What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re diving into the street photography mindset—a guide to how I approach the world with openness, curiosity, courage, and a life-affirming perspective that pushes me to continuously make new photographs.
Why We Practice Street Photography
Life is on the streets. The world is open—so much to see, explore, and photograph.
For me, street photography provides meaning—I can step outside each day and experience the adventure of a lifetime. All you have to do is open your door, embrace curiosity, and let the streets guide you.
“I practice street photography simply because it fuels my lust for life.”
When you ask yourself why, you dive deeper into your approach to the world. For me, it’s about cultivating curiosity and joy. At its core, street photography affirms life. Every time I click the shutter, I’m saying yes to existence. Every image becomes a part of my visual diary—a reflection of my life’s journey.
Photography Is Not About Photography
Photography has nothing to do with photography.
Sure, there’s the visual game—composition, timing, light. But the essence of photography? It’s about how you engage with humanity—how you experience reality on the front lines of life.
Your mindset, your engagement with the world—that’s what shapes your images. More than settings, more than gear, it’s about how you see and interact with life itself.
The First Step: Forget Everything You Know
The biggest challenge? Letting go of preconceived notions.
We live in an age where we think we’ve seen it all. Our phones tell us everything we think we need to know. But when you walk out the door, forget all of it.
Follow the light. Don’t chase subjects. Don’t look for characters. Just walk—observe how light falls on surfaces, how it interacts with people, places, and objects. Let life deliver photographs to you.
“Making the photograph is merely a secondary byproduct of going out there, walking, seeing, and exploring life.”
I treat myself like a flâneur—a tourist in my own city. I don’t go looking for great photographs. I allow them to come to me.
Courage & Embracing Chaos
Street photography requires courage.
The best photographs often demand risk—you have to embrace chaos. The street is unpredictable, and the more you let go of control, the more the city reveals itself.
Patterns exist in nature and human behavior—how people move, gesture, and interact. Your job is to recognize these patterns, to make sense of the chaos, to articulate the unknown.
“Imperfection is perfection.”
The best moments? The ones that are a little wonky, a little off. Don’t be afraid to take bad photos. Take more bad photos. The more you shoot, the more you learn, the better you become. Photography is flux—constant change, evolution.
You Cannot Make The Same Photograph Twice
There are infinite ways to see the world.
Many photographers think everything’s been done, that the streets are boring. But when you adopt the mindset that you cannot make the same photograph twice, the world becomes your canvas.
Let go. Let life flow towards you. Be prepared with your camera.
The Power of Intuition
One of my favorite images? Two Palestinian men greeting each other outside a mosque in Jericho—kissing, smoking, drinking coffee.
I didn’t hunt for the shot. I entered the mosque, prayed, stepped outside, sat among them. The moment was delivered to me.
“When a moment comes, one must be prepared to press the shutter. That comes from gut instinct, not intellect.”
The best shots aren’t calculated. They happen. Be present. Be ready. Trust your gut.
The Mantra: My Next Photograph Is My Best Photograph
I’ve shot every single day for over a decade—never missed a day. No excuses. Why?
Because I tell myself:
“My next photograph is my best photograph.”
Failure is inevitable. You won’t always capture the perfect moment. But with a positive, affirming mindset, you increase your ability to be lucky.
Patience and awareness are critical. Boredom is essential. Walk through the city, feeling like you’re not seeing anything? Good. It forces you to slow down, to observe deeper, to chip away at life.
Success = Failure Embraced
Success in street photography?
It’s not about coming home with a perfect photograph. It’s about showing up. About walking. About failing over and over again, and continuing anyway.
“Street photography is a diary of my day. Failures are just notes in the margins.”
Missed the shot? Keep moving. Learn. Adapt. Transform.
Fall In Love With Life
Want to be a better photographer? Fall in love with life.
The more you love life, the more you’ll walk. The more you walk, the more you see. The more you see, the more you photograph.
Photography affirms life. It helps me fall in love with life again—every single day.
“Photography is my lifeline. It provides meaning and purpose.”
Play, Move, Breathe
Forget the serious approach. Photography should be play.
Be a kid with a camera. Wander. Explore. Lose yourself. Move.
“Motivation derives from movere—to move.”
The will to photograph = the will to life.
Photography as a Superpower
Street photography is a universal language. It has allowed me to connect with people, despite language barriers, across different cultures. It’s a tool for understanding the world on a deeper level.
And at the core? Gratitude fuels creativity.
Each day is a gift. Each day is a miniature birth. I assume I will die in my sleep, so when I wake, I am reborn. That mindset pushes me to photograph, to explore, to live with intensity.
You Can’t Live Forever, But You Can Make a Photograph
At the end of the day, photography allows us to live on.
“You can’t live forever, but at least you can make a photograph.”
This medium gives us a voice. It allows us to write with light, to uplift humanity. More than a visual game, it’s a way to affirm life itself.
Photography has nothing to do with photography. It has everything to do with how you engage with humanity on the front lines of life.
Now, go out there, press the shutter, and say yes to life.
In his article “Why You Should Use an Instax Camera,” Dante Sisofo shares his perspective on the role of photography and the unique advantages of using Instax cameras:Dante Sisofo
“To me, photography is an invitation, a way to see the world and share that gift with others. And Instax cameras make sharing immediate, tangible, and memorable.” Dante Sisofo
He further elaborates on how Instax cameras facilitate genuine connections:
“When I travel, I carry it everywhere, using it as a social tool. When photographing a scene, I can give prints to people right on the spot.” Dante Sisofo
Sisofo also reflects on the broader significance of photography:
“I see the camera as a key to experiences that lie beyond everyday reach.” Dante Sisofo
These insights highlight Sisofo’s belief in the power of instant photography to create immediate, tangible connections and enrich the photographic experience.
