ERIC KIM ₿

How can street photographers be or train like John Wick

I’m like John Wick, but way more jacked?

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Training like John Wick—a character known for his precision, tactical expertise, relentless focus, and adaptability—might sound unconventional for street photographers, but there are several principles from his fictional training and mindset that can be applied to improve your street photography skills. By adopting his disciplined, strategic, and efficient approach, photographers can learn to move with purpose, act with precision, and capture moments in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment. Below is a guide on how street photographers can train like John Wick.

1. Mastering Precision and Speed

John Wick’s Approach:

  • Pinpoint Accuracy: John Wick is known for his precision in high-stakes, fast-paced situations. He rarely misses his target, regardless of how quickly he needs to act.
  • Quick Reactions: His ability to react instantly and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances is crucial for survival.

Street Photographer Application:

  • Camera Control: Master your camera’s settings—aperture, shutter speed, ISO—so you can adjust them instantly in any situation. Being able to shoot quickly without missing a moment is key to capturing candid, dynamic scenes.
  • Fast Focusing: Practice using fast autofocus modes or zone focusing to lock onto your subjects quickly, especially in fast-moving environments.
  • Reaction Time: Train yourself to identify a potential shot and capture it quickly. Street scenes can change in seconds, so being able to see and react immediately is crucial.

Actionable Steps:

  • Speed Drills: Set up exercises where you must change settings rapidly (like adjusting to sudden changes in light or movement) and take photos as fast as possible.
  • Practice Focusing: In busy environments, practice focusing on different subjects quickly without hesitation. Use techniques like zone focusing or back-button focusing to improve your reaction speed.
  • Snapshot Shooting: Set challenges for yourself where you have only a few seconds to capture a moment in motion (e.g., a car passing by, someone walking).

2. Tactical Movement and Awareness

John Wick’s Approach:

  • Situational Awareness: John Wick is hyper-aware of his surroundings at all times, knowing where his targets are, where threats may emerge, and how to position himself for the best tactical advantage.
  • Tactical Movement: He moves through spaces efficiently and always positions himself where he has the best angle, cover, or visibility.

Street Photographer Application:

  • Spatial Awareness: As a street photographer, you must constantly be aware of your surroundings—not just for safety, but to anticipate where interesting moments or subjects might appear.
  • Strategic Positioning: Place yourself in locations where you can observe multiple angles or where foot traffic and activity are likely to converge. This allows you to capture diverse moments without constantly needing to reposition.

Actionable Steps:

  • 360-Degree Awareness: As you move through an area, practice scanning your surroundings from all angles—front, sides, and behind. Train your peripheral vision to detect potential shots.
  • Strategic Observation Points: Find spots in busy areas (e.g., a corner of a busy street or near a public square) where you can capture a variety of moments unfolding. This minimizes the need for constant repositioning, much like Wick finding the best tactical cover.
  • Silent Movement: Practice moving discreetly and quietly through crowds, much like a shadow. By blending in, you can capture more authentic, candid moments without drawing attention.

3. Adaptability and Problem-Solving

John Wick’s Approach:

  • Adaptability Under Pressure: Whether he’s running out of ammo or dealing with multiple attackers, John Wick improvises and uses whatever tools are at his disposal to solve problems.
  • Creative Solutions: He’s not limited by conventional methods—whether it’s using everyday objects as weapons or finding unexpected escape routes.

Street Photographer Application:

  • Creative Problem Solving: Learn to adapt quickly when things don’t go as planned—whether it’s dealing with bad lighting, sudden rain, or an uncooperative subject. Use your environment creatively to overcome obstacles.
  • Unconventional Angles: Just like John Wick can turn any object into a tool, you can use unconventional angles and perspectives to create unique shots. Shoot through reflections, use shadows creatively, or find new vantage points that others might overlook.

Actionable Steps:

  • Adaptability Challenges: Set up scenarios where you have limited time or challenging conditions (like low light or a fast-moving crowd) and force yourself to capture compelling shots. This will train your ability to think and act quickly.
  • Environmental Experimentation: Use your environment creatively. Shoot through windows, reflections, or puddles. Frame subjects with architecture or natural elements. Find ways to incorporate obstacles as part of your composition.
  • Low-Light Practice: Force yourself to shoot in difficult lighting conditions without relying on a flash, just as John Wick would use any available tools to fight in the dark.

