Judge: Heidi Anderson LPSNZ
Street photography is a type of documentary-style photography that captures scenes in public places, often without prompting or posing from the subjects.
Street photography is one of the most challenging but at the same time one of the most rewarding genres of photography. Documenting people in their everyday environment is not easy – it requires patience, hard work and sometimes even some bravery to be able to approach and photograph complete strangers
What is Street Photography? A Complete Guide for Beginners https://photographylife.com/what-is-street-photography
https://photographylife.com/what-is-street-photography
Street art photography is a genre that involves capturing images of public art, often in urban environments. It can be considered a subgenre of street photography and can involve documenting the art itself, its context within the city, or creatively interacting with the artwork through your own compositions and processing.
https://progradedigital.com/the-art-of-street-photography/
Members' suggestions: Street art/graffiti, architecture, numbers, ground level, high key
Open
Set Subject
Judge Introduction – Heidi Anderson
Recently receiving my PSNZ Judge Accreditation is a milestone I'm incredibly proud of. For many photographers, entering a competition is a leap of faith. It may be the first time they have shared their work publicly, and the feedback they receive can influence both their confidence and their future in photography. I know this because I was once that photographer.
I joined Christchurch Photographic Society in 2009 and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey ever since. Achieving my LPSNZ two years ago was an important step towards gaining my Judge Accreditation, and the process has deepened both my appreciation of photography and my understanding of constructive critique.
In my everyday life I teach fitness and health, something I am passionate about because it encourages people to grow in confidence and achieve things they never thought possible. Photography has done something similar for me. It has taken me back into nature, given me a creative outlet, and taught me to slow down and really see the world around me.
Thank you for inviting me to critique your work in both the Open and Street sections. I found that the genre got a wee bit mixed up but gave information on the critiques that would help everyone come to terms about Street Photography, and I hope my comments encourage you as you continue your photographic journey.
If there's anything you'd like to discuss about my comments I am happy to do so. Judging is, by its very nature, subjective, and I genuinely appreciate the trust you place in me when you share your work.
Most of all, thank you for the opportunity. I hope you enjoy the evening, and I look forward to meeting some of you along my photographic journey.
Warm regards,
Heidi Anderson
Street C grade
Fenced In
This image captured my attention. The photographer has observed the animal the title suggests fenced in though the lines/tiles I love that I am second guessing everything. Maybe a reflection or clever use of graffiti. The only thing that makes me feel uneasy are the eyes and that maybe the whole reason you took the photo. To make it pop a little more try lifting the whites.
Accepted.
Near but far
Two faces, each completely intent on what they are doing. They appear disconnected from each other, yet both seem connected to someone or something outside the frame. My eye is particularly drawn to the main subject, whose tattoos tell a story across his head and hands. He looks so relaxed, and I find myself wondering about his life and the story behind those tattoos—a good reminder that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.As an alternative, I wonder if you could try this as a black-and-white image and see how that changes the mood and impact. There is a lovely sense of observation and curiosity in this photograph.
Accepted
Signal lost in the shade
Is the subject lost? I find myself wondering who was sitting in the chair and whether he is looking for them now. I’m trying to find the story in the image, and my eye keeps moving between the man, the empty chair and the light behind him, which creates an interesting sense of tension. I notice the tree, but there is no shade, which adds to my curiosity about the scene. It’s a delightful park setting with a lovely sense of observation. I wonder if a tighter crop around the man might strengthen the story and give the image a little more impact. For me, this would move it towards an acceptance.
Not accepted.
The provider
A street seller with some lovely garden produce makes a colourful and inviting scene, and I think this is a great starting point for street photography. I would have enjoyed seeing a little more interaction between the photographer and the seller, perhaps getting closer and taking several shots to capture more character and personality in the moment. When processing, it’s worth checking the highlights, as our eyes are naturally drawn to the brightest areas. For example, the circle of white produce in the right-hand corner, along with the bananas, attracts my eye away from the seller.A lovely glimpse of everyday life, and I hope you had a wonderful trip!
