First Street Photos by Mia Collins

First Street Photos explores the origins of street photography, revealing how early photographers captured candid moments of everyday life and offering a unique perspective on social history. Venturing beyond formal studio portraits, these pioneers used technological advancements like portable cameras to document unscripted realities in urban environments. The book highlights how these images shifted image-making from staged representations to capturing the essence of daily life, influencing our understanding of the past and shaping contemporary photographic practices.

This book examines the diverse motivations and approaches of early street photographers, from those documenting poverty to artists finding beauty in the mundane. It addresses critical questions about privacy, representation, and power dynamics, highlighting the ethical considerations inherent in documentary photography.

Structured around core themes, the book progresses through chapters analyzing technological advancements, photographer motivations, and public responses, supported by detailed analyses of specific photographs and historical circumstances. The book argues that early street photography both reflected and shaped the social landscape, challenging purely objective views of photography.

By drawing on primary sources like original photos and photographers' journals, as well as secondary scholarship, First Street Photos offers fresh insights into social agency, empowering both photographers and subjects in shaping the visual narrative of their time, and making it valuable for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.