Dante Sisofo, a street photographer, has shared his experiences and insights regarding the Ricoh GR series cameras.Here are some of his notable quotes:Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“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.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“I’ve been a street photographer for a decade, and what I love most about the Ricoh GR III is how effortlessly it fits into my life. The camera is compact enough to slide into your pocket, rest on a wrist strap, or disappear in your hand.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“The Ricoh GR III lets you photograph life as it happens—candid, raw, and spontaneous. The compact size isn’t just convenient; it changes how you approach photography.” Dante Sisofo
“Photography with the Ricoh GR III is simple. You don’t need to be a pro, you don’t need to think too much—you just need to shoot.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“The benefit of using a Ricoh is that it can always be with you. Whether I am walking in the streets, riding my bike, or doing errands, I always have an opportunity to make a photograph.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
For a more in-depth perspective, you might find his video “How the Ricoh GR Brings Joy Back to Street Photography” insightful.YouTube
Here are some of Dante Sisofo’s notable quotes on street photography:
“The first step to practicing street photography is to forget everything you think you know. When you set your body in motion, without preconceived notions of what you will find, you will always be surprised.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“As a street photographer, you should forget everything you think you know and let life flow towards you… For this is how I view the world, as a playground, and I am just a big kid, with a camera.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“A photograph is drawing with light, an instant sketch of life. Photography is a universal language, something that transcends language barriers, and is readable to all people.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“A street photographer must possess intuition. For when you are on the streets, life unfolds spontaneously with entropy and randomness.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“The camera is an excuse to see the world. The camera is a passport, or a key, that unlocks the doors to the multifaceted complexities and experiences in life.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“The candid nature of street photography is what makes this art form so enticing, but difficult. You must practice every day with repetition. You learn to embrace failure, and enjoy it.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“The camera allows me to exist in the present moment, right here, right now. Maybe you can’t live forever, but you can make a photograph.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“There is no endgame to street photography, no external goal worth striving towards… The ultimate goal is to increase your curiosity each and every day.” Dante Sisofo
“Street photography is an artistic approach to the medium. It is to extract and abstract reality. Recognize the connection between your mind, body, and soul.” Dante Sisofo
“A photograph is a reflection of your courage. A photographer is responsible for positioning themselves on the front lines of life.” Dante Sisofo
“Your next picture is your best picture. Street photography is an endless stream of becoming.” Dante Sisofo
“The more you walk, the more you see. The more you see, the more you photograph. The more you photograph, the more successful you will be with your photography.” Dante Sisofo
“See the world as a child would. A child is forever curious about everything around them. This is where we want to be.” Dante Sisofo
“Put courage and curiosity at the forefront and become a playful monster. You should embrace the spirit of play and remain naive, but don’t let anybody mess with you.” Dante Sisofo
“A photograph is a self-portrait of a photographer. The photographs I make are just as much about the world around me as they are about myself.” Dante Sisofo
“The camera becomes a superpower. It allows you to give meaning to the mundane, creating something from nothing.” Dante Sisofo
“Street photography requires patience. It will take you around 10 years of practice to understand what you’re really doing.” Dante Sisofo
“The goal of practicing street photography is to increase your lust for life, and keep it insatiable. Street photography is an endless stream of becoming.” Dante Sisofo
“Let life flow towards you and don’t rush around. Walk 50% slower than everyone else on the street.” Dante Sisofo
“Don’t worry about impressing other photographers with your photography. Maybe it’s better if non-photographers enjoy your work.” Dante Sisofo
“The world is your canvas and the street is a stage. Everything is photographable. Don’t limit yourself.” Dante Sisofo
“A photographer exists outside the passage of time.” Dante Sisofo
“You learn to embrace failure and enjoy it. There is no such thing as good or bad photographs, but only new photographs to make.” Dante Sisofo+1Dante Sisofo+1
“Strong photographer, strong photographs. Weightlifting is practical for street photographers because it increases your confidence, courage, and ability to hit the streets for long periods of time.” Dante Sisofo
“Don’t watch YouTube videos. There’s not a single channel that will help you improve. Just go out and shoot.”
It’s Dante. Today, I’m giving you the ultimate Ricoh GR street photography tutorial. I’m breaking down:
My camera settings
My workflow
Behind-the-scenes video of my technique
How I work the scene and compose my shots
By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to use the Ricoh GR to its maximum potential and create better photographs.
Why the Ricoh GR?
“The closest thing to not having a camera is the Ricoh. The closest thing to not existing is practicing street photography.”
Shooting with a compact, discreet camera like the Ricoh GR means the camera becomes an extension of your eye and hand. You’re not an obvious photographer with a big DSLR around your neck. Instead, you’re a tourist in your hometown, a bystander of life.
I always wonder: What would Eugene Atget have done with a Ricoh? Imagine him roaming 19th-century Paris with a 28mm compact digital camera instead of a wooden bellows camera and 18×24 glass plates.
The Philosophy: A Tool for Intuition
“Photography has nothing to do with photography—it has everything to do with how you engage with humanity.”
The Ricoh eliminates decision fatigue:
No viewfinder → Forces you to compose through the LCD screen
Fixed lens → No need to choose a focal length
Small and discreet → People don’t notice it as much
Embracing the Snapshot Approach
No more “putting on your photographer hat.” Just go out and live—bring the camera along for the ride.
You don’t need to “get in the zone”—you’re already there.
This camera allows pure intuition, so you can react fluidly and seamlessly to life as it unfolds.
Dante believes the act of walking is central to street photography. It’s a form of meditation. You must train your eyes to see — not just look. Be present. Tune into the rhythm of the street and let your instincts guide you.
2. Think Like a Hunter
Dante compares the mindset of a street photographer to that of a hunter:
Stay alert.
Anticipate movement.
Trust your gut.
The decisive moment doesn’t wait — you must feel it coming and strike without hesitation.