Accepted
Tourist bliss
The iconic New Zealand snow-capped mountains immediately give us a strong sense of place, but for me, the real story is the tourists and their delight in experiencing this beautiful scene. I wonder if making the tourists larger in the frame would strengthen that story. Perhaps getting in behind them and capturing their expressions or reactions could add that lovely emotional connection and make the image feel more strongly like street photography. As it stands, I wonder if slightly lifting the foreground would help draw my eye towards the people and their experience. A lovely observation of visitors enjoying our spectacular New Zealand landscape.
Not accepted
Waiting together
Sitting on the kerb, this image has a lovely timeless quality. I really like the old wood and yellow paint, which add character and help set the scene. I find myself wondering about the two people. Are they actually connected? Their body language doesn’t seem to suggest much interaction, which makes me curious about what they might be waiting for. And then there’s the dog—is he with them both, or simply enjoying his own moment? These little questions are what can make street photography so engaging. I think the photographer is beginning to delve into this genre nicely. My suggestion would be to keep looking for those moments of connection—between people, people and their environment, or even unexpected interactions. Keep taking lots of shots; those little moments can make a good street image really come alive.
Accepted
B Grade Street
A chance meeting
Has the dog spotted someone he knows, or is the real meeting happening between the two pairs of legs and feet, which seem so relaxed around each other? The dog, meanwhile, appears completely uninterested in either of them! I really like that we don’t see the upper bodies. It adds a lovely sense of mystery and allows us, as viewers, to make up our own story about what is happening. That works well for street photography. One small suggestion would be to crop out, or perhaps remove in processing, the lady’s hand at the top of the frame, as it draws my eye away from the intriguing story. A fun and cleverly observed moment.
Merit
Auckland streets
This is a good image of a city street, and the Sky Tower immediately tells me we are in Auckland, giving the photograph a strong sense of place. I feel, though, that we have the location without quite having the action or story that can make street photography so engaging. Perhaps look for what is happening within the scene. The changing lights on the Sky Tower could provide an interesting moment, or you might wait for headlights to create a trail of light, a group of skateboarders coming through, or some other unexpected activity. These moments could bring the street to life and give us more of a reason to stop and wonder what is happening. You have captured the place well; now I’d encourage you to look for the moment within the place.
Not accepted
Café Silhouette
To me, this is a creative and imaginative scene, and I really enjoy the way you have seen the silhouette against the fish. The timing of that overlap is particularly effective, and the fact that it could have been captured from the street gives it some connection to the genre. If I were critiquing it specifically as street photography, though, I would be looking for a little more of the event, interaction or gesture that tells us something about the moment. I find myself asking, what is the story? What is the photograph saying beyond what we can simply see? The silhouette does create an interesting connection with the glasses, although the person isn’t actually interacting with them. Perhaps looking for a moment where there is a stronger relationship between the people, objects and environment could push this further into street photography. There is certainly a good creative eye here, and I’d encourage you to keep exploring this genre—the observation and timing are already there.
Not accepted
Caught in a light show
The photographer has captured the girl within her surroundings, and I really like the gentle softness around her. She looks happy and relaxed, and the beautiful colours of the light show add a creative quality to the image. For me, though, I would like a little more storytelling to strengthen it as street photography. If she were looking towards the photographer, for example, that might create a stronger connection with the viewer. Alternatively, capturing her interacting with someone else could give us more context and help us understand what is happening in the moment. As it stands, we know she is enjoying the light show, but we don’t quite know her story. It’s a creative and interesting image with lovely colour; I’d encourage you to look for that extra moment of connection or interaction to take it further into street photography.
Not accepted
Fire girl
The photographer has given us all the elements we need for a good street photograph. We have a street performer, a clear sense of the environment she is working in, and, most importantly, she is engaging with her audience. I really like the way she is well lit within the frame, while the fire adds a wonderful sense of mystery and atmosphere. There is a real feeling of something happening here, and I find myself wanting to know more about the performer and her audience. A well-observed moment that captures both the action and the story beautifully.
