My Evolution as a Photographer

Transformation and Change Bring Joy

Yo, what’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Today, I want to discuss my evolution as a photographer and why transformation and change are bringing me more joy in my everyday life. You know, I find that to change, to evolve, to transform—this is happiness.

Through endless curiosity, learning, and growing each day, I’m consistently in this spirit of play, this flow state of production, creating new photographs every single day. And to me, this is my ultimate goal as a photographer.

I’m embracing change because I want longevity in my work. I’m transforming my approach to photography because I see it as an endless pursuit of learning, growth, and curiosity.

Destroying the Old to Create the New

In order to transform, I had to let go. I had to destroy my old ways of photographing.

“To evolve, to transform, you must destroy. You must destroy all preconceived ideas, all past ways in order to create anew.”

If you check out my website dantesisofo.com, you’ll see photos I’ve made throughout the years—traveling all over the world, making documentary-style photographs. That became too comfortable. It was too easy. I could do it over and over again without challenge.

And that’s when I realized: I needed strife.

The Decision to Transform

Two years ago, things became too easy. I was too comfortable. And I knew it was time to transform. If you visit my Start Here page, you’ll find a post called How I Mastered Street Photography. In it, I discuss the work I made over the years and some of the photo books that inspired me.

My New Workflow

I’ve also documented my Street Photography Workflow for 2025. This is where I’m starting to thrive as an artist—through transformation and experimentation.

Some quick details about my process:

High-contrast black & white
Small JPEG files (~4MB)
Simple, seamless workflow using an iPad Pro and SD reader
Letting go of expectations and focusing on pure creation

Letting Go of the Outcome

I’m embracing a stream of becoming—evolution through creation. My switch to high-contrast black & white, my decision to shoot small JPEGs instead of RAW, is all part of this transformation.

“By stripping down to high contrast black and white… I’m able to create these abstractions of reality.”

This technical shift allows for speed, efficiency, and longevity. I can import, edit, and select my photos rapidly, ensuring I stay in the moment, rather than obsessing over technical perfection.

The Joy of Experimentation

I have nothing to share yet in terms of final selections because, honestly, I’m still in the process. But that’s exciting to me.

“Every day is Day One. Each time I go out to photograph, I feel like an amateur picking up the camera for the first time.”

I no longer have preconceived ideas about what makes or breaks a photograph. I go out into the world with the curiosity of a child—letting life flow toward me instead of hunting for shots.

Photography as a Visual Diary

For me, photography is now a visual diary. It’s no longer about seeking, but about flowing. In the past, I used to put on my photography hat, go out looking for a theme, an idea, something specific to capture. Now? I just live.

“I’m no longer out there as ‘a photographer.’ I’m simply living, and taking the camera for the ride.”

This is what’s providing so much joy—photography isn’t separate from my life anymore. It’s woven into my everyday existence.

Breaking Photography

I love photography, but I also hate photography. It gets in the way when you’re constantly hunting for the next best shot.

“The next photo I make will be my best photo.”

Every day, I shoot the same mundane lane—but the challenge is to uplift that mundane into something greater. I’m not meticulously composing anymore; I’m letting go.

The Necessity of Breaking the Rules

I knew too much about photography. I knew what made a great photo, and I could create one almost on command. But that became boring.

“In order for me to transform, I had to break everything—within my system, my brain, my heart, my soul.”

So now? I’m breaking photography itself. I’m playing. I’m experimenting. And through that, I’m pushing the limits of the medium.

Photography as Meditation

This new approach makes photography more meditative. It keeps me present in the moment. And that’s what matters most.

“Life is transient. Photography reminds me that I won’t live forever. But at least I can make a photograph. At least I can capture my experience.”

Everything is in flux. Everything is impermanent. And my photography reflects that.

The Ultimate Freedom

At the end of the day, I don’t care if anyone sees my photographs. I don’t care if anyone thinks they’re good.

“I know what I’m doing brings me meaning. And that’s all that matters.”

I’m detached from the outcome. I’m a vessel for photography. I’m just floating through life, letting the world unfold before me, capturing moments as they come.

And that? That’s freedom.

Final Thoughts

That’s all I have for today.

Embrace change.

“If you want to evolve, if you want to transform, you have to destroy.”

You have to destroy old ways of thinking, break free from past limitations, and push yourself into the unknown.