3. Embrace the Chaos
The city is unpredictable. Dante finds beauty in this tension between the order of the grid and the chaos of humanity. Instead of resisting, lean into the spontaneity. That’s where magic happens.
4. Be Bold, Be Respectful
“Courage is essential, but so is compassion.”
Dante encourages photographers to get close, to capture intimacy — but never at the cost of someone’s dignity. Navigate ethics with heart. Each subject is a soul, not just a shot.
5. Use Small, Simple Tools
Dante uses the Ricoh GR III. Why?
Pocketable.
Silent.
Always with him.
It becomes an extension of the eye — fast, fluid, invisible. You don’t need bulky gear. Simplicity empowers freedom.
6. Delete Instagram, Own Your Platform
Social media molds vision. Dante urges photographers to build their own websites, curate independently, and resist trends. Make timeless work, not algorithm bait.
7. Minimal Workflow, Maximum Output
Shoot small JPEGs. No edits. Archive fast. Share faster. Spend time seeing, not editing.
8. Layer Deeply
Dante teaches layering techniques to create complexity in a frame:
Foreground, middle ground, background.
Use light and shadow.
Let geometry emerge naturally.
9. Stay Inspired Through Life
“The best photos come when you’re living a full life.”
Read philosophy. Travel. Love. Lift weights. Fast. Pray. Let life shape your vision, not the other way around.
10. Never Stop Learning
Even after a decade of shooting, Dante remains an amateur by choice — in love with the craft, hungry for truth. Photography is a lifelong journey of becoming.
Plato’s Sophist is a dense and profound dialogue that explores metaphysics, language, and the nature of sophistry itself. Featuring a conversation between a nameless Eleatic Stranger, Theaetetus, and Socrates (who plays a minimal role), the dialogue shifts from epistemology to ontology.
Its central focus is to define what a sophist truly is—and in doing so, the dialogue tackles one of philosophy’s oldest and most perplexing problems: How can we speak or think about what is not?
This study guide outlines the key arguments and philosophical breakthroughs of Sophist, offering insights into Plato’s evolving metaphysical thought.
1. The Method of Division
The Eleatic Stranger introduces a method of defining things by division—breaking down a concept by tracing its genus and species.
Defining the Sophist Through Division
The sophist is examined by cutting through categories like:
Arts → Productive vs. acquisitive
Acquisitive → Hunting → Hunting humans
Hunting humans → Through persuasion → Paid teaching
Ultimately, the sophist is defined as:
A paid hunter of young souls who uses deceptive language and appearance to seem wise without actually possessing truth.
2. The Puzzle of False Statements
The Stranger raises a paradox: If the sophist uses lies and illusions, how is falsehood possible at all?
The Problem
If someone says “X is not,” they seem to be talking about what is not.
But talking about “what is not” implies that “what is not” somehow is.
This contradiction threatens all falsehood: If we can’t speak of what isn’t, how can we lie, pretend, or be mistaken?
3. The Ontology of Non-Being
To solve this, Plato redefines non-being not as absolute nothingness, but as difference.
“That which is not” simply means “that which is different.”
Key Insight
Non-being exists in a certain sense: as difference from what is.
Therefore, saying “A is not B” makes perfect sense. A differs from B—it is not B.
This subtle move opens the door for understanding:
False statements
Imitations
Images
Sophistry itself
4. The Interweaving of the Forms
The dialogue also introduces an early form of Plato’s theory of interrelating Forms:
Not all Forms mix, but some interweave.
Key Forms like Being, Sameness, Difference, Motion, and Rest are analyzed in terms of their relations.
This is one of Plato’s most metaphysically rich moments, exploring the structure of reality itself.
5. The Sophist as a Deceiver of Appearances
The sophist ultimately is defined as:
A practitioner of an art that imitates wisdom, using deceptive appearances, without true knowledge.
By solving the problem of non-being and falsehood, the dialogue exposes the sophist’s method: to mimic truth while producing illusions.
This has implications not just for rhetoric or education, but for any realm where imitation replaces reality.
Key Philosophical Themes
1. The Nature of Being and Non-Being
What does it mean for something “to be”?
Is non-being simply the opposite of being, or is it a kind of difference?
2. Language and Falsehood
How can we speak about things that are not?
What makes a statement false, and how is error possible?
3. Imitation vs. Reality
The sophist imitates wisdom without possessing it.
What separates a genuine knower from a clever imitator?
4. The Interrelation of Forms
Some Forms combine, some oppose.
Understanding reality involves mapping how the fundamental categories relate.
Wisdom and Takeaways
Falsehood is possible because non-being exists as difference, not as nothingness.
Sophistry is dangerous because it mimics wisdom and disguises ignorance.
Philosophy must uncover the structure of being to defeat deception.
Not all knowledge is equal—some “arts” only produce appearances, not truth.
Conclusion
Sophist is a metaphysical turning point in Plato’s thought. It moves beyond Socratic questioning to systematic analysis of being, non-being, and the nature of language. By defining the sophist, Plato confronts the challenge of falsehood and reveals that philosophy must not only love truth—it must guard against illusion.
Plato’s Theaetetus is a foundational dialogue on epistemology—the study of knowledge. Through a discussion between Socrates, the young mathematician Theaetetus, and Theodorus, the dialogue examines what it means to know something.
Rather than arriving at a firm definition, the dialogue functions as a philosophical investigation into false belief, perception, and the limits of human understanding.
This study guide outlines the key arguments in Theaetetus and explores Plato’s early approach to the question: What is knowledge?
1. The Three Definitions of Knowledge
Theaetetus offers three definitions of knowledge, each tested and ultimately refuted by Socrates.
A. Knowledge is Perception
“Man is the measure of all things.” —Protagoras
This idea, drawn from Protagoras, suggests that what each person perceives is true for them.
Socrates explores relativism: If perception is knowledge, then everyone is right in their own view.
