‘Ask the Street Photographer’ - Chloe Sastry
Welcome to the latest in the ‘Ask the Street Photographer’ series, where I ask an amateur street photographer 10 questions about their approach. This week it’s Chloe Sastry in the hot seat . . .
How did you get started as a street photographer - and why?
Having worked for years in the community and mental health sectors, I have always enjoyed observing and capturing the authentic side of people and their environment. I started learning more seriously about street photography by immersing myself in workshops and books over the last three years. For me it is the ultimate practice in quiet mindfulness, allowing me to connect with like-minded people, keep active and constantly learn about the place I’m peacefully wandering in. Creating a picture I am proud of is just a bonus - even if I don’t come away with any good shots that day I will always have had a good time ‘treasure hunting’.
What part does street photography play in your life today?
I go out and shoot as often as Ican, which is inevitably not as often as I'd like. I'm slowly working on a couple of projects in London and a seaside street project which will keep me focused and occupied for a good few years. I'm learning to be more patient with myself and more selective about what I think is a decent shot. At home, I've usually got a book on the go by one of the 'greats'.
How would you describe your photographic style?
At the moment I’m trying to use all that I have absorbed so far to work out what my own style is and what I am trying to say with my photos. I'm easily drawn to light, shadows and rich colours but strive to capture interesting 'moments' within these.
What’s the worst experience you’ve had on the streets?
I don't think I've really had any bad experiences. Occasional awkward moments when someone may have clocked me taking a photo but I use a combination of looking clueless and smiling while slowly wandering off so I tend to get away with it. I'm sure being female helps, I don't seem to be perceived as much of a threat. The worst experience has probably been making the mistake of trying to do street photography with a family member in tow - our ideas of what constitutes a reasonable amount of time to hang around on a cold street are vastly different!
What single thing would improve your street photography?
The magic ability to hold in my mind simultaneously all the things I have learned and absorbed before I press the shutter. This would stop me from being so trigger-happy and would help me make the most of my limited time.
What are your views on analogue/film photography? Do you shoot film - or do you plan to? If not, why not?
I love to use film for street photography and have inherited a couple of inexpensive old film cameras, a Pentax and an Olympus Trip just like the one I started on as a child. It's been a revelation, slowing me down and forcing me to really think and study each composition. Interestingly some of my best shots have been ones I shot on film, probably because I was really concentrating. The cost of film and development are the only things stopping me from doing more of it.
If you could spend the day shooting with one photographer, dead or alive, who would it be?
Joel Meyerowitz - his enthusiasm, and sense of wonder at the world combined with such a sense of calm would I hope be contagious.
Black & white or colour?
Although I enjoy the black and white street photography made by other people, the vast majority of my own work is in colour - the use of black and white is a whole new area I have yet to tackle. I'm wary of just using it for the sake of it - I would need to really consider what I was doing so I could use it to good effect. Learning this is yet another thing on my 'to-do' list.
What gear do you use - and why?
I just use quite an old, pre-loved Fujifilm X100F which I bought from another StreetSnappers Collective member. It's small, lightweight, silent and simple. I’m a big believer in the saying "Cameras don’t take pictures, people do!" I've probably spent more over the years on comfortable walking shoes for being out all day in, to be honest.
What do the next 12 months hold for you?
I've just embarked on a Photography Degree which is keeping me busy and immersing me in photography of all kinds. I'll be focusing on social documentary projects but will be keeping up street photography in my spare time - I plan to keep working on my current project, ‘Monopoly London: Go!’ - aiming to capture colourful human moments in all the diverse locations and scenes included in the Monopoly game. We're planning to move back into central London in a few months' time so that will definitely help with time and logistics.
You can find Chloe at:
Instagram - @groundedstreet | website - www.groundedstreet.com
