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St. Petersburg

Jan 25 2018

My Annually Updated Top 10 Cities for Street Photography (2018)

The number one question I’m asked is “What’s your favorite city for Street Photography?” From friends and family to strangers and emails. The truth is I can’t deal in absolutes or favorites with most anything, especially when it comes to answering that one. There are things I like about most cities that make them memorable in their own way, and there’s too many things dependent for me to pick just one above all for street photography. But I can pick some that personally stand out a little more and tell you why.

So, now that I’m over half way towards my goal of photographing major 100 cities, it’s time for a 2018 installment of my Annually Updated Top 10 Cities for Street Photography. Heading into its 4th year, only cities I’ve photographed so far during my 100 city project are eligible. So, check the list here before you get mad at me for not including cities like NYC or Tokyo yet (They’re coming this year, though).

While last year did bring the most cities covered, and plenty of strong competition, there actually isn’t too many changes to the list this year. A couple of new cities made their way into the Top 10, but the rest proved too solid to get edged out. You can see some of the strongest and most memorable competition from the year here, though. You can also see which cities were edged out from last year’s list here, and we’ll see how much next year’s list changes with even more cities up for inclusion.

My Annually Updated Top 10 Cities for Street Photography

(for 2018)

  1. Istanbul, Turkey
  2. Havana, Cuba
  3. Saint-Petersburg, Russia
  4. London, England
  5. Mumbai vs Kolkata, India
  6. Odessa, Ukraine
  7. Cairo, Egypt
  8. Paris, France
  9. Marrakech, Morocco
  10. Hanoi, Vietnam

1. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul holds a special place in my heart so I might be a little biased here. It was the first of my 100 major cities project, and the jumping off point for this blog and mix of plans and goals I’d set for myself. I lived here much of 2015, so I got to know it better than most cities too, but personal bias aside, I can’t imagine Istanbul not being towards the top of any street photography city list. Istanbul truly has it all. 

Being the capital of three empires helps cram the city with so much to offer a photographer that other cities can’t compare. Culture, history, religion, politics, people, diversity, character, conflict, architecture, sea, sunlight, color, old world, new world, and the list goes on. It’s many worlds of atmosphere packed into one city. It’s no surprise it needs two continents to contain it.

You could live here for years and only touch the surface. The energy and atmosphere of Istanbul is what I miss the most, though. It feels more alive than other cities, with a raw beauty that I haven’t found anywhere else.

Istanbul, Turkey 2015
Istanbul, Turkey 2015
Istanbul, Turkey 2015

2. Havana, Cuba

If you imagined the perfect city for street photography in your head, Havana might be what you’d picture. It’s extremely walkable, full of character, color and life around every corner, as photo friendly as it gets, almost too easy to shoot in, and all with an atmosphere frozen in time. The opportunities for photography are endless here. You can just walk in any direction and explore away.

Havana is also a city that invites you in with the people like not many, so it’s a complete experience for photography. The amount of times I get invited for a drink or even into someone’s home in Havana is something that you don’t experience elsewhere, especially in a large city.

Still, while Havana is no secret among photographers, people question me about it as much as any. “It seems too hyped, over photographed, packed with clichés, every photographer’s destination,…” and so on. And while the old car type clichés of Cuba do deserve caution when here photographing, it’s mostly a bunch of nonsense. You won’t find many photographers that have been here that regret it. Most fall in love just like everyone else. And believe it or not, there’s still plenty to photograph here. So my advice is to just ignore the clichés and get over here as soon as you can.

Havana, Cuba 2017
Havana, Cuba 2016
Havana, Cuba 2017
Havana, Cuba 2016

3. Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Saint-Petersburg is probably the least hyped and talked about city on my list, so why is it up at #3? Because people just don’t know how good it is. Now, the time of year does makes a big difference, but if you go in the summer, it doesn’t get much better for street photography. The winter can be beautiful in its own way too, you just won’t have many hours of light.