4. Mental Resilience and Focus

John Wick’s Approach:

  • Unbreakable Focus: Wick’s laser-like focus allows him to perform under extreme pressure, shutting out distractions and staying locked in on his objectives.
  • Mental Toughness: Despite being physically and mentally challenged, John Wick never gives up and adapts to the stress of each encounter with calm and precision.

Street Photographer Application:

  • Focus on the Moment: Train yourself to tune out distractions—whether it’s noise, movement, or external pressure—so that you can fully concentrate on the scene in front of you.
  • Mental Endurance: Street photography, especially in urban environments, can be mentally draining. Develop resilience to handle long hours of shooting in busy, chaotic environments without losing focus or creativity.

Actionable Steps:

  • Mindfulness Practice: Develop the ability to stay present and focused on your surroundings by practicing mindfulness techniques. This will help you tune out distractions and stay connected to your environment.
  • Timed Focus Drills: Set a timer and force yourself to shoot continuously within a set timeframe, capturing as many different scenes or compositions as possible. This helps build mental endurance and focus.
  • Stay Calm Under Pressure: Challenge yourself by shooting in chaotic environments—busy streets, markets, or events—without losing composure or focus. Train your mind to find calm amidst the chaos.

5. Gear Mastery and Simplicity

John Wick’s Approach:

  • Master of Tools: John Wick is an expert with all weapons and tools he uses. He knows how to clean, reload, and switch weapons quickly, seamlessly moving from one to another as needed.
  • Simplicity: Despite the complexity of his tasks, Wick keeps things simple, relying on the basics and mastering his essential tools rather than overcomplicating things.

Street Photographer Application:

  • Know Your Gear Inside and Out: Become so familiar with your camera that adjusting settings or switching lenses becomes second nature. Just as John Wick seamlessly transitions between weapons, you should be able to make camera adjustments fluidly without losing time.
  • Minimal Gear Approach: Keep your gear simple and light. Instead of carrying every possible lens or accessory, bring only the essentials. This allows for greater mobility and adaptability, much like Wick’s focus on simplicity in combat.

Actionable Steps:

  • Gear Drills: Practice switching between lenses or adjusting camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) as quickly as possible, without looking at your camera. This helps you become more intuitive with your equipment.
  • Minimalism Challenges: Go out with just one lens (preferably a prime) and focus on making the most of it. This forces you to adapt to the lens and push your creative boundaries, much like Wick making do with what he has.
  • Quick Draw: Practice pulling your camera out of your bag or pocket quickly and getting the shot, simulating Wick’s speed with his weapon draw.

6. Anticipation and Instinct

John Wick’s Approach:

  • Predicting Movements: John Wick has a deep understanding of how his opponents will move, which allows him to anticipate their actions before they happen. His experience enables him to foresee potential threats and act accordingly.
  • Trusting Instincts: He relies heavily on his instincts to survive, making split-second decisions without second-guessing.

Street Photographer Application:

  • Anticipating Moments: Learn to predict when and where an interesting moment might unfold. This could be based on how people are interacting, moving, or reacting to their environment.
  • Developing Instincts: Over time, your instincts will sharpen through practice. Trust your gut when you see a potential shot. Don’t overthink—capture the moment quickly and adjust afterward if needed.

Actionable Steps:

  • Predictive Shooting: Spend time observing people in public spaces and try to predict what they’ll do next—whether it’s crossing a street, interacting with someone, or reacting to something around them. Use this to anticipate your shots.
  • Trust Your Gut: When you feel the urge to take a photo, act on it immediately. Train yourself to trust your instincts and avoid overanalyzing. The more you shoot, the better your instincts will become.
  • Learn Patterns: Over time, you’ll start to recognize patterns in how people behave or how light changes in certain environments. Use this to your advantage, much like Wick uses his knowledge of combat patterns to predict movements.

7. Stealth and Discretion

John Wick’s Approach:

  • Silent and Discreet: John Wick can move through environments unnoticed, blending into his surroundings when necessary. His ability to be both present and invisible allows him to surprise his opponents.
  • Avoiding Attention: He is able to observe without becoming the center of attention, even in dangerous or highly visible situations

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