Consequence: No objective truth exists.
Critique: Perception can be deceptive (e.g. dreams, illusions, illness), so it cannot be a reliable foundation for knowledge.
B. Knowledge is True Judgment
Socrates next questions whether true belief equals knowledge.
Example: A jury may reach the correct verdict, but if they do so without understanding, is it really knowledge?
Verdict: True judgment without explanation is still unstable and open to error.
C. Knowledge is True Judgment with an Account (Logos)
This final definition attempts to combine belief and reasoning:
To know is to have a true belief and be able to explain why.
Socrates tests this with analogies (e.g., knowing someone by description vs. recognizing them).
Problem: What counts as an “account”? Does naming or listing qualities suffice?
This approach fails to fully define knowledge and collapses under scrutiny.
2. Socratic Midwifery: Philosophy as Birth
Socrates describes his role in the dialogue using the metaphor of a midwife:
He does not “give birth” to knowledge, but helps others bring forth their ideas.
His goal is not to teach, but to test and refine thought through questioning.
Theaetetus is praised for his willingness to struggle and search—hallmarks of philosophical maturity.
3. The Problem of False Belief
Socrates explores whether one can truly hold a false belief:
Is error a result of misidentification, like confusing one person for another?
Plato introduces the “wax block” and “aviary” metaphors to explain memory and understanding:
Wax block: Impressions are stamped onto the soul like a seal—errors occur if impressions are faint or confused.
Aviary: Knowledge is like birds flying in the soul’s aviary; to know something is to “grab” the right bird.
Each model attempts to explain how people can mistake, forget, or misjudge, but none fully resolves the issue of false belief.
4. The Dialogue’s Open-Ended Conclusion
Theaetetus ends without a final answer to the question of what knowledge is. Socrates departs for his court trial (which we later learn leads to his death in the Apology).
Socrates: “The investigation must continue.”
This open ending reinforces a key theme of the dialogue: Philosophy is not about quick answers but enduring questions.
Key Philosophical Themes
1. Epistemological Relativism
Can truth be subjective?
If all perceptions are valid, can anything be false?
2. The Nature of Error
What does it mean to be wrong?
Is ignorance just the absence of knowledge, or something deeper?
3. The Limits of Language and Explanation
Can we ever fully explain what we know?
How do we account for intuition, memory, and tacit understanding?
4. The Philosophical Method
Socrates doesn’t offer dogma—he refines, tests, and purifies thought.
Philosophy is a process, not a product.
Wisdom and Takeaways
True knowledge requires more than belief—it demands clarity and justification.
Perception is unreliable; wisdom must look beyond appearances.
Philosophy is an endless questioning, not a fixed doctrine.
Failure to define knowledge is not failure—it is the beginning of wisdom.
Conclusion
Theaetetus offers a profound inquiry into what it means to know. Though it ends in aporia (no definitive answer), it sharpens the reader’s awareness of the complexity of knowledge. Socrates teaches that understanding begins with recognizing our ignorance—and with that, the soul is stirred into motion.
In solitude, I can become my true and authentic self. The path less traveled is where I feel most comfortable, away from the distractions of society. The noise and chatter of other people often pull me away from my core, but when I’m alone in nature, I find clarity. The outskirts of the city, the open spaces, and the quiet forests offer a peace that allows me to fully engage with who I am.
Early Lessons from Nature
From a young age, I was drawn to nature. The Wissachn forest in my backyard became my playground, where I built teepees with sticks, climbed trees, explored caves, and created my own adventures. Indoors, I spent time alone with toy warriors, crafting stories and battles in my mind. Even then, I found strength in solitude. This independence, cultivated through hours of playing alone, gave me a foundation of self-reliance and creativity that has carried me through life.
Reflection and Mortality
Solitude allows me to reflect deeply on life and mortality. Each moment of quiet offers a space to contemplate the bigger questions: Why are we here? How do we spend our time wisely? Ancient texts, like the Bible and Greek philosophy, have guided my reflections. These timeless pieces of wisdom have stood the test of time, offering insights that are often lost in the noise of modern media.
I find these texts offer more value than most things society tells us to focus on today. The pursuit of fame, wealth, and superficial status fades in comparison to the timeless lessons found in these works. Mortality reminds us that life is fleeting, and it pushes me to focus on what truly matters.
The Importance of Religion and Community
Religion once held communities together, providing shared morals and purpose. Today, we often replace religion with bureaucracy or shallow ideologies. I’ve seen firsthand the power of faith in uniting people, especially during my time in Jericho, where I prayed in a mosque with brothers, and in Zambia, where the village came together around stories of Jesus.
These experiences taught me the importance of striving to become the best version of ourselves. When we live with purpose, grounded in something larger than ourselves, we create stronger communities. Treating others as we would like to be treated, as Jesus taught, is a principle that has the power to change the world, starting with our immediate environment.
Health and Self-Sufficiency
Solitude also allows me to focus on what truly matters: health and self-sufficiency. My time in the Peace Corps in Zambia taught me how to live with less and rely on myself. From slaughtering goats and plucking chickens by hand to drawing water from a well, I learned the value of physical labor and the rewards of self-reliance.
In contrast, modern life often pushes us to chase material wealth—cars, vacations, and status symbols that ultimately hold little value. True wealth lies in health, the ability to move freely, walk upright, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s in these simple yet meaningful aspects of life that I find purpose and satisfaction.
Finding Peace in Nature
By distancing myself from society’s distractions, I’ve aligned with nature and found peace in simplicity. Whether it’s through photography, exploration, or simply walking through the woods, the solitude I find in nature allows me to thrive. I’ve finally found my place, standing tall amidst the ruins of modernity, and embracing a life that is rooted in purpose, health, and peace.
Don’t change your location—just change your perspective.
