The Case for Selfies in Street Photography
What’s popping, people? Today, I want to share a message for street photographers: take selfies. We’re usually focused on others — getting up close, capturing spontaneous moments of strangers, making candid photos without permission. But I think it’s time we turn the camera on ourselves, too. Self-portraits allow us to explore new creative angles, experiment with lighting, and see ourselves as part of the art.
“Perhaps it’s time for street photographers to rise up and embrace the selfie. Become a subject, too!”
Embrace the Selfie as Part of Street Photography
Taking selfies is more than a creative exercise; it’s a way to see yourself in the world of street photography. With selfies, you get to play with light, gestures, and unique perspectives. Stand by a window to use natural light, try holding the camera upside down, or experiment with horizontal and vertical compositions. Look out the window, look toward the light, or use your hands to frame the shot. The possibilities are endless.
“Your face, your gestures, your body — they all become pieces of a larger creative exploration.”
Quick Setup Tips
For this, I recommend:
- Camera: Compact options like the Ricoh GR III are ideal.
- Settings: P mode, single-point autofocus, and adjust your snap focus if you’re using one.
- Angle: Try flipping the camera upside down, look toward natural light, and use the environment around you to create a unique composition.
Selfies don’t need to be flawless — it’s about trying something new and embracing the spontaneity of the moment.
Boost Confidence and Make Art of Yourself
There’s something powerful about seeing your own face as part of your work. Taking selfies can actually boost your confidence and make you appreciate yourself as a subject. When you turn the camera on yourself, you’re creating a new narrative, one where you become part of the street photography ethos.
“It makes your face a piece of art. Your body is a work of art.”
And think about it — if there’s nothing else around to photograph, you’re always there. Photograph your hands, your face, or even the way light interacts with your features. These self-portraits can be simple but powerful, reminding you that you’re always available as a subject.
The Freedom to Create
This kind of self-portraiture is about unlimited creative exploration. Using a compact camera like the Ricoh GR, you can easily turn the lens on yourself and experiment without needing fancy setups or extra equipment. The selfie is accessible, allowing you to see yourself in new ways and let your creativity thrive.
“There’s so much to photograph; everything and anything can become photographable, including you.”
Many photographers throughout history didn’t have the same ease of taking selfies as we do now. Today, with compact cameras and the convenience of modern technology, we have a unique opportunity to experiment and make ourselves part of the art. So, take advantage of this moment.
Make Selfies Part of the Process
Next time you’re out photographing, remember to turn the camera on yourself. Selfies aren’t just fun — they’re a way to connect with your creativity and experiment. By capturing yourself as part of the scene, you’ll build confidence, learn new techniques, and add a personal dimension to your street photography.
So, when in doubt, take a selfie. Your creativity doesn’t stop with others; it starts with you.