Dante Sisofo’s best advice for street photographers includes the following key points:
- Courage and Curiosity: Dante emphasizes the importance of being brave and curious when photographing in public spaces. He encourages photographers to overcome fear and hesitation, as street photography is about capturing candid, spontaneous moments that often require quick thinking and confidence.
- Keep it Candid: Dante believes that the most powerful street photographs come from moments that are unposed and genuine. He advises photographers to remain as unobtrusive as possible, blending into the environment to capture authentic scenes.
- Layering and Composition: Dante offers practical tips on layering in street photography, suggesting that photographers should pay attention to the multiple elements in the frame. He recommends organizing the scene with foreground, midground, and background subjects to create depth and a dynamic composition.
- Focus on Light and Shadow: With his transition to black-and-white photography, Dante underscores the importance of light, shadow, form, and emotion. He encourages street photographers to be mindful of how light shapes their subjects and enhances the mood of a photograph.
- Portability Matters: Dante uses a Ricoh GR III for street photography because of its compact size and ease of use. He advises other photographers to choose a camera that is convenient to carry around, allowing them to focus more on the scene than on the equipment.
- Walk to See: Dante views walking as essential to his process, referring to his essence as a photographer as ‘walking in to see.’ He recommends that street photographers walk without a specific agenda, allowing them to discover spontaneous moments and explore the unpredictability of the streets.
- Be Present: Observing the world around you is crucial. Dante enjoys listening to the conversations and observing the behaviors of people on the street, as he finds it provides insight into modern society. This mindfulness helps street photographers capture raw, real-life interactions.
Dante’s approach is grounded in minimalism, patience, and a deep connection with the energy of the streets, encouraging photographers to be fully immersed in the environment and the moment.