This morning, as I caught the sunrise on this chilly day in Philly, I had a thought. As photographers, we often chase novelty, seeking new places and fresh experiences to photograph. It’s natural. I feel that pull too—I want to explore the world with my camera in hand.
But I also believe something deeper: when you dive into your mind, you’ll be surprised at what you find. The way you perceive the world is infinitely novel, no matter how mundane things may seem.
The Camera as a Superpower
When I have a camera in my hand, I feel like I have a superpower. Nothing can break my spirit—nothing can shake my lust for life. Through photography, I have the ability to articulate the world around me, to create, to explore infinite ways to change my perspective.
“The goal of a street photographer is to thrive in the mundane monotony of everyday life—for that is where we find fuel.”
To me, curiosity is the key. Every day, I cultivate it by recognizing the endless ways I can make a photograph. And when I change my perspective, I unlock infinite potential.
Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes
You don’t need to travel to change your perspective. The act of photography itself is a shift in perspective.
Look up at the trees.
Look down at the leaves.
Change your vantage point.
Find novelty in the details.
Photography is about seeing the world with fresh eyes. Everything becomes photographable when you change how you look at it.
Finding Beauty in the Mundane
Right now, I’m shifting my perspective from a busy park to the hustle and bustle of the highway. Look at all these cars flowing into the city. This ordinary, mundane scene—just another morning commute—suddenly becomes beautiful when I observe the way the light hits the highway during sunrise.
“Perhaps boredom is the ultimate tragedy.”
But when you have a camera, when you have the ability to create something—it becomes impossible to be bored. Photography turns the world into a canvas, and light into a medium.
Infinite Possibilities
Photography teaches you that there’s always something to see, something to explore, something to create. Of course, we want to travel and experience new places—that’s natural. But the true magic happens when you find infinite possibility right where you are.
When I change my perspective, my mindset shifts to abundance. Everything becomes a gift. Every moment is an opportunity. And through the endless act of making new photographs, I am affirming life.
“I’m saying yes to life through clicking the shutter.”
Could You Thrive in the Same Day on Loop?
Let’s say you were destined to live the same day, over and over again.
Would you survive? Of course.
But would you thrive?
Through photography, through the act of creation, I shift my perspective, I learn, I question. And through that act of making, I thrive.
Message of the Day:
Change your perspective. You don’t have to change your location. The world is infinite—you just have to see it that way.
What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re going to be discussing how to take self-portraits in street photography. Now, you may be thinking, why would you take self-portraits on the streets? Why not make photos of strangers? Isn’t that the ethos of street photography?
Why Turn the Camera on Yourself?
When it comes to practicing street photography, we often don’t know what it really feels like to be on the other side of the camera. Most of the time, we’re photographing strangers. But by photographing yourself—by putting yourself on the other side of the lens—you gain a better understanding and develop more empathy towards the subjects you capture on the street.
Street photographers should turn the camera on themselves to understand that relationship, that dynamic between photographer and subject. As we photograph others, it only makes sense to photograph ourselves. For me, photographing myself fuels my everyday life with joy.
Exploring Creative Angles
Self-portraits allow me to:
Experiment with creative angles.
Explore vertical frames.
Make a photograph even when no other subjects are in sight.
I can place myself in the light, frame my composition, and create something intriguing. For example, I once made a self-portrait outside of City Hall, where the way the building framed the composition and the light cast across my face made for an interesting shot. These moments allow me to play, experiment, and tinker with photography.
“By photographing myself, I’m experimenting more. I’m playing with lighting, I’m playing with different situations where I can essentially plug myself into a composition.”
Self-Portrait as a Visual Diary
For me, photography is a visual diary of my day. I simply bring my camera along for the ride and take photos of myself sometimes. Turning the camera on myself plugs me into my own narrative. It makes me an active part of my photographic process. It’s a fun and interesting approach because as street photographers, we often only photograph strangers.
But by positioning your body in the frame in a way that feels candid, the shot almost blends seamlessly with your other street images. Embracing the selfie as a part of my street photography journey fuels my lust for life itself.
“This is, to me, why I practice street photography. It simply brings me joy. It’s a way for me to plug myself into my own work.”
Practical Approach: Using the Ricoh GR III
When making self-portraits, I use the Ricoh GR III, a compact digital camera. My setup is simple:
Program mode set into the camera.
Single-point autofocus.
Flip the camera upside down and point and shoot.
Natural light is my go-to.
I look towards the sun, press the shutter, and move on. The Ricoh makes it effortless to capture self-portraits because of how small and flexible it is. It lets me hold the camera out in front of me like a human tripod. This technique is unique to the Ricoh, and if you shoot with one, I highly encourage you to give it a try.
Boosting Confidence Through Self-Portraits
One of the best things about making self-portraits is how it boosts my confidence. It’s about making myself into art.
“We were all created and we all have our own unique facial features, our own unique bodies that we embody each and every day.”
The simple act of making a photograph can boost your:
Joy
Confidence
Courage to approach strangers
For instance, the other day I was trying on a tuxedo. I never wear formal clothing, but I looked in the mirror and thought, I look good. So I made a portrait of myself. It was an interesting experience, and it just boosted my confidence.
The Freedom to Create
Self-portraits are a tool for creative expression:
You can make them anywhere.
You can use different lighting conditions (sunrise, sunset, window light, etc.).
You can experiment with gestures, side profiles, and perspectives.
If I’m not feeling inspired to shoot, I turn the camera on myself. That act alone gets me back into the flow state of making pictures. It’s a simple and accessible way for anyone to start creating.
“There’s something about this process of photographing yourself that will ultimately give you more possibilities to create.”
Experimenting with Light and Gesture
When making self-portraits, I experiment with:
Light and shadow play
Vertical vs. horizontal composition
Expressions and candid gestures
For instance, one morning in Rome, I was just waking up, relaxing in bed, and decided to frame an interesting composition. By tinkering with gestures and lighting, I made something intriguing.
