Become Part of Peter Pickering’s Street Photography Community

Connect with Passionate Street Photographers and Elevate Your Craft

If you're passionate about black and white street photography and candid photography, you'll feel right at home in the thriving Facebook group I’ve built over the years. With over 270,000 members, this community is one of the largest and most active spaces for purist street photographers around the world. Whether you're seeking feedback, sharing your work, or looking to learn, this group is a space for street photographers everywhere.

The group name, and why

The name of the group, "Street Photography, Cartier-Bresson Inspired," reflects my deep admiration for the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson. His ability to capture the decisive moment and his profound influence on street photography inspired me when I was thinking of a name for the group.

The name "Street Photography, Cartier-Bresson Inspired" reflects my admiration for the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, whose approach to capturing the decisive moment profoundly influenced street photography. His philosophy shaped my thinking when I named the group, but it's important to note that members are not required to shoot in his style.

While the group allows for freedom of expression, it operates within certain rules to maintain its integrity and ethos, which are rooted in purist street photography principles. Each photographer can bring their unique approach and vision, as long as it aligns with the values of authentic, unmanipulated street photography. The name is a tribute to someone who shaped my own journey in the craft, but the group embraces a wide range of styles and interpretations that remain true to the essence of street photography. The goal is to inspire and be inspired, just as Cartier-Bresson once inspired me.

Why join the group

Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, being part of a community helps you grow. The group is more than just a space for sharing photos—it’s a place to learn, connect, and evolve as a street photographer. Join today, and immerse yourself in the world of black and white street photography.

1. Be Part of a Global Community
With over 270,000 members from around the world, this group offers a unique opportunity to connect with street photographers of all skill levels. You'll have the chance to share your work, exchange ideas, and learn from a diverse community that celebrates street photography.

2. Constructive Critique
In an environment built on respect and growth, members offer constructive feedback that helps you refine your craft. Unlike many public spaces, this group encourages thoughtful critiques that focus on elevating your skills in black and white street photography and candid photography.

3. Learn from Experienced Photographers
With seasoned photographers, including Peter Pickering, providing guidance and insights, you’ll have access to invaluable advice. This isn’t just a space to share photos—it’s a place to learn and grow and improve your street photography.

4. Exclusive Content
Members gain access to exclusive tips, tutorials, and discussions around purist street photography principles. These insights, often drawn from Peter’s decades of experience, can help you develop a deeper understanding of the craft.

5. Showcase Your Work
This is a platform where your work gets seen. Whether you’re looking for feedback or simply want to inspire others, the group gives you the opportunity to showcase your work to a large, appreciative audience.

6. Stay True to Purist Street Photography
The group maintains a focus on authentic, unmanipulated street photography, allowing you to be part of a community that shares a commitment to preserving the essence of the genre.

7. Motivation and Inspiration
Surround yourself with the work of others who are passionate about street photography. Whether you're feeling stuck or just need a creative boost, the daily flow of fresh images and discussions will inspire and motivate you.

Why We Chose Quality Over Quantity

When I first launched the Cartier-Bresson Inspired Street Photography Group, it was open to the public, and the community grew at an incredible pace. However, as the group rapidly expanded, it became clear that managing such fast growth was becoming overwhelming. The quality of discussions and images started to suffer, and we realised that maintaining the high standards we valued was at risk.

So, we made the deliberate decision to convert the group to private. We knew this would slow growth significantly, but our goal was never to simply chase numbers. Instead, we wanted to create a space where street photographers could truly connect, learn, and grow in a supportive and high-quality environment. By focusing on quality over quantity, we’ve built a community that thrives on creativity, constructive critique, and the shared love for street photography.

Had we stayed public, we’d likely have surpassed a million members by now. But in choosing this path, we’ve cultivated a group where management is in control, and the atmosphere is one of engagement and respect. Our group may have fewer members, but each one is here for the right reasons, and that’s what makes this community so special.

A Showcase of Exceptional Street Photography From Our Members

This gallery features a curated selection of incredible black and white street photography from our talented group members. Each image captures the raw, candid moments that define the essence of street photography, reflecting the diversity and creativity within our community. These photographers have skillfully used their lenses to tell powerful visual stories, staying true to the authentic, unmanipulated spirit of the genre.

I’d like to acknowledge and thank each of the contributors for sharing their remarkable work, which continues to inspire others and push the boundaries of candid photography. Take a moment to explore these images, and let them motivate your own street photography journey.

Credit to: Carol Visser, Arkadiy Kurta, Tülin Ertürk, Nadia Eeckhout, Andy Barber, Steve Hart, Tony Bunder, Franz Dekkers, Bo Mi, Mick Ryan, Saman Mamexelani, Marc Jaffe, Dejan Andelic, Charles Ford, Sam Benari, Chin Shun Ng, Nizamettin Elverdi, Bar Tal Shalom, Francesco Minolfo Fontana, Bjorn Moerman.