Lembe is a gentle artistic soul, with whom exciting stories often happen and unexpected moments unfold on the streets. She has photographed both in small villages and in big cities.
Lembe and I discussed a bit about street photography and found out what interesting things has happened to her while taking photos.
How and when did you discover street photography for yourself?
I discovered street photography for myself about seven years ago when I switched from a Canon DSLR to a Sony hybrid. I belonged to a photo group where Airi Leon was also active, and back then I heard from her about the street photography camp in Kuressaare. A very nice group gathered there, and that’s how I slowly started getting to know the topics of the “street”.
What does street photography mean to you? Why are you taking photos on the street?
I used to photograph more in nature, but for a change it’s nice to observe people bustling around. It is especially exciting to photograph older people. I would like to do more street portraits with the person’s own (life) story. I also like this kind of retro approach and experimenting with the analogue photography from time to time.
Who or what has influenced you the most in photography? Do you have role models?
I don’t have any great role models, I still look at the posts of the street photography group in Facebook and participate if possible.
How much do you generally get to photograph on the streets?
I get to take photos on the streets less than I would like. More and more I am in nature, lately I have also been interested in the field of ornithology.
You often come across interesting characters. How do you find them or will they find you?
Finding interesting characters has mostly been pure chance when the camera has been with me. The “best pieces” have still not been photographed.
What has been the most memorable story from these encounters?
With special fondness, I remember a lovely old couple from Tapa, where the husband drove his wife to the grocery store on a Finnish sled. I tried to talk to them in front of the store, complimented that lady´s stylish woolen mittens and asked a permission to take a picute, but then it started snowing and the couple stormed on. I only saw a hand in the snowstorm that came up and waved.
You mostly take photos in Rakvere. How is life there – do you have to focus on the still-life and small town romance or can you find something else?
I like to move around more in rural areas. I rarely go to cities, and that’s why the Riga street photography camp organized last year was a great change for a while.
Is your picture more in color or black and white?
My photos are in color, but if the lighting conditions allow, I have also experimented with black and white.
How much do you spend on photo editing?
My editing is minimal.
Do you have any good tips for beginners?
For a beginner, I would recommend just taking your time and experimenting it in a slow pace, because you never know who will suddenly come „around the corner“ and step in front of the camera. This randomness is actually the most exciting thing about street photography.
Also I gained some wisdom in the photo camp that would be useful for beginners:
- Do research on the destination/subjects!
- Try different heights!
- Take lots of shots (this doesn´t apply yo analogue camera)!
- Long lenses aren´t the only ones to experiment with.
- Be bold and creative!
Could you share the story of how did you get one of your photos?
One cool encounter took place in Lääne-Virumaa, where a ski track had been driven into the field, where I went to ski. That’s where I met a stylish old man. He was skiing with wooden skis and a self made ski poles. So I can say, that you can practice street photography anywhere.
Where one can find your pictures?
I have posted my pictures mainly in the street photography forum (eesti tänavafotograafia foorum) group.
Collection of Lembe´s photos:
