Alexandra Avlonitis.
I LOVE Alexandra’s Street Photography!
Alexandra, a native New Yorker, has accomplished a hell of a lot as a Street Photographer since her transition from Fine Art Painter to a Photographer.
I have always disagreed & Challenged anyone who thinks that “Anything” Shot on the streets, is “Street Photography”! Making sense out of The Chaos & Life on the streets, doesn’t happen by accidents or random shooting!
Copyright ⓒ Alexandra Avlonitis
Copyright ⓒ Alexandra Avlonitis
I asked Alexandra about her thoughts & actions on creating or rather capturing her photos? She explains;
“As a street photographer I thrive in busy, urban environments with crowds of people moving through great light. The city is an unpredictable place where anything, really anything, can happen in a second, so an attentive photographer
must be poised and ready. See the shot before it happens, as they say.”
Did you Notice ? Alexandra’s Two Very Key Notes: “Attentive” & “To See The Shot BEFORE it Happens”
SPOT ON! Two major ingredients of a successful Street Shot which captures a Narrative, A Story, A Question, Humour or a Puzzle which random photography does not. A specific narrative only visible in a Fraction of time before or after which there is no Story.
Copyright ⓒ Alexandra Avlonitis
Copyright ⓒ Alexandra Avlonitis
And is it EASY? I asked:
“Street photography is quite difficult. We must make order out of chaos. Aside from knowing where to stand and when to click the shutter, we control nothing. Everything is chance.”
Can Street Photography be Taught?
“I think you can be taught to be a good street photographer though it takes time and lots of practice and failure. Studying with good photographers (not in a weekend workshop but something in a longer time frame) is helpful as is
looking at and analyzing the work of great photographers from the past and present.”
I agree with everything that Alexandra just said & also observe that what a makes a difference between being mediocre or an Excellent street photographer in particular, is having a strong sense of “Social Curiosity” and Courage! This, you can see in Alexandra’s excellent Street Photography & in all great Street Photographers.
Copyright ⓒ Alexandra Avlonitis
Copyright ⓒ Alexandra Avlonitis
Alexandre, contemplates & continues:
“On the street you need to find a certain comfort level getting close to strangers, and you need to have some street smarts like knowing when not to take a shot that might get you into trouble.”
I notice that all your Photography are in Colour?
“Color is my thing. I come from a painting background so I am all about color. It’s what draws my eye. Every time. That and fabulous light.”
And finally, what are you currently shooting with?
“I use a Fuji XT5 without flash. I like to keep it simple and real.”
Brilliant!
To see more of Alexandra & learn about her Group Exhibitions, Awards, Publications, Online Features, Interviews & her Other Street Photography, visit her website & Follow her Instagram
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A good friend and a great street photographer!