c/street-photography

Pretending to adjust my lens cap lets me set up shots without staring

I fumble with my camera gear while really framing the scene to avoid making subjects uncomfortable.

Tried to sneak a photo of a graffiti artist and ended up in the mural myself

Yesterday, I snapped a photo of a couple arguing, and now I'm questioning if I crossed a line.

I mean, on one hand, it was a raw, human moment that defines street photography. But idk, maybe it's just me, but capturing private distress feels exploitative. Curious to hear where others draw the line.

Vent: Realized I was the problem in my own street photos

I realized that my aggressive approach was scaring subjects away. Started to adopt a more passive stance. Found a busy street corner and positioned myself against a wall. Used a small, inconspicuous camera. Waited for over an hour, resisting the urge to shoot. Then, a spontaneous interaction between two strangers unfolded. Captured it perfectly. Now I understand that street photography is about anticipation, not invasion.

Yesterday's shoot made me rethink street photography and sustainability

While exploring the waterfront district, I noticed a stark contrast between new recycling bins overflowing with trash and an older man carefully sorting items into them. I managed to capture a candid moment of his focused expression, with the chaotic backdrop speaking volumes about urban waste challenges. This experience pushed me to consider how street photography can document the gap between environmental intentions and reality. For example, I've since sought out scenes like guerrilla gardening in pavement cracks or discarded single-use masks caught in fences. I'm wondering if other photographers consciously frame shots to comment on sustainability without losing authenticity. How do you approach capturing such nuanced, often grim, topics while respecting subjects and maintaining artistic integrity? Let's share ideas on using our craft to spotlight these pressing issues in our communities.