The Legends of Street Photography: Styles, Stories, & Legacies

Photography has been shaped by countless masters, each leaving their own distinctive mark on the craft. From the raw, candid streets captured by Henri Cartier-Bresson to the hidden yet powerful imagery of Vivian Maier, these photographers didn’t just document life—they told compelling stories and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. Their work continues to inspire those of us who seek to redefine black and white street photography today. Explore the legacies, styles, and lasting influence of these notable figures, whose vision still resonates with photographers like Peter Pickering and those passionate about street photography mentoring.

Henri Cartier-Bresson – The Father of Street Photography

• Style: Known for coining the term "The Decisive Moment," Cartier-Bresson believed in capturing spontaneous, fleeting moments that encapsulate the essence of a scene.

• Story: A French photographer and co-founder of Magnum Photos, Cartier-Bresson was one of the first photographers to view photography as an art form equal to painting or sculpture. His candid street shots defined the genre and set the foundation for modern street photography.

• Legacy: His focus on geometry, timing, and composition has influenced countless photographers. Today, his work is synonymous with the golden age of street photography.

Diane Arbus – The Portraitist of Outsiders

• Style: Arbus is known for her intimate, often unsettling portraits of marginalized groups, including circus performers, transgender individuals, and those on the fringes of society.

• Story: Her work challenged the traditional notion of beauty in photography. Arbus had an unmatched ability to gain the trust of her subjects, creating emotionally raw and deeply personal portraits. Her candid style was confrontational, but it helped shape the way portrait photography is seen today.

• Legacy: She showed that photography could confront taboos and challenge societal norms, paving the way for a more inclusive approach to portraiture.

Vivian Maier – The Secret Street Photographer

• Style: Street photography capturing mid-century urban life, primarily in Chicago and New York. Her work focuses on everyday people, and she had a distinct eye for composition and light.

• Story: Maier's work was discovered only after her death. She worked as a nanny, but in her spare time, she roamed the streets capturing thousands of images. Her work was largely unknown until a storage locker containing her negatives was auctioned off, revealing one of the greatest unsung street photographers of her time.

• Legacy: Posthumously, Maier became a sensation, and her images are now celebrated for their ability to capture candid moments in everyday life with a sense of empathy and intimacy.

Sebastião Salgado – The Humanist Documentary Photographer

• Style: Salgado’s black-and-white documentary images focus on global social issues such as migration, famine, and conflict. His ability to capture the dignity of his subjects in some of the most challenging environments sets him apart.

• Story: A Brazilian-born photographer, Salgado initially studied economics before turning to photography. His large-scale projects, like “Workers” and “Genesis,” document the plight of humanity and the power of nature with both respect and urgency.

• Legacy: Salgado's work has become synonymous with humanist photography, highlighting the hardships of life while celebrating the strength and resilience of people worldwide.

Elliott Erwitt – The Master of Wit and Humour in Photography

• Style: Erwitt's work is known for its playful wit, often capturing humorous moments in everyday life. He has a unique ability to find irony and humour in the mundane.

• Story: Born in Paris and raised in the U.S., Erwitt’s career took him to Magnum Photos, where he captured everything from politics to everyday street scenes. His work is iconic for its lightheartedness while still being technically brilliant.

• Legacy: Erwitt is celebrated for his ability to find beauty in the absurd. His work remains a favourite for those who appreciate the lighter side of life in street photography.

Cindy Sherman – The Chameleon of Photography

• Style: Conceptual portraits where Sherman herself appears in various roles and disguises. Her work explores identity, gender, and the role of women in society.

• Story: Sherman’s "Untitled Film Stills" series is one of her most famous works, in which she plays different characters, questioning the traditional portrayal of women in media. Her work is as much about performance as it is about photography.

• Legacy: Sherman's art has influenced both photography and feminist theory, and her exploration of identity continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Robert Frank – The American Road Chronicler

• Style: Frank’s "The Americans" is one of the most influential street photography books ever published. He captured the essence of post-war American life in raw, unpolished moments.

• Story: A Swiss-born photographer, Frank traveled across the United States in the 1950s, capturing images of everyday Americans—often in marginalized communities. His outsider perspective allowed him to document the underbelly of American life, which was not widely depicted at the time.

• Legacy: "The Americans" changed how photography could narrate social commentary, influencing the generations of photographers that followed, particularly in the realm of documentary and street photography.

Gordon Parks – The Activist with a Camera

• Style: Parks is known for his powerful images documenting African American life and the civil rights movement. His ability to blend photojournalism with art made his work iconic.

• Story: Parks was the first African American photographer hired by LIFE magazine. He used his camera as a tool for social change, capturing everything from poverty to protests to cultural icons like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali.

• Legacy: Gordon Parks’ legacy goes beyond photography—he was a filmmaker, composer, and writer. His work remains a key influence in both documentary and activist photography.

René Maltête – The Absurd Side of Street Photography

• Style: René Maltête is best known for his ability to capture the unexpected and humorous moments in everyday life. His photography uses irony, playfulness, and clever visual juxtapositions to reveal the lighter side of the streets.

• Story: Born in 1930 in the small town of Lamballe, France, René Maltête developed an early love for both photography and humour. In 1951, he moved to Paris with a camera in hand and a vision of capturing life’s absurdities.

• Legacy: René Maltête’s work remains a testament to how street photography can transcend documentary realism and enter the realm of art and wit. His images show that the streets aren’t just full of drama or deep narratives—they’re also filled with laughter, irony, and a certain charm that can be easily missed. He’s a beloved figure in the world of French street photography, offering an important lesson: never take life (or photography) too seriously. Maltête’s playful eye continues to inspire photographers who seek to find joy and humour in the chaos of the streets. His keen eye for the subtle and ridiculous moments that often go unnoticed made his work stand out in the street photography world. He had a natural talent for timing, capturing fleeting instances of irony or quirkiness—whether it was a man walking with an umbrella shaped like a flower or shadows aligning to create unexpected scenes.

  Maltête believed that humour was a universal language, and he used his camera as a tool to connect with people, making them see the world from a different perspective. His black-and-white images, often composed with simple yet striking visual elements, invite viewers to pause and appreciate the everyday comedy of human life. Maltête didn’t use elaborate setups or staged scenes; instead, he found humour in real moments, giving his work an organic and authentic feel.

Conclusion:

Street photography is a dynamic art form, shaped by visionaries from all corners of the world. From the raw streets of post-war Paris, captured by Henri Cartier-Bresson, to the vibrant alleys of Tokyo, the crowded marketplaces of India, and the bustling urban landscapes of Brazil, street photographers have documented life as it happens. These photographers haven't just mastered the technical aspects of their craft—they’ve used their lenses to challenge social norms, celebrate diversity, and tell stories that transcend language and geography.

Whether it's the energetic rhythm of New York City, the quiet moments in European squares, or the dynamic pulse of African cities, these photographers show us that the streets are alive with stories waiting to be told. Explore their work, dive into their techniques, and let their global perspectives inspire your own journey in street photography.

If you're looking to further develop your street photography skills, consider visiting my mentoring page for personalised guidance and expert advice.