Honours
Foggy Street Hawea
I think this image may be better suited to an open competition, as for me, simply photographing the street without some action, interaction or moment doesn’t quite meet the criteria for street photography. I’d encourage you to look for something happening within the scene—a street party appearing through the mist, perhaps, or runners coming towards you from a marathon, showing their expressions and the effort of the moment. Even something unexpected, such as a car packed with people and character, could bring the street to life and give us a story to discover. You’ve captured the atmosphere of the street well; next time, perhaps look for the moment within the scene. Good luck with your next street photography adventure!
Not accepted
Mum and child
My first question is, what is the event surrounding them? The interaction between the mother and child is what makes the image engaging. There is a lovely, natural moment between them, and I really like that they appear completely absorbed in each other. I would love to see more of what is happening around them, though, as that could give us the bigger story and make this stand out even more as street photography. What are they surrounded by? What are they completely oblivious to? When looking around the frame, I would also consider excluding the head on the right, as it draws my eye away from this lovely interaction. You have some of the important elements here—the people, the connection and the moment. I’d encourage you to include a little more of the story happening around them so we can share in the moment they are completely unaware of.
Merit
Skateboarding to freedom
There is a lovely sense of movement and narrative here. The ankle bracelet, street clothes and tattoos give the skateboarder a feeling of freedom and escapism, which works beautifully with the title. I wonder if including a little more of his environment could strengthen that feeling even further. Showing where he is skating, what surrounds him, or perhaps capturing him doing a trick or interacting with his friends could add another layer to the story. It would give us more context and help us understand his world rather than simply seeing the skateboarder. You have captured the sense of freedom and movement well; now I’d encourage you to look for a little more of the environment and interaction to help tell the whole story.
Merit
Street singer
She’s nicely framed beneath the boot of the car, with the surrounding cars giving us some context. I find myself wondering whether she’s in a car park at a festival, market or perhaps another event. She looks relaxed, with her case open ready for tips, which gives us a lovely glimpse into the moment. I really like the black-and-white treatment—it suits the scene and keeps my attention on the performer and her surroundings. I also enjoy the little detail of the car stickers on the music stand; it adds another layer for the viewer to discover. A well-observed street moment with a lovely sense of place and atmosphere.
Honours
Time to go home
This busy street scene does a good job of documenting everyday life, with what appears to be the younger generation heading home after a night out. I like the different little stories happening throughout the frame—couples talking to each other, people on their phones and the taxis moving through the street. The wet conditions have also given you some lovely reflections, adding atmosphere to the scene. There isn’t a huge amount of excitement happening, but you have several of the elements that make street photography work: people, movement, interaction and a sense of place. I would have a look at the right-hand edge, though, and decide whether you want the man there fully included or excluded, as he currently feels a little caught by the edge. A nice slice of everyday city life, and a good example of looking for stories within a busy environment.
Accepted
Tsutenkaku Japan
A delightful interaction between the two girls, with more questions than answers, which makes for great storytelling. I love the contrast between the movement of the girl’s leg and the strong, still presence of the statue. Her friend appears completely nonplussed, which adds another little layer to the story. I also like that this feels like a genuine moment caught in time, outside the Japanese retailer, rather than something posed for the camera. The candid nature of the interaction is what makes it work so well for me. A lovely example of observing a moment and allowing the viewer to make up their own story.
Merit
B Grade Open
Bottlenose dolphins
The photographer has captured this playful action well. The two leaders look as though they are aware of you, which adds a lovely sense of interaction. The colours are delightful, and I can almost feel the energy and movement coming from them. Lucky you to have witnessed such a wonderful moment. Technically, the image appears a little grainy, perhaps due to a long lens and some cropping, and I wonder if there is just a touch too much sharpening. Nevertheless, this is a great subject to capture, and you have made the most of a wonderful opportunity.
Merit
A Grade Street
A slower pace of life
This image tells a lovely story of everyday life. Perhaps he is a fisherman or simply making his every day journey along the river. The tropical setting, with lush green jungle surrounding him, gives us a wonderful sense of place and makes me curious about the life beyond what we can see. Although there isn’t much interaction within the frame, the scene still allows us to imagine what might be happening. I particularly like the lovely reflections in the water, which add another layer and help create a peaceful atmosphere. A well-observed scene with a strong sense of place and plenty to make the viewer wonder.
