Why Repetition is Critical for Street Photography
Repetition is the key to improvement in any field of art, but in street photography, it’s especially practical. Much of the time, it can be difficult to find something captivating during our daily walks with the camera. By repeating the same routes and sticking to a regular routine, we increase our chances of encountering something special. Ultimately, the name of the game is finding beauty in the mundane—embracing the same walk each day and allowing it to reveal new opportunities.
Observe Life
“In street photography, repetition is important to consider.”
Street photography is about observing the rhythm of everyday life. As you walk the same streets, you begin to move with the beat of the environment. Watching the movement of people’s feet and the flow of the crowd, you start to see the city as a stage where life plays out. The more time you spend on a familiar block, the more you become in tune with the rhythm of daily life. Recognizing patterns—whether in nature, human behavior, or the interactions between the two—becomes second nature. This attunement is essential for finding those fleeting moments that make a photograph special.
Why Observation Matters:
- Recognize patterns in daily life.
- Tune in to the flow of the city.
- Understand the relationship between nature and human behavior.
Rinse and Repeat
“Walk the same route every single day for one month.”
Repetition allows you to notice the nuances of your environment. Walking the same route each day helps you see how the skyline shifts, how clouds change, or how a street vendor interacts with the crowd. Whether you’re in a bustling urban city or a quiet small town, familiarity with a place helps you see it in new ways.
Benefits of Repetition:
- Recognize daily patterns and routines.
- Increase your awareness of small changes.
- Build a deeper connection to your environment.
For example, I enjoy visiting the same locations daily and challenging myself to make a new picture at each spot. While I have a general idea of what I’m looking for, it’s up to the spontaneity and serendipity of life to provide what I need.
Follow Through with Your Ideas
“If there’s a certain location that you’re interested in photographing, it’s important to have an idea of what possibilities can occur there.”
It’s not enough to find a location—you need to follow through with your ideas. If you have a particular scene or concept in mind, spend time studying the environment and visualizing the possibilities. This helps you be prepared when the right moment arises.
Example: Photographing the Pigeons
In a video I made last week, at the 1:20 minute mark, I discussed my idea of photographing the pigeons interacting with the William Penn statue atop City Hall. I had a clear vision, but I knew I needed to observe the scene over time to recognize how the pigeons moved and how the light changed throughout the day.
The Street is Out of Our Control
“The street and life is out of our control. We are only really responsible for where we position ourselves with the camera and when we press the shutter button.”
Street photography is unpredictable. While you can position yourself and have an idea of what might unfold, you can never fully control the outcome. This is why luck favors those who are prepared. The more time you spend studying a location, the better you’ll be able to anticipate when the right moment might occur. Fortune favors the prepared, and this is especially true in street photography.
Tips for Dealing with Uncertainty:
- Study locations over time to understand their patterns.
- Be patient and willing to wait for the right moment.
- Embrace the spontaneity that comes with photographing life as it is.
Fortune Favors the Prepared
“The more you put in the work on the street, the more the streets will deliver.”
For months, I studied the same street corner near City Hall in Philadelphia, focusing on the flight patterns of the pigeons and the way the light shifted throughout the day. By photographing this location consistently, I began to recognize new possibilities. One day, I noticed how the light pierced behind the building, creating a beautiful effect. I adjusted my position, dropped to a low angle, and waited patiently while taking multiple shots. The effort paid off, resulting in a photograph that captured the magic of the moment.
Why Preparation is Key:
- Allows you to predict the movement of subjects.
- Helps you see opportunities that others might miss.
- Builds a connection to the environment, enabling better shots.
“Each day I try new angles and observe the way life flows so I can know where things might go.”
The more time you invest in repetition, the more the street reveals its secrets. Keep moving your feet, and the street will reward you with those unexpected treats.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Repetition
Repetition is a powerful tool for street photographers. It allows you to deepen your understanding of your environment, build predictive instincts, and increase your chances of finding those rare moments that make a photograph special. By following a similar route, studying the details, and trusting in the process, you’ll find that the ordinary can become extraordinary.
Don’t shy away from the mundane—embrace it. The beauty of street photography lies in those everyday moments that most people overlook. Keep walking, keep observing, and let repetition guide you toward success.