Breaking Photography Dogmas

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Power of Media Activation
3. The Journey of a Photographer
   • Reuben Rading: An Introduction
   • Reuben's Photography Style
4. The Evolution of Street Photography
   • Discovering Street Photography
   • Replicating Annoying Dilemmas
5. Breaking Free from Definitions and Constraints
   • The Limitations of Defining Street Photography
   • The Importance of Individual Creativity
6. The Freedom of Black and White Photography
   • Embracing the Black and White Medium
   • Going Beyond Subject Matter
7. The Allure of New York City for Photographers
   • Reuben Rading's Love for New York
   • The Ever-Changing Cityscape
8. Challenging Perceptions and Seeking Inspiration
   • The Never-Ending Quest for Interesting Pictures
   • The Influence of Mentors in Reuben's Journey
9. The Practice and Essence of Street Photography
   • The Power of Observation and Composition
   • The Intensity and Resistance of Street Photography
10. The Inner Struggles and Rewards
    • The Battle with Self-Consciousness
    • Finding Solace and Freedom in Photography
11. Activating the Powers of the Medium
    • Moving Beyond Clichés and Easy Pictures
    • Harnessing the Inherent Power of Photography
12. Seeking Deeper Meanings and Connections
    • Exploring the True Subject of a Photograph
    • Richard Hugo's Influence on Reuben's Approach
13. Overcoming Discomfort and Embracing Disruption
    • Navigating Discomfort in Street Photography
    • Embracing the Unpredictability of the Streets
14. Conclusion

The Journey of a Street Photographer: Activating the Powers of the Medium

Street photography has the miraculous ability to transport us to different worlds with a single click of a camera shutter. It evokes emotions, tells stories, and captures the essence of a moment frozen in time. For Reuben Rading, a passionate street photographer Based in Brooklyn, New York, the exhilaration of capturing life on the streets has been a 15-year journey filled with moments of self-discovery, growth, and artistic exploration.

Reuben Rading: An Introduction

Reuben Rading, a dedicated photographer with an insatiable appetite for artistic freedom, has made the streets of New York his playground. Originally hailing from Arlington, Virginia, Rading's move to New York in the late 80s marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the city and the art of photography. His initial foray into photography was driven by a desire to capture the essence of the streets, to showcase the vibrant energy and diversity that New York embodies.

Reuben's Photography Style

Rading's photography style evolved over time, Shaped by his experiences, influences, and his own inner artistic voice. His early days were characterized by a Blend of film and digital photography, a reflection of the changing landscape of the industry. However, it was a pivotal moment in a workshop with legendary photographer Alex Webb that led Rading to embrace the simplicity and Timeless allure of black and white photography. The advice to eliminate color from his work provided the Clarity and focus needed to develop his unique style.

Discovering Street Photography

In the early years of his photography journey, Rading was unaware of the term "street photography" and its rich history. However, as he delved deeper into the medium and studied the work of legendary photographers like Robert Frank, he realized that he was part of a lineage that stretched back through the annals of artistic expression. Embracing the idea of street photography not as a restrictive genre, but as a platform for individual creativity, Rading transcended definitions and embraced the freedom of his own vision.

Replicating Annoying Dilemmas

As Rading immersed himself in the world of street photography, he noticed a pattern emerging. The same debates, dilemmas, and enigmas that plagued other artistic endeavors, such as music, found their way into the realm of photography. Arguments about what constituted "real jazz" or "authentic street photography" seemed to be counterproductive and stifling. Rading realized that adhering to preconceived definitions or attempting to fit into a specific genre hindered creative growth. Instead, he focused on nurturing his artistic appetite and staying true to his unique vision.

The Limitations of Defining Street Photography

Rading noticed that the pursuit of rigid definitions in street photography hindered artistic growth. In the early days, debates would arise about whether it was acceptable to include subjects looking directly at the camera or if color or black and white was superior. However, Rading's experiences on the streets taught him that these rules were arbitrary. The beauty of street photography lies in capturing the essence of a moment and conveying emotion, regardless of the technical choices made. The medium's power transcends these limitations, allowing photographers to tell compelling stories without conforming to predefined norms.

The Importance of Individual Creativity

For Rading, the heart of street photography lies in the artistic freedom it provides. It is not about adhering to a specific style or capturing images to fit into a predefined genre; it is about authenticity, self-expression, and embracing the photographer's own unique perspective. The focus should be on activating the powers of the medium rather than conforming to external expectations. Rading encourages fellow photographers to trust their instincts, explore their own creativity, and rebel against the limitations of tradition.

Embracing the Black and White Medium

For Rading, black and white photography became the catalyst for self-exploration and artistic growth. The decision to exclusively shoot in black and white was liberating, freeing him from the burden of doing justice to the subject matter. It allowed him to focus on his own voice and capture the essence of a scene without being constrained by the distractions of color. In black and white, he found the perfect medium to convey the emotions, contrasts, and the raw beauty of the world around him.

The Ever-Changing Cityscape

New York City has been an endless source of inspiration for Rading. Its dynamic, ever-changing streets offer an eclectic mix of characters, stories, and moments waiting to be captured. Rading's love for the city is evident in his photographs, which showcase the energy, diversity, and uniqueness that make New York a photographer's paradise. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the colorful neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Rading finds beauty in every corner, turning everyday scenes into extraordinary moments frozen in time.

The Influence of Mentors in Reuben's Journey

Throughout his photography journey, Rading acknowledges the significant impact of mentors and inspiring figures in shaping his approach and growth as a photographer. The insights and guidance he received from established photographers like Larry Fink and workshops with accomplished photographers such as Alex Webb and his wife Rebecca opened his eyes to new perspectives and possibilities. Rading encourages aspiring photographers to Seek out mentors, workshops, or environments that challenge and inspire them, recognizing the transformative power of learning from those who have walked the path before them.