Merit
A visit to the healer
All eyes are drawn to the girl’s arm, immediately taking us into the scene and allowing us to feel the concentration and connection as she is treated by the healer. Perhaps this is Mum looking on; although she is only partially visible, she adds to the story without becoming a distraction. Getting down low has worked well, placing us within the scene and capturing the people in their surroundings. I wonder if a slight crop from the left would reduce the visual weight in that corner and draw us further into the interaction. A well-observed and thoughtfully captured street scene.
Merit
Birds of a feather
This image gives us three workers who appear to be taking a short break, and their attire immediately makes us curious about their occupation. That uncertainty adds an interesting layer to the storytelling. There is a sense of connection, as though you may have asked them to look towards you. I wonder if remaining more of an observer and capturing the moment candidly might have strengthened the image and added to the authenticity of the scene. I would also have liked to see their footwear, as this could provide another clue to their work and add to the story. The photographer has captured some lovely character and individuality in their faces, making this an engaging street photograph.
Accepted
Can I help
Cuteness overload! Barefoot and brightly dressed, this little girl is wonderfully engaging, and the photographer has clearly picked the right moment to capture her expression. I would have liked to see who she is looking towards, as including that person could have added another layer to the story, although of course that is not always possible in the moment. I might also have kept a little more light and detail in the surrounding area, as this would help her feel more naturally part of the scene rather than slightly separated from it. A delightful moment, beautifully observed.
Accepted
Deep in conversation
Well-lit and photographed from a distance, these two appear completely unaware that they are being photographed, giving us a genuine candid moment. You can feel their ease and familiarity with each other, while the surroundings help tell us where they are and the boat adds another layer of interest to the story. This feels like a glimpse into their everyday reality, which may be quite different from our own, making the image particularly interesting. Well seen and thoughtfully executed.
Honours
Divergence
Just an everyday workload for a mum (I’m assuming it’s his mum and that he’s a boy). She is a chick mum with her toddler and on the phone either taking images or talking but there’s connection between her and her son. I really enjoy the mum’s reflections showing her motion in several layers, the title suits.. Mums are angels and I love the angel wings we can see in her reflections. A great portrayal of a young busy mum as she juggles everyday life.
Honours
Double parking
Those downturned, slightly sullen expressions are wonderfully captured, with the dogs framed neatly in the back of the ute, watching while their owner presumably grabs a coffee or does some shopping. It immediately creates a story and draws us in. I particularly enjoy the little details, including the “Beaututes” and “4x4” wording — four legs each, perhaps! If possible, I wonder whether including a glimpse of where their owners are, such as a street corner dairy or shop, might add another layer to the story. There is already plenty of interest here, and I think the photographer has found a strong street image in an everyday moment.
Honours
Enchanted Alley
Enchanted suggests something magical, whimsical or captivating, and for me, the title creates an expectation that I’m not quite finding in the image. The photographer has captured some lovely light filtering through the lines of the gate, with interesting textures, strong linear elements, the steel bin and, beyond the gate, a road cone adding layers to the scene. I’m always looking for what the photographer is saying beyond what we can simply see, and I wonder if the title could give us a stronger clue to that story. Magical things could certainly happen in this setting, but for me, that sense of enchantment hasn’t quite come through. There are some lovely elements here, particularly the light and texture, and I would encourage the photographer to consider how these could be used to strengthen the story they want us to see.
Not Accepted
Friendship passed me by
The photographer has used panning very effectively in this street scene, and the clever use of the wording on the bus adds another layer of fun to the story. An everyday scene has been transformed into something engaging, with the movement and panning technique working particularly well for the street photography genre. There are enough layers here to keep me looking and wondering about the people travelling by — perhaps going to meet friends or heading on to their next adventure. For me, I would have liked to see the whole bus and more of the people on board, as this could have added even more to the story and sense of everyday life. A clever and playful use of the street environment.
