What’s poppin’ people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re going to be discussing fishing versus hunting in street photography. These are two fundamental techniques that we can use on the street.

I believe street photography isn’t binary. There aren’t just two ways to do things—it’s all about fluidity. Today, we’ll look at photos, behind-the-scenes videos, and even a contact sheet to break down how I integrate these techniques. Let’s get into it.

🎣 The Fishing Technique

The fishing technique is about patience and observation. You set your stage and wait for the right elements to enter the frame.

For example, in Tel Aviv, I positioned myself at a choke point on the beach, where people and dogs were naturally moving in and out of the frame. I wasn’t chasing moments—I was waiting for them to come to me.

“The art of fishing is pre-composing a photograph, having a pre-understanding of what the photograph can manifest into, and positioning yourself in a way that relates different elements in your frame.”

How to Use the Fishing Technique:

Find an interesting backdrop – murals, shadows, reflections, strong geometry.
Frame your shot before the subject enters – visualize how people will interact with the scene.
Wait for the right moment – patience leads to stronger compositions.

Example: Fishing at a Bus Stop in Philadelphia

I’ve used bus stops time and time again to practice fishing. They’re perfect because:

People are stationary or moving predictably.
There’s often great light and reflections.
It allows me to pre-compose and wait.

At this bus stop in Philly, I found beautiful light but no subjects. Instead of leaving, I waited, and eventually, everything aligned—the human element completed the scene.

🏃‍♂️ The Hunting Technique

The hunting technique is all about movement, instinct, and reacting in real-time.

Where fishing is patient and calculated, hunting is about staying light on your feet and ready to strike. It’s about walking the streets, scanning for opportunities, and reacting to the fleeting moments that appear and disappear in an instant.

“The hunting technique is all about staying light on your feet and ready to strike. By walking the streets and reacting in real-time to the moments that are fleeting, you want to move quickly, scanning for opportunities.”

How to Use the Hunting Technique:

Move with awareness and speed – always be alert.
Adjust your settings on the fly – be prepared for any lighting condition.
Look for expressions, gestures, and fleeting moments.

Example: Photographing a Wheelie in Philly

In Philadelphia, a man swooped by doing a wheelie. I had to drop low and react instantly to frame the shot. This was pure hunting—no time for planning, just instinct.

Another time in Mexico City, it started raining. I ran for cover and spontaneously captured a kiss in the moment. These are the shots you can’t predict—you just have to be ready.

The Hunting Technique in Action: Breaking Down a Contact Sheet from Zambia

In Zambia, I found myself in a bustling market, surrounded by energy, movement, and fleeting gestures. This was the perfect environment to apply the hunting technique—staying light on my feet, scanning for moments, and reacting instinctively.

The Moment

As I moved through the market, a man turned his head and locked eyes with me. The light hit just right, creating a striking contrast that immediately caught my attention. Without hesitation, I raised my camera and fired off a single frame.

“I made this photograph in a split second—no time to think, just pure instinct. The moment happened, and I was ready.”

Breaking Down the Contact Sheet

Looking back at the contact sheet, the story of the image unfolds:

First Frame: The moment the man glanced at me, I took the shot. His face, illuminated by the light, had a sense of intensity and curiosity.
Subsequent Frames: There were no second chances. The first shot was the best shot—the essence of the hunting technique.
Final Image: A bold, high-impact portrait captured in an instant, a testament to trusting your instinct in unpredictable environments.

Key Takeaways

✅ Trust your intuition – The best moments happen fast. Be prepared.
✅ Move with awareness – Observe your surroundings and anticipate gestures.
✅ Be ready to strike – Keep your settings dialed in, so you don’t miss the shot.

This moment in Zambia reinforced why the hunting technique is so essential in street photography. Some moments don’t wait—they demand action. When the opportunity presents itself, be ready to press the shutter.

⚖️ The Hybrid Approach: Mastering Both Techniques

So, which is better—fishing or hunting?

The answer: Neither. It’s about knowing when to switch between them.

“The best street photographers undulate between the two—not only responding quickly with intuition using the hunting technique but also knowing when to be still, patient, and fish for a scene.”

Example: Logan Square, Philadelphia

At Logan Square, I spent 2-3 hours photographing the fountain. I observed the way light reflected and how kids played.

I set my stage (fishing).
I responded instinctively when a boy leaped into the water (hunting).

This hybrid approach allowed me to capture a perfectly timed moment.

Practice Both Techniques

If you want to improve, I recommend dedicating entire sessions to each technique:

Fishing Days – Pick a bus stop, mural, or high-traffic area and wait for moments to unfold.
Hunting Days – Walk fast, react quickly, and look for fleeting gestures and interactions.

By mastering both techniques, you’ll become a more dynamic street photographer.

Final Thoughts

Street photography isn’t just about seeing—it’s about feeling the moment, moving your body, and being in tune with the energy of the streets. Whether you’re fishing, hunting, or blending both techniques, it’s all about adapting to the flow of the city.

🔥 Want more? Check out my resources:

Street Photography Blog – Deep dives into techniques and philosophy.
YouTube Channel – Video lectures & breakdowns.

See you in the next one. Peace. ✌️

Fishing vs. Hunting in Street Photography