The Art of Wandering
What does it mean to wander? Why does it matter? As a street photographer, I love wandering. I love exploring. I love looking at homes, the architecture, the details, the trees. I love looking at life and all of its good complexities.
By wandering, I follow my intuition and my curiosity, and I simply listen to my gut. Some days I’ll walk the same mundane lane every single day, trying to hone in on repetition with my walking pattern. But then, there are periods where I like to wander, finding myself in new parts of town—new streets and alleys to explore. I twist, turn, weave around, and go aimlessly. As an artist, this is the ultimate joy in life.
Walking Without a Destination
Simply walking without any destination in mind allows me to discover new things, see new sights, and experience life in fresh ways. All of this novelty comes through the aimlessness of adventuring into the unknown. To find yourself in your hometown, or wherever you may be, with the mindset of a tourist is powerful. By remaining in this childlike state of curiosity, you can find yourself endlessly wandering.
Whether I’m here in Philadelphia or traveling abroad, I don’t like to set plans or destinations. I follow my gut. There’s an art to it—a matter of using your sensibility to guide you.
“Maybe you hear drumming around the corner, or you see a flock of birds and decide to go where they are. By following the beats and rhythms of the street, you embrace the art of wandering.”
Staying Playful and Open
Wandering is about staying playful and open, setting your body in motion without preconceived notions of what you’ll find. This is where I discover the most fruitful experiences and create the best photographs. It’s through this art of wandering, walking, and moving aimlessly that I find joy.
Benefits of Wandering
- Exploration of new places
- Discovery of unexpected beauty
- Rekindling curiosity
- Capturing unique photographs
To wander is to explore. To wander is to discover. To wander is to experience maximum joy.
The Joy of Wandering
Why do I feel more joyful while wandering? I think life is fun. Sometimes, life can feel like a bore if you’re stuck in a routine or indoors, treating life like a chore. But when you let go and let life flow toward you, you find yourself in an abundant mindset—a flow state of production, creativity, and flourishing.
Thriving in Chaos
Wandering can be dangerous at times. I’ve found myself in chaotic situations and on dangerous paths. But that’s where I thrive—in the unknown, in the chaos. As a photographer, putting order to the chaos and complexities of life is a superpower.
“Through wandering, I’ve realized life isn’t always what it seems. You might look at the mundane and think it’s all been done before, but that’s a defeatist mindset.”
Keep Moving
- Keep moving.
- Keep wandering.
- Don’t worry about the outcome or destination.
- Produce more, wander more, and experience more.
Step out your door and explore. It’s a beautiful world, a beautiful day. Whether you’re in Philly or anywhere else, there’s always something new to see. And even if you revisit the same location, the photograph you create will never be the same.
“That’s the art of wandering.”