“If there are no subjects in sight, I can just plug myself into the composition.”
Why Self-Portraits Matter in Street Photography
Many past photographers rarely made self-portraits, but in the modern age, the selfie is a part of the culture. We can put our own twist on it by using dramatic lighting, composition, and storytelling.
“At the end of the day, our photographs are a reflection of our soul.”
Treat this process like a visual diary. Bring your camera along for the ride and see what happens. Don’t limit yourself to what you think you should be photographing—just photograph. You are always a subject worth capturing.
Final Thoughts
Experiment with angles, gestures, and lighting.
Use self-portraits to break out of creative blocks.
Treat self-portraits as a way to enhance your photographic voice.
Use self-portraits in your blog or website to put a face to your work.
By incorporating self-portraits into my street photography, I’m always in the process of creating. And that’s what it’s all about—finding inspiration, liberating yourself creatively, and capturing the essence of everyday life.
So next time you’re out on the streets and there’s no subject in sight, turn the camera on yourself. You are always a subject worth photographing.
What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante, getting my morning started here in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. The more you love life, the more you photograph life.
Courage, Motion, and Photography
So today, I’m thinking about why this matters and how we can apply this to our everyday lives as photographers. I believe that ultimately, motivation derives from your legs, from the physical movement of your body. You know, I like to think that I’m driven by courage.
My body is the vehicle. And when I make a photograph and look back at it, it’s a reflection of my heart—core meaning heart. It’s a reflection of my courage. Because ultimately, it requires courage to be out here in the world, exploring endlessly.
“The world is the ultimate arena.”
There’s just so much out here—so much to do, to see, to explore, to experience, and to photograph. And at the forefront of our practice, courage is required—the courage to wake up in the morning, to get out of bed, to move your body, to go out there and experience life on the front lines of life.
This, to me, is the ultimate joy of photography.
Curiosity and the Act of Photographing
I’m thinking today about how—how to get this across. This simple notion of falling in love with life through photography, and how this inspires me to make photographs every single day, no matter how mundane things may seem.
One question I like to ask myself is very simple:
What will reality manifest to be in a photograph?
What this means is—I’m simply curious about what the result in the photograph will be. What will the camera see? I’m not necessarily looking at life for what it is, but for what it could be.
So when I make a photograph of something, I’m simply asking why. I’m putting a question mark on life itself.
Through this act of photographing—of going out there each and every day, looking at life intensely, seeing all the details and complexities—I become more in tune with my perception of reality. And ultimately, perception determines everyday life, thoughts, and feelings.
Light as the Subject
Photography is a way to cultivate curiosity. A way to wake up each day with openness and eagerness.
For me, what it all comes down to—photographing, making pictures—is curiosity.
How curious can you be each and every day? How curious are you to go out there and make photographs, to make sense of things? These discarded little moments—trash on the ground, a crack in the sidewalk—become my canvas to draw upon.
And one of the biggest creative unlocks for me recently?
Treating light as my medium.
Photography is drawing with light—from fos (light) and graphia (writing/drawing). So, light becomes my subject.
The way the light changes throughout the day, throughout the seasons.
Cloudy days, rainy days, golden hour, blue hour.
Light carving into surfaces, textures, people, places, and things.
By treating light as my subject, I no longer depend on a theme, a project, or a specific thing to photograph. Instead, I follow the light. Light itself gives me the ability to articulate the world—to put order to the chaos.
This is the most empowering mindset shift I’ve adopted as a photographer.
Photography and Vitality
If you want to go out and photograph on the days when you don’t feel like it, I think it’s simple. For me, it’s about vitality.
“The only life worth living is a life full of vitality.”
The more photographs I make, the more it reflects my vigor, my passion, my drive.
The more sleep I get, the more power I have.
The more sunlight I absorb, the more energy I have.
The better I eat, the more I want to move my body and photograph.
So, to stay inspired, I keep my body sharp:
I get 8-10 hours of sleep.
I eat the right foods.
I stretch, do yoga, drink water.
I drink coffee and step out into the world ready to go.
The better I feel physically, the more I find myself photographing.
The Physical Joy of Photography
To improve as a photographer, one must fall in love with life itself. And to fall in love with life, one must feel good, feel powerful, feel physically capable of moving through the world.
Making a photograph is a physical pleasure—walking, exploring, observing. My philosophy of photography is rooted in the physicality of it all.
“The everyday experience of being out in the world is what brings life meaning.”
Walking, listening, smelling, touching, thinking, watching—all of these things bring me joy in photography.
Cultivating Curiosity
If you’re looking to stay inspired, think about more ways to cultivate curiosity.
Slow down.
Look at everything around you as a potential photograph.
Free yourself from good vs. bad photographs.
Follow that inner child. Embrace play.
When you detach from the outcome—from whether the photo is good or bad—and just embrace the flow state, you’ll find yourself infinitely inspired to make new images.
“Each day is new. There are infinite things to see and photograph.”
And at the end of the day, it’s the process and the journey that bring meaning.
Returning to Day One
I’ve photographed for over a decade. I’ve traveled the world. I’ve mastered street photography.
But the key to joy? Returning to day one.
By embracing an amateur mindset—photographing with curiosity, with spontaneity—I liberate myself. I photograph in a radical new way. And in doing so, I find more joy in my life.
“Use photography as a way to fuel your lust for life. Find joy and meaning in the mundane.”
Because at the end of the day, this moment—right here, right now—is all that matters.
We’re all gonna die one day. Maybe we can’t live forever.
For the past year, I’ve been working as a horticulturist in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Now that it’s officially spring, I’m starting to see the flowers bloom, watching the daffodils flourish as the seasons change and the bulbs I planted come alive. I find it fascinating to live in a city like Philadelphia with so much green space. It reminds me of my childhood, spent in the Wissahickon forest, blazing my own paths and trails, building teepees with sticks, bridges with stones, and exploring the unknown—all on my own. I thrive in solitude and find peace amongst the chaos of urban life here in the park. I feel like I’ve finally returned home, to my essence, to the inner child within me, finding my place in a chaotic city.
