What is our true goal on street photography? For me, it is to enter the zen-like state of “flow” (zen zone) of becoming one with your camera. Losing sense of time, self, and space. To shoot with zero hesitation. To be so closely attuned to the world around you with great sensitivity, and to have immaculate timing positioning and shooting ability.

Why street photography is so difficult

To get into a zen zone of flow in street photography is insanely difficult. Why? So many factors:

1. The fear which acompanies shooting street photography
2. Modern life which prevents us from spending a week doing nothing but shooting street photography for 8 hours a day (the upside of doing a street photography workshop to focus on nothing but shooting).
3. Persistent thoughts about work, life, and family which cloud your brain and distract you.
4. The time and practice it takes to master a certain camera body and system and focal length setup.

Practical tips and ideas

1. Go on a solo trip somewhere and devote yourself to nothing but street photography, coffee, and eating good food.
2. Take a street photography workshop (preferably week-long)
3. Go travel and practice street photography in some foreign city which you feel comfortable with and love.
4. Stick with one camera and lens for at least 3-5 years to master it.
5. Stick with one aesthetic or approach, and simplify your technical settings to the point you don’t gotta check it.
6. Don’t chimp (check your LCD screen while shooting). Also turn off “auto image review” on your camera.

Shoot on!

ERIC