Street photography has long been regarded as one of the most honest forms of visual storytelling capturing unscripted moments of everyday life with raw authenticity. But in an era dominated by digital cameras, AI manipulation, and instant image sharing, the question arises: what is street photography today? In this interview, B&W fine-art photographer Kenneth Gerhardt challenges modern perceptions of the genre, revisiting its documentary roots while questioning whether today’s work still holds the same sincerity and emotional weight.
Drawing from years of experience rooted in traditional black-and-white film, Gerhardt explores the tension between analogue purity and digital convenience. His project, “What’s Street Photography?”, is a self-driven investigation into truth, nostalgia, and the evolving role of the photographer in a rapidly changing visual landscape. From the discipline of darkroom craftsmanship to the immediacy of DSLR shooting, he reflects on what it really means to see, record, and provoke truthful nostalgia through the lens.
What was the brief?
This particular project; “What’s STREET PHOTOGRAPHY?” is a self-driven exercise to encourage photographers to question the sincerity or, authenticity of their endeavours when pursuing STREET PHOTOGRAPHY?
How did the initial pitch/brainstorming phase go?
To be honest I held a dim view of ‘street’ photography and saw it more as a, ‘point-and-squirt’ exercise than a creative endeavour. Hence, my personal attack was to challenge myself & others to look deeper into what makes “street” photography sincere? Why is it still such an attractive subject to pursue?
What was the process behind ideating the concept?
The initial challenge was to mentally shift from B&W Film into the realism of full colour imagery. Over the years I have weened myself further ’n further from colour (digital that is) and opted to concentrated on B&W Film.
What was the production process like?
Well, street photography is historically steeped in B&W Film. Now, with modern DSLR cameras and the ability to render B&W images is almost an insult–this is my gripe. It was then I realised that the true challenge to shoot ‘street’ driven imagery was to try my hand with full-colour DSRL cameras.
What was the biggest challenge during production? How did you overcome it?
To establish a respectful attitude to the ‘origins’ that made ‘street’ photography of old so unique.
And this takes us back to documentary photography. Where those ‘telling’ pictures of poverty, and those stricken rural farmers of old, awakened the need for social reform not only of the Americas but European societies. However, there is more to documenting the world’s ills: those faraway places, exotic peoples, cobbled streets and bustling cities afford a photographer a gamut of emotions and human social interactions that pull a discerning photographer’s eye… I had to give it my best shot!
What kit/tools/software were used to create the project?
The rebooting of my iMac, packing DSLR gear, forcing myself to stare at digital driven garish colour, as opposed to the subtle nuance of B&W handprints–t’was a bitter pill to swallow. Now, is the time to accept the loud ’n proud, unwavering relentless beam of a vengeful flat screen, urgh!…
What is one funny or notable thing that happened during production?
How suddenly digital images appeared on upload! Gone are the Darkroom efforts of faffing under an enlarger’s eery light, dodging here, burning-in on a single sheet of Silver-Gelatin paper to achieve an acceptable handprint! (My trashcan brimming failed attempts…)
What’s the main message of this project and why does it matter?
To endorse that, ‘street’ photography should remain prevalent as its origin in B&W Film. Sadly, an impossible ask in this modern era of full colour digital prowess.
Can you describe the creative spark or inspiration behind the initial concept? Was there a specific moment or insight that ignited the idea?
Mmm, my answer is that it courses through my marrow. Then, let's not forget thousands of hours peering through a lens. And, that instinctive moment to release the shutter…
How did you ensure that the concept aligned with the brand's values, goals, and target audience?
Yours is a commercially driven question.] However, current and future photographers will shoot reportage, street and/or, documentary photographs and continue to communicate daily life of importance–plus, make humanitarian behaviour notable–and their images will continue to be believed by viewers as it was in bygone days of old. (Hopefully…)
Can you discuss any collaborative or interdisciplinary aspects of the ideation process, such as working with other departments or external partners?
Collaboration and/or Infiltration worries me? I’m lead by the ageless genre that, ‘street’ photography is still a massive contributor to everyday life as ever before. The storytelling of daily activities I’m sure will never die? My argument is the evolution of truthful film recording may very well be usurped by today’s digital-deceit & AI’s sinister infiltration.
What do you hope it achieves for the brand?
If one brands ‘street’ photography, I chose to add this slogan for all photographers;
“To See, to Record–and to Provoke Truthful Nostalgia”
The pioneers of documentary photography found its surge in 1888, when George Eastman brought out roll-film Kodak. From that moment the shooting of the outside-world became almost routine as it is in todays world. The early roll–film–photographers rushed off to capture views of distant, and exotic places, depicting all kinds of people going about their business that could easily be visited by tourist then & now. The authenticity of what the eye sees, but does not necessarily notice in real life, was captured uniquely photographically! And this fact lead to the expression; “… the camera never lies!”
My endeavour, whether on B&W Film or, digital full colour; knowing that my camera communicates ‘truth’ just as a mirror, therefore, I shall endeavour to let the world see those ‘hidden moments’ truthfully each time I trigger the shutter!
Thank you, Creativepool!
