The idea of creating street photography without people probably seems like an oxymoron to a lot of folks, perhaps even a majority. For whatever reason there are two genres of photography that have never appealed to me to any great degree… people and astrophotography.

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I’ve done some street photography over the years, and have enjoyed the experiences… usually when we’ve been on holidays.

Our trips to Italy and Greece both had some street photography components to them. I enjoyed photographing crafts, pottery and other items that shops have on display. Details on buildings also intrigue me.

I find that I am drawn to bright colours and interesting shapes or patterns. Often very simple designs catch my eye.

During our trip to Italy in 2019 the sequined blouse of a sales person in a women’s wear shop stopped me dead in my tracks. After explaining my photographic intent with some hand gestures, she allowed me to take a photograph of her blouse. You can see her arm in the upper right corner.

I’m often attracted to whimsical creations that are for sale, or decorate buildings.

Strong, geometric shapes command my attention. Like the elevator control illustrated above.

I find compelling visuals in usual places… like the graphic above that was painted on the side of a garbage truck in a parking area near the Coliseum in Rome.

I enjoy photographing interesting shapes and designs that catch my eye… taking some care not to have any glare when shooting through plate glass windows.

As I walk by street vendors I’m often attracted by their wares.

A simple napkin holder at an outdoor bistro will catch my eye.

Or a selection of locks signifying love and devotion.

The fashionable sandals on a toddler in Verona speak volumes about the fashion culture in a country like Italy.

The juxtaposition of a graffiti covered public mail box against the untarnished painted walls of private buildings jumps out at me.

Finding some rather direct advertising while walking the streets in Pompeii confirmed that human behaviour hasn’t changed much over the centuries.

When exploring busy city streets I’ll wait until all of the pedestrians have gone into buildings, or are hidden behind other objects before I capture my image.

I like the simplicity and visual focus that a photograph can have when things are not obstructed by people.

Street scenes don’t need to have people in them to communicate the everyday business of life.

Show signs of patriotism and national pride.

Or the improbability of growing and blossoming in difficult circumstances.

Human creativity can be found in unexpected places.

And, in other locations that are more commonplace.

The impact of mixed cultures can be found in signage… like this Scottish Bar on the island of Santorini.

Or, advertising for a tattoo artist on the island of Mykonos.

Businesses promote themselves in simple and easy to understand terms.

These creations help lead us to ways to meet our needs.

There are plethora of options in life laid out before us. They can make life appear to be a complex jumble of things competing for our attention.

Human history can be found in extremely narrow passageways that helped protect against invaders.

People express their creativity in a myriad of ways. That is one of the common threads that helps bind humankind.

We all face threats and challenges in life.

Street vendors try to make a living wherever humans congregate.

Ultimately, to be human is to reach for freedom and understanding.

Street photography can mean different things to different people. I hope you’ve enjoyed this visual journey.

Technical Note

Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were created from RAW files using my standard process in post. This is the 1,498 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.

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