What’s poppin’? It’s Dante. Today, I’m breaking down my 2025 street photography workflow. Over the past couple of years, I’ve simplified everything—gear, process, and mindset—and it’s completely changed the way I shoot. Let’s dive in.

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Dante’s 2025 Street Photography Workflow

This morning, I want to share my street photography workflow, my current process, my setup, and how I’m shooting on the streets in 2025. If you’re interested in diving deeper into my work, you can check out my blog at dantesisofo.com.

Reflections from Hanoi, Vietnam

It all started in November 2022 when I came back from a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. During my time there, I spent a month walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, photographing bustling markets, enjoying delicious street food, drinking coffee, and contemplating life. I asked myself: What’s next for my photography?

I realized that the reason I photograph is simple: photography brings me joy. It fuels my lust for life. But at the same time, I knew I needed a change.

Letting Go of the Pursuit of “Greatness”

The pursuit of making great photographs had its merits, but it also became a weight. While I wasn’t exactly burned out after that trip, I hit a wall in my process. I decided to give up my old ways—shooting RAW, chasing perfection, and sticking to color photography. I wanted to experiment, simplify, and rediscover the joy.

A New Beginning

Switching Gear

I sold all my Fujifilm gear and bought two Ricoh cameras: the GR III and GR IIIx. I’d used the Ricoh GR II back in 2015, so it felt familiar. This shift marked a fresh start, and with it, I also transitioned to black-and-white photography.

“Switching from color to black and white is bringing me back to day one.”

This change makes every day feel new and exciting. Black and white simplifies the process to the basics of light and shadow, letting me focus on photographing my spirit.

The Simplest Workflow

Here’s my current workflow, which I think might be the easiest way to make photographs.

Camera Settings

Mode: Aperture Priority (f/8) or P Mode
Snap Focus Distance: 2 meters
ISO: Auto (up to 64,000)
Shutter Speed: Minimum 1/500s
Metering: Highlight Weighted
Image Format: Small JPEG (3360 x 2240, ~4MB per file)
Image Control: High Contrast Black and White

“I’ve simplified everything to the point where I no longer have to rely on Lightroom or massive storage solutions.”

Why Small JPEG?

Using small JPEG files eliminates the headaches of processing, importing, and backing up large RAW files. The Ricoh’s sharp lens ensures the photos still look stunning straight out of the camera.

Daily Shooting Philosophy

Treat Photography as a Visual Diary

I no longer hunt for “strong” photos. Instead, I let life flow toward me and capture whatever resonates. Whether it’s the skyline on my daily commute or a mundane scene on the street, every moment has the potential to become extraordinary.

“Instead of photographing the world around me, I am now turning inward and photographing my soul.”

Underexpose for Impact

Underexposing by one or two stops creates dramatic results. Crushing the shadows simplifies the scene and enhances the visual tension between light and dark.

Experiment Every Day

I photograph everything now—the skyline, landscapes, textures, people, and even self-portraits. The mundane has become fascinating. High-contrast black and white transforms ordinary moments into something sublime.

Editing and Sharing

Simple Editing Workflow

I use an iPad Pro with a USB-C SD card reader to import photos directly into the Photos app. From there:

Review thumbnails in a 3×3 grid.
Favorite the best shots.
Organize favorites into monthly and yearly folders.
Back up to Google Photos for easy sharing and access.

“Looking at small thumbnails helps me judge the impact of a photograph more effectively.”

Own Your Platform

In 2022, I deleted Instagram and focused on building my own website. I recommend using WordPress.org with Bluehost to create a personal site that’s fully customizable.

“Get off Instagram and own your platform. Create your own empire.”

Playfulness in Photography

Collage and Experimentation

Using apps like Procreate, I’ve started making collages by layering photos and playing with textures. It’s a spontaneous, meditative process that keeps me engaged.

Self-Portraits and Details

I’ve embraced photographing myself and finding beauty in small details—from the patterns of birds to the ice forming on a river. It’s all about celebrating the impermanence of life.

“Photography becomes a way to uplift life in all its forms.”

Final Thoughts

Simplifying my workflow has reignited my love for photography. By focusing on light, shadow, and the joy of the process, I’ve found a way to make photography feel fresh and exciting every day.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to try this approach. Simplify your gear, embrace black and white, and let go of the need for perfection. Photography should be a joy, not a burden.