You’d be hard-pressed to find a better description of street photography than that of National Geographic photographer Benjamin Lowy, who described it as, “A harsh name for a beautiful pursuit.” Its purpose? “To tame the chaos. To frame the cacophony of modern life. To capture what it means to be alive.”
While the legality of taking pictures of people (without their express consent) in public to sell as fine art has stirred considerable debate, it continues to be protected under the categorization of artistic expression and free speech. Here are some of the best street photography that Flickr has to offer in its vast pool of talent:
The timing of this photo suggests that angels are all around us. London, UK. Flickr
A child takes in the sights from the best seat on the bus. Venice, Italy.Flickr
The sky is the limit for this skateboarder in Dublin, Ireland.Flickr
The framing of this photo looks as good as putting your feet up feels. Cologne, Germany. Flickr
A ferris wheel glistens against the obsidian sky. Flickr
A woman waits for her ride, solo. Antwerp, Belgium. Flickr
A pedestrian bridges the gap between new and old architecture. Glasgow, Scotland. Flickr
A man is photographed with his best friend. Bremen, Germany.Flickr
Pure joy found near a water sprinkler in Singapore. Flickr
A woman peers from a doorway in Hoi An, Vietnam.Flickr
There's always something to get distracted by when you're out walking in the urban jungle. New York City.Flickr
As this street shot suggests, you are never as alone as you feel.Flickr
A man acts as the living and breathing manifestation of "multi-tasking." Chow Kit Market, Malaysia. Flickr
Negative and positive space convenes in this minimalist photo. Rotterdam, Netherlands. Flickr
A man plays the saxophone to his shadow. Portland, OR.Flickr
A brilliant composition of subject and surroundings. Copenhagen, Denmark. Flickr
People approach a bus in Singapore. Flickr
Photographer John Ragai described this shot: "Portrait of a Smoking Joe and his beautiful smoke amidst his honey dew." Chow Kit Market, Malaysia. - Flickr
A candid moment over coffee. Lucern, Switzerland.Flickr
How many different kinds of stripes can you spot in this image?Flickr
A couple sneaks a kiss in public. Lucerne, Switzerland.Flickr
A toddler ponders street sculpture. Flickr
A man ascends stairs, Zagreb, Croatia. Flickr
A white rabbit entertains people in the streets of Oxford, UK.Flickr
A cafe-goer offers an ambiguous expression. Tel Aviv, Israel.Flickr
A biker catches some air. Flickr
A one sided conversation with a worker in New Delhi. Flickr
Two very different worlds collide on a street corner in Madrid, Spain.Flickr
Reflections of an escalator ride. Flickr
All leading lines point to the man at the end of the tunnel. Flickr
Different generations segregate themselves — but still remain close. Perpignan, South France. Flickr
Next, check out the world's best street art and the breathtaking wildlife photography of Will Burrard-Lucas.
