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Urban Photography for Sale

In order to define urban photography, it is first important to understand street photography. Street photography typically refers to documentary-like portrait photos of passers-by taken in an urban setting on the spur of the moment. The genre is often associated with the Golden Age of photography which lasted from 1890 to 1970. The great masters of this period include Cartier-Bresson (whose treasured Leica has become an iconic street photography camera), Weegee (known for his images of crime scenes), Robert Doisneau (and his famous 'The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville), William Klein (one of the genre's pioneers known for his focus on children), Vivian Maier, Eugene Atget and many other key names.

As street photography has become a genre of its own, there seems to be a key difference between 'new' and 'traditional' street photography. The subject in street photography has gradually shifted from the street itself to the men and women who occupy the urban space. This photographic technique has allowed some of the great photographers to capture the depth and intensity of certain facial expressions and give their images a strong sense of emotion. Nonetheless, this perspective overlooks certain aspects of the original school of urban photography. Faces and staging have eclipsed urban buildings and their architecture.

Street photography has come to reflect post-modern capitalist society and mass-consumerism where entertainment and immediacy are highly sought after. Although this is not necessarily a negative thing, this cannot be denied and this is what distinguishes it from urban photography.

In a similar way to traditional street photography, urban photography not only tries to freeze people in time but also places. Urban photography captures and enhances buildings and their architecture by playing around with lighting and framing in a way that only professional photographers know how. When we consider that 50% of the world's population now live in cities we can see how each image is instilled with the artist's own opinion of the urban world.

In short, urban photography cannot simply be reduced to street photography; it immortalises urban life with a much broader perspective. It captures everything urban-related; the skyscrapers of Manhattan's skyline are just one example. Passers-by are not necessarily the photograph's main focus; objects are the genre's favourite subject. Much more than just a mere spectator, urban photography is also critical of its society. Artsper has an exclusive selection of works from artists with a shrewd outlook on contemporary society and who want to share their new perspectives on the world around them. Discover the splendid analogue photos of Paris in the 1930s by Roger Schall or Manhattan photography as well as London photographies and get lost in the depth of Gwenaël Bollinger's incredible shots!

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Photography, Matrix City, Tony Lian

Matrix City

Tony Lian

Photography - 60 x 80 x 3 cm Photography - 23.6 x 31.5 x 1.2 inch

£3,148

Photography, 28 Flats, Barry Cawston

28 Flats

Barry Cawston

Photography - 110 x 120 x 2 cm Photography - 43.3 x 47.2 x 0.8 inch

£2,550

Photography, Miles Reza, Noa Grayevsky

Miles Reza

Noa Grayevsky

Photography - 60.69 x 45.72 x 0.5 cm Photography - 23.9 x 18 x 0.2 inch

£1,312

Photography, Havane III, Djamel Djebbour

Havane III

Djamel Djebbour

Photography - 80 x 120 x 3 cm Photography - 31.5 x 47.2 x 1.2 inch

£5,247

Photography, Attente (2), Irène Jonas

Attente (2)

Irène Jonas

Photography - 13 x 19 x 0.1 cm Photography - 5.1 x 7.5 x 0 inch

£437

Photography, Atlanta skyline, Ying Chen

Atlanta skyline

Ying Chen

Photography - 203.2 x 152.4 x 0.3 cm Photography - 80 x 60 x 0.1 inch

£3,072

Photography, Peachtree Street, Ying Chen

Peachtree Street

Ying Chen

Photography - 203.2 x 152.4 x 0.3 cm Photography - 80 x 60 x 0.1 inch

£3,072

Photography, Plaza and viaduct, Ying Chen

Plaza and viaduct

Ying Chen

Photography - 203.2 x 152.4 x 0.3 cm Photography - 80 x 60 x 0.1 inch

£3,072

Photography, Lagos, Thomas Hoeffgen

Lagos

Thomas Hoeffgen

Photography - 41 x 104 x 0.1 cm Photography - 16.1 x 40.9 x 0 inch

£1,749

Photography, Reflets, Dominique Jullien

Reflets

Dominique Jullien

Photography - 13 x 30 x 1 cm Photography - 5.1 x 11.8 x 0.4 inch

£262

Photography, Lightfalls, Wataru Furuta

Lightfalls

Wataru Furuta

Photography - 40 x 80 x 0.2 cm Photography - 15.7 x 31.5 x 0.1 inch

£1,837

Photography, On the road, IV, Tony Harmer

On the road, IV

Tony Harmer

Photography - 76 x 114 x 0.5 cm Photography - 29.9 x 44.9 x 0.2 inch

£787

Photography, Ipanema, Teddy Marks

Ipanema

Teddy Marks

Photography - 60 x 90 cm Photography - 23.6 x 35.4 inch

£1,224

Photography, Getty Center, Teddy Marks

Getty Center

Teddy Marks

Photography - 45.56 x 120 cm Photography - 17.9 x 47.2 inch

£1,224

Photography, Reno, Alain Le Garsmeur

Reno

Alain Le Garsmeur

Photography - 50 x 61 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19.7 x 24 x 0 inch

£743

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Painting, Pink arch, Procach Olesia

Pink arch

Procach Olesia

Painting - 45 x 45 x 2 cm Painting - 17.7 x 17.7 x 0.8 inch

£538

Painting, Chomp Chomp, Rico Sab

Chomp Chomp

Rico Sab

Painting - 130 x 195 x 2.5 cm Painting - 51.2 x 76.8 x 1 inch

£1,924

Need help with Urban Photography ?
What are some tips for capturing the essence of a city through urban photography?

To capture the essence of a city through urban photography, focus on the unique architecture, landmarks, and street scenes. Experiment with different angles and lighting to create a mood that reflects the city's character. Use editing tools to enhance the colors and contrast to make your photos stand out.

How can I find unique and interesting urban photography locations in my city?

To find unique and interesting urban photography locations in your city, start by exploring different neighborhoods and areas. Look for interesting architecture, street art, and landmarks. You can also research online for popular photography spots in your city or ask local photographers for recommendations. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.

What are some common challenges faced by urban photographers and how can they be overcome?

Urban photographers often face challenges such as crowded streets, harsh lighting, and limited shooting locations. To overcome these challenges, they can try shooting during off-peak hours, using reflectors or diffusers to control lighting, and exploring different neighborhoods for unique backdrops. Additionally, investing in high-quality equipment and honing their editing skills can also help urban photographers capture stunning images.

What is urban photography?
Urban photography captures the essence of cities, their architecture, street scenes, and atmospheres. It highlights city life, contrasts, and the aesthetics of urban spaces, often with an artistic or documentary dimension.
What is urbanization photography?
Urbanization photography captures the evolution of cities, their architecture, and the transformation of urban spaces. It highlights the impact of humankind on the landscape, documenting the modernity and social dynamics of cities.
How to take urban photos?
Identify architectural lines, lighting patterns, and everyday scenes to capture the essence of the city. Focus on original angles and vary the times of day to reveal different urban atmospheres.
What is street style photography?
Street-style photography captures the essence of cities, highlighting the architecture, daily life, and energy of urban spaces. It often reflects the cultural diversity and raw aesthetics of urban environments.