3 Key Traits Every Street Photographer Must Master
Defining Success in Street Photography
What defines success? I believe a successful street photographer is someone who is simply making new pictures. To be in a state of production is the ultimate goal. I often get bored when I look back at my old photographs because I’m always looking for something new. At the end of the day, we want to focus on longevity and making pictures for the rest of our lifetime.
Success in street photography is not about publications, gallery shows, or international recognition. Those are external markers. True success is the act of making photographs daily, staying engaged with the world, and always seeking new moments.
“Success in street photography is about making new pictures. To be in a state of production is the ultimate goal.”
How can we achieve this? Here are three key traits that will keep you going back out there for more.
Curiosity: The First Trait
The etymology of curiosity traces back to Latin and Middle French origins. It comes from the Latin word curiositas, meaning “carefulness” or “inquisitiveness,” derived from curiosus, meaning “careful” or “curious.” This Latin term is related to cura, meaning “care.”
Curiosity is what guides us out of our houses and onto the streets. Treat the camera as an excuse to go out into the world and see what’s going on. When you’re making photographs, you’re asking questions about the world. Pay attention to what triggers your interest and follow those desires.
“Treat the camera as a passport. It’s more than a tool—it’s a key that unlocks the door to life’s complexities.”
Every morning, I wake up thinking of it as a new day to go out and play with my eyes wide open. I’m basically just a big kid with a camera. To remain forever curious, we must return to a childlike state. Forget everything you think you know and remain as open-minded as possible.
Seeing Like a Child
During one of my trips in Philadelphia, I stumbled across a man fishing by the riverside. I was simply out riding my bicycle, following my curiosity, and suddenly—this scene appeared before me. This is what photography is all about: putting yourself in situations where the unexpected can happen.
Another moment from Mumbai—feeding fish with locals—reminded me of the karma associated with giving back. The experience wasn’t just about making photographs; it was about engaging with humanity and seeing the world with fresh eyes.
“When you cultivate curiosity, you see a tree differently. You see its branches sway, its leaves decay and regrow, its intricate patterns—all the multifaceted complexities that exist in nature.”
Before you go outside, ask yourself:
What will reality manifest to be in a photograph?
Intuition: The Second Trait
The etymology of intuition is rooted in Latin. It comes from the Latin word intuitio, meaning “a looking at, consideration,” which is derived from intueri, translated as “to look at, consider.”
Intuition is the gut feeling that tells you to press the shutter. It allows you to capture spontaneous moments by staying in tune with the environment. Street photography is a Zen-like practice where intuition and spontaneity take over.
“Don’t think. Just shoot. Let intuition guide you. Ask questions later.”
Reacting to the Moment
In Philadelphia, I saw two women walking down the street wearing red and blue. Without thinking, I positioned myself, clicked the shutter, and the elements aligned: the red shirts, the blue signs, and a pole with a “TURN ON RED” sign. The relationships within the frame emerged through intuition.
Another example: In Zambia, Africa, I watched the way the light and shadow interacted at a scene. My intuition guided me to press the shutter at the exact moment when a boy’s face moved into a shaft of light, revealing only his eye beyond the shadow.
“What you see isn’t what you get. What you get is what you didn’t see.”
The magic of street photography comes from being open to moments as they unfold—trusting that your instincts will recognize something meaningful before your mind does.
Courage: The Third Trait
The etymology of the word courage traces back to the Latin word cor, which means “heart.” Over time, the concept of courage became associated with qualities of the heart, such as bravery and steadfastness.
“Courage is feeling fear but doing it anyway.”
Street photography tests your courage. It’s not necessarily easy to photograph strangers candidly. You must be bold and daring. You must take risks.
Facing Fear
In Jericho, I photographed at the closest possible range during a conflict. I focused on a protester’s eye behind a tattered mask, with a smoke screen and fire in the background. Rubber bullets, tear gas, and live ammunition were being fired behind me—yet, I remained present and pressed the shutter.
This is an extreme example, but courage applies to all aspects of street photography. It’s about standing your ground when you see a moment worth capturing, pushing past hesitation, and making the shot.
How to Build Courage in Street Photography
- Ask for permission: If you’re nervous, start by asking people if you can photograph them. It helps break the ice.
- Use an Instax camera: Gift a small print to a stranger after you take their photo. It’s a great way to connect and build confidence.
- Get used to rejection: If someone denies you, see it as a good thing. It builds resilience and humility.
One particular moment stands out: I was photographing in Philadelphia with an Instax camera when I met a young boxer and his friends. I handed them prints of their portraits, and suddenly, the entire interaction changed. They opened up, their guard came down, and they were excited to be part of the process.
“A photograph is a reflection of your courage.”
The amount of courage you exude on the street will determine the strength of your photographs. Strong pictures come from a strong photographer.
Ask yourself:
Did this photograph require courage to make, or not?
The Trifecta of Street Photography Success
To wrap this up, the three key traits to becoming a successful street photographer are:
1. Curiosity – Wake up eager. See the world like a child.
2. Intuition – Trust your gut. Don’t hesitate.
3. Courage – Feel fear but do it anyway.
Go out there. Photograph the world. Stay curious. Trust your instincts. Be bold.
Peace.