Capturing the Street with Intent
Over the years I have experimented with different cameras to find a way of working that feels natural to me, this process has led me to produce the bulk of my work with the Leica M6 (2022 Reissue) paired with a 35mm Summilux. I prefer using an analogue system because the lack of a screen along with the resulting instant feedback helps me to stay focused and present while photographing.
Using a rangefinder feels intuitive to the street photographs I make as it’s the only system I’ve found that allows me to capture life and movement as quickly and accurately as I need. I tend to use wider focal lengths as I find them less restrictive when potentially capturing events that occur within a split second.
I try to shoot colour and black & white in equal measure. Black & white forces you to focus on subject, light, timing, and composition, bringing that way of seeing back into colour changes how I approach it. Colour becomes something that supports the structure of the image rather than carrying it.
I spend a lot of time reading about the processes of my favourite photographers. Gary Winogrand is a big influence, especially the way he handled the camera while photographing people. My all-time favourite photographer is Joel Meyerowitz, I was fortunate to briefly meet him at an event and his passion for documenting everyday life continues to inspire my own work.
My advice for anyone starting out in photography is to focus on what you find interesting. Your style forms naturally as you spend time photographing the things you are drawn to. Take your camera everywhere and enjoy it.
Eden's kit
About Eden Wells
Eden Wells is a Brighton-based photographer working extensively in London, where he captures the rhythm and character of the city’s streets. With nearly a decade of experience in the photographic industry, his work reflects a refined eye for authentic urban narratives.
A longstanding connection to skateboarding has played a defining role in shaping his visual approach, informing not only his subject matter but also his instinct for timing, movement, and composition. This influence is evident in the candid, dynamic quality of his images, where spontaneity and precision intersect to document everyday life with a distinctive energy.
