“My goal is not to celebrate celebrity, but to document our time. The way we live now,” says street style photographer Jonathan Daniel Pryce of his new book, . Shot over five years, the book captures men across all four fashion capitals – New York, London, Paris, Milan – paying tribute to their unique sense of style.
“I like that Jonathan finds characters within each city, the men who put their own unique stamp on a look. His focus isn’t on the perfect way of dressing or obvious trends and statements, it’s about personality,” writes Sir Paul Smith in the foreword.
Rather than the usual reportage approach to street style photography, Pryce’s work is more akin to poetry, with an unerring eye for detail, colour, time and light. “What I see from Jonathan goes beyond the expected,” says Smith. “He gives context; he gives life.”
Pryce’s first project came while at university, inspired by Amy Arbus’s and titled : a fusion of street style and nightclub photography taken in the Scottish city. In 2012, he became “the beard guy” when his Tumblr, , went viral. Since then, he’s been travelling the fashion capitals of the world, commissioned by , and .
Ask yourself why you want to do it first Street style seems like an easy way to access the world of fashion photography, but it is a mature industry, so what can you bring to the table? When shooting, I’m more conscious than ever of telling a story that hasn’t already been told by someone else.
Be aware of the ecosystem
Fashion week is vibrant and exciting, but remember this is still a business. There are editors and stylists who are there to do a job, some of whom have been in it for decades. Respect the subjects and the environment around you. Most importantly, don’t get in the way.
Be prepared to be on your feet for a month
It is physically demanding: working long days, on your feet most of the time. You have to be switched on for long periods of time; to take a good photo requires brain power and sharp eyes, for weeks at a time.
It is a sociable job
I know some photographers choose street photography as a genre because they are shy characters and it’s a way to create an image without much interaction. For me, it’s the opposite. I love the connection; hearing people’s stories in person and translating that into an image.
But it is also weird at times
Street style photography is one of the only types of jobs where I stand side by side with other photographers who’ll be shooting a similar subject. There is a real sense of community – you’re united in this shared love of the creative arts.
Educate yourself and don’t run blindly
Don’t shoot people just because you think they look famous or because others photograph them. I often see a rush of people racing when a car door opens and I know nine times out of 10 I will not get a great photograph under those circumstances. Don’t run blindly: instead, know the designers; know who is doing what and where. Making sure you’re in the right place at the right time helps to create the most considered imagery.
Train your eye
It’s easy to be attracted to the brightest, most sparkly person in the crowd, but that’s not necessarily the most interesting thing that is going on. Train your eye to see personal style, rather than simply seeking out the trends.
Everyone deserves their dignity
This was a quote that a friend told me a few years ago and it really resonates when shooting on the street. We undertake an often unspoken contract when making portraits in a public space and it’s important to remember that everyone deserves respect, regardless of who they are or where they come from. I hope my work has played some role in democratising fashion, while respectfully documenting our time.
Garcon Style