Featured Street Photographer of the Week: Simon Boisvinet

What drew you to street photography?

I started photography when I started traveling. Walking in cities that we do not know, has the effect of having eyes attracted and surprised by what we can see. This facilitates shooting and creativity. Also, I find that street photography can testify to the social life of the country, which is closer to the photographic report.

Where do you shoot most often? What are the pros and cons of shooting this city?

I photograph, of course, in France, and in the cities I visited: Kyoto, Tokyo, New York, Stockholm, …
For me, I find it very easy to photograph abroad, maybe because I’m in the costume of a tourist and I dare more. Japan is a real pleasure, you feel confident. When you are a beginner, it allows to take photographic pleasure without risk.

In my country, I think that you have to be much more self-confident and therefore have experience. This is my feeling.

I love this image:

Can you tell me a little about it?

This photo was taken in August 2014 in the city of Stockholm. The subway of this city is beautiful and each station is a work of art: colors, textures, sculptures…I made several stations to take shots. At this time in Stockholm, there are few people. Metro stations were almost empty. This photo is taken at the “Tekniska Högskolan Metro Station”. A passenger was waiting for the shuttle. The post-processing in black and white makes it possible to bring out the texture of the rock, the lights and to build the contrast of the image.

Your profile says you practice “photography and photomanipulation.” Do you manipulate your street images? Why or why not?

These are two different activities. The visuals resulting from photomanipulation are mentioned as such. This consists of mixing several photography to create an image.

Other images, such as street photography, are photography that are developed in color or black and white, cropped and post-processed.

For me the photography that I practice is not photojournalism and therefore I allow myself the post-processing to highlight certain elements of photography.

What has street photography taught you?

Street photography allowed me to learn about myself. This allows you to develop your relationship and gain experience.

It also allowed me to learn from each other by observing people in their environments. This allows you to sharpen your eye to try to capture moments and stealthy situations. I also feel a lot of humility because only practice and patience will allow me to progress.

See more of Simon’s work on his Flickr photostream.