Priit Loog is a well-known actor in Estonia, who, in addition to the busy theater world, keeps “minds and eyes open” on the streets and captures exciting shots.

We asked from Priit, how and what he thinks of street photography, what is a good image for him and what would he recommend to beginner street photographers.

Most people probably know you from theater or cinema. When and how did you discover street photography for yourself?

It kind of happened organically. About six years ago, I rediscovered the hidden photography interest in me, because a child was born into our family and I wanted to capture him more playfully, but as the desire to take pictures grew and actually also the interest in the whole world of photography, I soon found myself on the street. No, I wasn’t kicked out! It was just an environment, where there was always something going on and where I could hang out whenever I wanted. This was like a form of therapy.

What do you think makes a good street photo? How would you explain street photography to an outsider?

You could probably start with what is street photography anyway? For me, a possible definition would probably sound something like this – it is a field of photography that tries to capture the surrounding life situation in an urban environment in an artistic way. Photos will show a person and/or an anthropogenic urban environment.

For me, a good street photo is when I perceive a clear authorial position, a carefully chosen point of view. A photo without unnecessary “noise”.

In addition, a photo should be good technically and it would be great, if a photo has a great generalization ability – it can surprise or contain a secret. It is quite a lot to ask, but very good photos are rare.

You shoot a lot in your hometown Pärnu. Some may think that there is not enough material to get a good street photo (compared to big cities, for example). What would you say to them?

In fact, lately, I have to admit with shame now on the street photography page, I haven’t had much time for street photography. Neither in Pärnu nor elsewhere. This is partly caused by the lack of free time, and on the other hand by a change in the direction of photographic interest at the moment. But that doesn’t mean that I still don’t like to wander the streets from time to time and look around with a wide eye, camera in hand.

But now about taking pictures in Pärnu – yes, in some ways it can be more difficult here at first glance, because there are few people on the move, especially after the summer period. But at the same time, different circumstances, compared to bigger cities, also force you to think differently. I am convinced that great street photography can also be practiced in smaller cities. You have to find your own visual language, your own way of seeing.

You also shoot a lot of still life and more abstract shots. Is it intentional or just evolved that way? What fascinates you about it?

Yes, in some sense it can be said that it has evolved this way, based on my own growth/search on the photography journey, but also based on, for example, the everyday situation in my hometown Pärnu.

This is partly related to the previous question and answer – to try something different. I’m fascinated by “building a frame”, arranging various components into some kind of visual whole.

Who or what has influenced you the most in photography?

My own passion and interest is probably the basis of everything that has influenced me to explore this world. I have definitely been influenced by the teachers whose photography courses I have taken part in. To the greatest extent, probably it has been Kaupo Kikkas.
In addition, the photos & films I´ve seen, exhibitions I have visited, inspiring people etc… everything that somehow feeds the mind. The world of theater, which I am part of every day, definitely has its share. And of course, an experience is a very good teacher and influencer.

What do you usually do or where do you get an inspiration from, when you have the writers block?

I think that then you have to give yourself some time and not rush things or beat yourself up and pressure yourself in the rush of achieving results.

Maybe you should deal with a different topic in terms of photography or not pick up the camera at all for a while. In other words, you should recharge yourself with something good and stimulating – books, theater, sports, music, doing nothing etc.

Speaking of street photography, there can be days or even weeks when “the eyes are closed” – you can roam and dig and search, but no good picture comes… it’s a natural part of the process.

How much do you manage to take pictures in addition to some of your other activities and daily tasks?

Unfortunately, I have to admit that lately I do it quite rarely and even when I have time, then at this point in time I tend to do other type of photography rather then classic street photography. Mainly because one photo project is incomplete and I would like to get it done in the near future. It is related to the Pärnu beach theme outside the summer season.

Do you also put effort into post processing and how much do you use it?

In the case of street and documentary photography, I generally do only the most common post-processing operations – if necessary, I slightly correct the exposure, light temperature, crop the image a little if necessary, and sometimes I add some effects – contrast, texture, color richness.

I generally start from a specific photo and the direction it gives me as to how I would like to see the end result. In terms of post-processing, I guess I don’t have my own recognizable style, or I can’t see it myself and I haven’t paid attention to it. I don’t think heavy post-processing and use of effects make a bad image better, especially to the „skilled eye“, when it comes to street photography.

You have also made trips abroad for the purpose of photography. How has that experience been? Is your approach in such cases somehow different from when you shoot in your home country?

Yes, I have combined mini-vacations with street photography a few times in my life. These experiences have been exciting and educational.

The approach itself is no different from taking pictures at home. I’m still trying to keep my mind open and my eyes open. But based on my experience so far, I have come to realize that since I am not connected to these places in the same way as I am to Estonia, the photos taken there are also missing something. Some layer is missing. It’s like an “alien world”. I don’t know… In any case, I also have a sense of mission, that who else takes pictures of Estonia if not the photographers who live here.

Can you share some tips for beginners?

Learn the technical ABCs first and then shoot, shoot, shoot, learn, search, invent, inspire. Try to be demanding of yourself! For example, if you see an “interesting” person that you would like to capture, don’t just take a quick documenting shot, but try to quickly assess the situation and think about how the shot could be more interesting. Observe how the light is, maybe there is something in the background that would create context, or maybe there is something in the foreground that can be left in the frame and that would add depth to the photo.

Maybe you can add some colours into the frame, maybe you can go lower or higher instead, maybe you don´t need the person in the frame as a whole, but only a part of him/her or maybe only a silhouette, a shadow, a reflection… Maybe you don´t need him in the photo at all, but the woman standing behind him is a lot more interesting.

You can see more photos from Priit Loog on Instagram.