Why street photography makes you a more versatile photographer

X-E3 with XF35mm F2 R WR (F10), Luxembourg

Photography is a journey in itself, full of surprises and challenges. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the power of a compact camera bag isn’t just in the ease of travel, but also in how it forces you to be creative. Here are five things I’ve learned from my street photography adventures in cities like Beijing, Ambon, Jakarta, the woods of Poland and Luxembourg.

1. Beijing: Find subtle beauty

In Beijing, I found that not every place is open for photography. Officials can be polite but firm about the rules. For example some places where you’re not allowed to take pictures. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t capture beautiful photos. The trick is to seek out the subtle beauties that are often overlooked. As I wandered through the narrow alleys of the city, I focused on small details like reflections in puddles, shadows on ancient walls, and people in their daily routines. This approach helped me refine my composition skills and handle my surroundings respectfully.

When faced with restrictions, focus on details and use ambient light to capture the atmosphere of a place without violating any rules.

2. Ambon: Challenge yourself to rediscover the familiar

Photographing in your own environment can be challenging because everything feels so familiar. On Ambon, my second home base, I had to challenge myself to see the island with fresh eyes. I’ve already traveled to Ambon many times, right? I decided to set aside an hour each day for a walk, armed with my camera. By consciously looking for new perspectives and experimenting with different lenses, I discovered unexpected beauty in the most ordinary scenes. Instead of the same so-called tourist attractions, you see hidden beauty in the small things. It doesn’t need to be perfect.

Challenge yourself to rediscover your own surroundings. Try different times of the day, weather conditions, and lenses to capture the diversity and depth of your familiar environment.

3. Jakarta: Come rain or shine

Jakarta’s tropical climate brought a new set of challenges, especially with sudden downpours and intense heat. During a walk through a market, I had to quickly adapt between sunny and rainy conditions. I learned the importance of a compact, waterproof camera bag and the use of lightweight, versatile lenses. Additionally, the rain and wet conditions helped me create unique reflections and atmospheric images.

Stasiun Sudirman (Jakarta)

Ensure your gear is prepared for various weather conditions. Experiment with the effects of rain, such as reflections, and take advantage of the soft light after a shower to capture dramatic photos.

4. Poland: Limitations lead to creativity

During a hike in the woods of Poland, I had only a limited selection of lenses with me. This constraint forced me to be creative. Instead of trying to use every lens for every possible shot, I chose to focus on the grand landscapes with my wide-angle lens. I played with composition by including foreground elements like rocks and flowers, which gave the photos a sense of depth. And why not make a short pitstop in the woods while driving to take a nice picture, right?

Embrace limitations as an opportunity to learn new techniques. Focus on the essence of your subject and experiment with different perspectives and compositions to create unique images.

5. Luxembourg: Speed and spontaneity with limited time

With my children in tow in Prague, I had little time for photography. Yet, I wanted to capture the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful architecture. I used a compact camera that could be quickly drawn for spontaneous moments and things I saw. This approach taught me to make quick decisions and instinctively adjust my settings, resulting in more natural and authentic photos.

In situations where time is scarce, use a compact, simple camera setup. This allows you to shoot quickly and spontaneously, capturing genuine, unpolished moments.

Conclusion

Street photography with a compact camera bag forces you to be more mindful and creative. Each of these five cities taught me unique lessons, from respecting cultural and legal boundaries in Beijing, to rediscovering the familiar in Ambon, dealing with weather conditions in Jakarta, working within limitations in Slovenia, and acting quickly in Prague. These experiences have helped me improve my photography and see the world with new eyes. So grab your compact camera bag, hit the road, and discover the stories waiting to be told!