Photography is the art and practice of capturing images using light and technology. It has the power to freeze a moment in time, convey emotions, and tell stories without words.
Despite the era of smartphone cameras taking over the vast majority of people, nothing can ever beat the feeling of holding a physical camera and taking shots of subjects all around you.
Canon Malaysia Slammed By Malaysians
Recently, Canon Malaysia uploaded a video showcasing street photography by local photographer @mimstreetphotography.
The caption read out “STREET PHOTOGRAPHY” and typically, many would think they’d see some pretty impressive shots of what’s going on around the streets of KL. However, to those who haven’t dived much into photography, the video would certainly attract users as it showcases the brand's EOS RP camera that’s paired up with their EF135mm F2.0L USM lens.
Netizens had called out Canon Malaysia on their social media platforms pointing out that the video they shared was not street photography and many gave their own opinion about the issue.
The issue was brought to light by photojournalist Farhan Akmal who shared a series of opinions on Twitter.
It's disappointing to see the brand ignore the local scene.
— Farhan (@lamkanahraf) March 23, 2023
Supporting the community is essential, not just pushing products.
Street photography is an art form that requires understanding & appreciation. Brands should strive to educate themselves & contribute to the community.
It's time for camera brands to move beyond just selling products and become active members of the artistic communities they serve.
— Farhan (@lamkanahraf) March 23, 2023
Supporting creativity benefits everyone.
In the Facebook post that has now been deleted by Canon, stand-up comedian Prakash Daniel also voiced out his thoughts and called for Canon Malaysia to “stop spoiling the term Street Photography”. He called out the brand for not featuring many other established street photographers in the country and questioned how the brand managed to come up with content that’s pulled out straight from TikTok.
For reference, this is likely the TikTok trend Canon Malaysia was going for:
@ryukstyles Giving smiles 📸❤️ #streetphotography #fyp ♬ lovely - lovely
Netizens Share Divided Opinions On The Video
Although the post has now been deleted from Facebook, Canon Malaysia’s Instagram still has it up but its caption had since been edited to “Is this reel street photography, or something else? What do you think? Comment below!”.
Of course, the negativity didn’t stop on Instagram and many shared their thoughts on the video:
But despite it, some had voiced out and did say that what Canon did is indeed street photography as most of these shots are candid shots in an environment that can’t necessarily be controlled all the time.
What Is Defined As Street Photography?
Street photography is typically known as candid photography. The style is conducted for art or enquiry that features unmediated chances encounters and random incidents within public areas. What makes street photography such a fun topic is how each subject you take always has a story behind the photo which shows the expression of a person during the said moment.
Typically, this type of photography is often taken without the knowledge of the strange which gives the photo the most authentic feel. Even Bloomberg noted that street photographers would not necessarily have a social purpose in mind as they would like to isolate and capture moments that sometimes go unnoticed.
In our opinion, street photography can be about anything and everything. Despite Canon deleting their original post and caption, the debate is certainly an interesting topic but it’s nothing to get mad and point fingers at.
No matter if you’re new or a veteran in the photography world, remember to always shoot what you love as any photo can have a meaning to it.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, Canon Malaysia & various cross-references for context.
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