Creating Street Images Through Linkage and Anticipation with David Herman

What makes a street photograph truly stand out? Is it the decisive moment, the composition, or the story it tells? In today’s episode, our guest David Herman and I explore these questions and more. David brings a unique perspective shaped by his background as a former professional photographer and his instinctive understanding of human interaction.

David shares insights on how he finds connections in everyday scenes. As a top-level competitive tennis player, he reflexively anticipates moments before they happen to create powerful, storytelling images.

David is drawn to street photography by the uniqueness of each shot. “Every picture I take, nobody else is ever going to take that picture,” he says. Unlike landscapes, where countless photographers capture similar scenes, street photography offers the thrill of capturing a truly original moment.

He embraces the unpredictable nature of wandering the streets, free from the linear, rational structure of his professional life as an investment banker. This freedom allows him to see and capture the unexpected interactions that make street photography so compelling.

David describes his signature style as capturing “linkage” between subjects and their surroundings. He seeks to connect seemingly unrelated elements within a single frame. This could be the interaction between two people, or the relationship between a subject and a billboard or background element.

He’s not interested in simple portraits. Instead, he prefers the complex interplay of elements that create a story within the image. It’s about those fleeting moments of connection that most of us overlook.

Despite David’s claim of not knowing what he’s going to shoot, his work reveals a disciplined approach. He explains that his experience as a tennis player has honed his ability to anticipate. In tennis, you have to anticipate your opponent’s moves. You have to predict where the ball will go and prepare your response in a split second. This translates directly to street photography.

He sets his camera to a simple point-and-shoot mode (F8 at 1/500th of a second with auto ISO). This way, he doesn’t have to think about the technical aspects. He is ready to capture the action before it unfolds. “Just before the hug, just before the kiss, just before something is, is when I want to shoot,” he explains. He trusts his instincts and hopes the “photo gods” will align the shot.

David acknowledges that luck plays a significant role in street photography. “The photo gods need to help you,” he says. Often, just as he’s about to capture a perfect moment, someone walks into the frame, or something unexpected ruins the shot.

Despite careful anticipation and preparation, the success rate in street photography remains low. Capturing something meaningful requires the world to cooperate. It requires a combination of skill, anticipation, and a healthy dose of luck.

David cites several photographers who have inspired his work, with Sam Abell as his primary influence. He admires Abell’s photography, teaching style, and overall philosophy. He even maintains a friendship with Abell. He values his insights on both photography and life.

David discusses two distinct qualities in photographs: “striking power” and “staying power.” A striking photograph immediately grabs your attention. But a photograph with staying power has a deeper story. It has some suggestiveness or mystery that keeps you thinking about it long after you’ve seen it.

He strives to combine both qualities in his work. He wants to create images that are not only visually compelling but also leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

There is a lot more to unpack from my conversation with David about his approach to street photography that we can all learn from. So, take some quiet time to enjoy my conversation with David Herman