Street Photography: Creative Vision Behind the Lens

Follow Valérie Jardin on an inspiring photo walk around the world. After an overview of the practical and technical aspects of street photography, Valérie takes you along on a personal photographic journey as she hits the streets of her favorite urban haunts. She shows you the art storytelling through her photographs, from envisioning the image to actually capturing it in the camera. Learn about the technical and compositional choices she makes and the thought process that spurred the click of the shutter.

Perfect for both the new photographer excited to capture the world around them and for the experienced street photographer wishing to improve their techniques and images, Street Photography requires no special equipment, just a passion for seeing and capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

This new book published by Focal Press in New York City is now available on Amazon.

Follow Valérie Jardin on an inspiring photo walk around the world. After an overview of the practical and technical aspects of street photography, Valérie takes you along on a personal photographic journey as she hits the streets of her favorite urban haunts. She shows you the art storytelling through her photographs, from envisioning the image to actually capturing it in the camera. Learn about the technical and compositional choices she makes and the thought process that spurred the click of the shutter.

Perfect for both the new photographer excited to capture the world around them and for the experienced street photographer wishing to improve their techniques and images, Street Photography requires no special equipment, just a passion for seeing and capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Reviews

"I started to follow Valerie on Instagram some time ago. First it was her photographs alone, then through Facebook. Valerie is one of the most generous Artists that there is. From her blogs to Podcasts, she is not only an amazing photographer, but the most generous teacher you could ever have. It is only natural that she would have a book. This book not only goes to the heart and soul of why photographers do what they do, but serves as a thoughtful guideline to why it is so important to so many. Valerie is one of the best photographers of our time, because she knows what a moment in time can present. Defiantly recommend this book to any photographer who does, or who has, or who wants to explore this subject."

Kevin Jack

"Divided into two parts, this book seeks first to lay a solid foundation in the art of street photography by discussing things like legalities, ethics, gear, composition, use of light and various techniques for capturing street images.  Part two, entitled “Photo Walks”, is where this book really comes alive though.  In this section you take a photowalk with Valerie to examine images that she captured.  For each image you learn about her approach and her thought process to capturing the image.  There is a commonly held belief in education that content needs to be relevant to the student to be of the utmost value, and I can’t think of anything more relevant than learning an artist’s thought process.  I have read a lot of educational resources and I am very appreciative of the approach this book takes.  I highly recommend it, and, if the reviews on Amazon are any indication, I am not the only one." 

Ian MacDonald

"The first part of the book is an overview of methods used in street photography. She discusses her approach to street photography, which is good since I have no idea what I'm doing in that regard. There are some standard photo techniques, a bit about legal issues, and some assignments to try out. This is all good stuff, and it got me hungry for more. There were some great pointers about street photography, and the assignments gave me ideas on how to start. And then there is the second part of the book...
The decisive moment clearly shows in all her work, and it's the second part of the book where you get the feel of workshop excitement. Do you know that part of a workshop where you've met everyone, you've talked a bit, you've seen some examples and you're ready and raring to go out and shoot shoot shoot? That's the entire raison d'être of this part of the book. Valérie shows you an image, then walks you through her thinking process when she created it. I felt I was walking with her, thinking about the subject in front of the camera, trying to capture that feel, that light, that magical moment. She speaks of personal feelings (the loneliness she felt when a friend could not meet her), the challenges of waiting for the right subject ('Several tourists entered my frame, but none were interesting enough...'), the satisfaction of capturing something special ('It never gets old!'). This is what makes reading her book and viewing her images inspirational... those stories behind the work that become a part of the vision and give it that personal touch that makes an image extraordinary.
Through her images and her writing, she offers the viewer a window into her thought processes, her technique, and her love of street photography and humanity. And this is powerful stuff! It's rare to find a photography book that can emulate that feeling you get as you search for inspiration. There are many books that can detail the steps of a process, but for the most part, they are dry and tedious. Step by step instructions are for manuals, not for photographic creativity. The text that accompanies her images provides emotional background and sets the scene for that creativity. If this book is any indication of what her workshops are like, I can't wait to be a part of one!"

Fotostuff (review on Amazon)

"Like other reviewers of this book, I am an alumnus of several of Valerie’s workshops and don’t have much to add to the extravagant-- and fully justified-- praise of her workshops. She is a remarkable photographer and teacher. Her boundless enthusiasm, generosity, and search for meaning in the images she takes is inspirational.
All of what makes these experiences so rewarding is immediately encountered in reading (and re-reading) this exceptional book. The book is concise and precise. In addition to her photographic talent, it turns out that Valerie is a wonderful writer. Everything one would want to know about street photography is covered including lots of Valerie’s unique ideas. The images are terrific and, importantly, they well illustrate the teaching points being made. Anyone interested in street photography would benefit from reading this book-- and enjoy the experience."

Byron Annis

"Regardless you are a beginner or an experimented photographer, this book is a must have tool to get a lot better.
I really liked the angle of not focusing on gear or photo technicalities, but rather on people, place, time, light, pattern and above all, your vision. Through very simple assignments all along the book, you will discover a better photographer in you.
I wish I had this book years ago. Thank you Valérie!"

Bitonio (Amazon review)

"It is not often that you get the personal insights of a contemporary photographer. Valerie takes you through the pictures and thoughts she had while making them. Most of the photography books by great photographers have very little narrative by the authors. Even the best of them are usually written well after the photos were taken. This book is like an apprenticeship. I haven't enjoyed a photography book like this since I read Dan Winters '"Road to Seeing". Highly recommended"

Alan Morris

"Great book from a real street photography master! I have learned so much from her. This book isn't about f stops or gear, but more about approach and gives one great ideas to implement into their own work. I highly recommend this book!"

Craig Bandeau