The summer in Saint-Petersburg might be my favorite place to be for street photography, though. The sunlight is out 20+ hours a day and the beautiful city is full of life just as long. More than that, though, there’s just something magical about the city. The canals, pastel colors, architecture, bridges, islands, hundreds of parks, and more give it this surreal atmosphere that has to be experienced. The life and people are full of character too. Many people go about their life without any care of what others think, so it’s not uncommon to see older women and men sunbathing in their underwear. At the same time, you have many people who care a lot, so you see a variety of fashion and looks. It’s a big, magical city with a mix of so many things.

Saint-Petersburg, Russia 2016
Saint-Petersburg, Russia 2016
Saint-Petersburg, Russia 2016

4. London, England

London is as well-known as any city in the world, and as famous for street photography as it gets, but sometimes cities don’t live up to their fame. London isn’t one of them.

One of my favorite aspects of London are all the different neighborhoods, each with their own character. It’s like different villages grew until they combined into one large city over time. It isn’t like New York or Tokyo, where skyscrapers dominate over you. London doesn’t feel overwhelming for a city its size. You can spend your days exploring parts of London on foot and get completely different atmospheres when it comes to photography. Some areas are chaotic and crazy, while others are quiet and relaxing. There’s something around every crooked, winding street, and you never know what it will be.

The biggest knock on London is the weather, which I can’t say is undeserved, but if you get some sun, the light here is special and it’s really hard to beat this city. It’s as dynamic and fun to shoot in as it is famous.

London, England 2016
London, England 2016
London, England 2016

5. Mumbai, India vs Kolkata, India

Mumbai was here on last year’s list, but I honestly expected Kolkata to knock it off this year’s list. Having already been to both cities in the past, Kolkata had originally left the best memories for street photography. But after returning to Mumbai in 2016 and Kolkata in 2017, while photographing them more in-depth, Mumbai closed the gap in my mind. It’s difficult to choose between them, as they each bring different pluses and appeal. India is so packed with cities for street photography that I’m just going to include both cities under one, while explaining their different appeals.

Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. If you go by population, Mumbai is the largest city in the world’s second largest country. If you go by money, it’s the wealthiest city in India, but with some of its most extreme poverty. Mumbai is also India’s most diverse, cosmopolitan and westernised city. Basically, Mumbai is everything and more.

Bazaars and temples, colonial architecture and skyscrapers, bay promenades and fishing villages, Asia’s biggest slums and Bollywood stars’ most expensive homes. Mumbai is filled with a variety of scenery and life that rivals any city in the world. It’s filled with an urban energy that consumes you and endless interest that keeps you wanting more. All of this adds up to one of the top cities in the world for street photography.

Mumbai, India 2016
Mumbai, India 2016
Mumbai, India 2016

While not quite as big as Mumbai, Kolkata is still one of India’s biggest cities. Yet, it has a noticeably different, more easy-going and welcoming atmosphere compared to the others. It’s a city made for walking and street photography. While India’s other large cities are more spread out, Kolkata feels like you can walk everywhere. It has a special, old world feeling mixed into a big, urban city. It feels authentic, filled with culture and a chaotic, yet friendly vibe. The colonial-era architecture contrasting with urban slums, it’s also gained a reputation as the most friendly of India’s metropolises. While it might not be as known with the general traveler, it is known among the photography community. It’s made for bringing your camera and exploring away.

If I really had to choose between the two, I’d say Kolkata is easier and more enjoyable for a shorter visit, while Mumbai provides more variety and interest the more time you have. They’re both as good as gets for street photography, though.

Kolkata, India 2017
Kolkata, India 2017
Kolkata, India 2017

6. Odessa, Ukraine

I have to include a city from Ukraine, one of my favorite countries in the world for street photography. Kiev and Lviv both get high recommendations too, but if I had to choose one, it would be Odessa. I included it in last year’s list, but actually returned again since, which only cemented its place as a personal favorite.