Accepted
Girl on the wall
The photographer has used graffiti to explore street art, and I think this is an interesting subject to include in a street photography brief. For me, though, I would have liked to see the graffiti as part of a wider scene rather than as the whole image. If the story is about the artist’s work, there are some lovely details to explore — particularly those eyes staring directly at us, the innocence of the face and the dark hair, which gives her a Pacific Island feel. I find myself wondering how this face might interact with the people and activity around it. Perhaps a resemblance to someone passing by, or the contrast between her nonchalant expression and something energetic happening in the street, such as boys skateboarding, could create an interesting juxtaposition and strengthen the storytelling. I noticed that including graffiti was part of your brief, and you have certainly achieved that. I’d encourage you to take the next step and look for how the graffiti can interact with the life of the street.
Not accepted
Lovers lane
Titles can be powerful, so beware of the expectations they create. Lovers Lane suggests romance, intimacy and connection, but for me, these two appear a little awkward rather than like a couple sharing a cherished moment. If they were kissing romantically or looking adoringly into each other’s eyes, I could imagine this setting working beautifully with the title. I also find myself imagining a lovers’ lane at night, perhaps beside a river or under a streetlight, where the atmosphere could add to the romance. The black-and-white treatment gives the image a more serious feeling for me, whereas colour — perhaps with warmer reds and pinks — might help convey the sense of love suggested by the title. The words Public Trust in the background also compete with that romantic feeling. There are some good ideas here, and I hope there are a few pointers to take away for your next image. Keep exploring — sometimes the title can be the key to making the story come together.
Not accepted
Mt Isobel run
This image feels more like a news story to me, with a strong sense of photojournalism — documenting a factual event, in this case a run. Photojournalism tends to tell a specific, often current or event-based story, whereas street photography usually captures candid, open-ended moments of everyday life, often exploring mood, humour, beauty or the human condition without a specific news purpose. Of course, the two genres overlap considerably. What the photographer has captured very well is a specific moment as the runners come up the hill. The long line of runners disappearing behind them gives us a real sense of scale, while the race numbers reinforce that this is an organised event. It is a strong observation and an effective record of the occasion. For me, the question is whether the image is telling us about the event itself, or whether there is a more open-ended human story within it that could move it further towards street photography.
Accepted
My kind of Sunday
Could this be father and son, or perhaps brothers? They have such a similar build and pose, which immediately makes me curious about their relationship. Sitting outside a shop in a more remote part of New Zealand, the shop window reinforces the title and adds another layer to the story. There is plenty here to intrigue me, and I find myself wondering about the people, the place and what is happening inside the shop. I would have liked to see a little more of the shop itself, as it appears to have plenty of character. The front door could invite us in, while the two men sit outside quietly reading — a lovely contrast. A great capture with lots of storytelling layers.
Merit
Shepherd on the square
The photographer has used the statues of the shepherd, sheep and dogs to explore street art, and I think this is an interesting subject to include in a street photography brief. For me, though, the image feels more like a record of the statues themselves rather than a story involving people or their interaction with the artwork. I would be interested to see how the composition could change by including a person interacting with the statues, or perhaps even an animal reacting to them. That could create a stronger connection and introduce an unexpected or humorous element to the story. I also noticed the word “CRAES” above the shepherd. I’m not sure whether this is significant, but if it is, perhaps there is an opportunity to make that part of the story. There are some interesting possibilities here, and I’d encourage you to look for the interaction around the artwork as well as the artwork itself.
Not accepted
Showing the boys
Heads down and all eyes are on the phone. The expression on the man’s face that we can see looks quite unperturbed, while the other faces are less clear. I find myself wondering what has happened and what has captured their attention, as we don’t have much information about what is happening around them. I think this could be strengthened by including more of the surrounding environment. If they were in a park, for example, and perhaps watching a rugby match or responding to something happening nearby, that additional context could give us more clues and create a stronger story. There is an intriguing moment here; a little more of the setting could help us understand it.
Not accepted
Street Clinch
A lovely moment in time — a hug between two friends. The closeness at the top of their bodies contrasted with the space between them below makes me wonder if they have just shared a quick greeting or farewell. Perhaps they’ve just had coffee at Herb+Olive; I find myself wondering what is happening inside and where they are heading next. That sense of curiosity is what makes this work as a street image. You have captured all the elements of a genuine street moment. The characters are a little soft, which does take away slightly from the impact, but the interaction and sense of story still come through. A lovely, well-observed street moment.
