Juleah Claar on Mastering the Irreplaceable Moment in Her Photographs and Her Rise as a Street Photography Sensation Who Sees What Others Miss
An Exclusive Interview with Pure Street Photography
Through courage, curiosity, and creative grit, Claar reveals how embracing imperfection, trusting your eye, and showing up for the moment can transform not just your photography—but your life.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
1/04/2025
(c) Juleah Claar
(c) Juleah Claar
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
Please, call me Leah! I am an American photographer living in Switzerland. My little family moved from Kansas to the Zurich area on a work assignment for my husband that was supposed to last three years, and eight-and-a-half years later, we are still here! My first experience with photography was in highschool in the late 90s, where I took an elective class. The class taught me basic skills and how to develop my own film, but what I fell in love with was the process and bringing my pictures to life. However, it wasn’t until 20+ years later that I made it my professional business.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
Actually, one of my very first assignments in that highschool photography class was taking a “bird’s eye view” picture, and it is still one of my favorites to this day. Officially, this was my very first attempt at street photography. Street photography was not really a genre we talked about as students. I pretty much put the camera away after that highschool semester ended, went to college shortly thereafter, and got a degree in Anthropology (the study of people and culture).
That being said, I really discovered my passion for street photography in 2017, after moving to Switzerland. I joined Instagram around that same time, and the first street photo I posted after making my account public (taken with my phone), was immediately picked up by a Zurich tourism website.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
For me, street photography is the most honest way of taking photos. No moment is staged, you capture it exactly as it is, or you miss it and the moment is gone. People often tell me that I have a talent for creating special perspectives in everyday ordinary places. My approach is to try and photograph a scene differently than anyone else would, a fresh take on a typical location that people would normally walk right by.
I love using a normal person as a character and part of the compostion in my photos. I am always moving around and do a lot of shooting from the hip. Life and situations aren’t perfect, and my style is about finding the beauty in embracing that imperfection. I photograph people going about their normal lives. Many times, the people in my shots are not the main focus, but rather silhouettes or with something obscuring their faces. I appreciate a strong profile or shapes in the frame to add depth, dimension or balance, or just offer a point of interest. Lines, shapes, patterns, mirroring, a sense of movement, reflections and an artistic use of light and shadow keep me shooting for hours at a time!
(c) Juleah Claar
(c) Juleah Claar
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
I try to get out and photograph several times a week. Sometimes in Zurich, where I live, and sometimes traveling to other cities and villages. I often take my camera with me when I leave home, because you never know when a scene will catch your eye. I like to challenge myself by always having new personal projects with creative constraints in the pipeline. This continually pushes my artistic and technical boundaries. For example, I am currently working on layering images (digital and film) to create double exposures, post-production. I enjoy learning new skills. There is no growth when you remain in your comfort zone.
My routine is not just limited to the photography aspect, as I also have a print business. A significant amount of my time is spent keeping my website fresh, editing photos, creating prints for customers, doing custom orders and client photo sessions, shipping artwork, and building connections with other photographers, galleries, and clubs.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
I shoot digital and film and have contined to add to my collection of cameras over the years. As for digital, I started with a Nikon D5500 and later moved to the D7500. However, I almost exclusively shoot with my Sony a7iii now. I just recently added the very small Ricoh GR iii to my arsenal, as I have heard wonderful things about it for street. It is super compact and people don’t notice it as much as they do when I have my bigger Sony pointed their way.
For film, I love finding vintage cameras online or at my local camera shop. My Minolta X-700 is my trusty sidekick and never lets me down. I have also used a Yashica FR-1 (it has a pretty severe light leak, which could also be considered a cool creative side effect), Canon AE-1, Canon EOS IX7 (unfortunately now dead), and Canon Prima Super 115.
As I mentioned before, street is about capturing the moment before it is gone. So in a pinch, I also have been known to take an iphone photo every now and again.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
I don’t really subscribe to the idea that there are challenges on the street! Sure, you may have to deal with an angry person here or there, but it has not been too often that people approach me in a super negative manner. The weather could also be construed as a challenge, but I actually prefer tricky weather conditions for shooting. The rain is my favorite and has produced some of my best shots. In my opinion, umbrellas can only improve the composition.