I went to Ukraine for the first time in 2015 and fell in love. So much so that I’ve returned both years since. I like places that feel authentic, are full of character and mood, while being a little rough around the edges. Ukraine is all this more than any place I’ve been. There’s nothing fake about the atmosphere and it doesn’t feel over photographed. It’s more untouched, while still being a large country with plenty going on. And the markets are the best you’ll find anywhere. Odessa’s Privoz Market is no exception.

Odessa provides this atmosphere that I love, but adds the Black Sea and more. It’s become the country’s top vacation getaway with beaches that fill up during the summer. The city is filled with history and character, while being extremely walkable. You can enjoy the pedestrian streets, old courtyards, parks, and markets in the city, and then take a walk to the beaches to enjoy the very unique character, and characters, that fill it. They aren’t the typical tourist beaches you might be used to, either, which provides even more interest for street photography.

Odessa, Ukraine 2016
Odessa, Ukraine 2016
Odessa, Ukraine 2016

7. Cairo, Egypt

It doesn’t get any bigger or historic on the list than this ancient city turned chaotic metropolis. At 22 million people, this urban sprawl famous for the pyramids is packed with history, crumbling character, chaos, and endless neighborhoods to explore. Cairo has a one of kind atmosphere making it a special place for street photography. Even its signature golden brown hue becomes part of its photogenic charm. 

Cairo might not have a reputation as the cleanest, quietest city, and there are touts and hassle to endure, but it’s more than worth it here. It’s also not as overly tourist crazy as it used to be, making the hassle and distractions a little less, and the authenticity even stronger. With Cairo’s sheer size, buzzing streets, and variety of interest, it provides endless opportunities for exploring without ever losing inspiration. It might be a little more for the adventurous and bold than other cities on the list, but it’s a city I immediately want to return to as soon as I leave. There’s just too much to miss as a photographer.

Cairo, Egypt 2017
Cairo, Egypt 2017
Cairo, Egypt 2017

8. Paris, France

The city credited by many as the birthplace of street photography would be hard to leave off my list. When thinking of the classic black and white street photos from the past, scenes of Paris come to mind first for many. That’s a lot of hype to live up to when times change and the city is photographed as much as Paris, but for me, it still doesn’t disappoint.

There’s a lot more to Paris than the classic romanticized image of the city, though. The center of Paris, especially around streets like Rue de Rivoli, provides plenty of that classic picturesque street photography atmosphere, which is what will attract many photographers. And of course there’s the impressive parks like the Tuileries Garden, the scenic Seine River and all the famous architecture. All of these spots provide the atmosphere that makes Paris one of the most visited cities in the world, and why it’s so photographed, but what puts it on the list for me is how it also provides a much different atmosphere in many places.

Paris isn’t all beauty and romance. It’s also one of the edgier cities in Europe. This edginess in many areas does come with some negatives, but it also brings character, interest, a different atmosphere, and, in my opinion, photo opportunities that are very different from the clichés you might relate to Paris. It’s a city with a lot to offer, on both sides of the spectrum when it comes to your definition of beauty.

Paris, France 2016
Paris, France 2016
Paris, France 2016

9. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is probably the most challenging street photography city on the list, but it more than makes up for it in photo opportunities and atmosphere. It’s one of the more interesting cities for street photography that I’ve been to, not only for the rich variety of life and scenes to capture, but also for this challenge that it brings. While comparatively, not a photography friendly city, it is one of the most photogenic cities you’ll find. Many photographers come here for that reason, but leave frustrated if they’re not prepared for the challenge. You have to be on your game if you want to get close, candid shots.

If you’re ready, though, you’ll be rewarded with all the life, colors, chaos, atmosphere, unique charm, and more that Marrakech has to offer. It’s chaotic, full of touristic hassling and haggling, and comes with some challenge, but as far as non-stop photo opportunities, it ranks as one of the best cities I’ve been too. There’s so much happening everywhere, so many characters and interesting people, so much color and beautiful scenery, and it’s all mixed in with a unique look that is all Marrakech. And that beautiful sun is always above making sure you have no excuse not to go out and capture some that.

