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Table of Contents

Interview with Eva Mallis

Video conversation with Robert Virga

People are the Key

The Stories Hands Tell

Robbie McIntosh on Street Photography

Street Shooters of October 2021

People are the Key

Laurent Delhourme

I was born in Bordeaux (France), but I have lived in Paris for over 25 years. When I was 18, I discovered photography through a friend. But it wasn’t until I was 21 years old that I understood that this was my passion. I decided to make it my profession.

In my work, people are the key word. I’ve become recognized for my portraits, and as the author of numerous advertising campaigns, my photos have been published in various French and international magazines. When I’m not in the studio, I continue to develop my art on the streets.

As an observer and chronicler of modern life, my approach is in line with 20th century humanist photography. I love the images of Erwitt, Frank, Davidson, Weiss, Franck, Cartier-Bresson, Mark, Ronis, Freed, Evans, Maltête, Winogrand, Meyerowitz…Truthfully, my universe is inspired by the heritage of all those photographers who knew how to document their time.

In my early days, there was a book that changed my view of the world: Photographs 1946/1988 by Elliott Erwitt. I was young and had never seen anything like it. For me it was a revelation! I discovered through Erwitt’s work a real philosophy of life that has always fascinated me. That book, which I consult regularly, is still my bible today.

I photograph the daily life of my contemporaries, of the anonymous people I meet over time in the working-class districts of Paris, on the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue or among the excitement of Piccadilly Circus.

 What I seek is to capture the invisible in the daily lives of the people I meet. Each of my photos is connected to a story, a unique moment. Many of these photographs concentrate on humor, burlesque situations and everyday incongruities. The emotion always remains intact as I find myself animated by this tireless and visceral desire to freeze unique moments.

I like to be surprised while I capture the mundane in my daily life as discreetly as possible with my Leica M or his Leica Q. Working mainly at 28 and 50mm, I make sure to never disturb the scene. I try to make myself transparent so as not to interfere with my surroundings. I believe that if a photographer watches his framing, by choice, he may never stage an image. At some point, you become certain that the behaviors of passers-by are interesting enough and you allow them to express themselves in their entirety without interfering. That’s why I capture my images on the fly. Immediacy is my motto.

Unlike my work making studio portraits, which requires mastering all the parameters of the shooting, for me, street photography is a moment of freedom. It is a time when I walk instinctively, and I feel. I let myself be carried away by the people and emotions I meet along the street.

Laurent Delhourme

I am a French photographer, based in Paris. I specialize in portraiture for magazines, the press and advertising. For 15 years I was also a director and photo director for French TV. At the same time, I practice street photography, even if I prefer the word humanist. I draw my inspiration from the work of the great photographers of the 20th century, Frank, Erwitt, Mark, Davidson, Riboud, Winogrand ... Observer and chronicler of modern life, I photograph the daily life of my contemporaries, of these anonymous people whom I meet over time in the working-class districts of Paris, on the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue or among the effervescence of Piccadilly Circus, the he emotion remains intact, animated by this tireless and visceral desire to freeze unique moments. My world is mostly black and white, I work with two Leica models equipped with a 28mm and 50mm. A new series is being produced in silver film ...

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Articles
October 2021

Interview with Eva Mallis

New York City street photographer captures the "themes of life" in her images

Video conversation with Robert Virga

Longtime NYC street photographer, Robert Virga, explains how he shoots and thinks by showing examples of his work.

People are the Key

Laurent Delhourme finds freedom as an observer of modern day life

The Stories Hands Tell

Alex Cruceru discusses the power of hands in a photograph

Robbie McIntosh on Street Photography

Robbie shares his love for beach shooting along with some amazing oceanside captures

Street Shooters of October 2021

This month we feature the winners and finalists of the first annual Fredricksburg street photography shoot off.

Street Photography Magazine is the journal of street and documentary photography

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