Flow
Have you ever been to the ocean and felt the thrill of gliding on the waves? Whether it’s boogie boarding, surfing, or skim boarding, these experiences capture the essence of flow. As a kid, skim boarding along the shore was my favorite—it felt like I was riding a perfect rhythm, completely in tune with the movement of the waves.
In street photography, however, it’s easy to find ourselves fighting against this flow, rushing through the streets with headphones blasting, trying to immerse ourselves in the chaos. But this kind of hurried energy can be like a bull charging through a shop full of fine China. It disrupts the delicate balance of the street.
Don’t Bruise the Scene
“Don’t bruise the scene.” – Garry Winogrand
Garry Winogrand’s advice highlights the importance of capturing life without disturbing its natural rhythm. I think we need to consider the physicality of street photography—the rhythm of our steps, the pace of our movement. Moving slowly and being intentional with our pace allows us to blend seamlessly with the scene, finding moments without imposing on them.
When you’re out on the streets, watch how people rush from point A to point B. To be an observer rather than a disruptor, walk at 75% of their speed. Let yourself be a quiet witness, moving in tune with the street’s beat. This slower pace lets you notice the details, the subtleties that go unnoticed when moving too quickly. It’s about allowing the street to reveal itself, rather than charging through it.
God is in the Details
“When you treat the world as a canvas, you start scanning for details and finding meaning in the mundane.”
As you walk at a slow, deliberate pace, you’ll see opportunities for photography in the most unexpected places. Maybe it’s the rhythm of tar looping along the pavement, the movement of a plastic bag in the wind, or birds picking at a pizza crust before flying off. Every small detail holds potential when you take the time to notice.
By moving your body slowly and intentionally, you create space for serendipity to unfold. You’ll begin to see compositions and nuances that might otherwise pass you by. Photography becomes less about capturing a scene and more about moving through the world in harmony with it, seeing it as a canvas rich with potential.
Go with the Flow
On Broad Street one quiet morning, I noticed that most people around me were moving with purpose, hurrying to their destinations. But I was in no rush. Slowing down isn’t just about moving slowly; it’s about moving with intention and tuning in to the rhythm of the street. I could see more, do more, and become more attuned to my surroundings when I took it slow.
When we slow down, we step into a “zen zone.” The street photographer becomes both a part of society and an observer, creating a world within the world around them. You start to find meaning in the mundane and discover that each detail is worth savoring. As I walked, I imagined myself as a tourist in my own city, finding wonder in the ordinary.
So next time you’re out with your camera, slow down and let life flow. Treat the street as a canvas, and become a part of its rhythm. In this slower pace, you’ll see more, experience more, and truly feel the world around you—one frame at a time.