If there’s one type of photography that can be called authentic and ironic, it would be street photography. Depicting human behavior in a way that makes us laugh takes both a watchful eye and a great sense of timing. One photographer who does this well is Dorset UK-based Paul Russell. His photos have appeared in The Guardian, The Independent and BBC’s own website. Aptly, Russell enjoys this quote by Bob Dylan, “I was just trying to make it like a painting where you can see the different parts but then you also see the whole of it … and you’re never quite sure if the third person is talking or the first person is talking. But as you look at the whole thing, it really doesn’t matter.” Looking through Russell’s photos, you are often left wondering who he’s trying to concentrate on or whose perspective the photo should be in. The beauty of it all, of course, is that it doesn’t matter. You’re able to see several different stories taking place all in one incredibly interesting picture.
Russell is one of 46 photographers profiled in the new Thames & Hudson book Street Photography Now. With over 300 candid photos, the book is chock full of funny, everyday moments. Other photographers featured in the book include familiar names in the field such as Bruce Gilden, Martin Parr, Alex Webb, Raghu Rai and Joel Meyerowitz. If you’re in Cardiff, Wales you can check out some of the best from the book at the Street Photography Now exhibition which is going on until November 14, 2010. More information can be found here or you can watch a preview of the show, here. Paul Russell