Marrakech, Morocco 2016
Marrakech, Morocco 2016
Marrakech, Morocco 2016

10. Hanoi, Vietnam

I’ve been based in Ho Chi Minh City since 2016 and love the city, but when it comes strictly to street photography, I have to be honest, Hanoi is even better. Vietnam’s capital has endless character, charm, plenty of places to shoot, some of the most photography friendly people you’ll meet, and packs this all into a very walk friendly city. Being thousands of years old, you feel the city’s age when exploring the streets. It can feel almost like groups of villages packed into one big city with the authentic, old world atmosphere it exudes.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)  is a great city which some photographers might prefer, but Hanoi is so much older and filled with even more character. They share many similarities, including the friendliness of the people, but Saigon is a little more polished, urban and spread out, while Hanoi is more walkable and gives a little more of the exotic. If big city skyscrapers and development are your preference, then Saigon might win out, but for me, Hanoi has a very attractive blend of big city and old world. Both cities are highly recommended, though, so visit both and decide for yourself.

Hanoi, Vietnam 2016
Hanoi, Vietnam 2016
Hanoi, Vietnam 2016

 

For 2018, I have plans to photograph around 30 more major cities across 4 continents so we’ll see how this list gets shaken up next year, but with 66 cities down already, every one of these cities comes highly recommended and are sure to provide an amazing experience for street photography, and more. (To see what cities I have tentatively planned for this year, check here.)

 

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Asia, Cairo, Cuba, Eastern Europe, Egypt, England, Featured File, Files, France, Hanoi, Havana, Ho Chi Minh City, India, Kolkata, Lists, Marrakech, Morocco, Mumbai, Odessa, Paris, Russia, Shooter Files Series, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam

Jan 02 2018

50 Street Photography Photos From 2017

Time for the New Year’s tradition here and share some photos from the old year to bring in the new.

While 2016 had been my busiest year yet on the road working on my 100 cities project, 2017 was even busier. I was on the road non-stop, clocking in at over 5,000 miles walked while covering 33 cities, including 26 major cities for the project. I started in city #41 Quito, Ecuador and finished in #66 Mexico City, Mexico, leaving 34 major cities left to do. I’m attempting to make 2018 even busier so I can get most of it finished before I start working on the book in 2019. 

While focusing on the project, I was still able to make it to a few street photography festivals this year, including the London SP Festival as a judge and the Miami SP Festival as a guest artist speaker, which were great experiences. In addition, I led some successful workshops in London, Budapest and Havana, and plan on doing more in 2018. All in all, it was an extremely busy year with its share of downs and setbacks, but it’s only made me more determined to make this all work. The blog had a busy year growing too, as it’s now ranked #2 in the world in the street photography genre on feedspot. I have more plans for the blog this year, which I’ll share soon, but for now, thank you to everyone that’s been following along!

One thing I did decide this year was not to share all of my favorite photos yet, as I want the future book to be at least a third never seen work. Still, with such a busy year of street photography, walking an average of 15 miles/22km per day year-round, I have more than enough to share now too. So, here’s 50 photos from the year that take you through all 33 cities I photographed in 2017. It’s not a top 50 of my favorites, but some selections to share for now in bringing on 2018. So, I hope you enjoy. 

Happy New Year to all and Cheers to 2018!

