Street Photography Tropes
Breaking Free from Street Photography Tropes
Street photography is often boxed into familiar categories and tropes:
- The Juxtaposition
- The Layered Photo
- The Decisive Moment
- The Illusion
- The Comedic Capture
While these can be fun, they risk turning street photography into a game of ticking boxes. Many photographers chase these tropes, believing they define a great photo. But the truth is, street photography is about capturing life as it unfolds, not about forcing your work to fit predefined molds.
“Stop trying to check boxes. Just look at what’s in front of you and click the button.”
The Problem with Tropes
1. They Limit Creativity
Relying on tropes means you’re constantly searching for what you’ve seen before. This limits your ability to see and capture the unique, spontaneous moments that street photography thrives on.
2. They Feel Gimmicky
Some tropes, like the illusion photo (think of someone appearing to hold a monument in the distance), can feel like one-trick ponies. They might get a laugh or a quick reaction, but they often lack depth and staying power.
“Those photos won’t mean much in the future. They’re just visual gimmicks.”
The New School of Street Photography
Street photography isn’t about playing by the rules or adhering to old-school notions. It’s about embracing the present moment and capturing the world as you see it.
- Look up, look down, shoot from the hip.
- Every angle is fair game.
- There are no limits.
“Street photography is instant art, a raw and honest sketch of life. It’s about freedom, not formulas.”
Evoking History Through Photography
Walking the streets of Philadelphia, I feel a connection to the past. William Penn laid out this city in a grid, and now, as photographers, we walk those same streets with cameras in hand, continuing the legacy of documenting life.
“We are the new Masons, carrying the torch of history through the lens of our cameras.”
Conclusion: Forget the Tropes
Let go of the idea that your photos need to fit a certain style or trend. Street photography is about exploration and spontaneity. Trust your instincts, embrace the unpredictability of life, and create something uniquely yours.
“Stop putting limits on what you photograph. Street photography isn’t about thinking—it’s about doing.”