Why Street Photography?
What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. This morning we’re diving into a fundamental question: Why street photography? Answering this question feels like answering, Why do I wake up in the morning?
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
When I think about the word purpose, I break it down: pro, meaning for, forward, and ponere, meaning to place. I place the creation of new photographs as my ultimate driving force in life. With the click of the shutter, I affirm my life. Moving forward, walking through the world, recognizing fleeting moments, and pressing the shutter—these acts fuel my life with meaning.
The Joy of Creation
Despite circumstances, no matter where I am or how I feel—despite the weather or the external world—internally, I find bliss through the creation of photographs. I find joy in the act of creation, and street photography gives my life purpose and meaning.
Photography is my ultimate excuse. The camera is my passport to the complexities of life. It gets me out there—on the front lines of life—allowing me to explore and walk endlessly.
“Photography reminds me that there are infinite possibilities.”
There are countless experiences to have, places to visit, people to meet, and photographs to make. This call to adventure fuels me.
The Ultimate Goal
My aim as a photographer is simple:
- Increase my curiosity by 1% each day.
- Let the camera be my compass.
- Allow curiosity to guide me.
By making pictures of strangers and interacting with humanity—both physically and emotionally—I’m able to experience life in all its complexities and beauty.
“Street photography is my superpower, where I have no fear.”
Courage Through Photography
With a camera in hand, I feel fearless. Out on the streets, anything feels possible. I have no preconceived notions of what I will find, and that openness allows me to explore with courage.
Courage becomes the forefront of my practice. As much as I focus on observation, composition, and layers within the frame, my heart is truly on the front lines of life.
“The result of my photograph derives from my gut, through my intuition to press the shutter.”
Whether I’m standing behind a concrete wall, photographing a masked man in protest at the border in Jericho, or simply observing a quiet street scene, photography sharpens my focus. Distractions melt away. I become laser-focused on the moment.
The Process Over the Result
I love the process of:
- Exploring.
- Walking.
- Photographing.
- Observing more.
The result of the photograph? That’s merely a reflection of my lust for life. The act of making pictures is what it’s all about.
“Photography is so life-affirming. No matter where I am, I can find meaning in the mundane.”
Finding Meaning in the Mundane
With a camera in hand, even the most ordinary moments—like a hand gesture or a fleeting glance—can be uplifted to a new height. Through photography, I create something from nothing.
Maybe we can’t live forever, but at least we can make a photograph.
“When I photograph, the past and future fade away. I’m simply being.”
Each click of the shutter captures an eternal moment, a memory that might live on long after I’m gone. And that’s the beauty of it.
Waking Up With Purpose
When I wake up, I’m eager to catch the sunrise. Before I rest my head, I treat sleep like a mini-death, and each morning like a rebirth.
“I go out there with the spirit of play, like a big kid with a camera, endlessly increasing my curiosity by 1% each day.”
Photography brings me joy, meaning, and purpose. It’s what moves me outward into the world, and I encourage you to reflect on why you photograph and what it means to you.
Photography is my answer to why. And I’m dedicating my life to it.
Learn More
If you want to dive deeper into my thoughts on street photography, check out:
- My YouTube Channel for videos like How I Mastered Street Photography.
- My website – Click on the Start Here page for more insights.
Thanks for reading. I’ll see you in the next one.