– Forrest

50 Street Photography Photos From 2017

(in order of capture date)  [Read more…] about 50 Street Photography Photos From 2017

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: 33 Street Photos, Addis Ababa, Africa, Almaty, Asia, Bangladesh, Beirut, Bogota, Bucharest, Cairo, Cape Town, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Delhi, Dhaka, Dire Dawa, Dominican Republic, Eastern Europe, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Ethiopia, Europe, Featured File, Files, Haiti, Hanoi, Harar, Havana, Ho Chi Minh City, India, Izmir, Johannesburg, Kazakhstan, Kolkata, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, London, Macedonia, Medellin, Mexico, Mexico City, Odessa, Photo Projects, Photos, Port-au-prince, Puerto Rico, Quito, Riga, Romania, Russia, Saigon, San Juan, Santo Domingo, Seoul, Shooter Files Series, Shot of the Week, Skopje, South Africa, South Korea, Soweto, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography, Tunis, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Varanasi, Vietnam, Zagreb

Apr 23 2017

Street Shot Sundays
Photo of the Week:
“Raised Bridge”

Street Shot Sundays Story & Stats

Story:

This Sunday’s Street Shot of the Week was taken at the Troitskiy Bridge in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. It was the day of the Scarlet Sails celebration during the White Nights Festival and I was walking to Hare Island to be in the middle of it all. The White Nights Festival is many weeks long, but on the Saturday nearest the longest day of the year, the biggest celebration happens. It’s also become the day of celebration for graduates and at night, they shoot off fireworks with a massive water show that includes an old ship with scarlet red sails.

Unfortunately, when I walked to Troitskiy Bridge to cross over to the action, they’d raised this bridge all day in anticipation of the ships. Little did I know, after walking multiple kilometers over to cross the next bridge, I’d soon run into a large graduation party/drunk fight that would pull me into the river and end the rest of my day with a wet camera (which did luckily dry 2 days later). More on that here, but the one positive from that raised bridge detour was it gave me this photo above. 

After initial disappointment from seeing the bridge raised, it did give an interesting backdrop, reminiscent of the movie “Inception.” Then below, I saw this woman getting out of her oddly parked van. I noticed her dress matched the other van in color, which stood out nicely with the blue and gray tones from the rest of the scene. So when she put her foot up to fix her shoe, I captured this shot. An hour later I was fully submerged in the river, camera and all, but at least I got a photo out of it all.

Stats:

Camera: Fujifilm Xpro1
Lens: Fujinon XF 18mm 
Focal Length: 18mm (27mm full frame equivalent)
Aperture: f/13
Shutter Speed: 1/500
ISO: 800

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Files, Russia, Shooter Files Series, Shot of the Week, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Street Shot Sundays, Travel Photography

Apr 09 2017

Street Shot Sundays
Photo of the Week:
“Bathing Suits”

Street Shot Sundays Story & Stats

Story:

This Sunday’s Street Shot of the Week was taken at Zayachy Island in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I’ve already written about Zayachy Island, also known as “Hare Island,” and even put together a photo series from it here. In the summer, this is one of my favorite places to come shoot because of all the interesting activity it attracts in a unique setting.

A section of the small island is covered in grass and this is where many people come to lay out in the sun. It was the peak weekend during the White Nights Festival, when the days last the longest and the celebration is the biggest. It’s also become the time for graduates to celebrate. You’ll see university students all over the city dressed up in suits and dresses partying and celebrating from day to night. 

I was walking through this grass field when I noticed this couple laying under the sun. Due to the day, his outfit, and her flowers, my guess is they were a young couple that had been celebrating their graduation. Of course, what interested me in the scene was him being dressed in a suit, while she lay next to him in a bathing suit. The old, soviet era blanket and her flowers added interest too. So I walked up and quickly captured the shot. There’s a timelessness you find in Eastern Europe that you don’t find elsewhere and it’s one of the many reasons I love coming here for photography.

Stats:

Camera: Fujifilm Xpro1
Lens: Fujinon XF 18mm 
Focal Length: 18mm (27mm full frame equivalent)
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/500
ISO: 800

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Files, Russia, Shooter Files Series, Shot of the Week, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Street Shot Sundays, Travel Photography

Mar 22 2017

20 Questions in Saint-Petersburg, Russia with Ilya Shtutsa

*A new interview series with a play on “20 questions,” where I try to mix it up with different questions. Some serious, some not so much. I’ll also be focusing the series on some of the best street photographers from the cities I visit around the world during my 100 Cities project.

