Streets Ahead – Eighth Edition
We’re delighted to publish the Eighth Edition of Streets Ahead, the wonderful Women’s Street Photography Column that we publish each week. If you would like to join the Streets Ahead Flickr group, please go here.
‘The enthusiasm and support for this collective has been tremendous – and we can’t thank you all enough! Our membership in the Flickr group is now over 100 and keeps growing every week.
For this week’s showcase, we thought it would be far more interesting to present a quality sampling of the work that was submitted, instead of selecting only 10 “favorites.” Please note, however, that we simply couldn’t help but comment on a few photographs that jumped out at us… you’ll find those images below with the showcase beneath them.
And if you feel compelled to share your thoughts, please do! (especially on the topics of composition, colors/tones, subject matter, bordered frame vs. borderless, etc.) This is OUR collective… and the more voices that are shared (and heard,) the better! We have recently set up a Forum for our column, so if we get really wordy we can move our discussions over there.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this presentation… and we look forward to meeting you all back here next week!’
When I saw this photograph, I was immediately reminded of the German Expressionist Cinematic movement from the 1920/s, or the Hollywood Film Noir era from the 1940’s. The rhythm of the lines and stools carry our eyes directly to the woman, who is so beautifully highlighted by the outside light. There is a definite mystery and suspense about her… and we can’t help but wonder what story lies behind this photograph.
Now here is an image that takes us right back to the 1950’s in America. For me, the only clue that gave away that this is a contemporary photograph, was the clothes… only because the older woman most likely would NOT be wearing pants 60 or 70 years ago. 🙂 I really appreciate Sharon’s processing choice… the sepia tones definitely give us the feeling of an era past. And the diagonal line of the sidewalk nicely accents the rhythm of the diagonal lines in everyone’s arms… from holding hands.
Long Walk Home by Stefanie LePape (SLP)
As a mother, I couldn’t help but keep coming back to this image. Even though I tried to force myself to study the photograph compositionally, etc… I found that I was more drawn in by the narrative. The little girl’s coat, which is slipping off of her shoulders, suggests that she was probably racing with the little girl who is further ahead… but she’s now feeling tired and exhausted. However, what really struck a chord in me was that it appears these two young girls are walking on this city street by themselves, And if we look closely we will see a person sitting on the ground next to the fence… who probably is not in a very “conscious or conscientious” state of mind. For me, this photograph is all about “fear and concern” for our young children today.
This is such a great pic… and on so many levels. The black and white tones give this such a nice cinematic feel, while the reflections in the water give us another visual perspective. But Tracey totally nailed the essence of this photograph with her title “The Thrill,” … because we can feel just how much fun that child is having. That leg and foot says it all!
I just love the high energy in this photograph. It’s simple, yet captures the intense movement and activity that was going on.. all with the feet! And I think that Jeanette’s choice of black and white processing lends a wonderfully dramatic feel to this very decisive moment.
JQ Gaines
JQ's background is in painting and printmaking at the Pratt Institute, she also owned and operated a Books Arts & Textiles Studio in NYC. Three years ago JQ discovered mobile photography and her work has been exhibited in a number of exhibitions around the world.
9 Comments
Sharon LuVisi
WOWOWOW!!! Honestly, with the exception of only a few images, I felt like I stepped in time. They just about all of them evoked memories from our past.
From the still photos above to the moving images below, this was really one fantastic post! And the only thing that makes it better for me is that one of my images was included! As always, JQ, thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of your article. I appreciate you so much.
Sharon LuVisi
WOWOWOW!!! Honestly, with the exception of only a few images, I felt like I stepped back in time. They just about all evoked memories from my past.
From the still photos above to the moving images below, this was really one fantastic post! And the only thing that makes it better for me is that one of my images was included! As always, JQ, thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of your article. I appreciate you so much.
Tracey Renehan
Wonderful selection, JQ. Thanks for selecting my images. I’m so happy you felt the excitement of ‘The Thrill’. The Father’s decision to ride through the puddle delighted the child, the photographer and now the viewers. It was a grand gesture and I was so lucky to capture it. Much thanks to Anton & Sion as at the time I was out scouting story telling Street images for their Street Photography Workshop.
JQ Gaines
Thanks so much for your kind words, Sharon and Tracey… it’s really wonderful to see your work in the Flickr group! And even MORE wonderful that you support this collective 🙂 Wishing you both a very peaceful and creative week…
Michelle Robinson
Gosh! Thank you so much – I didn’t expect 2 of my pics to be on here! Thank you!
Brendan Ó
Really good images, Joanne.
Liz Traynor
Thank you so much Joanne for featuring one of my photographs in your showcase. I love that you have a forum for female street photographers. I think we are growing in numbers ever day. Congratulations on the fine work you do in encouraging and supporting this group. Thanks again. It is always such a huge honour.
Liz
Stef LP
Wow…I missed this one. I think I was so distracted by the first image and trying to find it on Flickr I got distracted.
I had no clue of the thoughts posted regarding one of my favorite photos.
In fact there are two other photos that go with this.
I was on the same path as this family ( the girls were accompanied by someone- he was probably in step with me )
It was so interesting to observe the different personalities of these two sisters. They reminded me of my sister. I was simply attracted to the uniform and its restrictions and they liberating freedom when we know we can soon be free from them.
Her coat hanging off her said sooo much to me. I just had to preserve this.
It’s completely unedited straight from phone.
Hearing your thoughts –your perspective as a mother has given me a whole different perspective on this. Thank you!
lee atwell
wonderful wonderful! so happy to be a part of this collective JQ, Joanne and all! every week i am so inspired by the images shared here in this showcase and i adore reading the reflections, too. congratulations to all the amazing artists! very honored to have my photo included in this selection!