The Power of Observation and Composition

Street photography is as much about the practice as it is about the pictures. Rading's approach centers around keen observation, seeking out captivating moments, and composing them in a way that engages the viewer. The ability to see beyond the surface, to uncover the intrinsic story within a fleeting moment, is what sets street photography apart. Rading emphasizes that the practice of street photography is a continuous journey of growth, self-reflection, and the honing of one's artistic vision.

The Battle with Self-Consciousness

Like any artistic endeavor, street photography is not without its challenges. Rading opens up about his ongoing battle with self-consciousness and inner conflicts. The constant self-criticism and grandiose self-images can hinder the creative process. However, through photography, Rading finds an escape valve that allows him to quiet those internal dialogues and be fully present in the moment. Street photography, with its capacity to immerse the photographer in the flow of life, provides a temporary respite from self-inflicted turmoil.

Navigating Discomfort in Street Photography

The unpredictability of street photography often brings discomfort and resistance. Rading shares personal experiences of feeling uncomfortable in certain situations or worrying about the impact of his actions on others. However, he acknowledges that discomfort is an inherent part of the process and a sign of growth. Ultimately, the aim is not to eliminate discomfort but to navigate it and push boundaries in pursuit of compelling images. Rading encourages photographers to embrace the discomfort and allow it to lead them to new perspectives and unexplored territories.

Harnessing the Inherent Power of Photography

At its Core, street photography is an exercise in activating the powers of the medium. Rading emphasizes the importance of pushing the boundaries and utilizing the inherent power of photography as a means of storytelling, expression, and exploration. Images that truly activate the medium go beyond clichés and easy shots, transcending the ordinary to convey a powerful narrative. Rading's work is a testament to the potential of photography to Evoke emotion, stimulate thought, and invite viewers into a world captured in a single frame.

Exploring the True Subject of a Photograph

Rading draws inspiration from poet Richard Hugo's concept of "aboutness," urging photographers to go beyond the surface subject matter and explore the deeper essence of their work. Just as a poet may start with a specific triggering subject, photographers can use the initial subject as a stepping stone to uncover more profound meanings. By delving beyond the obvious and embracing their unique perspective, photographers have the power to Create images that transcend superficial interpretations, inviting viewers to contemplate the larger narrative behind the photograph.

The Never-Ending Quest for Interesting Pictures

The journey of a street photographer is an eternal search for interesting moments, fleeting interactions, and captivating scenes. For Rading, it is a balance between being fully present, immersed in the environment, and constantly questioning the possibilities. The streets offer an abundance of subjects waiting to be discovered, but it is the photographer's keen eye and ability to Notice the extraordinary within the ordinary that sets their work apart. The quest for interesting pictures is a perpetual journey, with each click of the shutter presenting an opportunity to capture something truly remarkable.

Conclusion

In the world of street photography, Reuben Rading stands as a testament to the power of artistic freedom and creative exploration. Through his unique vision and unwavering dedication, he has crafted a body of work that goes beyond the boundaries to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and Ignite the imaginations of viewers. Rading's journey is a reminder that street photography is not just about capturing images but activating the powers of the medium to create a visual language capable of transcending time and connecting people on a deeper level.

Highlights

• Reuben Rading, a passionate street photographer based in Brooklyn, New York, has embraced the freedom of individual creativity within the realm of street photography.
• The pursuit of rigid definitions in street photography hinders artistic growth, as the beauty of the medium lies in capturing the essence of a moment and conveying emotion, regardless of technical choices.
• Rading found liberation in exclusive black and white photography, allowing him to focus on his own voice and capture the raw beauty of the world around him.
• New York City has been an endless source of inspiration for Rading, capturing the energy, diversity, and the ever-changing streets of the city.
• Mentors and workshops have played a significant role in Rading's development as a photographer, encouraging fellow photographers to seek out guidance and inspiration.
• The practice of street photography goes beyond capturing images; it is a journey of self-reflection, growth, and honing one's artistic vision.
• Discomfort and resistance are inherent in street photography, but embracing these feelings can lead to growth and new perspectives.
• Activating the powers of photography involves going beyond clichés and easy shots to tell compelling stories and invite viewers into a rich visual narrative.
• Exploring the deeper meaning behind a photograph allows photographers to transcend surface-level interpretations and create images that evoke thought and emotion.
• The quest for interesting pictures is a never-ending journey, where photographers immerse themselves in their surroundings, keenly observing and capturing fleeting moments.

FAQ

Q: What inspired Reuben Rading to become a street photographer?

A: Reuben Rading was inspired by the vibrant energy and diversity of New York City. Its streets offered a playground for his Curiosity and a canvas for his artistic expression.

Q: How did Reuben Rading develop his unique photography style?

A: Rading's style evolved through experimentation, influences from mentors and workshops, and a commitment to listening to his own artistic voice. Eventually, he found his calling in black and white photography, which allowed him to convey the raw emotions and contrasts he encountered on the streets.

Q: How can photographers overcome their discomfort in street photography?

A: Rading suggests that discomfort is an inherent part of the street photography process. By embracing it and pushing personal boundaries, photographers can navigate discomfort and discover new perspectives and creative possibilities.

Q: What is the key to truly activating the powers of photography?

A: Rading believes that activating the powers of photography involves going beyond clichés and easy shots. It requires pushing the boundaries of the medium and harnessing its potential for storytelling, emotional depth, and thought-provocation.

Q: How can photographers explore the deeper meaning behind their photographs?

A: Rading draws inspiration from poet Richard Hugo's concept of "aboutness." Photographers can start with a triggering subject or scene, using it as a gateway to uncover deeper layers of meaning and convey their unique perspective to viewers.