Street Photography Magazine

Photograph the moment, not “the thing” – Richard Morgan

Sep 1, 2023

Richard Morgan, a professional photographer from London, discusses his passion for street photography and his recent article on capturing everyday life in wartime Ukraine. He shares his experiences working with clients, the challenges of portraiture, and techniques for capturing genuine expressions. The podcast also explores his experiences in Russia and Ukraine, the value of revisiting locations in street photography, and the importance of staying in one place for deeper photography.

01:15:17

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Episode guests

Richard Morgan

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Capturing the moments and emotions in a place or event is more important than focusing on the main subject.

Building trust with the subject is vital to capture authentic and powerful portraits.

Revisiting locations in street photography allows for deeper exploration and multiple perspectives of a scene.

Deep dives

Richard Morgan's photography journey began during a language course in Russia

Richard Morgan started his photography journey during a language course in St. Petersburg, Russia. His father gave him an Olympus OM 1N camera with black and white films, and that experience ignited his passion for observing and representing the world through photography.

Introduction

2min

Photography Journey and Lessons Learned

13min

Working with clients and exploring multiculturalism in London

4min

Exploring the Challenges and Approaches to Portraiture

4min

Capturing Genuine Expressions

22min

Everyday Life Amidst War: Capturing the Poetry of Ukraine

12min

Experiences in Russia and Ukraine, upcoming workshops, and the value of revisiting locations in street photography

4min

Staying in One Place for Deeper Photography

15min

Richard Morgan is a professional photographer and photography education from London. He recently authored a powerful article in June 2023 issue of Street Photography Magazine titled The Poetry of Everyday Life in Wartime Ukraine about how life goes on amid the relentless Russian attacks on their country.

His passion for street photography started when he went to Russia to study Eastern European and Russian culture and politics. His father gave him an Olympus OM-1N with several rolls of black and white film, and he began exploring the streets of St. Petersburg with his camera. Over time, he developed his skills and techniques and won the 2018 CBRE Urban Photography of the Year Award.

He has continued to photograph in Poland, Russia, London and most recently in Ukraine, by capturing everyday life during times of conflict and political turmoil.

In his experience with clients, Morgan has learned the importance of adapting his approach to meet their unique needs and expectations. He incorporates a combination of candid street-style photographs, portraits, and mini-documentaries of a particular element of an event to capture a full-bodied reportage. Ed emphasizes the significance of building trust with the subject and finding unique ways to make a portrait stand out, such as getting their hands involved or asking them to show a meaningful tattoo or necklace.

During our conversation Richard said, when in a place or at an event, don’t photograph “the thing”, but the moments that happen around or a result of “the thing.” We talked about a lot during our hour together, but that one comment really struck home.

Ed stresses the value of practice to better photographer. He encourages street photographers to take their time, be patient, and wait for the right moment. He says that If a location is good, but nothing is happening, come back again (and again).