My street photography lacks a formula. It is purely an instinctive thing and I am fine with that. I see a form or the idea of one, then shoot.

Looking back though, I do see some patterns emerging.

Seems “The Triple” is a thing.

Three elements of interest in one frame.

They can be three people all acting differently.

Sometimes all doing the same thing.

Sometimes the people are not all people.

The dynamic seems to go something like this;

The point of interest.

This is the obvious eye catcher, often the person nearest the camera or most central (but not always). At the time this may have been what triggered the shot, or the element that completed the idea and provided the pivot point. I am often moving when I take these, so the “shape” is fluid.

The distraction. This is the element that either supports or contrasts with the primary elements.

The discovery.

This is the bit what brings the rule of three into play. This is the person or interaction that surprises or sneaks up on you. The third element is what makes it all work.

Usually the individual elements are mundane, only working because of the full story.

So, how often does this happen?

All of the images above were taken on one day in Harajuku on our first trip to Japan, so yes, I think it is a “thing”.

I love a street image with layers. One hit wonders are strong at first, but almost instantly dismissed. The layers do not have to be deep and meaningful messages, because the subjects all deserve some consideration as they are.