At the beginning of last summer, I spent a couple of weeks in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. The White Nights Festival falls during the summer, when the long days of sunlight bring the beautiful city to life, making it an amazing time to visit this remarkable city. It ended up being one of my favorite cities I’ve visited during my 100 cities project so far, and also gave me the chance to meet and go shooting with local photographer Ilya Shtutsa.

Ilya is a member of the Observe Collective and his work is an excellent representation of the magic this city has to offer street photography. Finding the extraordinary from the ordinary is an overused saying in this genre, but that is exactly what he does. His scenes have a sometimes surreal, almost magical, look to them. Ilya captures complex and interesting, often unusual, scenes from daily life in Saint-Petersburg. They’re scenes you probably haven’t seen before and they’re captured with an interest in light and color that really brings them to life. There’s plenty to look at, with a painting like quality to it all in many of his images. 

So now to learn more about him, it’s time for 20 Questions in Saint-Petersburg, Russia with Ilya Shtutsa…

[Read more…] about 20 Questions in Saint-Petersburg, Russia with Ilya Shtutsa

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: 20 Questions, Featured File, Files, Interviews, Russia, Shooter Files Series, St. Petersburg, Street Photography

Mar 16 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker:
A Street Photography Guide to
Saint-Petersburg, Russia

saint-petersburg-guide-cover

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. All with plenty of candid photos to get a feeling of the city for photography. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

Saint-Petersburg

[Read more…] about City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: City Street Guides, Featured File, Files, Guides, Russia, Shooter Files Series, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Mar 12 2017

Street Shot Sundays
Photo of the Week:
“Pigeon, Peter and Paul Fortress”

Street Shot Sundays Story & Stats

Story:

This Sunday’s Street Shot of the Week was taken at Peter and Paul Fortress in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Zayachy Island, also known as “Hare Island,” is a very small island in the center of Saint-Petersburg connected by two pedestrian bridges. In 1703, Peter the Great began construction of the Peter and Paul fortress here, which is a big tourist draw today. The shore surrounding the fortress wall is also a draw for the locals too, though. Especially in the summer.

Since the large stone wall faces the sun, it heats up and becomes a warm spot for locals to lay against in relaxation while they sunbathe. Combined with the mix of characters it attracts, it can create a very interesting, slightly surreal scene. People walk around the cobblestone shore, locals sunbathe, and pigeons come hoping for feed.

With so much interest here, I took plenty of photos, but for this one I noticed the man on the right kept waving a pigeon away. Since there was still feed on the ground, the pigeon kept returning. I took a few shots of this scene, but just as the man finally gave up, a girl came walking in-between us. She startled the pigeon, who then startled her, as she brought her hand back and the bird quickly flew away. It was an instant reaction shot as the action happened so fast, but luckily I caught something. This wall attracts some interesting scenes to say the least.

Stats:

Camera: Fujifilm Xpro1
Lens: Fujinon XF 18mm
Focal Length: 18mm (27mm full frame equivalent)
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/1000
ISO: 800

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Files, Russia, Shooter Files Series, Shot of the Week, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Street Shot Sundays, Travel Photography

Jan 23 2017

Hare Island: Summer in Saint-Petersburg, Russia

hare-island-cover

Summer on Hare Island

If I was to pick my favorite city I visited this year for photography, it might be Saint-Petersburg, Russia. While maybe surprising to some with all the cities I visited in 2016, most of those surprised probably haven’t been. Saint-Petersburg is a special city unlike any other. 

It was actually my second time in the city, but my first time visiting during the summer. And if you’re planning on visiting, the time of the year makes a big difference. With its location so high north, the length of the days range greatly depending on the month. So not only is the weather much better during the summer, the daylight also lasts 20+ hours. On top of that, the city really comes alive once June hits.

