Meet Paul Kessel

Some might say you've come to street photography late in life. How did it all start?

I always had a latent interest in photography but except for keeping a camera in a drawer, I rarely acted on it. Shortly after my daughter graduated college, she began working in photography. That stimulated my interest. At the same time, I retired from a career in psychology and because of age and injury, I stopped playing golf (I was an avid competitive golfer for over 50 years). Then when my daughter moved into her own apartment, I was at a loss about how to spend my time. Mostly on a last-minute whim, I wandered into the International Center of Photography, not far from where I lived in New York City, and that became my home base for more than 10 years of nonstop classes.

Initially, I focused on portraits and after a few years discovered street photography, which has been my major activity for about 15 years now. Even most of my dreams involve photography and a frequent nightmare is coming across a magnificent scene and my shutter button will not engage. (No interpretations please.) I became truly addicted to searching for interesting scenes and yearn to shoot all the time.

Do you draw any links between your former career in psychology and your current occupation as a street photographer? Any transferable skills?

I don't think there are significant links between my former career as a clinical psychologist and practicing street photography. Of course, both involve an interest in people, but beyond that, no meaningful links strike me. There is more of a connection between street photography and golf. I won't get into such connections here except to say that I treat street photography as a sport.

What's your ratio of forgettable shots to gems? How do you improve your chances of capturing a gem?

The ratio of "forgettable" shots to "gems" is huge. For myself it is something like 5000:1. Realistically, there may be three to five outstanding photos per year, many failures, and many 'okay' photos as well. The very best street photographers get exceptional pictures more often, but built into street photography is lots of failure. That is why it can become so addictive. I guess there is a connection with my former profession. Intermittent reinforcement is a powerful motivator. I remember learning that. I also know that the quest is more important than the success. But, the best way to achieve more good photos is to be out shooting as much as possible.

New York City is a consistent character in your work. What makes your hometown so photogenic in your eyes?

I believe that anything can be photogenic when in the right light. Probably awareness of light is right up there with making the most of good luck. Most of my photos are in New York City and, over time, one becomes aware of the nature of light in familiar areas. Additionally, I care as much about context as people in the photo.

You have such a painterly eye. Are you drawn to such scenes and compositions?

I have never before been told that my photos are "painterly". If indeed they are, it is largely luck. Luck plays more of a role in street photography than most other kinds of photography. That is primarily because many variables cannot be predicted or controlled. Perhaps one way to describe candid street photography is having the ability to make the most of good luck when it happens.

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