Street Photography Breakdown: Part 17
What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante.
Welcome to Street Photography Breakdown, Part 17, where we look at five different photographs, breaking down their compositions and how they were made. The hope is that you come away with an understanding of how I approach the streets—through both philosophy and technique—and then apply this to your journey.
1. Drugs in Dharavi
This was an intense photograph made in Dharavi, Mumbai. Totally spontaneous.
“A photographer must possess courage and curiosity, and these virtues I believe we should carry out there onto the front lines of life.”
As I walked the slums, people welcomed me into their homes. Photos were practically gifted to me.
This one happened when a man came up, showed me his stash, and said:
“Look, look! Indian drugs. Come here. Take photo.”
So I did. I got as close as I physically could, locking in on the moment he snorted. The photo is intense because I filled the frame with his gesture, his eyes—looking right back at you.
“When you float through life on a feather bed… detach from the outcome with a positive, curious, childlike attitude—you’ll just float through the chaos and the unknown and nothing will hurt you.”
The background? Another man coughing, reacting to the drug. Total chaos. I had maybe two seconds to respond. But that’s the magic—real life, unfiltered.
Want to see the behind-the-scenes? Head to my YouTube playlist.
2. The Baby in Jericho
I was in Jericho. A man invited me in for coffee.
Eventually, I found myself inside his house. I spotted the baby on the couch—waiting for the mother.
So I backed up and framed the scene.
- The baby on the couch
- Signs above the doorway: I believe they said Allah and Muhammad
- Teddy bears and other symbols
These little elements told the story. I used:
- Leading lines
- Foreground and background relationship
- Depth from the couch
“The tender moment of the child laying on the couch is beautiful—but it’s the details around that child that elevate this mundane moment.”
3. Tel Aviv Beach
One of the first photographs I made in Israel, 2017.
The beach is a great place to work with layers. Clean backdrop, plenty of opportunity for separation across foreground, midground, background.
In this scene:
- Person lying on a chair with their head covered
- A gesture toward their face—focal point
- Yellow umbrella in the foreground for color and depth
- Blue sky with a sign perfectly jutting out
- Horizon line of rocks
And finally—someone walking along the coastline.
“I’m just playing this visual game of putting together a composition like a puzzle.”
I sensed the moment, waited, and composed with intention. All I had to do was angle my body and wait.
4. The Western Wall, Jerusalem
This was actually the first photograph I made in Israel—before the beach.
At the Western Wall, everyone was still, in prayer.
But my eye caught movement—people going in and out of the bathroom on the left. That was the energy I was after.
So I positioned myself at the choke point—right where the action happens.
“By sensing the possibility of movement and people aligning, I made this picture through intuition—but also with full awareness of my background.”
The result?
- 7 people aligned in the frame
- Foreground: Orthodox Jew in black hat moving right
- Clean separation between subjects
- Perfect lines from the floor and wall
“Put order to the chaos by recognizing these very simple, fundamental things that will help you improve your street photography.”
Three Takeaways:
- Find a choke point — where movement happens
- Set your stage — background matters
- Be patient — let the moment unfold
5. Summer in Baltimore
An early photo from 2016. Golden hour.
Two boys shirtless, playing in the street. Two girls in the background—one pushing a baby stroller, pretending to be a mother.
- Foreground: Two boys, dynamic and engaged
- Background: Two girls, playful and real
- Setting: Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood
It’s all about:
- Simple backdrop — clean walls, doors, windows
- Eye direction — the boy’s gaze leads the viewer
- Gesture and spacing — all elements cleanly separated
“A great photograph is not only compelling in terms of the moment—but also easy to read.”
These are the kinds of moments you find when you’re actually out there walking. Especially in neighborhoods where life spills out onto the street. And this is the image I came home with that day in September 2016.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoyed this video breakdown, head to dantesisafo.com for more.
Also, check out my YouTube playlist @StreetPhotography for more videos, lectures, and behind-the-scenes content.
“I hope something I said inspired you or taught you something that you can apply to your photography.”
See you in the next one.
Peace.