“Be original! Even though the concept is not.”

The man on the street

According to wikipedia, street photography is: ”Photography that features the human condition within public places and does not necessitate the presence of a street or even the urban environment.”

I don’t know if the wikipedia author had dutch photographer Ricky Siegers in mind, but he or she might as well had. Siegers has an impressive career as an advertisement photographer, but it’s on the street that he really shines. His contributions to the street photography gallery on 1x has inspired countless of visitors, but what inspireres Siegers himself?

“Social life, the diversity of the human race! I am happy to be a witness of the daily social life surrounding me! I don’t have to go and find the action, the action simply happens everyday around me.” 

It all started when he got his first camera from his father, a Kodak matic, or as he describes it himself:

”A small camera with a cool flash”. 

Even though he is working as a professionell photographer, he doesn’t have any formal education. He is mostly self learned and has used literature and the Internet to educate himself in the art of photography. It was the dynamic of human social life that first attracted him to the street genre: 

”My vision is so simple! I like to share the the joy, the sadness, the drama, every funny moment!” 

This passion is also very evident in his work. When asked if he has a favourite photo of his own he simply answers: 

”I don’t have one! I love them all! I made them all with my love and my soul!” 

His work has been exhibited all over the world. Frequently in both his home countries Holland and Indonesia, but also in New york, London, Bagdad and many other places. It was only a matter of time before his work would find its way to 1x. A friend challanged him if he could get his first submition published. An event Siegers recalls joyfully: 

”It got published! And my second, and my third! Then the frustration began!” 

Today, working as a curator, he may have caused some frustration to 1x aspirants himself. When reviewing a photo, he is first and foremost analysing the image story wise: 

”At the first look, I don’t care with technique. That comes after I understand the photo.” 

His best advice for getting published on 1x is well put: 

”I know it’s difficult to do something original and I know we are all influenced by other photographers when looking at their work. Consciously or unconsciously we always follow what we already have seen. But what I like is the different approach! Be original, even though the concept is not.”

"Drop-off laundry service"

"Stuck in holy hooligans ground"

"Falling"

"Peep Show"

"Time Tunnel Transportation!"

"Love in a way"

"Sundown at Marken"

"Hongkong Duck"

"Back to the future"

"Happy feet"