Streets of Nafplio - Shopping

[manthos]

A shot from the town of Nafplio. It's a small town in eastern Peloponnese. It's a very beautiful town unlike the majority in Greece.

I would like some C&C. I feel I'm a little lost when it comes to street photography. The term is still a little vague in my head. I've seen the work of Cartier-Bresson, Doisneu and many others. What they all have in common is a story. They surprise you. And they do it very nicely. I'm feeling that this one doesn't have much to offer, or am I wrong? I can't decide...

[robnaylor]

I don't know about a "story", but I do know that I love the way the girl is sunlit against the dark background.
I also like the DOF keeping her in good focus as the subject of the image.

The image is strong on vertical lines, so I would personally prefer a portrait format for this, and lose the empty space on the right.

[manthos]

Thanks Rob. A crop until the bike would be better?

[jiro]

The explanation of what "street photography" exactly is is also very vague to me, Giannis. If it is shot on a street that is street photography as what most say. However, most of the popular street photography images you can find on the internet has that "story' feel into it as what you say. I am also inclined to look at it that way - a shot from the streets but tells a more cohesive story when the image is viewed.

Your shot is certainly on a street so yes, it's a street photography. Does it tell a story? Yes also, but... does it tell it in a strong way? That is where I can offer some personal reaction.

1. The girl is moving towards the camera and she is well positioned to the rule-of-third focal point. That is good. Her contrast is with the gentleman behind her and also with the bike. Does it have a relevance? Not much for me. She probably just finished her shopping and is on her way home. Unfortunately, nothing in the location (the place where the image was shot) gives me an idea on what kind or type of objects did she shop for? Was it all high-end clothes or accessories? Why does the street look like a back alley to me? Is she the only rich person on that locality? If this was shot on a busy street in London or New York I would immediately pick up a certain "story" about the image. If the gentleman behind her is looking at her that would even show a different story. Something like he's envious that she has more money than him or like their disparity financially. For me I really like the richness of the tones that you captured. I guess the story of the shot is the one that is a little weak on this one. Just a personal opinion, Giannis. Keep on sharing your work, man.

[robnaylor]

I had in mind something like this...
(Hope you don't mind me cropping your image )

[manthos]

Jiro, thank you for sharing your view. That's exactly the feedback I was looking for. You've been very, very helpful. Thanks again!

[manthos]

Rob, it looks much better.I appreciate that you worked on it.