Shapes

For Assignment #27, we're turning our attention to the power of shapes in street photography 🔷🔺🟡

From leading lines to sub frames and maybe even shadows? Shapes are everywhere in urban settings. This assignment is about using shape to bring structure and interest to your frame.

What do we want to see?

A street or documentary photograph that plays with shapes in a creative, deliberate way. Think about how geometry appears naturally in your environment and how you can use it to frame, isolate, or amplify your subject.

This could be architectural forms, shadows, repeating patterns, reflections, or anything else that brings a strong shape to the forefront of your photo.

Tips for the assignment:

📐 Find the frame within the frame: Use windows, doorways, mirrors, or signage to frame your subject within another shape.

➡️ Lead the viewer’s eye: Leading lines, especially diagonals and curves, can draw attention to your subject and give your photo a sense of depth

🧱 Look for repetition and rhythm: Repeating shapes or symmetrical elements can lead to a striking street photograph. Can you incorporate geometry in your image?

🔲 Embrace abstraction: don’t be afraid to think outside the box…or square…?

Where do I look for inspiration?

📸 Fan Ho : Masterful use of light and shadow to shape compositions
https://independent-photo.com/news/fan-ho-master-of-photography/

📸 Trent Parke’s play with shape, light and surreal framing
https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/trent-parke/

📸 Henri Cartier-Bresson : The original master of geometry in street photography
https://www.magnumphotos.com/theory-and-practice/henri-cartier-bresson-principles-practice/

📸 Nikos Economopoulos: Clean compositions and strong shapes across everyday scenes
https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/nikos-economopoulos/

📸 Efi Longinou: A modern eye using shadows, geometry and sub frames in the street
https://www.instagram.com/efi_o/?hl=en