collaborating with my dear friend, director, and videomaker Lorenzo Razzino, to create a series of black and white video reels that beautifully capture the moments we spent in Hong Kong. I am incredibly proud of the work we accomplished together. The videos showcase the city's dynamism, with fast-paced scenes of bustling streets and lively markets transitioning seamlessly into moments of quiet introspection. Lorenzo's keen eye for composition and timing perfectly complement the aesthetic of the black and white medium, resulting in a collection of videos that not only depict the beauty of Hong Kong but also convey the spirit of its people. The monochromatic palette lends a timeless quality to the footage, echoing the work of photographers like Fan Ho while simultaneously feeling fresh and contemporary.

As I reflect on my time in Hong Kong, I am reminded of the words of the esteemed Chinese poet Leung Ping-kwan, who in his poem "City at the End of Time" writes:

"At the end of time, the city
is still a city, a space
for the human, a place
where stories begin..."

Leung's words encapsulate the enduring spirit of Hong Kong, a city that continues to inspire and captivate despite the passage of time. As street photographers, we are drawn to these urban spaces where stories unfold before our eyes, where the human experience is laid bare in all its raw beauty and complexity.

In the streets of Hong Kong, I found a city that is constantly reinventing itself, a place where the past and present collide in a kaleidoscope of color, light, and shadow. Through the lens of my camera, I sought to capture not only the physical beauty of the city but also the intangible qualities that make it so special – the resilience of its people, the richness of its culture, and the indomitable spirit that propels it forward.

As I look back on my time in Hong Kong, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have experienced the city through the eyes of a street photographer. The images and videos I captured are more than just a record of my journey; they are a testament to the power of photography to connect us with the world around us, to tell stories that transcend language and culture, and to remind us of the beauty and humanity that exists in even the most unexpected places.

Hong Kong, with its bustling streets, eclectic neighborhoods, and contrasting architecture, is a paradise for street photographers.

For those looking to capture the city’s raw essence in black and white, certain locations reveal the soul of Hong Kong through timeless, cinematic scenes. Here’s a curated list of iconic spots, each offering unique textures, contrasts, and stories that come alive in monochrome:

Central District: Known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and narrow alleys, Central offers dynamic contrasts and textures ideal for black-and-white. Its mix of traditional and modern elements captures Hong Kong’s unique character, especially in the early mornings when locals start their day.
Mong Kok: One of the busiest areas in the world, Mong Kok is a chaotic blend of neon signs, street vendors, and local markets. Black-and-white emphasizes the gritty textures and the sheer density of people, perfect for street photography that feels raw and immersive.
Temple Street Night Market: Known for its vibrant night market, Temple Street’s energy translates beautifully into monochrome, which enhances the interplay of light and shadow created by vendor stalls and neon lights.
Sheung Wan: This neighborhood combines old Hong Kong with trendy cafes and art spaces, presenting unique photographic juxtapositions. The older streets, colonial architecture, and traditional market stalls provide a rich, layered look that shines in black-and-white.
Yau Ma Tei: Known for the historical Yau Ma Tei Theatre and Jade Market, this area has a nostalgic feel, with narrow streets and traditional shops. Black-and-white brings out the historical textures and heritage of this part of the city.
Quarry Bay (Monster Building): The dense, towering apartments known as the “Monster Building” are iconic in Hong Kong. Their repetitive patterns, when captured in black and white, create a surreal effect that emphasizes urban density.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: Famous for its view of the Hong Kong skyline, Tsim Sha Tsui is also full of intriguing street photography opportunities. In monochrome, the skyline contrasts with the harbor, adding a cinematic touch to any capture.
Sham Shui Po: Known for electronics markets, textile shops, and authentic street scenes, this area captures Hong Kong’s local life beautifully. In black-and-white, the focus on texture and form emphasizes the cultural character of the area.

May we as street photographers continue to be inspired by the cities we explore, the people we meet, and the stories we tell. For in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the collective tapestry of human experience, one frame at a time.

GO TO THE HONG KONG GALLERY