The solution to evil is Christian anarchism of non resistance

The Sermon on the Mount is so radical that if it were truly lived out at scale, 99% of the problems in modern life would be dismantled

September 10, 2025 – Philadelphia

September 9, 2025 – Philadelphia

The new flex is to have the privilege to walk and have sunlight on your skin during the day

The privilege of being outdoors

September 8, 2025 – Philadelphia

VERITAS

Veritas — Etymology

Veritas is Latin for “truth.”

Etymology

Root: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root wer- meaning true, trustworthy, faithful.

Latin: In Classical Latin, vēritās meant truth, reality, sincerity, honesty.

Related Words:

vērus (true) in Latin

Old English wær (faithful, aware, cautious)

Modern English: very, verify, verdict

Usage

In Roman philosophy and law, veritas signified truth not only as factual correctness but also as a moral and ethical principle.

In Christian theology and medieval scholasticism, it became tied to the idea of divine truth.

Today, Veritas appears in mottos (e.g., Harvard University’s Veritas) symbolizing the pursuit of truth.

September 7, 2025 – Philadelphia

Why You Should Shoot Everything in Street Photography (No Limits!)

Shoot Everything: Street Photography Without Limits

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What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re going to discuss why you should shoot everything in street photography. To photograph with no limits, what this means to me, and how we can apply this mindset to our everyday lives.

Bringing the Camera for the Ride

I like to bring the camera along for the ride. I simply live my everyday life and snapshot my way through it. No longer am I a slave to my camera—going out with a theme, a project, or a preconceived idea of what kind of photographs I want to make. Instead, I shoot in the spirit of play, chipping away at life with each press of the shutter.

“You cannot make the same photograph twice.”

Every photograph will always be different. The way light casts upon surfaces, people, and places will always provide nuance and change—depending on the time of day, the season, or even the smallest shift in perspective. The world is open. There’s so much to see, to explore, and to photograph.

Breaking Free From Limitations

Photographing with no limits provides an abundant feeling. When I’m out practicing street photography, the smallest details that others overlook become interesting. I’m no longer searching for the perfect moment—I’m shooting through imperfection and embracing reality as it unfolds.

Courage in Going Limitless

It’s easy to box yourself into a particular style or approach, but breaking free actually requires more courage. To photograph through intuition and embrace imperfection might actually become our version of perfection.

“The best way to get better at street photography is to shoot more. Simply shoot everything.”

The more you shoot, the more you see. And the more you see, the more you evolve. Waiting for the perfect moment is hesitation. Instead, press the shutter when something piques your curiosity.

Finding Beauty in the Mundane

I challenge myself: Can I walk the same mundane lane every day and still find something worth photographing? That, to me, is the essence of street photography—going through the routine of daily life yet still finding something worth capturing.

Whether I’m photographing personal moments with family, intimate scenes under the Coney Island boardwalk, or strangers dancing on the beach, the process remains the same:

Curiosity first
Photography second
Judgment last

Tapping Into Transformation

Photography is a means to see the world anew every day. And with each new photograph, I transform. To change is happiness. This endless stream of creation keeps me inspired, pushing my limits, and evolving through the photographic process.

Photographing Beyond the Obvious

Don’t limit yourself to just candid moments of people—

Look up and photograph birds in flight.
Look down and shoot patterns in the pavement.
Explore textures, signs, atmosphere, and details.
Shoot macro, silhouettes, shadows, and reflections.

Street photography is more than people—it’s the entire visual world unfolding before you. The discarded newspaper, the water stains on a wall, the way a reflection distorts a familiar scene—everything is fair game.

“Once you stop limiting yourself, the street becomes an infinite playground.”

A Visual Diary of Your Day

Photographing with no limits allows you to build an unfiltered visual diary. Every photograph becomes personal—your own interpretation of the world.

For example, a simple scene at City Hall in Philadelphia: a man making a selfie by a fountain. But as smoke emerges, he steps into it, and suddenly the moment transforms into something more. By remaining patient and shooting through the scene, I captured something intriguing—a moment with a magic touch.

