Thoughts and reflections on social documentary and street photography (my own work and that of others). In my work I seek to share and record the so-called ordinary moments in the lives of people I encounter mainly on the street and in urban environments. My approach is essentially humanist and I strive to document the human condition with love, respect, empathy and compassion. Also you can expect the occasional post on me and my life. Reflections on the life of the artist you might say!
An inspired photographer and inspiring too. Do you know what he think is the most important quality for a street photographer to possess? good camera? no. stealth? no. guts? no. zone focusing? no. Here is what he says:
"The main quality you need is love to the people. Be attentive to their actions, have respect them. Commit to capture significant aspects with patience, intelligence, sensitivity"
Love for the people. Exactly
Before tonight I had never heard of Ron Corbin. I can't believe that I haven't come across him or his work before. Such an angel of a human being, he deserves to be known universally. A humble and compassionate person, Corbin is a street photographer of a special kind. His images are not "pretty"; he says so himself. He photographs people in deep distress, caused by substance abuse, street life and the horrors that go with those things. There is beauty here despite the ugliness. It is the beauty that resides in the essence of life, in the souls of us all, regardless of the lives we've lived or are living.
Anyway, I won't detract from this marvellous work by prattling on. You will perhaps be shocked by what you see on this video, but you will be the better for it. I've been humbled tonight, watching Mr Corbin speak and looking closely at his photographs. He photographs the people most of us prefer not to see and from whom we turn away.
