Journal
Street Photography Documentaries
Dive Into the Captivating World of Street Photography
This curated collection of documentaries offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the craft, learn from the masters, and gain a deeper appreciation for this form of art. Some of these insightful documentaries are available for free, while others require a small charge. Regardless, each one is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration that, in our view, is well worth your time. So lean back, settle in, and prepare to be inspired by the unscripted beauty of street photography.
Recommended Documentaries
Free / Freemium
Disclaimer: No guarantee can be given that these documentations will remain free of charge.
Everybody Street by Cheryl Dunn
The captivating documentary “Everybody Street” sheds light on the lives and artistic endeavors of New York’s legendary street photographers, all within the vibrant backdrop of the city that has fueled their creativity for generations. Through a cinematic lens, the film pays homage to the essence of street photography, capturing the exhilarating rush, unwavering determination, and occasional peril that define these artists’ experiences.
Spanning nine decades of street photography, “Everybody Street” delves into the careers and influences of several renowned photographers, including Bruce Davidson, Elliott Erwitt, Jill Freedman, Bruce Gilden, Joel Meyerowitz, Rebecca Lepkoff, Mary Ellen Mark, Jeff Mermelstein, Clayton Patterson, Ricky Powell, Jamel Shabazz, Martha Cooper, and Boogie. Notably, some of these artists have remained undocumented until now. The documentary also features insights from historians Max Kozloff and Luc Sante, providing a comprehensive exploration of this captivating art form.
Tatiana Hopper‘s Youtube-Channel
Tatiana Hopper offers concise yet in-depth presentations on photography in a wide-ranging scheme, including a special playlist on the grand masters of street photography. Their collection includes numerous free videos as well as a curated selection available exclusively to paying members. Immerse yourself in the addicting world of street photography through their insightful presentations!
Paid
“Fill The Frame” by Tim Huynh
In this era of digital dominance and the widespread influence of social media, street photography has surged to unprecedented heights. Yet, there remains untapped potential for this captivating art form to gain broader recognition and appreciation among the masses.
“In No Great Hurry”, Lessons from Saul Leiter
Saul Leiter, a powerful pioneer of color photography, deliberately avoided the lure of fame and fortune. Instead, he found solace in drinking coffee and capturing life through his unique lens. Today, his New York apartment houses a huge pile of exquisite photographic treasures.
The documentary “In No Great Hurry” offers an intimate glimpse into Saul’s world. As he grapples with the triple challenge of decluttering his memory-rich apartment, coming to terms with newfound global recognition from the 1980s and fending off a persistent filmmaker, we witness the complicated layers of his existence.
“Finding Vivian Maier” by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel
“Finding Vivian Maier” stands as a critically acclaimed documentary that unravels the enigma surrounding a mysterious nanny. Vivian Maier, the unassuming caretaker, secretly captured over 100,000 photographs, concealing them away in storage lockers. Decades later, her work emerged, catapulting her into the ranks of the 20th century’s most remarkable photographers.
Bill Cunningham New York
Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue, once remarked, “We all get dressed for Bill.” She joins a chorus of celebrities paying homage to Bill Cunningham, the 87-year-old legend of fashion and style photography. Bill is a fixture at New York’s high-society receptions, yet equally at home on the city streets, capturing the latest trends for his New York Times column. The film celebrating his life is a delightful and poignant love letter to a man who immortalized glamour while living humbly in a tiny room for half a century. Bill Cunningham passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Kontaktabzüge (german)
“Kontaktabzüge”, Contact Prints in english, serve as the photographer’s personal diary—a glimpse into their creative process. In the documentary series “Contact Prints,” they delve into the images and methodologies of today’s eminent photographers, with commentary directly from the artists themselves. The result is a revealing and captivating portrait of their professional journeys. Accompany these photographers, leafing through their contact sheets in pursuit of the perfect image or viewing their prints—a fleeting glimpse into what once caught their eye through the camera’s viewfinder.
