Oliver Duncan’s street photography journey began with a simple desire: to capture precious moments with his children. What started as a family project grew into an artistic pursuit, with Oliver now finding inspiration in the streets of Toronto.
From the UK to Toronto Streets
Born in the UK, Oliver Duncan found his way to Canada in the early 90s. Now, he calls Toronto his home, sharing it with his two children, who have been the key inspiration behind his photography journey. His venture into photography started in 2013 when his first child, Ollie, was born. "I knew then that I needed to capture every moment and memory," Oliver shares, reflecting on the spontaneous, candid shots that initially drew him to street photography. "It wasn't a specific moment that made me focus on street photography—it just developed naturally over time."
Toronto Through a Street Photographer's Lens
Toronto is not just the city Oliver lives in; it's the inspiration behind his work. As Canada's largest and most populated city, Toronto offers countless opportunities to capture interesting images. For Oliver, what makes it truly special is the unique blend of modern and historical architecture, along with its diverse community. The city, constantly buzzing with activity, continually reveals scenes of people interacting in striking ways with their environment, providing endless moments to capture.
Embrace the mundanity of everyday life and explore new places!
Finding Freedom in the Streets
When asked what he gains from street photography, Oliver emphasizes its therapeutic qualities. "Street photography allows me to decompress from the business and routine of everyday life. Wandering around city streets offers a sense of adventure and spontaneity." To him, street photography is about finding that thrill of the unexpected—of catching life as it happens, free from constraints or careful planning.
Facing Challenges, One Shot at a Time
Of course, street photography isn't without its challenges. Oliver candidly talks about times when creativity seems drained, and nothing feels worthy of a shot. His remedy? Improvisation. "To overcome this, I make it a point to explore new places and improvise my shots rather than planning beforehand." Most of my favorite images are the ones that happened by chance rather than being carefully thought out."
The Timeless Appeal of Black and White
Oliver’s portfolio features both black-and-white and color photography, though he clearly favors black-and-white shots for their depth in tonality and seemingly timeless appearance. While certain images work best in color, he believes black and white strips away distractions, allowing the focus to be on the essence of a moment—something that lies at the heart of his vision as a street photographer.
Advice for Aspiring Street Photographers
For those just getting started in street photography, Oliver has a simple but essential piece of advice: embrace spontaneity. "Improvise and immerse yourself in the spontaneity of the streets for the best shots." "Embrace the mundanity of everyday life and explore new places!" His approach to photography is all about keeping your eyes open to the world, letting the everyday surprises of life inspire you, and making every street corner an opportunity to capture something remarkable.
Oliver Duncan brings an authentic and candid perspective to the streets of Toronto, capturing the heartbeat of the city one frame at a time. His journey—from photographing his children to the unpredictable streets—highlights the joy of spontaneity and the beauty of everyday life.
