Street Photography with a Documentary Approach

What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re diving into my ideas about street photography with a documentary approach and why it’s been so important to my work over the years. You know, there are all these labels like street photography, documentary photography, and photojournalism, but to me, these labels are kind of weird. They don’t fully capture the fluidity of working on the streets.

That said, this topic is worth exploring because I believe in combining the best elements of street and documentary photography. Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference?

When I think about the difference between street photography and documentary photography, it comes down to time and connection:

Street Photography: You’re a fly on the wall. There’s minimal interaction—you snap pictures and move on. It’s spontaneous, candid, and quick. Anyone can grab a camera and walk the streets capturing fleeting moments.
Documentary Photography: This is about time. You spend extended periods in one location, building relationships and integrating into the community. Over time, you gain trust, which allows you to capture deeper, more intimate photographs.

“Access allows for storytelling without the need for posing, giving the work a natural authenticity.”

When I started taking street photography seriously, I learned quickly that I needed to adopt a documentary mindset, especially when working in unfamiliar or challenging environments.

Learning by Necessity

My first serious introduction to street photography came when I was a university student in West Baltimore. I was photographing one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country, and let me tell you—I couldn’t just walk around snapping photos like I was in downtown Manhattan. I had to learn how to engage with people, how to navigate the streets, and how to build trust.

For example, I remember approaching a group of people playing basketball during golden hour. Imagine walking into a scene like that as an outsider. Am I just going to start taking photos without introducing myself? No way. Instead, I said hello, explained I was a student, and asked if I could photograph. Because I engaged with them, I had time to work the scene and came home with what I consider my first “keeper” photograph.

“You don’t just walk into a new community snapping photos like some tourist on a safari. You need street smarts, body language, communication skills, and charisma to make compelling photographs.”

Access Is Key

One of the most practical ways I’ve found to gain access to communities is by carrying an Instax camera. This tool is simple yet powerful: you take someone’s portrait, give them the print, and immediately break the ice. Here’s why it works:

It puts people at ease.
It builds trust.
It opens doors—both literally and metaphorically.

“The Instax camera is a passport. It unlocks infinite possibilities for creating meaningful photographs.”

With this trust, you can:

Make more work in the same place.
Return regularly to continue photographing.
Capture candid moments without needing to ask for permission.

Building Relationships: The Key to Strong Photos

Photography, for me, is about relationships. Strong relationships lead to strong photographs.

Jericho: A Case Study

When I was photographing in Jericho, I spent months living with a local family. Every morning, I’d knock on Mohammed’s door, share breakfast, and then he’d guide me around town. Mohammed introduced me to Hassan, an elderly man with a small garden. We’d water his crops, sit on his porch, and talk about life. These moments led to photographs that captured the soul of the place.

“When you get closer to a community through a documentary approach, the photographs you create become much more compelling and interesting than simple candid street snaps.”

Make a Friend

Having a local friend is crucial, especially in unfamiliar or potentially dangerous areas. Once, in Jericho, a young man broke my camera strap during a confrontation. Mohammed stepped in, explained to the community that I was no threat, and even fixed my camera strap with tape. This kind of trust is invaluable.

“Building a relationship in a new community can be simpler than it seems.”

Combining the Best of Both Worlds

The beauty of blending street and documentary photography is that you don’t have to choose between the two. It’s less about the genre and more about the stories you’re able to tell. Here’s how I think about it:

Documentary Approach: Spend time in the community. Build trust and relationships.
Street Aesthetics: Capture candid, spontaneous moments without posing your subjects.

By combining these elements, you can create work that’s both visually compelling and deeply authentic.

“Photography has nothing to do with photography. It’s everything to do with how you interact with humanity.”

Practical Tips for Street and Documentary Photography

If you’re looking to approach photography like this, here are some tips:

Carry an Instax camera. It’s an icebreaker and builds instant trust.
Be fluid and open. Don’t box yourself into rigid rules or preconceived notions.
Revisit locations. Familiarity builds trust and gives you more opportunities to capture compelling images.
Engage with people. Say hello, explain your purpose, and integrate yourself into the scene.
Be patient. Strong photographs come from time spent.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Own Game

At the end of the day, photography isn’t about gear, rules, or labels. It’s about how you engage with the world. Your photos will reflect your lust for life, your charisma, and your ability to connect with people.

“Go out there without any preconceived notions. Set your body in motion, stay open, and let life surprise you. That’s how you come home with something meaningful.”

So, get out there. Build relationships. Play your own game. And remember: photography is a reflection of who you are as a human being.