Solitude is not an obvious theme that street photographers explore, although some scenes and cities simply lead them to it. Such is the case for Antwerp-based Mania De Praeter, a neurosurgeon who discovered her passion for photography during the COVID lockdown. Now, she divides her time between her hometown and New York, where her partner lives, wandering through the streets with her camera when her schedule allows.
“I do street photography whenever I have time during weekends when I’m not on call, or when I am in New York. I’m always on the look out for beautiful light and/or shadow and can wait for hours for an unexpected scene to unfold.”
As with many street photographers, Mania finds inspiration in many esteemed masters of the genres. “First of all Saul Leiter. His sense of colour and composition is just extraordinary. Same goes for the Italian photographer Frank Hornet. The well-known Henri Cartier-Bresson, Vivian Maier, and Diane Arbus are all-time favourites of mine. I also admire the Belgian Magnum photographer Harry Gruyaert for his formidable use of light and his photos of Belgium.”
Copyright ⓒ Mania De Praeter
Copyright ⓒ Mania De Praeter
Copyright ⓒ Mania De Praeter
Copyright ⓒ Mania De Praeter
The allure of solitude
A quick peek at Mania’s Instagram feed reveals an evident impulse for the drama in the everyday, mostly through clever use of light and shadows. It’s easy to tie this affinity for emotive photography as a result of picking up street photography during the pandemic. However, she doesn’t follow a specific strategy to achieve this look, but instead works with what catches her eye. “I just begin to walk, often in the morning to catch the beautiful morning light. Then, I look around until a specific shadow, light, or scene catches my attention.”
However, the element that stands out the most about her photos are the mostly solitary subjects that punctuate and complete the dramatic slices of life she captures. She didn’t go after this approach on purpose, but instead emerged as a response to the allure of solitude. “I noticed that I am very much attracted by loneliness, solitude, and some melancholy in street scenes,” she added.
“I try to capture daily scenes that are somehow a bit unique in the way the person is walking or communicating. Like I said before, I am often looking for solitude or people that seem a bit lost or out of place.”
Copyright ⓒ Mania De Praeter
Copyright ⓒ Mania De Praeter
Copyright ⓒ Mania De Praeter
Making the most of unexpected moments
Asked about the most challenging part of her street photography style, Mania answered that it’s finding the right scene. Understandably, there are many factors that can affect a scene on a given day. So, it’s not unheard of for photographers to return to their chosen spots a few times to get the photos they want. Still, she finds comfort in how she was still able to get great snaps from unexpected moments.
“It’s easier on a beautiful sunny day, but I try not to let the weather hold me back. I force myself to go out, even when it’s cold or when it’s raining or when it’s misty. In the past, I have made my best photographs when it was least expected.”
Is her choice to make her final images in color or black and white part of the unexpected? “I most often edit my photos in black and white because it gives that timeless feeling,” she answered. “But I sometimes I just cannot ignore colour.”
Given the many unknowns and unexpected moments that street photographers often have to work with, Mania is often guided by a simple goal. “I just try to make beautiful compositions that makes one want to look at it over and over,” she mused. We see this at work in one of her favorite photos, which highlights this dedication to impactful composition.
“One of my favorite photos has been taken on a corner in Williamsburg. There are many women in the picture and they all walk in different directions but every one of them is talking or on the phone. They are disconnected but very connected in a way.”
Copyright ⓒ Mania De Praeter
Make sure to check out and follow Mania De Praeter on Instagram to see and stay updated with her street photography.
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