The Art of Street Photography: Capturing the Unexpected
© James Prochnik
ONLINE COURSE

The Art of Street Photography: Capturing the Unexpected

Interested in this class? Email us and we'll notify you next time it runs.

It’s crucial for a street photographer to be open and ready to face new situations — particularly in these unpredictable times. We have to be aware of the unexpected as it unfolds in front of us, and also have the presence of mind to capture those fleeting moments. This class will focus on the important elements that help create captivating street photography: the interplay of light and shadow, gesture, color vs. black and white, layers, and more. Exercises will introduce you to different techniques that will help sharpen your skills and create more powerful photos, whether you're an advanced street photographer or just starting out. We’ll cover candid street photography, how to approach strangers for street portraits (even in these times), and we’ll work through some of the tricky ethics of our practice. Weekly assignments and critique will develop your eye and instincts, and we’ll analyze what makes a good street photograph by studying historical and contemporary examples.

FREE LECTURE: StrudelmediaLive and NYC Photo Community Newsletter are co-presenting a free lecture by James Prochnik on the History of NYC Subway Photography on Wed., March 17 at 7pm EST

 

 
Just a quick note to say that James Prochnik’s “Poems and Pictures” class was fantastic — he is a gifted teacher and image maker. My work experienced a much needed shift during his class and my fellow classmates were equally committed to making new and exciting work. Not only did he introduce us to largely unknown photographers, he was in the trenches with us. His thoughtful critiques are what I imagine MFA students receive at Yale. This class was exactly what I needed, when I needed it. James embodies what StrudelmediaLive is all about: pushing limits to break creative barriers.
—Kirsten (Canada)
I want to thank you [James] for such an inspiring class. You are a wonderful teacher! You brought to the forefront for me just how essential light is in a taking good photos. You also encouraged me to be experimental and I have got to know my camera better as a result. Best wishes for your upcoming photography projects. I hope you’ll be teaching again before too long.
—Anna (California)


James Prochnik
James Prochnik

James Prochnik is a Brooklyn-based photographer who uses photography as a means to explore the world outside, focusing on people, place, memory and the poetry of the everyday. His photographs have been published in The New York Times, Vice Media, Lenscratch, USA Today, and Shots Magazine and have been exhibited in galleries around the country. In 2019, James launched NYC Photo Community — a weekly newsletter listing photography events, workshops, exhibitions, and opportunities for photographers everywhere. James has been a regular guest lecturer on ethics and aesthetics in street photography at the University of Vermont.

James teaches street photography, poems and pictures, richness of light, and more for StrudelmediaLive.