This means:

Strive to position yourself in street photography in such a manner in which you enjoy street photography as an independent pursuit for yourself — to enjoy the process of going out and making photos, the joy of interacting with strangers, the joy of being on the streets, the joy of the chase, the chance encounters, the joy of reviewing your photos, selecting the best ones, and sharing your favorite ones.

The more of an independent approach you can take in your street photography, the happier you will be, the more self-motivated you will be (autotelic approach to street photography) and the more creatively prolific you will become!

How to become a more independent street photographer

street portrait Boston blue hair orange fire

If the goal is to become a (more) independent street photographer, some ideas:

1. No social media for your photography

Big one. If your goal is to shoot street photography because you truly enjoy it, get off Instagram, and upload and share more photos to your own blog or website.

Why? Not because social media is inherently bad or evil in itself, but the problem with social media is this:

You get low-key wired to fish for likes, followers, comments and positive feedback and reinforcement, rather than making street photos for your own autotelic (personal) reasons.

Boston, 2021

For example after a long hiatus from traveling, I finally made it into Boston to shoot some street photography, and it has been one of the greatest re-awakenings of my life in my street photography enthusiasm and passion. Why? It has made me realize (even more so) that my passion for street photography runs deep. My passion for making images, interacting with strangers, and to delight in the social public street life which street photography inherently promotes!

2. The joy of experiencing the streets, shooting street photography, and reviewing and sharing your photos

Another huge joy in street photography is the simple joy of being out on the streets (we humans love to walk, explore new places, and interact with new humans). Also the joy of shooting (exercising our creative timing, skill, and technique in street photography). In fact, street photography is one of the rare occasions in life when I am fully engaged in my activity and what I am doing:

I am fully focused in terms of my visual acuity, focusing on making images, enjoying the drama of the streets, street life, while also exercising my social skills.

3. The joy of being in public spaces

Something I didn’t really realize and anticipate (what I love about Boston):

Coffee shops are open again!!

It has been a really long time since I’ve been able to hang out inside a coffee shop, feel the coffee shop vibes, and enjoy the street life (inside) the coffee shop. There is something about ambient noise, the presence of other people and humans which brings me great joy.