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Film Noir and it’s influence upon Street Photography.

Film Noir was first used during the 1940s and was used to describe the type of American crime drama that portrayed a dark mood.

In more recent times we’ve had the Nordic Noir television detective dramas such as ‘The Killing and ‘The Bridge’. Based around somewhat disturbed characters with underlying personal problems and set in dark and dismal locations.

So, what is Film Noir and how does it translate into Street Photography. It’s more about the visual element for us photographers. The scene can be set at night, maybe on a misty evening and a single character walking the streets. The term Liminal Space comes to mind also. It’s some location that engenders a feeling of unease that something could be amiss. All these elements can add atmosphere to our Street photography. It’s often what isn’t shown that can be all important but what we imagine is in the shadows.

Daniel Sackheim the American film and TV director is an example of a cinematographer turned to still photography and the genre of film noir to enhance his photographs and give them atmosphere:

Director Daniel Sackheim On Noir Photography (Interview)

Daniel Sackheim, Director on True Detective, Shares His Photography