Take Risks in Photography
Today, I was out observing runners on Broad Street braving the rain. Watching these runners tackle the wet streets had me thinking about something essential: taking risks.
The Essence of Risk in Photography
How do you become a better photographer? It’s simple: you must take risks.
When it comes to street photography, you’re positioning yourself in the public domain, engaging with strangers, and capturing candid moments—often up close and personal with life itself. To make a picture that resonates, that has a strong, emotional pull, requires courage. Taking a risk is essential to capture the world with authenticity and depth.
“Photography has nothing to do with photography,” I often say. You could have mastered every technical detail, own the best gear, and know all the compositional tricks, but if you lack courage, you will fail.
Courage on the Front Lines of Life
Photography, for me, is a byproduct of courage and fearlessness. When I reflect on the best images I’ve made over the years, I realize they all have one thing in common: they are born from my willingness to take a risk. This courage, this simple act of putting myself in the middle of it all, has made all the difference.
As photographers, we are responsible for positioning ourselves on the front lines of life. It’s not about the technical details; it’s about the boldness to interact with the world, to immerse ourselves in the lives of strangers, and to make pictures that speak from the heart.
The Role of Curiosity and Intuition
“Increasing your curiosity should be the goal.”
Curiosity and courage are inseparable. If you lack one, you will struggle to create meaningful work. Curiosity pushes you forward, urging you to see things differently, while courage allows you to follow through and take the risk. Each day, I follow my intuition, listen to my gut, and snap my way through life. This intuitive approach keeps me connected to the moment, guiding my lens and my perspective without hesitation.
Forget the Gear—Embrace Fearlessness
You could have all the best gear, know every technical nuance, and still, none of that will matter without the courage to act. Forget about the gear, abandon your fears, and strong work will inevitably follow. The magic lies in that moment of risk, that leap into the unknown.
Remember: Great photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about positioning yourself with courage, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace risk. In those moments, you’re not just making pictures—you’re capturing life itself.