As long as you’re dressed appropriately and have all the gear you need, there are no limitations. I understand that I am lucky to live in Zurich where I feel safe, even alone at night. This isn’t the case the world over. But even here in Switzerland, I would recommend turning off the shutter noise on your camera if possible.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
When I capture an amazing picture, I sometimes wish I could track down the person/people in my shot and give them a copy! I have actually had a couple people recognize themselves in my photos on Instagram and reach out to me for copies. Once in awhile, I will ask people on the street if I can photograph them, in exchange for sending them a couple shots after. Most of the time, though, I am using people on the street to give a creative element to the shot, so you may not even see their faces.
(c) Juleah Claar
(c) Juleah Claar
(c) Juleah Claar
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
I think the biggest misconception is that any shot taken on the street is considered street photography. It is true, a lot of street photography does happen on the street, but that’s not what makes it special. Street photography is capturing a poignant encounter or fleeting moment no matter where you are. To me, it’s a feeling. It is recording a moment that sparks interest, makes people want to look twice, and will never be recreated. Street potography may seem more raw, but it is still art. Composition, timing, light, and inclusive elements matter.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
I actually wrote an article on this in 2020. My favorite elements to capture in a street photograph incorporate several elements: the light and shadow have to be right; the weather and mood contribute so much to the shot; your camera settings have to make sense for the scene – is it night, day, is there movement, do you want to freeze the action…? Your subject and aesthetic need to fit the elements above. I don’t stage anything. I only take candid shots of people going about their everyday business. After all, street is not posed, but natural. You don’t have to wait for people to do anything exceptional.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
Social media has changed so much over the past 10 years, and there are now millions of people all throwing their work at the wall to see what sticks. I am an old soul and appreciate the time before all the technology took over, but also understand that technology can be a wonderful tool for connection, engagement and growth. Social media is a double-edged sword. It cultivates a platform of creative sharing, but this also leads to immitation.
Many of my successes are attributed to social media. As of today, I have been featured by over 150 social media, tourism and business accounts. Through the exposure on social media, I have been lucky enough to win some pretty awesome contests, been published on several platforms, both digital and print, and even had a photo chosen for a drawing contest! This was one of the most flattering things that has happened to me - seeing my picture interpreted by over 100 talented global artists.
All I can say is stay true to your aesthetic, your creative vision, and ultimately yourself. In a social media world full of artists, find a group of people to help push you. Whether that’s a membership (like PSP), a local club that does photowalks, an online platform where you share your work and get inspiration, or a photography school to help you push past your discomfort and truly understand all the ins and outs of the camera and photography as an artform.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
Absolutely! I sell the most amazing fine art prints. Many are limited edition. You can shop here: juleahclaar.com > SHOP. Currently, I also sell exclusive signed and framed fine art photo prints at my local gallery in Wädenswil, Switzerland (Galerie Dür).
(c) Juleah Claar
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
When I became serious about my photography, I remember sitting at a roundtable discussing the business aspect. I asked: “When do you call yourself a photographer?” A colleague of mine sat across from me and said, “… if you won’t, no one else will.” This absolutely was the kick I needed to make photography my business and OWN that title. There is nothing wrong with recreating yourself time and time again, and taking a leap of faith. Just don’t give up. I have a tribe of fellow photographers around me. We encourage each other to be better, and give each other honest feedback and critiques. This is a hard business and you can’t be overly sensitive to people’s subjective opinions. You can’t expect that everyone will love what you do. On the other hand, who cares what other people like? Shoot for yourself. If you create pictures you like, other people will probably like them too. Lean into your own style and strive to be better today than you were yesterday. Use whatever camera you have. Like I said, I started with my phone. It’s not about the gear. It’s about your creative spirit and ability to “see” an artistic opportunity. Being a photographer isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. So keep on learning, and enjoy the ride!
A huge thank you to Juleah Claar for sharing her incredible journey.
In Frame : Juleah Claar