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Street photography Zen,
Where can I begin, my friend?
1. Look up and down.
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First tip, treat street photography like walking meditation, and shoot everything, with a 360 degree panoramic view.
Don’t just shoot ahead. Rather, look down and up.
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When I was shooting in Kyoto, some of my best photos happened when I looked up. I reveled at the architecture, and the sights of the historical city.
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Often when I look down, I find inspiring remnants of everyday life. Often it is just a small glove, a leaf on the floor, or a shadow or puddle that inspires me.
2. Walk 50% slower than you normally do.
I’m caffeinated pretty much 24/7. When I shoot street photography, I walk too fast.
Tip: try to walk 50% slower when you’re shooting. I try to feel the pavement beneath my feet, every step of the way.
Also, I try to walk without headphones on, and with my phone off. If you shoot street photography on a phone, switch it to airplane mode.
I think there are benefits to shooting street photography to music, to inspire you and pump you up. But the downside: risk of getting hit by a car, or by missing out on overhearing conversations on the streets, which might lead to interesting street portraits or encounters.
3. Don’t photograph only people
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I don’t think street photography needs to include people. However, the best street photos often include people.
As a fun challenge, try to make a meaningful street photograph that doesn’t have a person.
Photograph urban landscapes, which uplift your mood. Or shoot urban landscapes where it makes you feel sad and depressed.
Conclusion
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Zen street photography– street photography to cure your mind of anxiety, stress, and the bullshit of everyday living.
Treat street photography as a tool to relax, appreciate the beauty in the ordinary and mundane, and to stimulate your creative brain.
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For more inspiration, check out my upcoming photography experiences in Kyoto and NYC. I also recommend you to pick up a copy of STREET NOTES from HAPTIC.
Above all, make photos for yourself. And do it slowly, appreciatively, and with your soul.
BE STRONG,
ERIC