Failure in Street Photography

What’s popping people, it’s Dante. Walking through the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of failure in street photography. Is street photography really 99% failure?

The Reality of Failure

Street photography often feels like a constant battle. You can go out, shoot for hours, and come back with nothing remarkable. Failure is the norm—but here’s the catch: it’s not truly failure.

“You might shoot a thousand photos in a day and not have a single keeper. And that’s okay.”

The 1% Success Myth

Many photographers chase that elusive 1% of “successful” shots. But what if this mindset is a trap? What if instead of seeing 99% of our work as failure, we saw 100% of it as progress?

“It’s not 99% failure—it’s 100% success. Every shot is part of the process.”

Redefining Success

Street photography is a personal journey. It’s about exploration, curiosity, and growth. Every frame, whether technically perfect or not, contributes to your evolution as a photographer.

“There’s no such thing as good or bad photographs—only works in progress.”

By shifting your mindset, you can avoid the burnout that comes from constantly critiquing your work. Every shot teaches you something.

Embrace the Experiment

Think of yourself as a mad scientist with a camera. Experiment, play, and embrace the unexpected. Each “failure” is an opportunity to learn, refine, and grow.

“We fail constantly, but we thrive in the process. That’s the beauty of experimentation.”

Avoiding the Trap

Focusing on the 1% “success rate” can be demotivating. Instead, let go of these expectations and enjoy the act of photographing. Stay curious. Stay playful.

“Photography isn’t about impressing others or achieving perfection. It’s about the joy of creation and discovery.”

Final Thoughts

Street photography isn’t a game of success versus failure. It’s a journey where every step, every click of the shutter, is a win. So, get out there, experiment, and remember: It’s 100% success, baby.

Keep shooting. Keep exploring. Keep growing.