Everything is Street Photography: Create Your Own Game
Standing here in Philadelphia, outside the iconic Masonic Temple, I’m reminded of something important: anything can be street photography. There are no rules, no genres—just the experience of moving through the world, observing, and capturing the essence of life. Street photography isn’t about sticking to a set path or guidelines; it’s about approaching every moment with curiosity and openness.
“Anything can be street photography. Everything is street photography.”
The Roots of the Medium
Street photography is the most available form of photography, rooted in spontaneity and everyday life. It’s an ethos, not a genre. The idea is simple: go out there and create something from nothing, recognizing the patterns in both nature and human behavior. Whether it’s the light glancing off a building, birds in flight, or the fleeting shadow of a cyclist, each element has the potential to become a part of the photograph. Street photography is all around us—in the architecture, in the lamp posts, in the tourists passing by.
“For me, street photography is not about any genre, it’s an ethos—a way of doing things and seeing the world.”
Embrace the Beauty of the Mundane
Street photography is about finding beauty in the mundane. It’s about capturing the candid moments and the subtle details that others overlook. There’s something profound in observing the everyday and allowing it to speak through your lens. Philadelphia, with its historical architecture and vibrant streets, serves as the perfect backdrop, but the same is true anywhere—whether on a mountain, in a village, or by the sea, you’ll always find something to uplift in a photograph.
- Observe Everything: From the patterns in nature to the structure of buildings, to the interactions of people on the street, every scene is rich with potential.
- Stay Curious: Approach each new moment without preconceived notions, letting curiosity guide your lens.
“If anyone tells you there’s a specific way to do street photography, don’t listen. Create your own game to play.”
Street Photography as an Approach, Not a Genre
Street photography is often pigeonholed as a genre, separate from landscapes, portraits, or sports. But in truth, it’s an approach, a way of appreciating the complexities of everyday life. By breaking down the boundaries of what we “should” photograph, we open ourselves to endless possibilities. The goal isn’t to follow someone else’s formula but to create something authentic, something uniquely ours.
“Everything in this mundane world—whether it’s the bustling streets of Philadelphia or a quiet lane—has the potential to be street photography.”
Make the World Your Canvas
Street photography should be a personal journey. There’s no right or wrong way to capture the world around you. Let go of rigid definitions, follow your instincts, and make your own rules. The street photographer’s job is simply to be curious, to see what life will reveal in the next frame. Each moment is a chance to create, to capture, and to express your unique perspective.
So forget the rules, embrace the beauty of the everyday, and remember: everything is street photography. The world is your canvas—go out, create your own game, and play.
“Street photography isn’t about following a formula; it’s about appreciating life’s details and making the camera an extension of your curiosity.”