Going Limitless: A New Approach

I’ve been experimenting with new techniques:

Shooting vertical frames (a big shift for me)
Using macro mode to get closer than ever before
Overexposing for dramatic effects
Shooting from the hip, embracing blur
Switching between the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx for different focal lengths

Breaking from my past habits has allowed me to see more, shoot more, and learn more.

Photograph for Yourself, Not for Others

Forget what street photography “should” be. Instead, go out and explore what it could be.

Don’t seek validation.
Don’t shoot for Instagram.
Don’t photograph for a project or a theme.

Go limitless. Photograph your reality, your way.

“The next photograph I make will be my best photograph.”

This mindset keeps me inspired to go out every day, to see what reality manifests through the lens. Because ultimately:

The more you walk, the more you see.
The more you see, the more you photograph.
The more you photograph, the more you learn.
The more you learn, the more curious you become.

And this cycle of curiosity and transformation is what fuels my photography.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to make more photographs. Stop overthinking. Stop trying to be perfect. Simply go out there and explore. There are endless ways to create new images—you just have to pick up the camera and start.

If this resonated with you, check out more thoughts on dantesisofo.com or visit my YouTube channel at youtube.com/streetphotography.

Thanks for reading. Now get out there and shoot without limits.

Peace.

Photography is all vitality

September 6, 2025 – Philadelphia

Daido Moriyama: Quartet — Now Available for Pre-Order

Daido Moriyama: Quartet — Now Available for Pre-Order

A major new release for fans of Japanese photography is on the way. Daido Moriyama: Quartet brings together four of the most important photobooks that shaped Moriyama’s radical career, presented in a single slipcased edition.

Daido Moriyama (b. 1938) is one of Japan’s most renowned and prolific photographers, known for his gritty, high-contrast black-and-white images that capture the chaos and strangeness of urban life.

What’s Inside

This anthology collects the four seminal photobooks that defined Moriyama’s early vision:

Japan: A Photo Theater (1968)
A Hunter (1972)
Farewell Photography (1972)
Light and Shadow (1982)

Originally released as limited editions in Japan, these books are among the most daring ventures in photographic publishing history.

Why It Matters

Spans fifteen years of Moriyama’s early work.
Includes excerpts from his diaries, journals, and memoranda for a glimpse into his creative process.
Designed as a collectible slipcase volume, making rare and iconic works accessible to a new generation of readers.

Pre-Order Information

Daido Moriyama: Quartet (edited by Mark Holborn, published by Getty) is available now for pre-order in hardcover for $75.00.

This is an essential release for anyone passionate about Moriyama, Japanese photography, or visual culture.

September 5, 2025 – Philadelphia

📚 Books by Dante Sisofo

A growing collection of street photography guides, visual archives, and raw knowledge — all 100% open source.

These e-books are free to download, remix, share, and learn from.
No paywalls. No permission needed. Just keep the spirit alive.

If this work brings you value, consider supporting with Bitcoin.

Contact Sheets

The Unedited Frames Behind the Frame
📥 Download PDF

A decade of photographs. 11 full contact sheets from shoots in Baltimore, Jericho, Zambia, and more — paired with real stories and lessons on intuition, composition, courage, and storytelling.

“Don’t leave the scene until the scene leaves you.”

Mastering Layering in Street Photography

Depth, Presence, and the Visual Puzzle
📥 Download PDF

This guide breaks down layering as both a visual technique and a way of being present in the world. Featuring real-world examples, behind-the-scenes GoPro POVs, and field philosophy.

Patience. Presence. Position.

The Ultimate Ricoh GR Street Photography Guide

Settings, Techniques & Workflow
📥 Download PDF

Camera setup. Snap focus. Tourist technique. Composition on the fly. Workflow from camera to blog. Everything you need to master the Ricoh GR as a street weapon — no editing required.

“Your next photo is your best photo.”

🛠 Open Source Philosophy

These e-books are open source.
That means you’re free to:

Download and read them offline
Share them with friends
Remix, quote, and build on the ideas inside

No middlemen. No gatekeeping.

