Capturing the moment

The Kiss

When you look in the viewfinder, press the button and you hear the shutter click, that moment is now captured and stored away. One of the things I love the most about street photography is the ability to frame a fleeting moment, an interesting second of daily life for others to see at any point in the future. Some could even say it is a very rudimental way to travel back in time, as, through a photograph, we can document life as it is now for the future generations to see.

And it is the very same ability to stop time to capture a moment or a fleeting second that makes a photo unique. Modern cameras and photography gear certainly help to frame the moment, but, as with everything, it is practice that makes perfect. The more you shoot, the more you’ll be able to notice the interesting details in every day life that would make a good photo. And of course having a camera with you at all times can only help. The camera itself doesn’t need to be professional, as often it’s the story we tell that makes a photo interesting more than how sharp or in focus the shot itself is. If it tells a story that makes you wonder, that makes you ask questions, then it’s probably all you need.

Interesting details can be found anywhere, the more we look, the more we find. This could be on our evening walk, on our commute to work, on the bus we take to meet friends or on the platform waiting for the train to the airport. All it takes is to practice viewing the world through you view finder, looking for interesting compositions, candid moments and compelling subjects - and of course being ready with your finger on the shutter button. This photograph was taken during an evening commute on the tube, on a day like any other. As I stood at the end of the carriage, I noticed a few seats were empty but, since it was only a short journey, I opted to stand up. This also offered a much more interesting visual than just the seat opposite you if you were to sit down. At the following stop, this couple got on and my attention was immediately drawn by the hat the girl was wearing. The bright green colour was unique in itself and I turned my Sony RX100 IV on trying to take a photo of such a curious couple; however, I decided to wait, just to see if this scene in front of me could have got any more interesting. And sure enough, as I discreetly set my focal length and shutter speed, they leant forward towards each other and kissed. I took the photo at f2.8 and 1/400 and 50mm on a 1’’ sensor. And that’s when you appreciate the importance of having a camera with you, even the most basic one. It’s for moments like this, where right there and then you are able to capture such a candid moment, framing all the passion of the kiss, with both of them with their eyes shut, focussing on each other - as if all the other passengers sharing the carriage with them were not present, and, at the same time, all the other passengers, focused on their phones, books or just avoiding the awkward eye contact with other people, appeared to be completely oblivious of such unique moment that will never happen again as it unfolded in front of them; almost as if the couple were in an invisible bubble. Who were they? Was it a second date sort of evening? I wonder who was more longing for that kiss? And even more interestingly, has that kiss led to a more serious relationship?