Hi, I’m Richard Barman, a street and documentary photographer. I’ve been capturing the world through a lens since 2014, starting with a Nikon D3200 gifted to me by my family.
What began as a fun hobby quickly became a true passion for storytelling.
I’m drawn to the raw energy of urban life, and I love capturing candid moments that tell the stories of the people and places around me. Whether it’s the pulse of the streets or intimate, quiet moments, I aim to freeze time and preserve the unnoticed details of everyday life.
Regarding equipment, my philosophy is simple: use tools that serve the story, not vice versa. I don’t chase the latest trends in technology; I believe in mastering the gear I own to capture the moments that matter.
Following the Nikon D3200, I transitioned to the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. This full-frame DSLR is my workhorse, striking the perfect balance between portability and performance.
Its excellent low-light capabilities and compact design make it ideal for the spontaneous nature of street and documentary photography.
My two primary lenses cover all the creative ground I need. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is my all-purpose lens, offering wide-angle and closer shots versatility. It’s a reliable choice for adapting to unpredictable environments.
When I want to focus on a subject or create soft, dreamy backgrounds, I turn to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. This lightweight lens delivers sharp images and stunning bokeh, making it a favorite for street portraits.
I also enjoy experimenting with my Kodak KB 10 Film Camera, which challenges me to slow down and think more deliberately about composition. The tactile nature of film photography complements my digital work, offering unique textures and tones.
To expand my creative possibilities, I rely on a few essential accessories. My Hiffin 10-Stop Variable ND Filter allows me to experiment with long exposures, even in bright daylight. It’s a versatile tool for capturing motion, such as water flow or clouds’ movement, adding depth to my images.
The Hiffin Polarizer is equally essential, especially for outdoor photography. It reduces glare and enhances color saturation, helping me create visually striking images.
For lighting, I use the Godox TT685-C Flash, a compact but powerful flash unit that helps me fill in shadows and shoot in low-light conditions.
I turn to the DJI Osmo Pocket when capturing movement or dynamic moments. Its built-in gimbal ensures smooth, stabilized video, adding a layer of storytelling to my work that still photography alone can’t achieve.
I also keep an extra battery and a selection of SD cards (2 x 32GB, 1 x 64GB, and 1 x 4GB) to ensure I’m prepared for long shoots.
For editing, I rely on Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
Lightroom is my go-to for organizing and adjusting my photos, from exposure corrections to color grading. I also use custom black-and-white presets I’ve developed over time, ensuring a consistent look across my work.
Adobe Photoshop is indispensable for more complex edits, such as retouching or compositing, offering precision and control to bring my creative vision to life.
Photography, for me, is about storytelling, not the gear. Keeping my kit minimal allows me to move freely, respond quickly to fleeting moments, and focus entirely on the scene before me.
Great photography comes from vision and intent, not from the latest equipment.
Photography has taught me to see the world differently. It’s not just about taking pictures it is about observing, being present, and connecting with the stories unfolding around us.
To aspiring photographers, I would say: don’t let gear dictate your creativity. Use what you have, focus on your vision, and tell the stories that matter.
The magic of photography lies not in the tools but in the moments they capture.
Credit : Source Post
