Noah Bamberger
My journey into photography began with a cherished gift from my grandfather: my first camera, a Nikon F. This camera became my own portal to the world of photography, allowing me to connect with people and capture their unique stories. My primary focus is street photography, although I also explore landscape and night photography, bringing a diverse range of scenes to life.
Street photography, for me, is about more than just taking pictures; it's about capturing the essence of people's lives and emotions. One of my most memorable experiences was meeting a wonderful couple near Central Park in New York City. They shared their love story, from meeting in Washington Square Park to their journey together. Through this conversation, I was able to capture their intimate connection in a way that felt profoundly real and raw.
I strive to capture the life stories and emotions of the people in my photographs. By engaging in conversations, I aim to gauge people’s real emotions and capture that raw essence. My approach often begins with a compliment, followed by asking about their life journey and how they arrived at their current place in life. I enjoy having long conversations to truly understand and reflect their stories in my photos.
While it can be intimidating to approach people and difficult to navigate the sensitive issue of photographing homeless individuals without breaching their privacy, I’ve always remained dedicated to my passion. I’ve found 35mm film versatile and ideal for street photography, but my favorite format is 6x6 for its square frame and ease of use. I also appreciate the detailed process of shooting with a 4x5 format, despite its slow and meticulous nature.
Inspired by photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Vivian Maier, I plan to create a more cohesive portfolio focusing on black-and-white photography. I’ve found beauty in places like New York, Paris, Amsterdam, and Sicily, where I’ve been able to capture raw, real emotions that go beyond portraying conventional standards of beauty. My style relies heavily on shadows, light, the rule of thirds, and leading lines to bring attention to often overlooked stories.
I am passionate about bringing light to things that are often ignored and exposing real stories, aiming to break people out of their shells and showcase their authentic selves through my photography.