Street Photography Is Collectible Art

Chevy at gas station, Michigan, 1973 |  Photographs from the Last Century 1973-1983 by Don Hudson

Why do various mediums of art rank higher in the eyes of the public and collectors over photography? Why is a painting often regarded as more valuable than a photograph? Let’s dive into this! As we know, photography is the intricate art or practice of taking and processing photographs, and therefore it should hold just as much significance and merit as the work produced by a painter wielding a brush. A camera serves as a tool, much like a paintbrush does for a painter. The fundamental difference is that the painter requires paint to apply to the brush, whereas the photographer relies on light to skillfully capture a fleeting moment in time. Not only is the photographer expertly using light as their main source of creative expression, but they are also documenting irreplaceable moments that can never be duplicated, replaced, or recreated. Time, in essence, is of paramount importance to a photographer, just as it is to artists in other mediums. However, the main idea remains that no artist of any other medium can produce what a photographer uniquely creates — those stunning, frozen moments in time that are meticulously captured through the interplay of light and shadow.

Soldier waiting for Train, Rome, 1966 | Europe in the Sixties Photographs by Michael Ansell

Moving on to the diverse and captivating genres of photography certainly gets even more exciting, but I digress and now choose to focus on the fascinating world of street photography. Many street photographers, often referred to as candid photographers, specialize in capturing unmediated chance encounters and random incidents that occur within public places. Their primary aim is to seize images at a decisive or poignant moment through careful framing and precise timing. This approach is also applicable to those photographers who choose to depict the streets devoid of people, turning their lenses toward the architecture and ambiance that exists in communal spaces. Public areas can be immensely inspirational to those who wander, observe, and engage with their surroundings in a raw, unfiltered manner.

While some may regard street photography simply as a form of documentation, this notion can certainly be debated, as it can also be considered a profound form of artistic expression. For art collectors, the value of a piece lies in the eye of the beholder, regardless of the medium in which it was created. Who is to say that street photography is merely a simple document? That document ultimately was crafted through the unique lens of the artist, utilizing careful patience and precise timing, sometimes fortuitously aided by good luck. However, as most enthusiasts and critics would argue, a truly good photograph requires a detailed and discerning eye, one capable of creating a compositional masterpiece that compels the viewer to question not only its existence but also its value. The insights stirred by such work pay dividends each time it challenges you to think deeply. That introspection and engagement with the image is, in itself, what transforms it into a genuine work of art.

The Rio Theatre on Yonge Street, Toronto, 1981 © Dave Green