Language Is A Super Power
Leaning into an unfair advantage in street photography
Street photography is more than just capturing striking portraits or serendipitous scenes. It’s about telling stories. Stories of people, culture, and the essence of a place. And while it’s easy to think that a great camera or the perfect light will make you a better street photographer, there’s another tool that can transform your photography in ways you might not expect: language.
The Details
This image was captured on my Leica M11 and Summilux 35mm lens. The aperture was locked to F8.0, and the shutter speed and ISO landed at 1/160 and 160 respectively.
Tamilan
Chennai has become my favourite place for street photography. Beyond the colours, culture, and chaos, it’s a city where I can connect on a deeper level by speaking the local language, Tamil. It’s this unique advantage that allows me to permeate a further into the ecosystem and extract more meaningful moments.
I wasn’t always good at the language. I grew up in a Tamil-speaking household, but my dialect and pronunciation were often roasted. It took a serious commitment much later in life to become fluent—a commitment driven by my passion for photography.
I’d watch more Tamil movies, listen to interviews with Tamil actors, and just try to live in a ‘Tamil world’ a more often as a means to absorb this language further. You see, I came to realize that if I was going to create my best work around my culture, I needed to hold myself to a higher standard. A standard that involved me being able to easily communicate with the people that I shared my ancestry with.
Now, before I wax poetic about what this language has given me, let me make a case for why learning a new language—even with a modest amount of effort—can have a profound effect on your photography.
Earning Trust
When you arrive in a new country, speaking the local language, even at a basic level, shows respect for the culture and the people. It’s a gesture that says, "I making an effort to understand you." This simple act can open doors that may have otherwise been closed.
For me, the best photos often come from moments of genuine connection. When you can communicate with your subjects in their native language, even just to say "hello" or "thank you," you’re building a foundation of trust. People are more likely to let their guard down, pose a little longer, or share a story about who they are.
Understanding Context
When I look back at my favourite images from other street photographers, I am reminded by how much they convey the story of a place. And if you’re asking me, to truly understand and convey the story of a place, you need to have some understanding of its culture, customs, and traditions. Language is a key that unlocks this deeper level of understanding.
When you learn the language, you start to pick up on the nuances of a culture that are often lost in translation. You begin to understand why people do what they do, how they think, and what’s important to them. These insights help you frame your shots with intention and empathy, telling a story that goes beyond just the surface level.
Now, will your viewer always see the context that you’ve captured? Maybe. Maybe not. But what’s important is that you see the context. Your images have more meaning to them because of this unspoken aura that you’ve observed. And that makes for a powerful multiplier in photography.
Hidden Moments
My favourite places to photograph are often ignored by travel guides and influencer recommendations. They are the moments that occur in local markets, family gatherings, or hidden corners of a city where the everyday life of the people unfolds. And if you don’t speak the language, it’s much harder to access these hidden gems.
Language makes it more likely to be invited into these intimate spaces. Locals are more willing to show you their favourite spots, invite you to cultural events, or introduce you to people who can help you discover the soul of the place you’re visiting. This kind of access is what sets apart good street photography from great street photography.
Personal Growth
Learning a language does more than just improve your photography—it changes you as a person. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, teaches you patience, and builds your confidence. It makes you a more empathetic and open-minded traveler, which in turn makes you a better storyteller.
As you grow personally, your photography grows with you. You start to see the world not just as a photographer looking for the perfect shot but as a curious observer, someone eager to learn and understand. This shift in mindset leads to photos that are not just beautiful but also meaningful.
Small Steps, Big Changes
So, now you know how language has benefited me and can benefit you. Let me take moment to underscore that this doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. It’s just a series of small but intentional steps. Start with a few simple phrases, learn how to say "hello," "please," and "thank you." Remember, each word you learn is a step toward becoming a better photographer, one who can connect with people, understand their stories, and capture their essence in a photo.
Language is was gives me the ability to stop an interesting person in from another part of the world, let them know how striking they are, ask for a portrait, communicate a little longer to get their story, and have this memory that transcends the photograph.
Street photography is about more than the images you take; it’s about the experiences you have and the connections you make. By learning the language, you’re not just taking photos—you’re creating moments that matter, both for you and for the people you meet along the way.
Previous Favourites
November Contest!
Each month, I’ll be giving away a $200 gift card to the Moment Shop where the winner can save big on their next camera, lens, bag, or courses. Moment has so many creative products to choose from and $200 can absolutely make for a better deal.
How am I picking the winner? All you have to do is be a free member of this community and leave a comment on this post. As with every contest, I’ll be randomly picking one person, confirming they meet the requirements and contacting them directly before announcing the winner publicly.
Once again, this contest is void where prohibited by law. Good luck!
My thanks to the team at Moment! Not only for this contest but for being the longest supporter of my work online. They’re a lean team of passionate creators that truly believe in supporting other creatives on their journey. Whether it’s a new camera, lens, workshop, or just some great articles, visit ShopMoment.com today.
What’s Next?
For those wondering, Tamil is the only other language I can speak fluently. I’ve picked up enough French and Spanish navigate those environments alone, but I still have a ton of work ahead of me. And as I look to flesh out my book on India, Hindi is a language I’m hoping to add to the arsenal in the coming years. This is all to say, the journey never ends. Language is a super power. And we all stand to benefit as creatives if we’re willing to put in the work.
Anyway, that’s enough for this week. See ya next time!
GB
MAJOR FACTS
Hi Gajan, nice story and can't agree more on the language thing. I'm don't do street photography (done my fare share of similar work when working in news gathering as a cameraman), but I can very much relate to that if the work is done with respect and dignity for the subjects. Unfortunately, that's not the case much too often. Have you every tried shooting on film? I do 98% of my work on film and have for that a a pair of an M6 and an M4P plus two 35mm Leica Summciron/Summarit lenses. I find that film adds authenticy and timeless that can't never be achieved with digital, except with a crappy phone ;)