Prune the dead
It seems that one of the easiest ways to allow plants to flourish is to simply remove the dead parts. By grabbing a pair of pruners and clipping off the dead limbs of the trees, the dead leaves from branches, or diseased stems and parts of the indoor plants, you give the plant a fresh breath of life—another opportunity to regrow again. When I walk through the park and listen to the sounds of the birds sing, I can’t help but join them. I love singing when I walk into the park, tuning into their frequency. I watch the squirrels run around and jump from branch to branch, watching the leaves wiggle from the trees, observing the patterns of the branches, and how much beauty there is in God’s creations.
When I think of nature as the ultimate creation, and God as the ultimate creator, I remind myself that I too am His creation. Just like the branches looming upon the trees, they reflect back within me—in my lungs, in the shape of the branches that are growing through the veins in my body, similar to the veins of the leaves, where our bloodstream carries nutrients just like the veins within the leaves carry nutrients throughout the trees and the different plants around me. Everything is connected, and we are all one, despite how much the modern world separates us. When you zoom into the tiniest atom within your body, and then zoom out to the galaxy—to the cosmos at large—you realize how divine life truly is, and how magnificent it is to be a part of it. Despite how insignificant you may seem, as a small speck of dust in an open vast galaxy, we all have a role to play.
Reborn again
I recently attended a Bible study in an Amish home in Lancaster, and we joined together, singing for about an hour. With such pure souls, it felt like an unreal movie. I couldn’t believe that they were so open in inviting me into their space to join them. After singing, we talked about different topics from the Bible, etc. But what struck me was this idea of being born again.
I find that being born again is simply removing all the dead parts from your soul and allowing yourself to regrow again, similar to the plants and the way they grow throughout the change of seasons—or when you tend to a greenhouse and prune the dead. I think in order to wake up, in order to be born again, one must recognize the finitude of our lives—that we are flesh, that we cut, we bleed, we feel sorrow, pain, and greed. We lust for the flesh of others, we shout, we pout, and we are imperfect in nature.
We are divinely imperfect, however, and through embracing that imperfection—through recognizing suffering and going through it—we come out from the other side of the fire, born again. You have to be born of the fire, of the spirit, within, by connecting with your inner daimon, as they call it in Ancient Greek philosophy—the essence of who you are.
Strip everything away
You know how when you start a new video game and you design your character from the ground up—giving yourself facial features, clothing, body type, etc.? I think that we should go back to that default video game character selection scene and build ourselves from the ground up. It’s like you have to purge yourself of all toxins, whether they’re physical foods or digital media that you consume.
By removing all the superfluous distractions of the modern world—all of the toxic stuff and all the sludge that we consume—you can purify yourself through stripping away the superfluous. When you strip away the superfluous things and detach yourself from the material things around you, whether it’s the desire for a fancy car, a fancy watch, a particular thing, or a goal of acquiring something, you can rebuild yourself from the ground up, from within.
I feel like we all go through our own trials, our own sufferings, but it’s up to you to use that suffering in order to be grown into something new. I recently read Dante’s Inferno, and I feel as though this epic poem lays out the clear path to that. Dante would’ve never ascended to Paradiso if he hadn’t descended into the Inferno. Or if you even look at the myth of Hercules, and the way he had to be purged through the fire before rising to Mount Olympus—after completing his 12 labors—through suffering, he ascended.
The power of art
For the past two years straight, I’ve listened to the Wanamaker Organ every single day at 5:30 PM. I find the trifecta of art to be the combination of music, sculpture, and architecture, as I believe them to be the highest forms of art. There’s something so special about the Wanamaker building, that unfortunately just closed this past weekend. I remember being a little boy, sitting under the Eagle sculpture, watching the light show. My grandmother also worked in the beauty department.
However, this daily show became my muse—my main source of inspiration recently. Looking up at this high ceiling, in front of an eagle, it felt like the bird was flying my body up to a transcendental height, like I could climb up Jacob’s Ladder or something, haha. I think this is the power of beautiful art. When a man decides to build a giant sculpture or a piece of architecture, they’re striving to ascend upwards. Through building something beautiful and grand, it can inspire greatness in humanity itself.
When I stand in the center of the Wanamaker building and listen to the organ sound and look up at the high ceiling, it reminds me that I can strive to move upwards—despite being bound by gravity. There’s something so special about art and its ability to uplift humanity to a new height.
The street is a mirror that reflects back at you
When you photograph life, of course you’re putting four corners around it—but recognize that the image is a reflection of you. The images we make are a reflection of our inner soul, let alone a depiction of reality. I think the power of street photography is the ability for the individual to have a voice.
You may feel like you have nothing to say, or no special ability to create, but through simply picking up a camera and going out there in the world—like a big kid, just photographing your inner-child-like curiosity—you can reveal your soul and give yourself this powerful voice through the medium of photography.
This, to me, is the beauty of art—and specifically photography—as it is so easy. All one needs to do is pick up the camera and walk out their door. There’s just so much to do, to see, to explore, to photograph in our life. So pick up a camera and champion that simple fact. Go somewhere new today. Talk to a stranger. Photograph in a new way. Embrace the spirit of play through the act of making a photograph. Through that spirit of play, your soul will reflect back at you from the streets itself.
Build a strong foundation
So for the past two and a half years, I’ve been building a strong foundation. I’m just getting started. When I think about a foundation, I think about our abdominal muscles—our core. Perhaps this is where all of our strength truly lies. Of course, we have two legs that carry us through the world, but it is our core—that tight abdomen area—that holds our spine upright and gives us the ability to stand, move, and do all the different things that we carry out in our everyday lives.
