10 Things Garry Winogrand Can Teach You About Street Photography

Eric Kim, a renowned street photographer and educator, has extensively studied and shared the lessons from masters of street photography, including Garry Winogrand. Winogrand, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, was known for his portrayal of U.S. life and its social issues, particularly in the mid-to-late 20th century. Kim has often distilled Winogrand’s approach and philosophy into practical lessons for photographers today. Here are some key lessons from Garry Winogrand that Eric Kim has highlighted:

1. Shoot a lot: Winogrand was famous for shooting an enormous volume of film, often several rolls a day. He believed in working constantly, which not only increased his chances of capturing remarkable moments but also honed his skills and instincts as a photographer.
2. Keep moving: Winogrand was always on the move, looking for the next shot. This relentless pursuit of the next moment emphasizes the importance of being active and persistent in street photography.
3. Embrace the candid: Much of Winogrand’s work was candid, capturing life as it happened without poses or pretense. He showed that the real, unvarnished moments often tell the most compelling stories.
4. Work the scene: Winogrand would often take multiple shots of the same scene, from slightly different angles or moments, to capture the full essence of the situation. This approach underlines the value of patience and persistence in getting the right shot.
5. Print your work: Winogrand was known for his vast archive of undeveloped film, but he also understood the importance of printing and reviewing his work. Seeing photos in physical form can offer new perspectives and insights.
6. The importance of framing and composition: Despite the candid nature of his photography, Winogrand was meticulous about composition. His photos often feature dynamic angles and thoughtful framing, demonstrating the balance between spontaneity and composition.
7. Photography as a way of seeing: Winogrand used photography to explore how we perceive the world. He believed that photographs could reveal truths about society and the human condition, suggesting that photography is both a tool and a language for understanding and communicating.
8. Don’t worry about labels: Winogrand was often classified as a street photographer, but he was skeptical of such labels, focusing instead on his work and what he wished to express through it. This teaches us the value of focusing on our vision rather than fitting into predefined categories.

These lessons from Winogrand, as interpreted and shared by Eric Kim, provide a foundation not just for street photography but for the broader practice of seeing and capturing the world through a lens. Kim’s work in analyzing and teaching these principles helps keep Winogrand’s legacy alive, offering a roadmap for photographers seeking to explore the candid, complex, and often chaotic beauty of everyday life.