About Street Snapping

I heard him before I could see him.

Crowds of people thronged the city centre. And it was being repaved, so there were barriers all over the place.

So, as I walked, I started to dodge and weave to get into a shooting position without obstruction.

But it proved tricky—people kept stepping in front of me. So I dodged and weaved some more.

Then, I could see him. He had taken up position by some of the barriers. It meant I was going to have to turn sharp right. Then didn’t leave much time to grab the shot.

Because of that, I slowed my pace and shifted once more to get into some clear space. I used my LCD screen, framed and…

Somebody walked straight in front of me.

Ah crap.

I almost stopped to grab some space, and then fired the shot.

Phew, that was close.

So this was one of my earliest street photos.

I know, I know, it’s considered lazy or bad practice to photograph buskers. They are too easy to photograph, etc. etc.

Well, I didn’t give a shit.

Because I was learning. And the photo delighted me because it was a challenge to get it.

Sure, you can say it was easy, but I’m telling you it wasn’t. I had to keep moving and ended up with a tiny opportunity to make the shot.

But one thing is for sure…

It hooked me into street photography straight away.

Because of the sense of anticipation. The sense that a photo opportunity was coming… it felt great. And several years later, it still does.

and that’s the thing about being a street photographer. You never know what photos will appear before you.

And you never know if you will be quick enough to capture the moment.

Those things make it compelling beyond any other genre.

See you on the streets…