The Goal of Street Photography
Beyond External Validation
What is the goal of street photography? This is something we rarely ask ourselves.
We go out, take photos, maybe post them on social media, get some feedback, and do it all over again. Some have goals of publishing a book, creating a zine, or getting into galleries. But these are external goals.
I’m far more interested in turning inward—into my soul, into the intrinsic reasons I photograph. Because ultimately, street photography is a selfish act. I make photographs because I love to make photographs. It’s in my DNA.
“Forget about good or bad photos. Just go out there and make photographs.”
Curiosity is the True Goal
I’ve been practicing photography for over a decade—traveling, honing my craft, searching for the next best photo. And yes, I still want to improve. I still want to evolve.
But here’s what I’ve realized: Good or bad photos don’t determine success in street photography.
If you step out with a rigid idea of what a strong photo looks like, you strip the joy from photography. Instead, I believe in simply making photos with no expectations.
Increase Your Curiosity by 1% Each Day
Just like weightlifters aim to increase strength a little each day, we should aim to increase curiosity.
- Wake up eager for the day.
- Approach each morning with wonder.
- Let childlike curiosity lead you.
“My goal in life is to never miss another sunrise again.”
The Spirit of Play
Photography should feel playful, not serious. Too many photographers put on their “serious documentarian” hat and kill the joy.
Street photography is play. It’s about using the camera as an excuse to explore, to engage with life at the front lines.
See the World Like a Child Again
- Wake up with excitement, like a kid on Christmas morning.
- Look at a tree and wonder, “What is this?”
- Recognize the infinite possibilities in daily life.
“The goal is to go out there and be playful.”
Street Photography is an Abstraction
When I go out to photograph, I’m not trying to document reality. Instead, I ask myself:
“What will reality manifest to be in a photograph?”
Photography is not a mirror—it’s a transformation. The world is in flux. The streets are unpredictable. Light moves. People move. And your camera captures an interpretation of life, not a fixed reality.
Embrace the mystery. Let the unknown guide you.
The Open World: Photography as Exploration
Photography is not just about the photos—it’s about immersion.
- Hop on a train to somewhere new.
- Walk a different path than usual.
- Treat your camera as a passport to life.
Photography is the excuse, but the real goal is engaging with life.
“Forget expectations. Forget validation. Just go out and explore.”
Let Go of External Validation
The modern world is full of distractions—social media, endless entertainment, digital noise. But the pursuit of likes, fame, and external approval is meaningless.
I disable comments and likes on my videos because I don’t create for feedback—I create because I love to create.
“I don’t need external validation. I only need to wake up with curiosity.”
I don’t care about people standing in front of my prints in a gallery. What matters is waking up excited for the day, ready to see and explore.
The Ultimate Goal: Joy
At the end of the day, what is the goal of street photography?
Joy.
- The joy of seeing.
- The joy of walking.
- The joy of being present in the world.
It’s about finding meaning in the mundane—elevating ordinary moments into something extraordinary.
“Maybe you can’t live forever, but at least you can make a photograph. And maybe that photograph will live on beyond you.”
So go out. Let curiosity guide you. Detach from expectations.
And above all, have fun.