Chapter 1: The Nature of Street Photography

On a leisurely Sunday afternoon in el Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona, I engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with a friend that I felt compelled to share.

Both my friend and I are street photographers. This genre is not only incredibly varied but also exceptionally open and imaginative, allowing for immense creative freedom. There are no strict rules dictating what one should seek out in urban spaces; rather, it’s a journey of self-discovery.

During our conversation, we pondered a critical question:

• Do photographers capture what they desire, or do they merely take what is available to them?

To provide some context, let me clarify that street photography is quite challenging. One cannot reasonably expect to produce work comparable to that of esteemed street photographers without years of practice and experience.

In this developmental phase, one generally faces two paths:

1. You may confine yourself to your current skill set.
2. Alternatively, you might strive to innovate and explore beyond your comfort zone.

The first path aligns more with photographing what you can, while the second leans towards capturing what you aspire to.

Naturally, during the learning process, many find it difficult to articulate what they want to photograph and how to approach it. In my experience, the key to finding these answers lies in relentless practice and self-exploration.

While various forms of inspiration and learning are crucial for growth as street photographers, I believe that a lack of hands-on experience can significantly hinder progress in this expressive art form.

To refine your photographic vision, it’s essential to experiment with diverse concepts, challenge norms, and embrace unconventional methods. In other words, you must be willing to fail repeatedly and learn from those experiences, preserving ideas that resonate for future endeavors.

“99% of street photography, if not more, is about failure” — Alex Webb

I personally relish the opportunity to venture out whenever possible, even if it’s just for a brief 30 minutes, to see what captivates my attention that day. It might be a unique location, a fleeting gesture, or even a beautiful ray of light—who knows?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe that my greatest motivation stems from witnessing my own growth over time, which I attribute largely to countless hours of practice.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I always welcome comments and insights.

Peace

Chapter 2: The Motivation Behind Our Lens

In the video "Why We Photograph," the creator delves into the deeper motivations that drive individuals to pick up a camera. This exploration can provide valuable insights for those seeking to understand their own reasons for engaging in street photography.

The second video, titled "Why You DON'T Need To Please Anyone With Your Photos," emphasizes the importance of authenticity in photography. It encourages viewers to embrace their unique vision without feeling pressured to conform to external expectations.