Does the Photo Really Matter in Street Photography?

Do you get insecure about your art? I do, so is it better to focus on the process rather than the results in your street photography? This video explores the answer to that question.
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[@timjamiesonphotos]

Something a little bit different today - let me know what you think! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@VickyAllum]

I am a street photographer and totally agree with all you have just said in your video Tim, when i have a camera in my hand and walk for maybe 4-6 hours all the stress and strain in my life are forgotten and i never feel alone being amongst people everywhere , just a shame my family and friends do not understand why i love street photography so much 😊

[@timjamiesonphotos]

That totally resonates with me too, a lot of people I know don’t get street photography at all, which is a shame because it can be so magical

[@thomas.mosel.photography]

Great statements about mental health and the process. Life is too short to not enjoy taking photos on the street.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks, Thomas! Totally agree with that. I've always found street photography to be contradictory for my mental health, with often the process helping immeasurably but then the resulting photos/reaction to those photos online to be detrimental. Something I'm working on and trying to focus on the process more and letting the photos be a by-product of that rather than the main goal has helped a lot :)

[@garymc8956]

Found that it has helped me appreciate people rather than avoiding them, even if I don’t directly interact with them.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Fantastic, that’s exactly one of the best things about street photography 👌🏻

[@swirly_magnolia]

Great line “sharpness is over rated” so true

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks! Yeah I totally think that, some of my favourite photos are by far from technically perfect 👌🏻

[@swirly_magnolia]

My philosophy is, story comes first

[@sgreen757]

I had great fun shooting my XA2 around Gloucester and Cheltenham. The zone focusing is excellent, and the camera so quiet and unassuming.

[@ramonedixon]

Great video, Tim, and very relatable discussion. The process is usually what leads to the desired result. For me as well, the process is what is most satisfying and more important in developing your skills and eye in street photography. The dislike for social media always stems from the association with people supporting or not supporting by hitting that pesky like button. I go through periods of sharing often on platforms like instagram to periods of taking lots of photos and never posting any of it, because I enjoy the idea of doing it for me and not for social validation. It’s helpful for others as well as yourself to share but it’s also important that not every single thing you create needs to be posted online, well not immediately at least.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks mate! I appreciate that. I think it’s a subject that resonates with a lot of street photographers and I’m definitely starting to focus more on process and take the pressure off a bit when it comes to sharing my work on social media 🙏🏻

[@josegarces7630]

Gracias Tim. Soy un adulto mayor que se emociona mucho con tus videos. Para mi eres uno de los grandes. Abrazo

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Hey! That’s so much, that’s such a lovely comment - means a lot 🙏🏻

[@JoshEdwardsFilms]

I've appreciated street photography in the sense that it takes me to new and interesting, different parts of a city that maybe I wouldn't visit if I wasn't shooting. I get to slow down and people watch, notice things...basically see a city in a totally different way. I don't think I'd get that without shooting street. So I suppose that the process for me has been the most important bit! I do still care about the final image a lot, though. When I shoot a good roll or get a few great frames, that gives me a real buzz and I instantly want to get back out there again. Nice video mate - should do more of these!

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks, Josh! Really appreciate the comment. Seems like the subject in this video has really resonated with a lot a people so I’m really glad to hear that.

[@gerarbara]

I always enjoy the process, even if I don't get any decent shots. It's nice when others appreciate my shots but, as long as I like them, I'm happy.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

I’m happy to hear that! Honestly I think that’s the key to making great work in the long run anyway, just enjoy the process and the results will come 🙏🏻

[@stevesvids]

I agree. Being with my camera is the most important aspect of my photography... as when I'm shooting I am engaged in that world. Seeing the images myself and then editing my favourites is next best part. Building my own library of photos. Sharing on social media comes absolutely last in the enjoyment department. I've thought about it quite a lot and I'm sure its because, as Tim says here, that there are too many negative thoughts that run riot. Im happy building a personal library of photos that are taken by me, edited by me, curated by me, and then left in a place for others to find after I'm gone. That'll do me.

[@peterkennington1043]

I mostly enjoy landscape and travel photography as it is always taking me to new and interesting places, sadly media coverage of hotspots makes some places busy with selfie takers and photographers. Street photography is so much more exciting I find, not only does it open your eyes to real time action but the images are unique and can never be repeated

[@timjamiesonphotos]

I also enjoy shooting landscapes and love travelling and the photos that come with it, but it’s definitely people I resonate with most, so I just love going out to try and capture humanity with my camera 🙏🏻

[@andrewharris7439]

The interactions and the people you meet are just as important to me as the photos i come back with

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Yeah absolutely!

