Honouring 3rd Place Winner Nicole Prüm: From Intuitive Vision to Global Recognition, a remarkable Street Photographer of Depth, Precision and Quiet Poetic Strength, Celebrated at the Pure Street Photography Exhibition in Mumbai for Her Powerful and Deeply Observant Work
An Exclusive Interview with Pure Street Photography
Discover how Prüm reflects on rhythm, perspective and timing, and how she balances instinct with conscious composition in the ever-changing flow of the street. In this intimate conversation, she shares the discipline, sensitivity and quiet confidence that define her distinctive photographic voice.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
26/02/2025
(c) Nicole Prüm
(c) Nicole Prüm
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
Dear friends, my name is Nicole Prüm, I am 48 years old and live in Germany. I have been working in physiotherapy for 25 years and have been interested in photography since my childhood, including street photography. In 2018 I then started to photograph regularly, through membership in a photo group and through travels that I carried out with regard to my photographic ideas.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
I believe it has a lot to do with my childhood. I grew up on a winery in a wine-growing region and spent a lot of time on the streets in the village as a child. That's why I think street photography has always been fascinating for me because there is a connection, and I always liked looking at street captures. Ultimately, I could always imagine running through the streets with a camera myself.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
My style and approach is a mix of gut feeling, mental cinema, and seeing. From that, two styles have developed that I can put into words. On the one hand, what I always wanted to do: classic street photography, where I let myself be carried by the streets and press the shutter when my gut tells me to and what catches my attention. On the other hand, people in geometry, where I consciously seek out corresponding places and, of course, consciously search for perspectives to create the corresponding compositions.
(c) Nicole Prüm
(c) Nicole Prüm
Congratulations on being the 3rd Place Winner of the Pure Street Photography Awards 2025, Nicole. How has this journey been for you, from submitting your work to securing third place for the photograph below and being part of the exhibition in Mumbai?
First, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honor – it was a moment of pure joy. I submitted my images, and then the message came that I had won 3rd place. The whole journey from submission to now being part of the upcoming exhibition in Mumbai as one of the official winners has been overwhelming; I still don't quite know how to put it all into words.
(c) Nicole Prüm (Germany), 3rd Place Winner, “Phantom of the Past”
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
I don't have a routine. I like grabbing my camera and heading out on my own, or joining photowalks with the group, or going along with friends or my niece.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
My main camera is the Panasonic Lumix S5 with the most commonly used lenses, the Pro 24-70mm and Pro 16-35mm. It's got a full-frame sensor that's perfect for playing with depth of field and delivers really high-quality images even in low light like twilight. As a second camera, I have the Panasonic Lumix G9 with the standard 12-60mm lens on an MFT sensor—it's great for daytime street shooting because it's smaller, more compact, and doesn't draw attention.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
On the street, there are many challenges. It starts with the fact that I always have my camera set to manual, which means that when I'm walking through the streets and photographing on the go, I have to react quickly to light and shadows. Even if the camera is set to RAW, not everything can be saved, but sometimes there are exciting errors in it – let's call them that. Important is also a feeling for the rhythm, the position in the street, the perspective, and the overview. And of course my own daily form.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
Interpretation lies in the eye of the beholder. There can be big differences between my take and others', but I find that incredibly fascinating. Of course, I do sometimes think about a facial expression or body language I see in a photo—how much that ultimately reveals about the situation. In real life, we can only perceive the flow of the street as a whole, while photography—this frozen moment—might reveal a reality that's otherwise imperceptible.
(c) Nicole Prüm
(c) Nicole Prüm
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
A stranger can't know what I'm doing or what my goal is, so I understand misconception. It's on me to give people a good feeling about it, and it's my people skills and responsibility whether street photography is allowed or not.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
In street photography, my favorite elements to capture are human interactions caught on the fly—what grabs my attention in the moment, guided purely by gut feeling—and rendered in black and white, where my vision truly comes to life. Everything else is a conscious choice, like spotting a puddle for reflections or striking architecture, where seeing plays a huge role. Photography is incredibly diverse, and I love that about it.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
Social media doesn't influence established street photographers who've found their own style—they know what catches their eye and play to their strengths. It's also a fantastic way to check out current photos from your favorite photographers, and there are feature hubs like yours where you can view great street photography and get inspired.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
Yes, my prints are available for purchase through Galarterie Fine Art in Innsbruck, where my gallery presence is still building. Limited edition images can be acquired online via their platform. Art buyers and collectors can also reach out directly via Instagram DM for inquiries.
(c) Nicole Prüm
(c) Nicole Prüm
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
You should already know what you want to photograph—what's always interested you and catches your eye in everyday life. Then buy the right camera for yourself, get to know it intimately, master basic image composition, explore photography's technical possibilities, and practice, practice, practice.
A huge thank you to Nicole Prüm for sharing her inspiring journey.
In Frame : Nicole Prüm