I agree, Gajan. When it comes to street photography, I usually look for strong backgrounds and compositions, and then I revisit those spaces frequently until I find the right protagonists to complete each storyline. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a striking piece of street art that featured barbed wire. And just this week, I was lucky enough to capture a scene in front of that wall. The lighting was moody, and an Alsatian dog lunged at a man as they crossed paths. The man was startled and his body swerved, and I managed to capture the perfect shot. It felt like I had finally found my story.
As with many things, photography, especially street photography, is a game of luck. Though practice, hard work you get better at anticipating when to press the shutter. The first comment by Martin Urch emphasises this perfectly; he found a great location and kept revisiting, probably shooting each time until everything aligned. We just need to put ourselves in the right position to get lucky.
This is great advice! I personally get caught up with a lot of ideas when I'm out shooting, and I tend to force things to happen. I need to remind myself to slow down, take in the scene. Practice discipline and patience.
"discipline and patience." SO true! I get students coming by and interviewing me over the 30-odd years of my career. Since social media I guarantee they aren't as prolific as I was in college and I shot FILM! I always say "Be prolific!.." and have discipline and patience.
Great advice, Gajan! I completely agree. I was pretty bad when I first started my photography journey but I never gave and always tried to improve myself. Now, I am much better but that took years of practice.
Very simple but also very crucial advice. I think when we're just starting out with our photographic and creative journey we all want to be like the greats, but even the legends of photography started out just like us.
In years(50) of practicing photography I have also found that patience and discipline are very important as they are in any endeavor. This is especially true with modern cameras. It's so easy to "spray and pray" that you get at least one good shot out of 100. It's what has drawn me to my Q3 as opposed to my Nikon Z9. I find myself thinking about what I am trying to accomplish with my composition and exposure. Discipline and patience. Thanks for making me think. Alan
Very wise and motivating words Gajan. I realize that I have been lacking both but I need to focus on being discipline and focus on what I want to do and not what is expected of me.
The XF90mm is a great lens and that is a truly great shot. I've totally fallen for the Viltrox 75mm however, it feels like a really good compromise between the 56 and 90mm focal length, easier to work with than the 90 but gives you a bit more reach and compression than the 56. It's rarely left my camera since I got it nearly a year ago.
Any plans to get off this site given their embrace of nazis? If you want/need assistance let me know. There are a couple good options that will assist you with migration.
I hope you take this advice. I’ve notified all of the creators I subscribe to on Substack that I can’t spend any more money on this platform given the willingness of its owners to monetize literal Nazi content.
I agree, Gajan. When it comes to street photography, I usually look for strong backgrounds and compositions, and then I revisit those spaces frequently until I find the right protagonists to complete each storyline. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a striking piece of street art that featured barbed wire. And just this week, I was lucky enough to capture a scene in front of that wall. The lighting was moody, and an Alsatian dog lunged at a man as they crossed paths. The man was startled and his body swerved, and I managed to capture the perfect shot. It felt like I had finally found my story.
That's so awesome, and such a great example. Thanks for sharing Martin!
Great advice!!
Thanks Doug.
The more we practice, the luckier we get.
As with many things, photography, especially street photography, is a game of luck. Though practice, hard work you get better at anticipating when to press the shutter. The first comment by Martin Urch emphasises this perfectly; he found a great location and kept revisiting, probably shooting each time until everything aligned. We just need to put ourselves in the right position to get lucky.
Well said, thank you for sharing!
Love these posts! 🙌
This is great advice! I personally get caught up with a lot of ideas when I'm out shooting, and I tend to force things to happen. I need to remind myself to slow down, take in the scene. Practice discipline and patience.
The fact you recognize this is powerful. Enjoy the journey ✌🏾
"discipline and patience." SO true! I get students coming by and interviewing me over the 30-odd years of my career. Since social media I guarantee they aren't as prolific as I was in college and I shot FILM! I always say "Be prolific!.." and have discipline and patience.
I like hear other peoples outlooks on this.
Thanks Courtney ✌🏾
Great advice, Gajan! I completely agree. I was pretty bad when I first started my photography journey but I never gave and always tried to improve myself. Now, I am much better but that took years of practice.
Keep going and enjoy the journey ✌🏾
Very simple but also very crucial advice. I think when we're just starting out with our photographic and creative journey we all want to be like the greats, but even the legends of photography started out just like us.
Well said.
Great advice. I feel like a lot of people, myself included, are too caught up with getting the best gear rather than the repetition of taking shots
Thanks Anthony ✌🏾
In years(50) of practicing photography I have also found that patience and discipline are very important as they are in any endeavor. This is especially true with modern cameras. It's so easy to "spray and pray" that you get at least one good shot out of 100. It's what has drawn me to my Q3 as opposed to my Nikon Z9. I find myself thinking about what I am trying to accomplish with my composition and exposure. Discipline and patience. Thanks for making me think. Alan
Absolutely! Appreciate you sharing Alan, thanks.
Very wise and motivating words Gajan. I realize that I have been lacking both but I need to focus on being discipline and focus on what I want to do and not what is expected of me.
Even a tiny bit each day adds up quick. Good luck!
This was the first newsletter I read from you. Thank you, it was inspiring and I'm looking forward to read more
Thanks Dario ✌🏾
Great article! Reminds me of a book I read by a photographer, Chase Jarvis, called Creative Calling.
I hope you get to make it out to Mexico City that sounds like fun! I’m sure the Sri Lanka project will be special.
P.S. Did you get snow in Toronto? We’re getting blanketed here in NY maybe close to a foot by the end of today lol!
Thanks Jose! We finally got some last night but not nearly as much as we usually do. Stay safe out there!
The XF90mm is a great lens and that is a truly great shot. I've totally fallen for the Viltrox 75mm however, it feels like a really good compromise between the 56 and 90mm focal length, easier to work with than the 90 but gives you a bit more reach and compression than the 56. It's rarely left my camera since I got it nearly a year ago.
Nice!
Any plans to get off this site given their embrace of nazis? If you want/need assistance let me know. There are a couple good options that will assist you with migration.
I hope you take this advice. I’ve notified all of the creators I subscribe to on Substack that I can’t spend any more money on this platform given the willingness of its owners to monetize literal Nazi content.
Inch forward every day is very sound advice.