Fred Herzog was born in 1930 in Stuttgart, Germany; he survived World War 2 before emigrating to Canada in 1952. After moving to Vancouver, he worked as a medical photographer, but his passion lay in photographing the everyday life on the streets. Using photography as a personal exploration, he captures scenes that were often overlooked. It’s what makes him have a unique vision in his photos. Herzog’s use of color was unusual in the 1950s and 60s, as fine art photography was considered black and white photos. His photos were appreciated in the 2000s when technology was more advanced and his colored photos could be printed more effectively. Herzog’s style is known for its rich, saturated colors and attention to the details of life. The cameras he used captured the colors in neon signs, stores, cars, and people. Unlike photographs in black and white, Herzog took advantage of colors to make ordinary photos seem significant. His compositions focus on the streets of Vancouver, showing busy people passing by in life. It portrays an atmosphere of nostalgia, community, and transformation.

This photo focuses on the man in the foreground, as he is naturally waving for something nearby. The midground and background are filled with other colors and signs that add more to the photo. It creates a structure/environment for the man doing the action. Through Herzog’s photographs, there are a lot of details, colors, and shapes that create a busy environment on the streets. This has inspired me to find similar points to take photos of at Shine Hills.

Vision:

For my street photography at Shine Hills, I want to incorporate the vibrancy of the people there, as it emphasizes the modern parts of the city. I aim to show different unique signs, colors, and buildings that show the busy lifestyle in China, and also creates a sense of abstractness through the details.

Works Cited: