{"id":23225,"date":"2015-03-31T06:11:47","date_gmt":"2015-03-31T13:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=23225"},"modified":"2015-03-31T06:11:47","modified_gmt":"2015-03-31T13:11:47","slug":"the-art-of-learning-street-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2015\/03\/31\/the-art-of-learning-street-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art of Learning Street Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"San
San Mateo, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I just re-read an excellent book titled: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Art of Learning<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d by Josh Waitzkin. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve ever watched the film \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Searching for Bobby Fischer<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (the movie about the kid chess prodigy)\u00e2\u20ac\u201d that movie was based on Josh Waitzkin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Art of Learning<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is a rare book in the sense that he became world champion not only in chess, but also later in competitive Tai Chi \u00e2\u20ac\u0153push hands\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. In the book, Josh breaks down how he was able to learn at an incredible pace, how he was able to push his own creative boundaries, and how he achieved excellence at a master-level.<\/p>\n

For this article I want to break down some lessons that I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve personally learned\u00e2\u20ac\u201d which can help you in your street photography or life in general. Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s go:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. The search for excellence<\/h2>\n
\"Istanbul,
Istanbul, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the big topics that Josh talks about in the book is how the whole \u00e2\u20ac\u0153art of learning\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is about searching for excellence and happiness. He states from the get-go that although he did become world famous, he found that fame was a quite hollow thing.<\/p>\n

The only thing that brought him true joy was dedicating his life to artistic growth<\/strong>. Through his artistic pursuits, he also wanted to seek inner-tranquility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I think this is a common theme we can apply to our own photography. Rather than trying to seek to become the most famous photographer and to achieve fame, glory, and become rich\u00e2\u20ac\u201d we should seek to constantly growing as photographers.<\/p>\n

We should seek to become the best possible photographer we can\u00e2\u20ac\u201d to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153self-actualize\u00e2\u20ac\u009d ourselves creatively and artistically. Not only that, but to be content with our progress and to seek an inner-peace and tranquility.<\/p>\n

2. Growth is barrier-less<\/h2>\n
\"Istanbul,
Istanbul, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In his chess studies and later in his Tai Chi studies, Josh is always trying to push his own barriers, and to see how far he is able to take himself.<\/p>\n

I found this incredibly inspirational, because we often think that we have limits to our abilities and our learning.<\/p>\n

However the truth is that there are no limits for human excellence. At the end of the day, nobody has really figured out the limits of the human mind or the body. Every year in memory championships, the competitors are able to memorize more digits in their head. Every year in sprinting competitions, there is always a new world-record. There was a long time in which people thought that a 4-minute mile was almost impossible to achieve. Now there are high schoolers who are able to easily achieve a 4-minute mile.<\/p>\n

What are your limits as a photographer? How good can you get? There really are no limits\u00e2\u20ac\u201d so try to keep pushing yourself to see how good you can truly become. Growth is barrier-less.<\/p>\n

3. Love the process<\/h2>\n
\"Hong
Hong Kong, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the secrets about the art of learning\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and it is this: don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t become too attached to outcomes. Focus on enjoying the process.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So for example, we can control the amount of effort we put in the street photography process. We can control whether we want to shoot for 8 hours in a day, whether we want to be focused, and how often we go out and shoot. However what we can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t control is whether we will get a good shot or not (the outcome).<\/p>\n

So if you are a photographer who wants to keep learning more about photography and to become the best possible version of yourself, you have to take the long-view. Know that if you get too attached to the results of your photography, it is easy to become unmotivated.<\/p>\n

However if you love the process of shooting street photography, you will lead a long and happy life as a photographer. Loving the process is this: loving putting on your shoes and wandering the city, loving interacting with strangers on the streets, loving the thrill you get when you click the shutter, loving the nice coffee or tea you are able to enjoy in-between shooting sessions, loving getting feedback & critique on your work (and also giving it), loving meeting other passionate photographers.<\/p>\n

There is a common saying in art circles which is: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153trust the process.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

I think as street photographers, we should also learn to trust and enjoy the process of shooting street photography.<\/p>\n

For me, although I do love making images that make my heart stir, I am actually more interested in the interactions that I have with people on the streets (than the photos).<\/p>\n

Of course this is different for everyone. Some photographers I know only<\/em> care about the final image.<\/p>\n

While this isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153wrong\u00e2\u20ac\u009d approach, I think focusing too much on the outcome leads to burnout, depression, and dissatisfaction.<\/p>\n

I know some great street photographers who go for months upon months without making images they are happy or proud of. If they are too attached to the outcome of making a great image, they will end up losing all motivation to going out and shooting. But if they love the process and are detached from the result, they will continue to hustle and push their creative boundaries.<\/p>\n

Counter-point:<\/h3>\n

Of course you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t only want to be 100% focused on the process and 0% on the outcome. I think if you really want to be the best photographer you possibly can, you need to try to also make good outcomes in your photography.<\/p>\n

It is very inspirational to see progress in your own photography, and to get feedback & critique which confirms that.<\/p>\n

So also when you get feedback & critique on your work\u00e2\u20ac\u201d don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seek a pat-on-the-back. Rather, ask people: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Kill my babies. Tell me what doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t work with my images, and how I can get better. For the photos I took that did work out, please explain why you think they are strong images. I need you to be honest & critical for me to learn, develop, and grow.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

4. Have an \u00e2\u20ac\u0153incremental\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (growth) mindset<\/h2>\n
\"Seoul,
Seoul, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the key distinctions that Josh makes between performers is that they generally have two mindsets: the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153entity\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (fixed) mindset and the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153incremental\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (growth mindset).<\/p>\n

What is the difference between these two mindsets?<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Entity<\/strong>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d: You think your skills are innate and therefore are fixed.<\/li>\n
  2. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Incremental<\/strong>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d: You think your skills can grow based on the amount of effort you put in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Josh talks about the biggest mistakes parents make with their children. The mistake is this: they tell their kids that they are naturally talented and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153smart\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

    What is the problem with this? If you tell a kid that he\/she is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153smart\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153talented\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d they get stuck in an \u00e2\u20ac\u0153entity\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (fixed) mindset. They think that all of their abilities are innate, and that they are special. That is good as a motivational boost, but if they ever fail a test or do poorly in a sports game, they suddenly think they are failures and regardless of how much effort they put in, they can never improve.<\/p>\n

    The opposite approach is this: rather than congratulating a child for being \u00e2\u20ac\u0153smart\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153talented\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d commend them on the effort<\/strong> they put into their work. So if a kid does well on a test, tell the kid: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Wow, you put in so much effort into the test and therefore ended up doing well. Keep working hard and you will keep doing great!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

    True masters in every field generally have an \u00e2\u20ac\u0153entity\u00e2\u20ac\u009d mindset\u00e2\u20ac\u201d that their innate abilities are not fixed. Rather, they can become great if they just put in the necessary effort and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153deliberate practice<\/a>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

    Takeaway point:<\/h3>\n

    So how can you use this information of the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153entity\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (fixed) and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153incremental\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (growth) intelligence to your photography?<\/p>\n

    Well first of all you can dispel the myth that people are naturally \u00e2\u20ac\u0153talented\u00e2\u20ac\u009d at art, creative pursuits, or anything else out there.<\/p>\n

    Nobody is born from the womb and suddenly has a magical skill to click a shutter on a camera, to frame well, and to make great photographs.<\/p>\n

    To become a great photographer, it takes a lot of effort, time, and energy. To become a great photographer, you need to look at millions of great photographs, you need to invest thousands of hours of shooting in the streets, you need to get thousands of honest & direct feedback that help push you forward, and you need to be passionate & obsessed. There are no shortcuts for greatness.<\/p>\n

    So how can you put in more effort in your street photography? Can you dedicate more time to go out and shoot? If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re busy at work, can you spend more time looking at the work of the maters of street photography to be inspired? Instead of using your money on that new fancy digital camera, perhaps you can invest that money into educational experiences: traveling, photography books, workshops\u00e2\u20ac\u201d anything that will help elevate your work and take your street photography to the next level.<\/p>\n

    5. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t live in static, safe, mediocrity<\/h2>\n
    \"Berkeley,
    Berkeley, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond?<\/p>\n

    This is of course a personal question and there is no \u00e2\u20ac\u0153right\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153wrong\u00e2\u20ac\u009d response.<\/p>\n

    But if you really want to pursue excellence and push your limits, you will want to be a small fish in a big pond.<\/p>\n

    You always need to be challenged to grow. If you want to grow your muscles, you can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t keep lifting a 1-pound dumbbell and expect results. You need to put on a heavier weight, and push your body to grow.<\/p>\n

    The same goes in photography. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fall for mediocrity for your street photography. You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to keep making the same types of images you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve always made for your entire life. You want to constantly push your work forward\u00e2\u20ac\u201d to add more complexity to your work, to work on long-term projects (rather than single-images), and to be more critical with your editing.<\/p>\n

    This is a great quote that Josh shares in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Art of Learning<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d:<\/p>\n

    \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Successful people shoot for the stars, put their heart on the line on every battle. The lessons learned from the pursuit of excellence is more than the immediate trophies & glory<\/strong>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    In the long run, the greatest achievers are able to consistently have a healthy attitude over the long-term, and to draw wisdom from every experience (good or bad)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    6. Study the ending first<\/h2>\n
    \"Kyoto,
    Kyoto, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    An interesting insight that Josh shared in the book was that when studying chess, rather than studying opening moves, he would do the opposite\u00e2\u20ac\u201d study the ending first<\/strong>, and then move backwards.<\/p>\n

    I thought this as a hugely insightful idea\u00e2\u20ac\u201d as this is a concept we can apply in life and our photography.<\/p>\n

    Imagine yourself 90 years old, and at the end of your life as a photographer. What would you want to have accomplished? Would you have wanted to travel the world and photograph in all these places you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve dreamed of? Would you want to publish books of your work? Would you want to have exhibitions of your work in galleries and museums? Would you want to just be content photographing in your own city, and making images that make you happy?<\/p>\n

    Start off with your endgame in photography, and work your way backwards<\/strong>. This can give you a greater insight in terms of what you need to do today in order to achieve your goals in the future.<\/p>\n

    So if your goal in life is to travel more as a photographer, perhaps start saving up right now<\/strong> to go on a trip. If your goal is to make a photography book, you should think of working on a long-term photography project you can publish as a book. If you want to have your work featured in galleries and exhibitions, you should start networking and getting to know curators and art dealers. If you want to just be happy and content with your progress and growth as a photographer in the long-term, start your learning process today.<\/p>\n

    7. Learning as self-exploration<\/h2>\n
    \"Kyoto,
    Kyoto, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    What is the point of learning? Do we just learn to become the best in the world in our craft and art\u00e2\u20ac\u201d or for something else?<\/p>\n

    For Josh, learning is all about self-exploration<\/strong>. By learning, he learns more of who he is as a human being, what his limits are, and it is a process that makes him happy and excited.<\/p>\n

    So how do you find street photography as a form of self-exploration? What have you learned about yourself as a human being through photographing strangers in the streets?<\/p>\n

    Well for me, I have personally found that street photography helps me step outside of my comfort zone, and helps me better empathize with strangers and the rest of humanity.<\/p>\n

    What does street photography do for you? Has it helped you become a more extroverted person? Has it helped relieve stress in your life? Has it helped you exercise your creative muscles? Has it helped you be more adventurous and daring? Has it helped you make new friends and join a community you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re happy to be part of?<\/p>\n

    8. Lose yourself<\/h2>\n
    \"Sydney,
    Sydney, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    When Josh was performing at high-stakes chess matches or in intense Tai Chi competitions, he would \u00e2\u20ac\u0153lose himself\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. He describes that in these intense moments, he would lose the concept of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and his ego, he would be full of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153blissful engagement\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153pure persistence\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153absolute flow.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

    He sees his art of learning and performance as a way to achieve a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153higher state of consciousness\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

    I would say that I share some of these experiences often when I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m writing or shooting on the streets. When I am in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153the flow\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of writing, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t actually feel myself consciously writing. I feel that the words are writing themselves.<\/p>\n

    Similarly in the streets, when I get in the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153flow\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153zone\u00e2\u20ac\u009d)\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I totally lose a sense of myself, and I feel like my body just becomes integrated with the rest of the city. I just flow naturally with other people on the streets, I lose my ego, and I suddenly feel that the camera is taking photos by itself.<\/p>\n

    Josh calls this feeling of intense and blissful concentration: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Soft Zone\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. When we are engaged in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Soft Zone\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, we are quietly and intensely focused, relaxed, and in a state of flow. The analogy he uses is imagining a blade of grass that can sway without uprooting in the midst of a hurricane.<\/p>\n

    So how can we achieve this \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Soft Zone\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in which we become totally enraptured by shooting street photography?<\/p>\n

    One of the biggest tips he has is avoid distractions<\/strong>. Meaning, when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re out shooting on the streets, empty your mind, turn off your smartphone, and forget about everything else that is bothering your life. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re able to tune out and avoid things that might distract you, it helps you really become fully present and in the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153zone\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of shooting street photography.<\/p>\n

    Whenever I start shooting street photography and I feel my engine is cold, I feel awkward, out-of-place, self-conscious, and fearful. But as I start to walk more, the blood starts to flow, and I start clicking more, I feel that I start to slowly lose myself and find this sense of flow. I can then walk the streets for hours on end, without even knowing that time has passed.<\/p>\n

    So when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re out shooting on the streets, try to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153lose yourself\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and not to be too analytical. Shoot from the gut, heart, and soul\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and forget about everything else.<\/p>\n

    9. Be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153mellow in the mundane\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/h2>\n
    \"Kyoto,
    Kyoto, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    As human beings, we seek novelty, newness, and excitement. However this can stab us in the back\u00e2\u20ac\u201d because we constantly seek out novel experiences which means we are no longer able to appreciate the small moments.<\/p>\n

    This is why when it comes to street photography, we are constantly seeking new and interesting things or places to photograph. As a result, our neighborhood and city becomes boring and mundane. I have friends who live in Tokyo and New York City who are bored of the city (even though many might think that it is an \u00e2\u20ac\u0153objectively interesting\u00e2\u20ac\u009d city).<\/p>\n

    So how can you be at peace with the mundane and boringness of your everyday\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and how can you channel those experiences into photographs that fulfill you?<\/p>\n

    I think it comes down to having a profound appreciation for the boring and mundane. When you are walking down a street in your neighborhood, try to be hyper-aware. Notice the cracks in the sidewalk. The weeds poking through the cracks. The lines of the poles in the street.<\/p>\n

    If you seek to photograph people, go to where the people are. Regardless of how boring your city or town might be, there are always places where people congregate.<\/p>\n

    For example, you might visit the local mall and shoot some \u00e2\u20ac\u0153mall street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (check out “iDubai<\/a>” by Joel Sternfeld<\/a>). Or perhaps you might do some street photography in the local Costco or your neighborhood grocery store (look at the work of Martin Parr<\/a>, or how Jack Simon<\/a> has done street photography in Costco).<\/p>\n

    Also realize that your photography doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. Perhaps you can try something a little different\u00e2\u20ac\u201d like documentary photography. Go to a certain neighborhood, community organization, club, or gathering and document the lives of people with your camera. Get to know them intimately, and use your camera as a vehicle to connect with these people on a deeper level.<\/p>\n

    Remember, no matter how \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d where you live is\u00e2\u20ac\u201d there are always photo opportunities. So don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t waste your opportunities, or your life.<\/p>\n

    10. Avoid the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153downward spiral\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/h2>\n
    \"Amsterdam,
    Amsterdam, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve all experienced the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153downward spiral\u00e2\u20ac\u009d before. If you play sports, perhaps you miss a few opportunities to score. If you play basketball, you miss a few baskets, and then suddenly you lose all confidence. While you are normally a pretty good player, you fall into a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153downward spiral\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and start to fall into self-pity, depression, and therefore your performance falters.<\/p>\n

    This \u00e2\u20ac\u0153downward spiral\u00e2\u20ac\u009d can often happen to us in photography as well. There are always moments when we feel moments of despair and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153uncreativity\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. We look at our work and feel disappointed with our progress in the last year. We don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see improvement in our work. We think our best work is behind us.<\/p>\n

    But having self-pity and falling into the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153downward spiral\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is one of the worst things we can do for our creativity. We need to do the opposite\u00e2\u20ac\u201d be able to be creative, inspired, and able to photograph regardless of our environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    When we have moments of self-doubt, we need to have clarity of thought and purpose with our photography.<\/p>\n

    One strategy Josh Waitzkin recommends is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153resetting your frame\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d which is snapping out of these \u00e2\u20ac\u0153downward spirals\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

    So for example, when he was a master chess player and playing an intense game he would take breaks whenever he committed an error. When he would make a mistake during an intense game, he would go to the bathroom, wash his face with cold water, or perhaps sprint outside really quickly. He would do this to reset his frame of mind, rather than beating himself up for making a mistake.<\/p>\n

    So how are ways we can \u00e2\u20ac\u0153reset our frame\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in street photography? Perhaps someone yells at you in the street, is physically aggressive, or calls you a creep. This might put you into a negative mood, and cause you to go into a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153downward spiral\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. However instead \u00e2\u20ac\u201d you can perhaps \u00e2\u20ac\u0153reset your frame\u00e2\u20ac\u009d by going to a cafe and having a coffee, by approaching a stranger and giving them a nice compliment, or perhaps taking a break from shooting from the day and start the next day with a refreshed mind.<\/p>\n

    Know that these negative experiences are often our best growth experiences. Muscles don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t grow without stress, wear, and tear. We can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t grow emotional resilience and courage without having negative experiences.<\/p>\n

    For example, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been yelled at hundreds of times in street photography, physically confronted a dozen times, and had the cops called on me twice. During the moment, those experiences sucked and caused me to feel frustrated. But looking back in hindsight, those experiences helped me become more confident and brave in street photography.<\/p>\n

    Now whenever someone yells at me in street photography, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get angry with myself (for being such a jerk), nor do I blame the person. I just see the negative experience as a cloud that passes me. I try to rethink positive thoughts to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153reset my frame\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and continue on.<\/p>\n

    To thrive creatively as a photographer, these are some things you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to be dependent on:<\/p>\n