⚡️ Support the Work

If this helped you grow, learn, or create better art, feel free to give what feels right.

⚡ Lightning Address: pay@dantesisofo.com

🔗 More from Dante

How to Find Free Photography Books

What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Today, I wanted to share with you a spot I like to go to when I’m looking at photo books—the Free Library of Philadelphia. Check it out.

The Free Library of Philadelphia

This place is beautiful. I’m going to see if I can film in here and show you exactly where I go to find photo books.

Why the Library?

I encourage you to check out your local library and find photo books. I think this is one of the easiest ways to access them. Of course, you can look online at photos, but let’s be real—

Holding a book in your hands and flipping through it is the best experience and the ultimate way to look at photography.

If you don’t have your own collection of photo books—or they’re just too expensive—this is the way to go. Some of these books are crazy expensive, so just coming into the Free Library is an easy way to access them.

Exploring the Library

We’ve got an incredible library here in Philly, and I want to share this beautiful, historic building with you.

The photo books are right around the corner.
The art section and philosophy section are right next to each other.
They always have photos on display in the glass cases.

Finding the Best Photo Books

Check it out—photo books coming in. Art section. Yeah, yeah.

Right off the bat—Sebastião Salgado. Some of the best photography in my hands.

So, yeah, if you’re into photography but don’t want to spend a ton of money on books, hit up your local library. It’s free, easy, and honestly the best way to experience photography in its purest form.

Horticulture by Dante Sisofo

Leisure

Marichyasana D

Making progress with Ashtanga Yoga today!

Marichyasana D

Marichyasana D (Marichi’s Pose D) is one of the most advanced and challenging seated twists in the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series. It combines a deep twist with a half-lotus leg position and a binding of the arms. It’s often considered the peak posture of the Primary Series because it demands openness in the hips, strength in the core, flexibility in the spine and shoulders, and careful alignment.

Etymology

Marichi means “ray of light” in Sanskrit, and also refers to one of Brahma’s sons and a sage in Hindu mythology.
This is the fourth variation of the Marichyasana series (A–D), each progressively more complex.

Pose Mechanics

Legs: One leg comes into half-lotus (Padmasana) with the foot placed high in the opposite thigh crease. The other leg is bent with the sole flat on the floor, knee pointing upward.
Twist: The torso rotates toward the upright bent knee.
Bind: The arm on the same side as the bent knee threads inside the thigh and reaches back, while the opposite arm comes around to clasp behind the back, creating a bind.
Spine: Lengthens upward before rotating, maintaining lift and avoiding collapse.

Key Benefits

Detoxification: Deep twisting compresses and releases abdominal organs, aiding digestion and elimination.
Hip & Spine Opening: Requires significant hip flexibility (half-lotus) and spinal rotation.
Shoulder Mobility: The bind demands openness in the rotator cuff and chest.
Calming the Mind: Intense focus and patience are required, training concentration and humility.

Challenges

Half-Lotus Pressure: Risk of knee injury if hip mobility isn’t sufficient. Lotus must come from the hip, not by forcing the knee.
Binding: Shoulder flexibility often limits beginners, requiring gradual opening.
Balance of Stability & Flexibility: The pose combines many difficult elements—lotus, twist, and bind—in one asana.

Progressions / Modifications

If full lotus isn’t accessible, practice Marichyasana C (similar twist without lotus).
Use a strap for the bind until shoulders open.
Work on hip openers (Baddha Konasana, Ardha Padmasana) to prepare.
Always prioritize safety of the knee joint—never force lotus.

Role in Ashtanga Primary

Considered a gateway pose: many teachers won’t move students past Primary until they can do Marichyasana D safely, since it shows readiness for more advanced hip-opening and twisting postures.
Represents a union of strength, flexibility, and awareness—hallmarks of a steady yoga practice.

Symbolic Aspect

Marichyasana D embodies the ray of light (Marichi) piercing through internal obstacles. The twisting, binding, and grounding in lotus symbolize burning through impurities (both physical and mental) to reveal clarity.

