Get Close in Street Photography
What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. This morning, I’m thinking about why you should get close in street photography. Let’s talk about my philosophy on closeness, how I integrate it within my practice, and why it matters to me.
For Beginners: Facing the Fear of Getting Close
If you’re new to street photography, you might feel anxious or overwhelmed. Maybe you’re thinking:
“What if I raise my camera to my eye, press the shutter, and get close to people? Won’t they get mad at me? I’m anxious just thinking about it!”
Here’s the thing: we want to be in that anxious, fearful state. Why? Because once we overcome that anxiety—once we push through the fear of pressing the shutter and getting close to life—that’s when the joy starts.
The secret for harvesting from existence the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment is—to live dangerously! — Friedrich Nietzsche
Nietzsche’s idea resonates with me. Living dangerously isn’t just about thrill-seeking; it’s about finding joy in the courage it takes to engage with life. And getting close to life? That’s its own kind of danger.
Physical Closeness: Elevating the Frame
There’s something powerful about being physically close to your subject. When you’re close, the energy of the moment hits harder, and the emotions feel raw and authentic.
Think about these moments:
- A couple kissing in Mexico City during the rain.
- A man mourning at a funeral in Zambia.
When you’re close, you feel the essence of these moments. The proximity between you, your camera, and the subject adds an unparalleled intensity to the frame.
Emotional Closeness: The Hidden Ingredient
Closeness isn’t just about physical proximity. There’s also an emotional closeness that comes with time spent. For example, I once photographed two men coming out of a masjid, greeting each other with a kiss while smoking and sipping coffee.
That emotional closeness didn’t happen by accident. It came from:
- Spending time with the community.
- Drinking coffee with the people.
- Observing the rhythms of their lives.
This isn’t your typical walk-around-the-city street photography. It’s a documentary approach blended with candid moments. When you’re emotionally open, you become part of the scene—and the photographs reflect that intimacy.
Overcoming Fear: Building Courage Through Rejection
When you first start practicing street photography, rejection feels daunting. You worry about how people will perceive you. But here’s the truth:
“The more times you get told ‘no,’ the better off you are. Rejection builds resilience.”
Over time, you get used to the awkwardness. You embrace the challenge of photographing strangers, of transcending societal norms that discourage interaction. Through courage, you’ll overcome that fear.
Living Dangerously: Joy Through Risk
To me, street photography is about living on the edge. There’s joy in pushing past fear and engaging with life at its rawest. The closer you get to life—both physically and emotionally—the more meaningful your photographs will become.
“When you get close to life, it reflects back in your photographs. Courage leads to lasting memories you’ll cherish forever.”
Final Thoughts: Why Getting Close Matters
I encourage you to get closer in street photography. Push through the fear. Face rejection. Be open to confrontation. When you embrace the danger, you’ll discover more joy in life and in your work.
“The closer, the better. Get close, and watch your photographs come alive.”
So, grab your camera, head out there, and see what happens when you get close.