Merit
Streets of Tayayama
This street has a clean, architectural feel while still offering us a story. The two people wandering along with their shopping bags become our main characters, and I find myself wondering if they are enjoying a holiday and taking in the atmosphere of this very tidy and inviting area. I like the way the photographer has positioned the camera, allowing our eyes to flow down the street, stopping at the various buildings and people along the way. There are plenty of small details to discover without the image feeling cluttered. A well-composed and nicely contained street scene with a lovely sense of place.
Honours
Teachers Strike
For me, this image falls into photojournalism, as it appears to document a factual and current event. It has been handled very well, and the black-and-white treatment works beautifully, emphasising the emotion, information, drive and energy of the scene. I particularly love the passion, grit and determination you have captured in the teachers. The banners add another layer, showing what they are standing for, while the moment of chanting or singing brings movement and energy to the image. A powerful and well-observed record of an important moment, with plenty of emotion coming through.
Accepted
Walkabout in Picton
A chance meeting with someone who appears very relaxed, perhaps someone the photographer came across in the street. The portrait itself is engaging, but for me, I wonder if this image might be stronger in a portrait competition than in the street photography genre, as there isn’t quite enough of a story around him. If he were shown within his working environment, for example, with some indication of what he was doing or the world around him, that could add context and give us more to discover about him. That would turn this from simply photographing a person into observing a moment in their everyday life, pushing it further towards street photography. A pleasant portrait and a good example of how adding context can sometimes transform an image and its story.
Accepted
Working the Yardarm
Was this hanging above a boat, or could you see this from an office window? I’m trying to understand where the street scene begins, and there are certainly a few clues here to get me thinking. The chap looks a little uncomfortable, and I find myself wondering how high up he is and what he is doing — perhaps he is about to lower a sail? There are lots of questions being raised, which is a good thing, but for me there isn’t quite enough visual information to satisfy my curiosity. Including more of the surroundings could help us understand the situation and give the image a stronger sense of place and story. An intriguing moment with plenty of potential; I just want to see a little more of the story.
Not accepted
A Grade Open
Dracophyllum menziesii is a beautiful native plant that favours exposed slopes and scree, and this is a lovely rendition of it. The photographer has captured its distinctive form beautifully, showing why it has earned the nickname “pineapple.” I particularly like how the natural environment has been included, with the light catching the plant and adding depth to the image. A lovely nature study and a wonderful celebration of our native flora.
Honours
Left for the tide
A pleasing rusty colour palette draws me into this image, with the iron object, possibly part of an old ship, creating an intriguing subject. The rivets add interest and pattern, which is gently echoed in the ripples of the sand where it has come to rest. The image is nicely sharp, but I would have liked to see a little more of its surroundings to give us more of the story. Is it alone, or perhaps part of something larger? That additional context could make this intriguing find even more compelling.
Acceptance
The Roo family
Something has caught their attention, although perhaps not you, as they are looking just to your left. They appear to be enjoying a mid-snack, and the nicely blurred background keeps our attention on them. Their colouring provides wonderful natural camouflage and adds to the feeling of being in their environment. I wonder if cropping some of the bottom and removing the kangaroo on the right might strengthen the image, allowing the mother and joey to become the clear focus. Their interaction together is the most compelling part of this lovely wildlife moment.
Acceptance
Tokyo
The architecture is striking, and there is a wonderful feeling of early morning before the day begins and the area becomes busy. The lights and sunrise sky add vibrance and warmth to the image, while the photographer has chosen a good position to achieve the symmetry. I do feel the buildings are slightly off vertical and leaning to the left. This can be easily corrected with the lens correction or Transform tools in Lightroom. When making these adjustments, it can help to allow a little extra space around the image, as some of the edges may be lost. The photographer clearly has a good eye for architectural detail, and if this is a style they enjoy, a tilt-shift lens could be worth considering to help keep those architectural lines straight.
Merit
The Image of the Month
Divergence by Chris Beech
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