[@kyannareeves]

7:08 YES! thisss! sorry for the long comment but i figured i’d put this somewhere where maybe it’s helpful to read i just started watching your vids a month or two ago (i love these types of vids they scratch my itch to go and shoot when im not able to at the moment) and i’ve really just started doing street photography (v consistently since i’m in a photo class) since sept. (also rn i only take film and like 95% of the time black and white) It has actually been so healing to go out and take pictures ALL THE TIME since it makes me so observant and connected with the rest of the world and all the wonderful specificity of life. I often feel the pressures of figuring out what i’m supposed to be doing and being able to basically clear my mind and only focus on the funny lil moments i see helps tremendously w my mental health. It really puts me and my life into perspective. Also I totally agree with valuing the process in itself because recently my camera has been acting up so sometimes i lose photos but i really don’t mind since 1. i valued the time i spent out on the street (what i was just explaining) 2. if i do remember the photo i took then it really isn’t gone just yet and 3. i can just go out tomorrow and get some more photos (thought they might not be the same i live in nyc and there’s always something to see everyday) and 4. i don’t take myself too seriously- i am proud of the work i do when it is worthy of it but also at the end of the day i’m just walking around w a camera and clicking the shutter and having fun (also actually a very healthy mindset for me as a perfectionist to have)

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Ah what a lovely comment! I resonate with what you’ve said there too. Happy to hear you’re loving the process of street photography, discovering it, learning about it and then practicing it by trying to enjoy the process more than the results has been life changing for me. Thanks for the lovely long comment (I think you’ll like the next video I’ve got coming out in a week’s time) - also jealous you live in NYC! Happy shooting 📸

[@ImagesbyAsh]

Another great video that really resonates with me, Tim. Over the last few months, I've been going out whenever I have time, just to be outside with my camera. I don't expect to get great shots, but just to enjoy taking photos. I have come back from the last few photowalks with hardly anything decent, but that's was the point, not to put pressure on myself to get a banger or two, but just to wander and be in the midst of life on the street. Having said that, there is something absolutely exhilarating when all the light, composition and subject gods align and you do get the shot that you after.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thank you, Ash! Really appreciate that mate 🙏🏻 I definitely think that the process of street photography is amazing alone, but if we never got any good shots we’d probably tire of it. But I think that the make we go out and follow the process then the results come with that effort anyway. Thanks as always for supporting the channel mate! 🙏🏻

[@TheUrbandilema]

Very true tim I also feel social media has done part of this too..I want to start film next year...I also love the process and results...sometimes when I do get my groove or flow state I would forget the photos I took and only realised it when I going them over in light room

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Yeah that’s it man, I love that flow state, the photos almost end up being a bonus. I love film so much but it’s so bloody expensive!

[@paulm8157]

Thoughtful post, Tim. Fav images are “raining umbrella”, “smoker” and “girl w/giraffe person”. Don’t mind social media image comments - how you feel about an image is what matters, and, IMO, you have far better credentials than they do - no kidding.❤ IMO experience and results need not be mutually exclusive. I enjoy the experience but am disappointed if I don’t come away with at least one image that I like, or errors that are instructive and less likely to be repeated, if that makes sense. IMO, digital and analog need not be reserved for one gratification over another. That’s because with a bit of practice and ingenuity we can shoot digital in a way that emulates analog (e.g., no chimping, cover LCD screen, use of single instead of continuous shutter, and B&W modes.) Best of both worlds. Hope you agree.😊 Festivals and street events are a favorite - lots going on but folks preoccupied w/themselves. When asking permission, a “trick” is to engage in chat that relaxes them, say “we are done” to relax them even more and then keep shooting. Works like a charm😊. Volume a bit low in this vid, but intrigued by thumbnail background “Dutch tilt” w/you looking upright. Cheers!

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks so much for your detailed comment Paul! Yeah it's a tough one, I often have a great time taking photos though then am excited by the images but upon sharing them online then feel like shit, but that is more a problem with social media and my approach to it than anything else. I also agree that these days digital camera coupled with AI can really get to the point of making photos that look very close to film, and I can't see myself switching to film any time soon! Someone else mentioned the volume is low in this video, not sure what happened there! Hopefully will fix for the next one :). Thanks for the comment and support as always.

