New York City, Bryant Square Park. Tearful Embrace
“Street photography is 99.9 percent about failure.”
— Alex Webb
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Much has been written about the need for optimism in street photography. So often, a great photo is spoiled by a distraction in the background, the movement of a subject, a shadow, or any number of things. I’m most comfortable being a pessimist with the mistaken belief that if I think the worst, I can only be pleasantly surprised. This does not work with street photography however, and I have had to recalibrate my optimism-pessimism thermostat. Science has shown that optimists are more successful, live longer and better. They are happier, too.
I saw this couple across a crowded Bryant Square Park. There was no way I could photograph them in this embrace. Not if I wanted a close-up shot. Still, with a new attitude in hand, I decided to give it a try. I sprinted across the cross the park, zig zagging between people chatting, eating, sunbathing, reading, playing games, and sleeping. They were still hugging when I reached them, raised my camera and as I pressed the shutter, the man in the background gave a yawn.
This image is a study in contrasts. Intensity of emotion vs boredom. The couple, cleaving to each other prior to being cleaved apart. My race across the park versus the slowness of their release. My elation at a successful shot versus their sadness. Though most of her face is obscured, the little that is revealed appears intensely sad.
I love street photography every step of the way, from anticipation of an outing, to the action of taking photographs, to the savoring of the images on my laptop, to the sharing of these images, to the reflection of the good times contained in them. I see my “failures” as being integral to the whole process and without them, there would be no signature photographs.
Adar, age 8, called me one day. “Grandpa, what is the biggest mistake you can make” she asked. After a few attempts an answer, she said, “not making a mistake. It’s the only way you can learn.”
Yes, Adar. You have the makings of a great street photographer.
