I believe the more that we gather information about the world through our phones and stay connected to the world this way, the further we stray from what truly matters. What matters is the physical flesh in front of you.
We should focus more on our own communities and whatever neighborhood it is that we live in. Our immediate surroundings are what is most critical.
This is why I’m not a fan of consuming social media, the news, and staying in touch with the world. I’d rather create my own world through the process of making art and photographs each day.
Perhaps being naïve is an antidote to the tragedy of life. It’s impossible not to look at the ugliness of the world with critique. I try my best to remain optimistic and to look at the world in a positive way, but this is merely naïve at best. This is why I believe it is important to return to the childlike state and to embrace the spirit of play. Everything becomes beautiful again once you look at the world with a fresh pair of eyes and a lack of knowledge.
I say we must go beyond knowledge. Knowledge is boring anyway. It’s time to forget everything I think I know.
Consider using macro mode, or simply putting the camera as close as possible to the subject.
Darker photos are more sublime
We must go beyond beauty. Darker images are more aesthetically beautiful. When you use the Ricoh GRIII, you can set the exposure compensation -1, and achieve an abstract image that goes beyond reality.
Ease yourself into the process of making pictures. If you’re just getting started, don’t get caught up and looking for those hero shots. Make sure to keep longevity in your mind and to think about the process as a stream of becoming.
Lately, I’ve been embracing details on the street a lot more than my typical approach to candidly photographing people. I find the details can tell a fuller story of your hometown, or wherever you are in the world. Philadelphia has endless terrain to explore, and it’s very walkable. This allows me to revisit the same places over and over again, and find details in the mundane.
I believe that through photography we can remember more in our lives. The memories that we document can live forever. I like to look back at my pictures sometimes just to recall certain memories that I have in my life. Perhaps video is an even better way to augment this experience of relieving memories.
Walking down Chestnut Street, surrounded by a blend of old and new architecture, I’m reminded of why I love Philadelphia. This city breathes history and modernity side by side. The Liberty Towers, the first buildings to rise taller than City Hall, stand as monuments to progress. It’s here, amidst these streets, that street photography thrives, keeping me in a constant state of curiosity and play.
The State of Becoming
Street photography is more than capturing moments—it’s a process of becoming. Each photo is part of a stream, a reflection of my subconscious, shaped by the world around me. The forms, the geometry, the way people move—it’s like music. There’s a rhythm to the streets, a beat that syncs with your steps.
“You become one with the street. It’s like music—a dance of light, shadow, and movement.”
To thrive in this practice, courage and curiosity are essential. Street photography requires embracing chaos, finding peace in its midst. For me, chaos isn’t something to fear; it’s something to find beauty in.
Photography as Play
The greatest joy comes from movement—from being outside, from engaging with the world. Photography is play. It’s a creative outlet that’s accessible to anyone, anywhere, with any level of experience. Whether you’re using a high-end camera or just your phone, the power lies in your hands.
“The key is to return to an amateur’s mind—a beginner’s mind—every day. Wake up and see the world anew.”
This mindset keeps things fresh. Every day, I seek beauty in the mundane. The cracks in the sidewalk, the light reflecting off a window, the fleeting expressions of passersby. It’s all photographable.
Onward to New Work
For me, it’s always about the next photo. I don’t dwell on past shots or get lost in my archive. The focus is on creating more, on thinking abundantly. Photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about continuous growth and discovery.
“Think lofty. Let your work outlive you. Create with the intention of leaving something behind.”
Photography as Legacy
As artists, we face the inevitable truth: death. It’s the fate of all living things. But through art, through photography, we defy that fate. We create something that can live on after we’re gone.
“Through the lens, we abstract and extract from life. We create something out of nothing, using the camera like a sword to cut through chaos.”
Photography allows us to laugh in the face of mortality. By capturing moments, we preserve them, making them immortal.
“In this way, through our art, we can live forever.”
So, take to the streets. Embrace the chaos, the beauty, the fleeting nature of life. Use your camera to create something timeless. Immortalize your vision, and let it outlive you.
I believe when you practice street photography, your courage and curiosity should lead you. When you follow your intuition, you must have guts to enter the unknown and allow the chaos to flow towards you. The camera is my sword. I want to slice through life itself and reveal of the soul of the street.
