The Spirit of Street Photography
Merry Christmas! Today is December 25, 2024, and I’m starting my day with a walk to the Schuylkill River. Thanks, Mom, for this beautiful beanie—a perfect Christmas gift to keep me warm on this white Christmas morning.
The streets are empty, quiet, and serene, much like I imagine they might have been on this day in 1776 when Washington crossed the Delaware. Genius move. People’s guards are down on days like this.
Movement and Motivation
Walking brings me bliss. Movement itself is paradise on earth. It’s interesting to consider the word motivation and its etymology. From the Latin movere, it means to move.
“In order to make a photograph, one must be motivated. But in order to be motivated, you have to be driven to move your physical body.”
For me, movement and curiosity go hand in hand. The physical act of walking—engaging with the sights, sounds, and smells—drives my photography. This curiosity fuels me every morning and inspires my work.
Cultivating Vitality
Vitality is essential to curiosity. Getting good sleep, drinking coffee, lifting weights, stretching—all these contribute to a sense of strength and drive. Each morning, I stretch my legs, do yoga, and set my body in motion without preconceived notions of what I’ll find.
To cultivate curiosity, focus on vitality first. With vitality comes the courage to press the shutter, to move through the world, and to embrace the unknown.
The Ethos of Street Photography
Movement is the essence of street photography. It’s about:
- Spontaneity
- Rawness
- Candid moments
“You can never make the same photograph twice.”
Life is fleeting, constantly changing. The river flows, ever-moving, and so do we. Each moment is unique, and each photograph reflects that truth.
Finding the Extraordinary in the Mundane
Walking the same streets each day might seem monotonous, but it’s a challenge I embrace. Observing life’s complexities—its stories, environments, and gestures—turns the world into a canvas. Every day offers infinite possibilities, endless stories to tell.
“A photograph displays your lust for life.”
Photography, for me, affirms life—its beauty, chaos, and unpredictability. The process of creating photographs is where I find joy, not in the outcome.
Tapping Into the Inner Child
When I photograph, I’m reconnecting with my childhood. Growing up near the Schuylkill River, I explored the Wissahickon Forest—building forts, climbing trees, and swinging from vines. Photography feels like an extension of that spirit of exploration and play.
“The spirit of play is all about tapping into that inner child.”
Approaching the world with curiosity, wonder, and imagination transforms everyday scenes into opportunities for creativity.
The Universal Language of Photography
Photography transcends barriers. I’ll never forget traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, where my camera opened doors to profound connections.
“Photography provided me the ability to experience these things. It reminds me how we are all one as humanity.”
With a Polaroid camera, I gifted instant prints to the people I met, fostering unity despite cultural and language differences. Photography is a universal language that brings people together.
Practical Advice for Photographers
If you’re a photographer looking to connect with others:
- Carry an Instax or Polaroid camera to share prints with strangers.
- Approach your hometown as if you’re a tourist. Wake up early. Catch the sunrise. Find joy in the familiar.
- Start a personal website to showcase your work.
“Delete your Instagram. You don’t need it. Build your own space online to experiment and play.”
I recommend using Bluehost and WordPress.org with the Astra theme. Keep it simple—a place to explore your curiosity and showcase your joy for photography.
Success Through Joy
For me, success isn’t about making good or bad photographs. It’s about feeling vitality and curiosity each morning. It’s about walking, moving, seeing, and creating.
“Maybe you won’t live forever, but at least you can make a photograph.”
Photography isn’t just about pictures. It’s about life. It’s about exploring, observing, and celebrating the fleeting beauty of the human experience.