Zayachy Island

Saint-Petersburg was originally built on 101 islands. After some engineering in the early 20th century, it was reduced down to 42 islands connected to each other by bridges and canals. This is a big part of what gives the city such a beautiful, interesting and unique atmosphere.  

hare-island-shooter-files-17
Hare Island from across the river

Zayachy Island, also known as “Hare Island,” is a very small island in the center of Saint-Petersburg connected by two pedestrian bridges. In 1703, Peter the Great began construction of the Peter and Paul fortress here, which is a big tourist draw today. The grass, sand and stone surrounding the fortress is also a popular spot for the locals, especially in the summer. They come to lay out in the sun, take a dip in the water and enjoy the city view by the river. 

The large grass area fills up with activity, but the most interesting spot is around the fortress where you’ll find a more secluded area with a large fort wall and stone shore. Since the wall faces the sun, it heats up and becomes a warm spot for locals to lay against in relaxation. Combined with the mix of characters it attracts, it can create a very interesting, slightly surreal scene. I found it so unique that I came back here multiple times during my visit to Saint-Petersburg.

Here’s a short series of photos I made while experiencing some of Saint-Petersburg’s summer heat on Hare Island.

hare-island-shooter-files-14 hare-island-shooter-files-5hare-island-shooter-files-13hare-island-shooter-files-1hare-island-shooter-files-2hare-island-shooter-files-24 hare-island-shooter-files-3hare-island-shooter-files-19hare-island-shooter-files-20hare-island-shooter-files-6hare-island-shooter-files-8 hare-island-shooter-files-4 hare-island-shooter-files-7hare-island-shooter-files-12hare-island-shooter-files-21hare-island-shooter-files-25hare-island-shooter-files-22hare-island-shooter-files-9 hare-island-shooter-files-10hare-island-shooter-files-28hare-island-shooter-files-16hare-island-shooter-files-26

 

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Featured File, Files, Photo Projects, Photos, Russia, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Jan 18 2017

33 Street Photography Photos from One Week in Saint-Petersburg, Russia

saint-petersburg-33-cover

I don’t hide my love for Saint-Petersburg, Russia. If you asked me to pick 3 cities anywhere in the world that I’d like to return for street photography, Saint-Petersburg would make the cut without hesitation. So much so that I do plan on returning for a longer stay this year.

While I’d been before, this last visit was my first time during the summer. The 20+ hours of sunlight and warmer weather really brings the beautiful city to life, and all the character it contains. I could go on and on about all the things I love about the city, but I’ll save that for other posts. This one is about the photos.

So here’s 33 photos that I was able to capture during my time in Saint-Petersburg…

[Read more…] about 33 Street Photography Photos from One Week in Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: 33 Street Photos, Featured File, Files, Photos, Russia, Shooter Files Series, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Dec 05 2016

7 First Impressions of Saint-Petersburg, Russia
(From a Street Photography Perspective)

saint-petersburg-impressions-cover

One of the most common questions I get is “what is my favorite city for street photography?” I find positives and things I like and miss in every city I go to. Cities are different and it’s impossible for me to name one best city. But I do have a few that stick out in my memory and Saint-Petersburg is one of them. It’s also the city that causes many people the biggest surprise when I mention it. While they know all about cities like Istanbul, London or Havana, they usually ask me to explain “Why Saint-Petersburg?” 

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Well, there’s just something magical about Saint-Petersburg. The canals, pastel colors, incredible architecture, bridges, islands, hundreds of parks, and more give it this atmosphere that has to be experienced. The life and people are full of character too, but it’s a diverse mix of character. 

For more details behind some of what I love about this city, here are my first impressions of Saint-Petersburg, from a personal street photographer perspective…

[Read more…] about 7 First Impressions of Saint-Petersburg, Russia (From a Street Photography Perspective)

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Featured File, Files, First Impressions, Russia, Shooter Files Series, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

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