Street Photography Advice
What’s popping, people? It’s Dante, walking down Market Street here in Philadelphia with my trusty Ricoh GR3. Today, I want to share some thoughts and advice on street photography—a practice that’s been near and dear to my heart for over a decade.
The Street as Your Stage
Street photography, for me, is a reflection of courage, curiosity, and an insatiable lust for life. The street is a canvas, a stage where spontaneous moments unfold. As a street photographer, you’re both the conductor and the actor, participating in the grand drama of life.
“The street becomes a canvas, the stage of life where you are both the conductor and participant.”
Embrace the Flow
When you’re out on the street, don’t rush. Walk slowly, let life flow towards you, and don’t get bogged down by the idea of what makes a “good” photograph. Detach yourself from the outcome. The goal is simple: stop thinking and just shoot.
“Detach from the outcome. The goal is not perfection but the act of creation itself.”
Gear: Keep It Simple
I’m a firm believer in keeping things simple. The Ricoh GR3 is my weapon of choice. Its compact size allows me to carry it everywhere, eliminating any excuse to miss a shot. The camera should be an extension of you—your eye, your hand, your mind.
“Make the camera your slave, not the other way around.”
Technique: Follow Your Intuition
Forget about fiddling with settings. Set your camera to P mode or AV mode, use snap focus, and let your intuition guide you. Your job as a photographer is to position yourself on the front lines of life, both physically and emotionally.
“Set your body in motion, and your motivation will follow.”
Street Photography as a Physical Pleasure
Street photography isn’t just a visual game; it’s a physical pleasure. As you walk and explore, the world delivers beauty to you. Failures will outnumber successes, but those fleeting moments of success make it all worthwhile.
“Through trial and error, we articulate chaos and bring order to the streets.”
Practical Tips
- Use a wrist strap for quick transitions between horizontal and vertical shots.
- Rely on the LCD screen for a more fluid and liberating framing experience.
- Shoot Loosely. Let the camera become an extension of your intuition.
“Wield your camera like a sword, striking through the heart of chaos.”
The Endless Goal
There are no hard rules in street photography. The goal is to increase your curiosity by even the smallest margin each day. By staying curious and embracing the spontaneous nature of life, you’ve already won.
“If you’re on the front lines of life, curious and courageous, you’ve already succeeded.”
Let the chips fall where they may, and embrace the spirit of play. Street photography is a journey, not a destination.