The only way to earn respect in street photography

There is a secret that is not even a secret. Many people ask me how to get famous and respected in the international street photography community. And my answer is always the same.

Let's take this photograph as an example.

I made it a few days ago. In downtown. When I have seen the scene I was far but I sensed its potential and so I approached. When I have seen the scene both were sleeping. I avoid looking at the subjects when I approach them even if they are subjects that have their backs to me. Just looking instinctively warns some people who have the ability to feel their eyes on them.

Despite this when I was close and I brought the camera to his face the man on the right woke up and looked at me as you can see. And even if the scene has changed slightly from how I initially saw it, the shot is good or maybe even better for it. After the shot I raised my thumb and he raised my thumb in return, still sleepy. In a silent consent not to wake his colleague.

A successful photo because it is played on the number two which is referred to several times inside the frame. A photograph of which street photographers immediately recognize the value. Nick Turpin, for example, liked it on instagram. And he also told me privately. On flickr this photo made the explore.

Here, too many people think that to earn respect from other street photographers you have to make yourself known by blogging, creating a youtube channel, joining a community or winning awards. But those can be side things. And you can also win an award or create a successful blog, but if there is no consistency behind it, those will remain wisps.

Only the photographs can speak for us.

And only good photographs will earn you points with other photographers and those who appreciate street photography. There are no shortcuts or tricks. Because in the end it will always be your photograph alone that will make you recognized and nothing else. An award is won and then set aside. A blog can also suddenly disappear (as happened to me exactly one year ago) or stop being followed. But the photos you realize, those remain and are the testimony of who you are as a photographer.

Street Photography like life. Be consistent. Strive to grow as a photographer and never give up on yourself. I still tell myself that I have to improve. I am reassured that I have this desire but also that I feel that I still have room for improvement.

Let me say a thing: this is what I teach also. To my students I teach that only the hard work pays. If you allow me it is like physical training: if you base it on sacrifice and proper nutrition you will get real results. You may also have access to shortcuts and tricks but those will lead you to something fake and possibly even bad for your health.

Back to photography: make an effort to work by studying and taking pictures every day. That is the only way. A SEO strategy can make you improve your visibility and despite for many this is a must have these times, only good photos will be proof of who you are as a photographer.