Śrī K. Pattabhi Jois – Aṣṭāṅga Yoga

Aṣṭāṅga Yoga

Śrī K. Pattabhi Jois

Aṣṭāṅga Yoga Download

Introduction & Foundation

Rooted in Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras
Ashtanga literally means “eight limbs”, referencing Patañjali’s system:

Yama (ethical restraints)
Niyama (observances)
Āsana (posture)
Prāṇāyāma (breath control)
Pratyāhāra (withdrawal of senses)
Dhāraṇā (concentration)
Dhyāna (meditation)
Samādhi (absorption)

Jois’s Central Teaching: Mastery of the first four (yama → prāṇāyāma) naturally leads to the higher limbs.
Vinyasa System: Breath and movement linked in a precise sequence. Cleanses the body and prepares the nervous system.

“Practice, practice, practice — and all is coming.”

The Method of Vinyasa

Every movement has a breath count.
Breath is deep, even, and controlled (ujjāyī).
Sweating during practice is essential — considered a form of purification.

Tristhāna (three points of focus):

Āsana (posture) – stability and alignment
Prāṇāyāma (breath) – controlled, rhythmic breathing
Dṛṣṭi (gaze) – focus point for concentration

Primary Series: Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy)

Purpose: Cleanses and strengthens the body, purifies the organs, and builds flexibility.
Key Benefits: Improves digestion, detoxifies muscles and blood, opens hips and hamstrings.
Themes: Grounding, foundational, cleansing.

Structure:

Sun Salutations (Sūrya Namaskāra A & B)
Standing sequence (stability and alignment)
Seated sequence (forward folds, hip openers, twists)
Marichyasanas (deep binds and detoxifying twists)
Finishing sequence (backbends, inversions, lotus variations, rest in Śavāsana)

Intermediate Series: Nadi Śodhana (Nerve Purification)

Purpose: Purifies the nāḍis (energy channels), works deeper on the nervous system.
Key Benefits: Balances prāṇa, strengthens spine and nervous system, prepares for deeper pranayama.
Themes: Backbends, strength, deeper spinal flexibility.

Highlights:

Stronger backbends (Kapotasana, etc.)
Arm balances (Pincha Mayurasana, Karandavasana)
Deep hip and shoulder openers
Advanced lotus variations

Philosophy & Discipline

Tapas (heat, discipline) is created by daily practice.
The method is not about performance, but purification of body and mind.
Students are encouraged to practice 6 days per week, resting on Moon days and one day of the week (traditionally Saturday).

“Do your practice and all is coming.”

The Benefits of Yoga Chikitsa

Physical: detoxification, strength, stamina, flexibility, improved digestion.
Mental: focus, clarity, reduction of anxiety, control of senses.
Spiritual: preparation for the inner limbs — meditation and samādhi.

Closing Thoughts

Śrī K. Pattabhi Jois frames Aṣṭāṅga not merely as a set of postures, but as a spiritual discipline.
Through steady practice of asana, breath, and focus, the practitioner purifies body and mind — preparing for the higher states of yoga.

“Without effort, nothing can be achieved.”

Daido Moriyama – How I Take Photographs

Daido Moriyama: How I Take Photographs — Study Guide for Street Photographers

Daido Moriyama How I Take Photographs — Study Guide for Street Download

Daido Moriyama is one of the most important figures in street photography. His book How I Take Photographs offers not just technical notes, but a philosophy of seeing, walking, and reacting to the world.

This study guide captures his advice with direct quotes and distills them into practical lessons for anyone aiming to follow his way of photographing.

1. The First Rule: Get Outside

Moriyama begins with his most famous piece of advice:

“Well, the first thing I always tell anyone who asks me for advice is: Get outside. It’s all about getting out and walking. That’s the first thing. If you do that and photograph everything… just shoot. Take photographs — of anything and everything, whatever catches your eye. Don’t put time to think.”

