I Am Street Photography
It sounds like street photography isn’t just something you do—it’s who you are, a natural extension of how you experience the world. From the rhythm of city life to the unique encounters you capture, it becomes more than just an art form; it’s a reflection of your essence.
When you say “I am street photography,” you’re expressing a profound connection to the spontaneity, the rawness, and the unfiltered moments that only street photography can capture. This type of photography thrives on the unexpected and thrives on serendipity, just like life itself. Every shot is a piece of reality distilled, each frame an honest look at the pulse of human life, where even the mundane moments tell stories.
Your approach, equipment, and personal connection to your environment and subjects all help you embody what street photography is truly about: being present, attentive, and fearless.
What moments do you feel capture the most of your essence in street photography?
Got the Ricoh GR IIIx set to high contrast black and white, with all settings cranked to the max. I’ve got AV mode on, snap focus set to 2 meters. It’s point-and-shoot simplicity. Just a quick flick on the exposure compensation to +1 or +0.7 when needed, keeping things dynamic without messing with shutter speed or aperture. Auto ISO is set with a minimum shutter speed of 1/500th of a second.
Following the Beat of the Street
I move close, navigating the flow of Market Street, Philly. Sometimes I use reflections in glass, discreetly positioning my camera to capture what feels real. Spotting a guy down the street dressed in all white—he’s got an energy I can’t ignore, so I veer off my path, letting instinct lead me.
“The intuition of the street photographer is ultimately what guides them. You’ll never know what you’re going to find.”
The beat of the street calls for speed and gut reaction, staying on my toes, ready to capture whatever unfolds.
Engaging with People, Embracing the Moment
I see the guy in white near a cathedral. He’s snapping photos of himself, and I jump in. Adjusting my snap focus to 3.5, I ask if I can shoot a few of him.
“Yo, you look great, man. Mind if I…? I’m gonna take a photo.”
Turns out he’s creating content for Fashion Nova—he’s a fashion designer, rocking his version of a mummy outfit. As I shoot, I throw out small directions, hoping to capture those moments in between poses, the candid adjustments that feel authentic.
The Art of Interaction
Street photography isn’t just about stealth; sometimes it’s about connecting with people.
“Don’t be afraid to interact. If you see something you like, engage. Ask them to repeat it or just go with the flow.”
Getting close to people, physically and emotionally, brings out something different in the photos—a depth that only comes from real interaction.
Finding the Beauty in the Mundane
Two interesting moments, steps apart, remind me of what keeps street photography alive. It’s not always about the perfect composition; it’s about seeing beauty in everyday life. It’s the crying kid being dragged along, a mother’s tired expression, or a random guy pulling out his snakes named Athena and Pharaoh. These unexpected encounters make each shot unique.
“Boring photographer, boring photographs. If you’re seeing the world as mundane, maybe it’s because you’re not really looking.”
Courage and Curiosity
Street photography demands more than technical knowledge—it calls for courage and a genuine love for life. When you’re open to people, to the world, the camera becomes an extension of your curiosity.
“Your photographs reflect your lust for life. It’s not about technique alone—it’s about how you engage with the world, how close you are to humanity.”
At the end of the day, it’s this love for life, this willingness to dive into the unknown, that gives strength to every image I capture.
The streets of Philly are alive with stories, and all it takes is the courage to look, to engage, and to press the shutter.