In my street photography, I now try to adopt a humanistic approach
Long Ago, on the streets
Authenticity
Humanism is my new approach to street photography. But let me back track. When I started street photography, I gloried photographing poor people in various shades of misery. I consider this approach to be the epitome of authentic photography.
The problem with the concept of authenticity is that everyone’s definition varies. The website Mindtools offers a definition. In short, being authentic means living “according to your values and goals, rather than those of other people.”
This definition raises more questions than it answers. If someone else’s values and goals do not match yours, is that person inauthentic? Don’t forget, in that person’s eyes, you may be phony.
What, then, is the way out? The article provides us with a few more tests. The first is integrity, and the second is honest communication. When we speak of integrity, we refer to living a life consistent with your values. Again, if your value includes persecuting other people because of differences in religious faith or caste, are you authentic?
Honest Communication
The next test is that of honest communication. Many people falter at this test, whether it is honesty to themselves or others. When I showed some of my photographs of the homeless in doorways to a few people, their reaction surprised me. I expected applause. Instead, they looked at me, and one person asked if I was being exploitative.
Until then, I had not considered myself as being exploitative. I questioned my motives. While I do not believe I exploited the poverty of people who are homeless, I asked myself if my glee (when I photographed them) was appropriate.
We, who have homes, cannot understand the plight of the poor and the homeless. Even on the street or performing charitable acts, we do not share their world. We have homes to return to, and the poor often do not.
I have considered myself a storyteller in the last few years, but the definition is not enough. What story am I telling?
Is my outlook too grim?
Humans fill the world with atrocities. While I agree this outlook may seem grim or pessimistic, I am convinced this is true. Whether it is the Chinese oppressing the Muslims, the Israelis devastating the Palestinians; the Buddhists traumatizing the Muslims, Hindus targeting them, or the waves of Islamophobia spreading in Europe, we ignore one fundamental truth: under our thin epithelial layer, all people are the same.
Humanism. A New Approach.
We are losing our humanity, destroying the environment, and altering the climate. A few visits to places of worship will not guarantee us a place in Heaven. Heaven may not exist; it may be a figment of our imagination.
History, culture, and humanism drive my street and travel photography approach. The American Humanist Association defines humanism:
“Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.”
The Humanist Magazine defines humanism:
“Humanism is a rational philosophy informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. Affirming the dignity of each human being, it supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility.”
The Humanist Society of Western New York defines humanism in the following way:
“
Humanism is a joyous alternative to religions that believe in a supernatural god and life in a hereafter. Humanists believe that this is the only life of which we have certain knowledge and that we owe it to ourselves and others to make it the best life possible for ourselves and all with whom we share this fragile planet. “
Click this link to read more definitions.
You can choose the best definition for you or combine the best elements of all the definitions. The underlying points are common:
Recognize the humanity that binds all of us together.
Understand our planet is fragile. The environment, flora, and fauna that populate our planet are equal stakeholders in its present and future.
Move away from superstition.
I like this fresh approach. It defines me more than any of my earlier approaches did. I’d like to end with a reminder: H\humanism is my new approach to street photography.
