But the street…what is to me?

Reflections on a Saturday morning. I am here sitting in front of my computer, sipping a cup of coffee.

“The street has represented and represents for many the stage of life. The street is a shared space. It is in the street that revolutions take place. On the street we show our unease and our contempt for the political, economic and social situation. It is on the street that man made his history. Certainly not closed within four walls. Even a writer needs first to live and then to be on the street in order to tell.

And it is the same story of photography that is heavily and inextricably linked to the road, starting with the first photo in history. And all the major exponents of photography owe a lot to the street. The road, however, is more than just a geographical place. The street is not just a where, but in photography, it becomes the approach and meaning of something else: the street is an open-air set and the place where photographers can count on natural light or on that of street lamps and signs. neon. The street, a world inhabited by unaware models who play only themselves. The scenographies change and with them those who populate them: parks, squares, streets, beaches, subways ... everything becomes a possible location for a photograph. " From my book NOTES ON STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Sometimes it is inevitable, especially for those who teach, to rely on schemes that can simplify the learning process.

But then there is the street. With all its variables. There is the determining factor of your state of mind. There is an energy that changes completely from one day to another but also from one hour to another, even in the same place. It is the beauty and the difficulty of street photography.

Street Photography can’t be imprisoned in codes because it feeds on the perception of those who make it, of those on the street and take the picture.

I am a very meditative person.

When I am on the street alone, I become more connected with myself. I can compare those moments to an altered state of perception. This is why I consider those moments when it's just me and my camera the most authentic moments in which I can generate photography. In my ontological reasoning I happen to reflect on how much the presence we occupy in public space can influence what we face. Particularly if you're not hiding and aiming a camera at someone, framing through the viewfinder. Here, street photography becomes an adrenaline-pumping activity that no other type of photography can provide.

The way I relate to the street is one of absolute, profound and intimate respect.

The street scares only those who don't really live it. And you can't call yourself a real street photographer if you feel uncomfortable staying there. When I find myself taking pictures, I feel good. This affects my body language and people feel it. Sometimes photographers are overly concerned with being respected in the street photographers community, but more important and priority is earning respect on the street.

Guys, thanks to be here to read these notes, perhaps without a real logical thread. But that's what inspires me this morning and I wanted to share it here with you.