Street Photography as Practice
What’s popping, people? It’s Dante, walking by City Hall here in the heart of Philadelphia, Center City. Today, I’m thinking about street photography as practice.
The Practice of Street Photography
When I talk about street photography, I always say: I’m practicing street photography. You could apply this to anything—practicing basketball, practicing football. But for me, every time I step out with my camera, I’m practicing. Each day, I experience the world with a fresh pair of eyes.
This isn’t about mastering anything. It’s about showing up, staying curious, and embracing the newness of each moment.
“Each day, you step out there with your camera, you’re merely practicing. You’re experiencing everything with a fresh pair of eyes.”
Longevity Over Mastery
Street photography is about longevity. The goal is to keep seeing, keep experiencing, and never grow tired of it. The moment you label yourself a master, you risk becoming complacent. The trick is to approach photography with the mindset of an amateur.
Why Being an Amateur Matters
Being an amateur isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. It’s about cultivating curiosity and childlike wonder. This mindset keeps you motivated, driven, and passionate. It allows you to create without the pressure of perfection.
“I will never consider myself a master. It’s much more noble to remain an amateur.”
The Amateur Master
Here’s the twist: I’m an amateur master. I’ve put in the work, well over 10,000 hours. I’ve created pictures that I once only dreamed of. But even with all that, I hold onto my amateur spirit.
Why? Because staying an amateur keeps me grounded. It keeps the craft alive, vibrant, and exciting.
Rejecting Outdated Notions
The old-school ideas of what makes a successful photographer? They don’t interest me. I’m not chasing the traditional accolades or labels. Instead, I focus on the experience, on the practice itself.
“These outdated notions of success in photography—they don’t define me.”
Embracing the Journey
Street photography is a journey, not a destination. You’ll never reach a point where you’ve perfected it. And that’s okay. In fact, that’s the beauty of it.
Here’s the takeaway: Keep practicing, stay curious, and always see the world with fresh eyes.
In the words of an amateur master: Practice is everything.