Basics of fine-art photography/Creating works in humanistic photography

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Papuan family, Amaral village, Western Highlands province
Photo taken on a Papuan expedition

Humanistic photography is a genre that focuses on depicting everyday life of ordinary people, where the author's work directly or indirectly contains optimism, sometimes shades of romance.

General information[edit | edit source]

The origins of the creative direction is usually associated with France of the 30-ies of the XX century; the peak of popularity, during which the genre spread in Europe and beyond — with the postwar period (1945 - 60s).

Intersects with street, genre and, in part, reportage photography (difference: the latter is aimed at depicting specific events, while humanistic photography is not tied to events and dates). Preference is given to black and white tones. Supporters of this genre can be called "poets of the lens".

Ways of implementation[edit | edit source]

How to create works in this genre? There is nothing easier! Take a small backpack with essentials, purchase a ticket to any overseas country (preferably from among the poor), which will be the starting point of your route. Attach an inexpensive compact camera to your belt with a spare set of batteries…

The plots are already waiting for you, just need to be in one or another point of the globe in time, deftly get the camera out of the case, point the lens and press the shutter release button. After return a few months later, go through the footage. In the meantime, carefully review works of textbook author, made in different parts of the world.

Gallery[edit | edit source]



The photos were taken in Papua New Guinea, during another solitary expedition of the author (2013)