012: Between the Covers: Figments from the Real World by Garry Winogrand

Between the Covers: Figments from the Real World by Garry Winogrand

There’s something about Garry Winogrand’s photography that hits different. It’s raw, it’s chaotic, and it’s just real. Figments from the Real World isn’t just another photography book—it’s like stepping into his brain, seeing life through his lens. Winogrand didn’t just document the world; he dissected it, made you pause, and asked you to really look.

He wasn’t out here taking “pretty” pictures, and that’s what makes his work resonate. Winogrand photographed like life was an unscripted movie, every frame was messy, loud, and full of characters. Whether it was a random moment in New York or a quiet scene at the zoo, he wasn’t trying to clean it up or make it perfect. He let the imperfection shine, and somehow, that made it perfect.

It reminds me of why I’m drawn to street photography. It’s not about the most polished image; it’s about the feeling, the way it pulls you into a moment, even if you don’t know what’s happening.

Winogrand taught me to trust my instincts. Flipping through this book, you can see how he leaned into the unpredictable. His timing was wild, like he knew exactly when to press the shutter without overthinking it.

But here’s the thing: his work also makes you question. He doesn’t hand you the answers. There’s a sense of “figure it out for yourself” in his images that keeps you coming back to them.

For me, this book isn’t just inspiration, it’s permission. Permission to embrace the chaos, to stop obsessing over the perfect shot, and to let the streets tell their own stories.

If you’re about that street photography life or just love visuals that make you feel something, you need Figments from the Real World. Winogrand’s work is a reminder to stay curious, stay present, and trust the process.

Want to see how I’ve embraced street photography? Check out my gallery here