How to Use Confusion to Improve Your Street Photography

In street photography, we often encounter multiple scenes daily that we might capture without realizing their potential. Many times, we shoot randomly and then try to improve the photo in an editing program by adjusting color, contrast, clarity, etc. Some even think that adding vignettes to the photo solves the problem, but that's not the case. We need to understand what truly captures the viewer's attention.

The Importance of Conveying a Message in Photography

A good photograph should tell a story or at least say something. In the era of social media, where we are used to seeing hundreds of photos a day, standing out is very difficult. It's not just about editing, but about what your image conveys. That's the key.

Confusing the Viewer

When I take a photograph, I always think about whether I'll make the viewer stop to look at it, whether I'll confuse them. Confusion can be a good strategy to make your photo more powerful. But how can we confuse people?

Tips for Creating Confusion in Your Photos

1. Opposite Gazes: A man pointing in one direction while another looks the other way can be confusing.

2. Juxtaposed Gestures: Any gesture of a person that overlaps with something can create confusion.

3. Different Scenes in One Frame: Including different scenes that have no relation to each other in the same frame.

Analysis of a Confusing Photograph

Let's look at this photo as an example. We see a lady seemingly reading what appears to be nothing. Next to her are scrolls with calligraphy, but she’s not reading anything, which creates confusion. This image is a perfect example of how confusion can capture and hold the viewer's attention.

Conclusion

Use these tips for your next photographic adventures, and you'll see how confusion can transform your images. For more tips and analysis, as well as to participate in our courses and workshops, visit Street Photography Academy. See you on the street!