Fishing Technique In Street Photography
What is it?
‘Fishing’ or ‘fishing for a shot’ is a term often used in street photography circles to describe a popular technique - one where the photographer has found a composition or scene they like, then waits patiently for the right person/subject to appear within it before firing the shutter.
Quite often in street photography the stage is set, you have your backdrop, but the perfect shot or moment isn’t quite there yet. You have to wait it out, like a predator in a concrete jungle patiently awaiting their prey to come into focus. Allow for the story and actors to come together onto the stage, before that decisive moment when the pieces fit perfectly and you pounce… gently onto the shutter button. Immortalising the moment… if you caught it.
In street photography there is a thrill in the hunt; that’s what keeps us coming back to it.
When should I do it?
Fishing is subjective. Some street photographers rely heavily on 'fishing' for shots, it fits their style. Some prefer the run and gun style of street photography instead - wandering the streets in constant motion, barely breaking stride as they shoot. Then there are those who subscribe to the notion that fishing isn’t ‘true’ street photography at all.
Now, without going down the exhausting rabbit hole of gatekeeping in photography, or the elitist opinions of what constitutes 'real' street photography, let's remember that one of the most famous street photographs of all time was taken with the fishing technique.
Henri Cartier-Bresson - A name synonymous with street photography, reportedly fished for this shot. Case closed.
Fine art photography is all the rage on Instagram right now, and it relies heavily upon fishing. Once photographers have found the perfect architectural scene and contrast, they often wait for a person to pass into the negative space or the right place to complete the image.
My own experience.
I can openly admit a lot of my own photography employs the fishing technique - and it's often out of necessity rather than choice. Being a wheelchair user means I’m not afforded the luxury of snagging a quick shot while on the move. All my pictures are taken with me stationary, brakes on so I don’t roll away, and usually with a composition in mind.
I fished for this shot, and so does everyone else who takes this iconic shot in Manchester.
Like in most art forms, there is no strict right or wrong way to do it, let your results speak for itself. Photography, particularly street photography, sometimes falls into the trap of toxic purism.
If it works for you, and gets you the results you desire, then you don’t owe anyone an explanation or apology. If you have to ‘fish’ to get the shot you want, please, do it without reservation or fear of judgement.
