Photography is a technique-based activity. Whether it’s an art, science, or both, there is an amazing amount of precision required in the execution. The art of making something simple and monotonous seems completely enchanting, since capturing the essence of the moment in a lens is what street photography is all about. One of the best in the business in today’s world is Swiss-based street photographer, Thomas Leuthard. He travels around the world to different cities, from the heart of Switzerland. He captures and documents life as it is on the streets. Thomas uses a discreet Micro Four Thirds camera to shoot photos. He believes that there is so much more in photography than the equipment a photographer uses. The camera, he says, is just a black box that is used to seize a moment that the eye of the photographer is seeing. Street photography, to him, is capturing the essence of the ordinary life that is happening in public. Thomas is extremely passionate about what he does and he teaches at workshops, organizes photo walks, and loves to meet other photographers who share the same zeal and ardor for this art. Thomas Leuthard is passionate about bringing together photographers of different races, cultures, and color, as he believes that photography is where everyone is an equal. Street photography is an enthralling and enriching experience for Thomas. He says that it is much more than catching the soul of strangers in the lens of the camera; it is experiencing the atmosphere and the moment around those strangers, and taking in the experience as a whole.
Courtesy - Thomas Leuthard
Unique Photo had the opportunity to connect with this street-photography legend, and we have a few answers for you from his world.
- Why did you choose street photography as your niche?
I chose street photography because I don’t like posed photography, I like the real life, without make-up, life as it happens every day, everywhere. Street is available everywhere, at every time, and you don’t have to bother about models. It’s free and challenging every day. It has brought me to places I would’ve never dreamt of some years ago.
- What are the new and untouched trends in the world of street photography?
There are no new trends, but there are a lot of photographers trying to shoot street photography. With the masses of photography, the quality of shots is being reduced. It’s getting more difficult to find good street photographers. I would even say that the Internet kills the genre. Everyone could be a street photographer, and everyone could upload his photos. The more photos I see, the less interested in this genre I get.
- Which camera do you feel has been specially designed for street photography?
There are no cameras designed for a special kind of photography. Every camera, which is small and stealthy, can do the job right. But if your eye doesn’t see anything, there is no camera that is the right one. I would not define a certain camera for street, as you can shoot everything, from a mobile phone to a big, full-frame DSLR.
- Name a special place where you would like to shoot and why?
I would like to shoot at a real Holi festival in India with a protected camera, where you can shoot as close as you like. Normally, I shoot only in black and white, but this would be one big exception.
- Which is your dream location to shoot?
By far, one of the best cities was Mumbai, where I could travel to. But every new city that is big, versatile, and unique, has its charms. Mumbai has been an eye-opener to see happiness, although people don’t own a lot.
Courtesy - Thomas Leuthard
If you need to ask any questions related to street photography or have any comments, please leave your inputs below. Get Thomas Leuthard’s expert opinion on the subject.