There has been much discussion about whether street photography exists as a genre in Estonia or not.

To answer this question, Saue Gymnasium student Jan Rasmus Looja decided to write a research paper on the topic. We asked him about the process and findings.

How did you come up with the idea to write about street photography?

I’ve been interested in photography for a while, and street photography particularly caught my attention. When choosing a research topic, I wanted to explore something I was personally interested in.

I noticed there wasn’t much academic research on Estonian street photography, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to contribute something new.

What was your research methodology?

I interviewed several Estonian street photographers to understand their perspectives and approaches. I also analyzed social media platforms where Estonian street photography is shared.

The research combined qualitative interviews with analysis of photographic works to understand both the practice and the aesthetics of Estonian street photography.

What did you discover?

I found that street photography is indeed practiced in Estonia, though it’s still a relatively small community. Estonian street photographers face unique challenges, including our small population and concerns about privacy.

However, there are passionate photographers who are documenting Estonian street life, and the quality of work is quite high.

What was the most interesting part of this research?

Talking with the photographers themselves was the most valuable part. Everyone had their own philosophy and approach to street photography, and it was fascinating to hear their stories.

I also learned a lot about the technical and ethical aspects of street photography that I hadn’t considered before.

Do you photograph yourself?

Yes, I do photography as a hobby. Working on this research has definitely influenced how I approach photography and made me more interested in trying street photography myself.

Understanding the history and theory behind it has given me a deeper appreciation for the genre.

What advice would you give to someone interested in street photography?

Just start shooting and don’t be afraid to experiment. Street photography is about observing and capturing moments, which takes practice.

Also, be respectful of your subjects and understand the ethical considerations involved in photographing people in public spaces.