What is the Goal of Street Photography?
After a decade of working on my photography, traveling the world, and honing my craft, I’ve reached some fundamental conclusions on the purpose of it all. I’ve come to realize that the goal isn’t about making “good” photos or achieving traditional markers of success. It’s about something far more internal and meaningful.
Forget About “Good” or “Bad” Photos
For a long time, I focused intensely on making “good” photographs, putting all my energy into creating images that would impress others. But this perspective has shifted. Now, the goal is simply to make new photos — to capture moments without worrying if they’re “good” or “bad.” Chasing the concept of a perfect or impressive photo can ultimately drain the joy from photography.
“The more you get caught up with making an ‘impressive’ photograph, the less fulfilling it becomes over time.”
Remain Curious
Curiosity is at the heart of street photography. The goal is to keep making pictures, to approach every day with a sense of wonder and openness. Think of Henri Cartier-Bresson, who gave up photography later in life. This is something I don’t want for myself. I want to embrace that child-like curiosity each morning, keeping my eyes wide open to the endless possibilities around me.
“Return to the child-like state every morning and keep your eyes wide open to the infinite possibilities of the streets.”
This curiosity isn’t just about photography; it’s about approaching life itself with a sense of adventure and exploration, allowing each moment to reveal something new.
Embrace the Spirit of Play
The world could be a much better place if adults embraced play. In street photography, this spirit of play is essential. If you approach photography with a serious mindset, focusing on creating a book, gallery, or career, it risks becoming empty. By seeing street photography as a form of play, I can engage with the world freely and without constraint. I can allow myself to explore, to smile, and to engage with my surroundings with pure enjoyment.
“When you consider this, think of photography as an excuse to go out there and to be in a state of play.”
Approaching photography as play, we give ourselves permission to create with lightness and joy — this is the essence of street photography.
A Different Kind of Goal
So, what is the goal? It’s not about achieving external success or fame. The goal is to depict what reality could be, not just what it is. It’s about seeing the world through a unique lens, capturing moments that elevate reality rather than just documenting it. If something even sparks your interest by 1%, take the photo.
“What will reality manifest to be in a photograph?”
Each photograph is an invitation to interpret, to extract something extraordinary from the ordinary.
Elevate Life Through Exploration
Photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s a way to live. The goal is to go out there, conquer the streets, and grow in strength, curiosity, and courage. Through meeting new people, traversing new lands, and experiencing life to the fullest, street photography allows us to cherish life itself. Each photograph is a celebration of existence and an opportunity to connect with something beyond the mundane.
“Your goal isn’t to get patted on the back. Your goal isn’t to seek anything of this world, but to go beyond this Earth.”
The ultimate goal is to push past earthly concerns and to focus on a deeper, more transcendent form of expression. Street photography is a practice that allows us to see the world differently, to capture the fleeting beauty of life, and to leave behind something meaningful.
To create from a place of pure curiosity and joy is the true goal. When you head out with your camera, remember to let go of expectations, to play, and to ask yourself:
“What new wonders will reality reveal through my lens today?”
Street photography, at its core, is about embracing the unknown, exploring with courage, and finding fulfillment beyond what the world expects of us.