10 Things I Learned from Practicing Street Photography for a Decade
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about street photography. With over a decade of photographing every single day, the practice has brought me deep fulfillment and a rich sense of meaning. So, what have I learned? Let’s dive into the key lessons.
1. The Name of the Game is in the Mundane
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the magic is in the mundane. You can walk the same street daily and still find something new to capture. Life may seem boring, but there’s always a potential photograph to be made.
“Use photography as a vehicle to continue exploring, no matter how boring, blasé, or dull life may seem.”
Create your own world and live each day like it is a dream.
2. Movement Makes Improvement
The more you move, the more you’ll see, and the more you’ll photograph. Walking allows you to encounter endless adventures, especially when you take the roads less traveled.
“The more that we explore, the more in life that we can adore.”
With each step, hold your head high, shoulders back, and chest open. The act of walking fuels your curiosity and keeps you moving forward in your photography.
3. Travel is the Greatest Teacher
Travel has been my biggest teacher. During my studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, I explored both Israeli and Palestinian areas, even volunteering on a kibbutz and with a Palestinian family. This immersion opened me to new perspectives, taught me the value of simple living, and deepened my empathy.
“In order to learn and grow, you must throw yourself into the unknown.”
I continued my travels with the Peace Corps in Zambia, living in a remote village, depending on a borehole for water and learning the local language. These experiences taught me the profound value of freedom and living in harmony with the land.
4. Remain Open to New Experiences
Throw yourself into every new place with an open mind. Whether it’s food, cultural practices, or religion, approach it without expectations.
“Street photographers thrive in chaos.”
Being open makes each new adventure richer and ensures that, at the end of life, our memories and experiences are the ones we cherish most.
5. Champion Humanity
When photographing people, aim to uplift them. Capture moments with the goal of honoring humanity, whether it’s a small encounter or a significant life event. Treat every person like a hero, and make them shine in your photographs.
“I desire to uplift the human experience to great heights.”
Let street photography transcend simple documentation. Let it become a tribute to humanity.
6. Photography Takes Time
Street photographers often become discouraged when they don’t achieve immediate results. But remember, photography takes time. After a decade of daily shooting, only a handful of my images are ones I consider truly successful.
“Go slow and enter the zen zone. When I photograph, I exist outside the passage of time!”
Don’t stress about results. Embrace an autotelic mindset: photograph simply for the joy of photographing.
7. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Street photography doesn’t need to be overly serious. Enjoy the process, and connect with people playfully. Whether it’s giving away Instax prints, beatboxing, or dancing with strangers, having fun keeps the experience light and memorable.
“I treat the street like a playground. I am just a big kid with a camera!”
When we loosen up, our photography becomes an expression of joy and curiosity.
8. There’s No Such Thing as Good or Bad Photographs
What makes a photograph good or bad? In reality, it’s all subjective. Shoot for yourself, without concern for contests, galleries, or external validation.
“Everything is fair game!”
Let go of others’ opinions, trust your vision, and recognize that all photographs have value.
9. Curiosity is the Goal
Curiosity fuels street photography. Each morning, approach the world with a fresh perspective, asking questions through every frame. Let the camera be your passport, guiding you to new people, places, and experiences.
“Wield the camera like a sword and cut through the chaos of life, putting order within your frames!”
10. Street Photography is an Ethos
Street photography is simply a way of seeing and experiencing the world. It’s an ethos, a set of personal values that brings us closer to the roots of photography. Forget arbitrary rules and definitions.
“There are no rules, there are no guidelines, there are no ethics to street photography!”
Define your own rules, and let street photography be your path to exploring and understanding life on your terms.
These lessons have shaped my approach to street photography and have deepened my appreciation for life itself. The camera is a tool, but curiosity is the real engine. Keep learning, stay open, and let the streets guide you.