I still remember the first time I stepped onto the streets with a camera in hand. The world felt like an open battlefield, every corner hiding a potential shot, every face telling a story yet to be captured. But as I delved deeper into street photography, I realized that the real war wasn’t out there—it was within me.
The Battle Against Fear
Fear is the first enemy we encounter. The fear of approaching strangers, the fear of being judged, the fear of rejection. It’s that nagging voice in your head saying, “What if they get angry?” or “What if people think I’m weird?” But here’s the thing: fear is just a mental construct.
I recall walking down a bustling street in downtown LA, wanting to photograph a man with the most intricate tattoos I’d ever seen. I hesitated, my finger hovering over the shutter. Then I took a deep breath and clicked. He looked up, our eyes met, and he gave me a nod—a silent approval. That moment taught me that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.
The Skirmish with Perfection
In the age of Instagram and instant gratification, we’re bombarded with images of perfection. Pristine shots, flawless compositions, and edited realities. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, questioning our style, our vision.
But street photography is raw, unfiltered, and imperfect—just like life. Embrace the grain, the blur, the chaos. Let go of the idea that your work has to fit a certain mold. Remember, Henri Cartier-Bresson didn’t have Photoshop, yet his images resonate because they capture the decisive moment, the essence of humanity.
The Clash of Styles
There’s an ongoing debate in the community: candid versus posed, color versus black and white, film versus digital. It’s like choosing sides in a war that doesn’t need to exist. These are just tools and methods to express your unique perspective.
I’ve shot with everything from an iPhone to a Leica, in color and monochrome, candidly and with permission. Each approach offers a different experience and outcome. Don’t limit yourself by adhering strictly to one style or dogma. Experiment, evolve, and find what resonates with you.
The Siege of Self-Doubt
Perhaps the toughest battle is against self-doubt. Those moments when you question if your work matters, if your vision is worthwhile. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But art isn’t about universal approval; it’s about personal expression. Your photos are a reflection of how you see the world. No one else has your eyes, your experiences, your stories. Celebrate that uniqueness.
Arm Yourself with Passion
So how do we win this war? With passion. Let your love for the craft drive you forward. Immerse yourself in the process, the joy of wandering streets unknown, the thrill of capturing a fleeting moment.
Equip yourself with knowledge. Study the masters but don’t idolize them. Learn the rules so you can break them effectively. Engage with the community but don’t get lost in it. Your journey is your own.
The Peace Within
At the end of the day, the war of street photography isn’t about defeating external enemies but conquering the ones within. It’s about finding peace amidst the chaos, confidence amidst uncertainty.
So pick up your camera and step into the streets. Embrace the war not as a conflict but as a path to self-discovery. After all, the greatest battles lead to the most profound victories.
Stay bold,
Eric