A Simple Way to Capture Complex Street Photos

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Twitter: @ivunchow

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Street photography, documentary photography, street photographer, Ricoh GR, Ricoh GR III, film photography, filmmaking, cinematography, layering, complex street photos, tutorial, Alex Webb, Saul Leiter, Marc Riboud, William Klein

[ivunchow]

If you got questions or have any orher topic you want me to cover, let me know in the comments!

[simonbarnes]

I think we are witnessing one of the iconic photographers of our time in Ivan Chow. Why, because his insight and attention to his craft is unparalleled from most street photographers today. I’ve been a professional since 1993 so I feel qualified to make such a bold statement. He has a special gift that most photographers lack. His photo of the plant in the window I knew was not accidental. It is a truly remarkable image. I noticed the shadow mimicking the shape of a face the first time I saw the photo in a previous video. My favourite street photographer is Trent Parke and his work is a world away from virtually all you tubers shooting street. Thanks Ivan, it was a pleasure as always watching you at work.

[jordhon]

this man is burning film negatives for us!!!!

(amazing video ivan)

[artivism]

This was one of the best street photography videos ive ever seen!

[TheWutangclan]

I use to think that walking around and gung hoing my area was the only way to achieve these types of results. This breakdown was really simple and made me realize I can just be still and observant, without having to run around.

[ElusiveFrame]

This style shooting is so different from what I am used to. In a world where everyone is in a rush we just need to slow down and be more thoughtful of our photography. 😀

[iainmacdonald]

I enjoyed this, Ivan - thank you.
At the end you said it's all about luck. There's a saying that goes something like: Luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparedness.
So let's be sure we're properly prepared.

I wish, that more people would talk about their work in the same way. Very helpful.

[AlexOnStreets]

Boom! The video youtube desperately needed. A "controllable" element in the frame mixed with un-controllables or as I call it, a 'static' element mixed with 'kinetic' elements is the basis for every workable scene. Patience, Focus and Luck! Amazing things can happen.
Focal length also plays such a large role.. for a month or so every year I try to get back into 50mm but in condensed cities like Tokyo, 50mm is actually really difficult to layer and I often can't even finish a roll. I revert asking for street portraits, shooting random reflections that never turn out and boring city scapes any tourist would take.
Once I have a 35mm on and especially 28 or even 21.. I feel I can breath again. Like suddenly I can use my eyes naturally and take photos of what I see, not what I have to force into frame.
I actually think a lot of people struggle with layering because they are using the wrong focal length for the area they are in. Not saying you can't make any lens work but a lot of people are too stubborn or scared to challenge themselves when the opportunity is right in front of them. Or even literally, standing next to them.
Anyways, I loved how you were able to visualize this concept and execute it so seemingly easy. But we both know it took so long to make. I don't know how you do it. If I had to make this id probably get carpel tunnel before getting a chance to click export.

[JayRegular]

wished this video existed when I first started out photography. having an understanding of the technique doesn't make it easier to capture a shot on the street, but it does help tune the mind to identify when a scene works, and in turn you can build upon the scene with extra elements. Great work as always man!

[_H_]

I feel like I've watched hundreds of videos on street photography (slightly exaggerated) but a lot and I can honestly say this video was beautifully crafted & paced with detail throughout, thank you this stood high above the usual street videos on Youtube. Thank you.

[thehishamahmad]

I love layering and have been implementing this techniques since 2016. My main inspiration is Alex Webb

[ryanblackburn]

Wow! Probably the single best street photography tutorial I’ve stumbled across! Thank you for giving up an in depth look of your process and how to step by step guide to start and progress.

[larslp]

These are the best 18 minutes i've spend on YouTube for a long, long time 😁🙏 Thank you so much 🙂

Even if i'm not able to make enough time for my passion (street-)photography in my life right now, i'm trying to add layers to the pictures i take of my little kids and my family in general. You helped me a lot with this Video!

[Charlie_YS]

Many times I was discouraged, but your advice and words help me a lot. Ivan, thank you very much. I found this treasure of a channel on youtube, thanks again for your videos. Greetings from Peru..

[shotsbymrslow]

Thank you for this gem, not only it's very inspiring, but thought provoking aswell.

[kendrickjenkins]

This is quite easily the best tutorial on how to actually compose images that i’ve come across. No hard rules or anything, but a legitimate process of creative composing.

[xavidub]

The photographs produced for this video stand with the best.

[jklphoto]

Some stellar images here Ivan. Your hard work was rewarded. Love "boy spinning blue ball". Classic. Coming up, I was taught to compose looking for Foreground, Middleground and Background. You deserve far more followers!

[vytran]

Thank you for your sharing knowledge. From 9:14 to 9:27 this scene is very priceable .Very poetic and gentle . Good to see Falun Dafa spread to the world