Photography begins with walking.
No hierarchy of subjects: everything is fair game.
Instinct over planning: “Don’t put time to think.”

2. The Street as Training Ground (Sunamachi)

“I was so eager to go out on the streets with a camera and find something really way-out and exciting that I’d never experienced, that I’d end up doing it — essentially lying on the streets — for the next few decades.”

Ordinary streets are the best practice field.
Walk up and down the same street. The light changes, the details shift.
Choose subjects deliberately, then give them your full attention.

3. Snapshots at the Water’s Edge (Tsukudajima)

“If you’re near water, try shooting against the sun. The surface hardens, the ripples gleam, and the whole scene becomes more vivid.”

Water is alive; reflections and silhouettes emerge when shooting into the light.
The street isn’t only asphalt—look for rivers, canals, shorelines.
Light and shadow against water create photographs with texture and depth.

4. A Debut in Digital (Ginza)

“It doesn’t matter what kind of camera you use. Compact or digital, whatever. What’s important is to be free and unburdened.”

Tools are secondary; vision is primary.
Smaller cameras keep you nimble and unnoticed.
Digital allows endless shooting: embrace it, then edit later.

5. Postcards and Neutrality (Haneda Airport)

“There’s nothing wrong with postcards. A neutral photograph can express the smell of a place.”

Don’t fear clichés. Photograph landmarks and airports anyway.
Neutral, “boring” images can enrich the narrative of a series.
Even postcard shots have value—especially when sequenced with other images.

6. Highway Speed (Shooting from the Car)

“When the world rushes at you through the car window, you’re forced to respond at its pace. That’s also photography.”

Blurred, fast frames capture the speed of modern life.
The car window acts as a frame within a frame.
But when frustration builds, he insists: stop the car and walk again.

7. Doubt as Philosophy

“Am I really photographing freely? I want to be, but I wonder often whether that is true… Always questioning myself, and this is the doubt continually at the back of my mind.”

Freedom is never certain; doubt keeps you sharp.
Always ask: am I photographing instinctively, or repeating myself?
Photography should raise questions, not deliver final answers.

8. Breaking Rules and Conformity

“I’ve never felt that I should conform to any particular set of rules – and not just in photography. I have no truck with what passes for the normal way of doing things.”

“I’ve even considered doing away with the copyright symbol from my photos altogether.”

Moriyama rejects “photographer’s rights” codes and fixed traditions.
Originality comes from the instant, not from legal ownership or academic categories.
His motto: no rules, no conformity, no safety nets.

9. Moriyama’s Attitude

“Oh, come on, get real…”

This is his refrain whenever someone becomes pretentious or overcomplicates photography. It captures his entire philosophy: photography should be raw, instinctive, direct.

Key Takeaways — Checklist of How Daido Moriyama Photographs

Here is a distilled list of Moriyama’s method, exactly how he takes photographs:

Get outside. Begin with walking. Photograph in the first five minutes.
Shoot anything and everything. Posters, shadows, strangers, puddles, cars, signs.
Don’t overthink. Instinct over intellect. Press the shutter.
Work streets twice. Walk up and back, and always look behind you.
Pay attention. When you pick a subject, give it full, deliberate attention.
Shoot a lot. Volume matters. Take many frames, edit later.
Stay light. Use small, compact cameras to stay quick and unburdened.
Shoot into the sun. Especially near water—reflections and silhouettes appear.
Accept postcards. Neutral or “boring” shots can be powerful later.
Experiment with speed. From car windows, capture blur and rush.
Edit in sequences. Think in books and series, not single frames.
Doubt yourself. Question your freedom, avoid complacency.
Break the rules. Reject conformity; the only criterion is that there are no criteria.
Stay real. Don’t complicate—just photograph.

Conclusion

Daido Moriyama’s How I Take Photographs teaches us that the street is infinite if you have the courage to walk, look, and shoot without hesitation. His philosophy is not about perfect images but about raw encounters with life.

The essence of his message:

“Get outside. Walk. Photograph everything. Don’t think—just shoot.”