Yesterday at work, I was removing a tree trunk from the ground. You have to get a shovel and dig around it, revealing the roots that connect to the soil. By grabbing a pair of pruners and clipping the roots—or a chainsaw and trimming the dead—you can wiggle that strong trunk out from the earth and pull it from the ground. It really does require a lot of physical force to remove the foundation from the tree—the trunk itself.
The trunks of trees are what hold them standing upright for decades, and even perhaps hundreds of years for certain trees. It’s quite fascinating how strong a tree is, and the way the trunk and its core are rooted in the ground through a network of veins and roots—like arteries in our heart—keep everything together.
Agility and mobility
I recently enrolled in a boxing class, and I’m blown away by how much it works your core. Punching the bag and moving left and right requires a lot of agility and mobility in your core and in your physical body. There’s a lot of coordination involved with boxing, as I’m starting to learn after only two classes, and it’s very much a new practice that I’m looking forward to mastering.
I think what I seek most in life are more grand physical challenges. I want to take on new physical challenges, because as my muscles grow, as I become physically stronger, I become mentally sharper and spiritually more awake—and have the ability to go out there to create.
Through physical movement, agility, and the ability to go out there to explore—with power at the forefront—you can become the ultimate creator, or the best photographer you can possibly be. Because ultimately, the more you walk, the more you see. The more you see, the more you photograph. And the more you photograph, the more curious you become, to go out there and continue pressing the shutter.
And so, with that said, as much as photography is a visual game of putting together the foreground, middle ground, and background—as we have two eyes connected to our brain that allow us to see and perceive the world with sharp visual acuity—at the end of the day, photography is a physical pleasure. It requires you to move your physical body out there in the open world, on the front lines of life, close to humanity.
And the stronger you become—the stronger your core, your foundation, both physically, mentally, and spiritually—the more you possess the ability to move with agility and mobility throughout the world, and to articulate the chaos and put order to it with your frames. So what I’m trying to say is: create a strong foundation. Get in the gym. Do some push-ups, some pull-ups. Do something. Move your physical body. And through that movement—and through increasing your strength—everything else will fall into place.
We are human batteries
Our body is the battery. Just like a phone that needs to get charged each night, we too need deep sleep. I can’t help but stress the difference I feel between getting deep, good sleep as opposed to restless nights. I can’t remember the last time I had an off day of sleep, as I’ve been making it such a priority to just simply get to bed as early as possible.
By getting to bed early, I wake up with vigor and vitality—and I’m ready to conquer the day. One of the things I’ve realized about myself is that my mental battery gets drained way more easily than my physical battery. For instance, you can give me a shovel and I’ll go dig 100 holes in the ground right now. But if I have to sit in a meeting for two hours, I’ll be completely mentally exhausted and feel like I need to take a nap.
It’s quite fascinating, really—maybe we’re all built differently—but this is just my personal experience. I think it’s important to be mindful of how you spend your time, what you pay attention to. This is the ultimate currency in the universe. It’s the reason why we call it “spending” time and “paying” attention.
Perhaps it is ultimately our perception that shapes our reality. So by perceiving and viewing beautiful things—with beautiful art, having beautiful conversations, surrounding yourself in beautiful nature—you will have a beautiful and flourishing life. But if you’re paying attention to doom and gloom, boring celebrity gossip, negative news, etc., you’ll be living in a living nightmare.
I honestly think we create hell for ourselves on earth—but you can create paradise on earth through what you pay attention to, how you spend your time, and whether or not you get good sleep at night.
I think the craziest modern-day phenomenon is how little time we spend in nature, under the sun. We sequester ourselves inside the four corners of rooms, cubicles, offices, in order to generate money—as this is our currency. But we neglect the way we’re spending the time to actually generate that currency. Because ultimately, we’re degrading our physical bodies by sitting down for eight hours a day and not even getting the sunlight that charges our soul and gives us the power to go out there and live our lives.
It’s quite dark when you look at it this way—almost like the city is this big prison, and we’re all so comfortable in our little prison cells, like zoo animals. Or maybe the new idea is “Zoom animals”—stuck in Zoom calls inside all day.
You are a creator being
We were all born artists, but the modern world sucks it out of you. Reclaim your innate ability—the DNA qualities that you possess as a creator. Pick up a camera. Start making things. Start tinkering. Start experimenting.
What I’ve realized in my personal journey is that I needed to destroy my old ways of doing things in order to become creative again. For instance, I feel like I hit a wall with my photography, shooting in color. But ever since switching back to black and white, I’ve tapped into an infinite way of making new photographs.
It’s like I tapped into this endless stream of becoming—and have the ability to create at any time of the day. By carrying a Ricoh GR digital compact camera in my pocket all the time, I never have an excuse not to make something. It’s like I had to cut all the dead limbs from myself—all the dead parts—in order to grow new fruits again and produce new photos.
Treat photography as life affirmation
When I photograph, I’m simply saying yes to life itself. If you treat photography like life affirmation, everything becomes rich with meaning. I think we’re all seeking “the meaning of life,” but I believe it is up to us to give life meaning. It’s you who gives life meaning.
Through photography, every fleeting moment becomes rich with meaning. It does not matter how mundane or boring things may seem—I can always find something to uplift in a photograph, a new way to say yes to life itself, giving meaning to the most mundane situations, people, places.
What I’ve found is, by reminding myself each and every day that I will die—or could die any moment—life becomes so much more rich with meaning. If you simply treat each day like your last, almost like each night when you go to sleep is a miniature death, and each morning, a miniature birth, you become filled with gratitude. And this abundant feeling puts you in a flow state of production—not just in terms of making photographs, but also in how you carry yourself throughout your everyday routine in life itself.
You stop taking everything so seriously and find yourself moving full of purpose, with vigor in each step—saying yes with each click of the shutter.
