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Streets Of London

Streets Of London

Nikki Valid
November 14, 2016
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It was no ordinary day in London, it seemed and a sudden need to explore was in place. The weather had looked ambiguous, almost ominous but perfectly fitting. My thoughts were sombre, fingertips longing and feet itching; I grasped onto my camera and out we went.



A wise photographer once said, "photography is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event."

I have always been fascinated by Henri Cartier-Bresson's work, The Decisive Moment, where he captured the importance of composition, waiting for the perfect moment to hit the shutter.

I believe that a story transpires from every corner of this world, where every motion is a voice and every second is a significant event that passes. This project was unplanned and merely an idea to capture what the universe offered me that day, and every shot was executed impersonally but with a story to tell.


I always shoot with Nikkor 35mm F1.8G prime lens with my Nikon D5500 camera as I like to get close to my object but far enough not cross any personal space.
I used Lightroom for post-processing, eliminating the colours and intensifying shadows but keeping the natural light balanced.
The decision to remove the colours was due to my intention to keep the viewer's focus on the composition, understand that a significant moment was captured and a story is being told.






Street photography is not easy with a prime lens, especially when you are on a busy city like London capturing people. You will get pushed, cussed at and you will offend a lot of people if you are not careful. My way of executing this with less damage is by being less conspicuous, make sure you are out of their sight before you hit the shutter, find the right moment, shoot and run, and if you must, ask for their consent.

It's not easy, but Art is nothing without taking a risk.

Check out the complete collection here (https://www.behance.net/gallery/45007681/Streets-of-London)

Nikki Valid

A freelance Animator, Illustrator and Graphic Designer based in London. Nikki specialises in 2D Animation, 2D/3D Motion Graphic Design, Traditional/Digital Art Illustration and an enthusiast Photographer.

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