I consider my street photography practice as meditation. The act of walking, recognizing the patterns between nature and human behavior, while creating art, following my intuition, and curiosity is an experience that keeps me grounded in the now.
God is in your gut.
Go slow and let life flow
Walking and being outdoors is the greatest privilege and modern luxury. While I am photographing on the street, I make sure to go very slow and allow life to flow towards me. Maybe there is a misconception that a photographer is rushing around on the hunt, searching for the decisive moment. But actually, walking slowly at a turtle’s pace will allow you to see more and ultimately make more photographs. To enter the state of zen, walk very slowly on the street. I’m a big fan of the Vibram five finger ELX shoes because it allows me to connect with the Earth below my feet, feeling each sensation with every step I take, walking with intention and intensity.
Leave the phone at home
Distractions take us out of the zone. While we are on the street, we should remain focused without any superfluous things getting in the way, such as phone calls, text messaging, emails, and social media. I say, just leave the phone at home if you want to enter the Zen zone.
Fasting is critical
While you are on the hunt and making photographs, perhaps it’s best to be empty within your physical body. By remaining fasted, you stay alert with a sharp mind. Fasting makes me laser focused on the moments in front of me and keeps me very alert. Think like a hunter, more primal.
To photograph is to ask questions
To meditate is to contemplate, to think, to devise, and I find that while photographing on the street, we are merely asking questions about life and the world around us. Treat each photograph as a question mark. Affirm life and say yes to the moments that are fleeting. Ultimately, photography is all about following your curiosity, and simply remaining in the spirit of play like a child asking questions about the world around them.
Godlike intuition
I believe that our intuition is what determines the result of our photographs. We are responsible for where we position ourselves, the camera, and when we press the shutter. By following your intuition, remaining open without any preconceived notions of what you will find, the photographs will come to you without even trying as you are prepared with your camera and listen to your gut.
Peace amongst chaos
I find the chaos of a street corner or the bustling markets in an urban city to be very peaceful in an interesting way. As the hustle and bustle surrounds you, find peace amongst it. There’s something special about the unpredictable spontaneity of everyday life and I find it to be quite peaceful.
Solitude is zen bliss
Walking alone is bliss. Solitude is not to be misconstrued with ideas of loneliness. My thoughts around solitude is that you will turn within yourself and deeper understand the way you see the world around you. Without the distractions of other people on your photo walk, you can truly find yourself lost in the intersection between order and chaos.
Connected to the now
At the end of the day, photography keeps us grounded in the now. Every fleeting moment, every intricate, multifaceted detail, and all of the complexities of life present themselves to us by recognizing the beauty in the mundane. Allow photography to fuel your lust for life and connect more with the world around you. Stay, curious, stay hungry, and follow your intuition as you enter the meditative practice of street photography.