[@TheRaymonddube]

Sometimes, KZbin's algorithm propose rubbish, but at some other times it hits the nail smack on the head. Your channel belongs to the second category. I just watched the one above after KZbin's original suggestion on Boring Places. I'm hooked. I like your content very much and wish I could go back to your age... 🙂 Nothing I can do about that part, but I'm semi-retired and young enough to plan my photography journey, and in both videos I took some notes that will feed my 2024 plan. Thanks and keep on posting content.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

What a kind comment, thank you so much for the support! 🙏🏻

[@kif411]

As someone new to the streetphotography genre and as someone who lives in a small city, your words of going to shoot for yourself is inspiring

[@timjamiesonphotos]

I'm so happy to hear that! That is the number one goal for me starting this KZbin channel, so comments like that really mean the world and I'm so glad my videos are being useful :)

[@ashokviswanathan920]

A very authentic conversation on street photography. Almost everyone in street photography has to resonate, so well articulated. Great pictures too. Everything such passes by in life's waking hours, and one gets to stay detached and yet involved when doing street photography

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the conversation and the photos - that means a lot :)

[@Sean-Smith-Photos]

It's the process for me. A weekly 3-6 hour walk in all weather is so good for me. I shoot for myself and do share on social media. Dropped instagram in favour of Vero due to a better app, no adds, and more engagement.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Nice one mate, I’m definitely starting to focus a bit more on the process rather than putting pressure on myself for the results. The results come with commitment to the process anyway I think 🙏🏻

[@neils0911]

This is actually a topic I recently gave a lot of thought to. I used to think it was for the final product, but now I do think the process is more important. I don't get out to shoot that often, which means when I did get to share my rarely taken images to Instagram no one would ever see them. That in turn made me feel as though my photos were terrible. I've learned now that I care much more about the memories of being out there with a camera in my hand and what happened that day, than being overly self-critical about the photos I captured. If any of that actually made any sense lol

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Yeah that’s totally makes sense! And is exactly how I feel too. Social media can be so detrimental to our emotions as a photographer. I truly believe focusing on the process only and just enjoying it for what it is ends up in great photos down the line anyway 🙏🏻

[@photoautomax]

Think this is my favourite video of yours Tim! Great moments captured, especially given the XA2’s limitations and I really liked the considered philosophical take on why you do street photography. I think film photography forces the photographer to slow down and consider these things. Now let’s just hope film comes down in cost one day!

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate that comment. I tried to convey something a little different to the standard POV street photography video and didn’t really know how it would go down, so I’m glad you enjoyed it. I really like film, if it wasn’t so expensive I’d buy a proper rangefinder, but I can’t see the price of film ever coming down to reasonable levels…

[@pedalpa3998]

Nice video. I simply enjoy the process. And some days can be awarded with ‘zoning’ in the experience. Retired, this isn’t a job and got over being accused of taking “snapshots” back in the early 80’s. From landscape, night to street being out there trying to catch that image of life is enough.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Yeah that’s it! Get out there for the enjoyment of it. Hope you’re enjoying your retirement! I can but only dream of mine 😂

[@jresin_photo]

The process always beats the result for me. I Love going out exploring with my cameras, going through the photos in Lightroom is more a necessary evil but then again I'll shoot more for feeling than perfection in my photographs. :)

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Love that!

[@CareyMoulton]

I shoot for fun, I share on instagram and flickr but usually not immediately, I will hold back the images that impact me the most for months or years,

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Great to hear! That’s something I’ve started to do more too, just shoot for fun, no pressure and then even on digital leave the photos for a few days or weeks before looking at them or editing them, I find that more satisfying 🙏🏻

[@legofanessex]

I definitely enjoy the process, walking the streets for a couple of hours on your own without having to explain which direction you are going in, without an agenda, it's a form of therapy. But I also really get excited by the results. I can't have one without the other.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Yeah 100% that’s the beauty of street photography for sure! Intertwine to hear you can’t have one without the other, I think that absolutely makes sense though, it’s strange to go out and take photos but not care about the photos I think

[@EliseoMartelli]

Mate, I surely resonate with the words you say and your pictures. I enjoy the process as much as the results, and I feel my mind liberated whenever I take pictures in the street. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed the video. Yeah I have always either really enjoyed it just to go out and clear me head, or it gets me down because I want to go out and make amazing work. Trying to put less pressure on myself these days and just go out and make work for the fun of it 🙏🏻

[@pix6483]

Hi Tim, thanks for your lovely video! What cheerful, colourful images! Enjoying the experience is essential when I go out with my camera, I love the fresh air, walking around, and discovering new things I may not have noticed otherwise. Taking some good photos during my excursion is an added bonus that brings me joy. However, if I were to go out solely with the intention of taking great pictures, it would start to feel like work and take away from the pleasure of the experience. By the way, the Queen and the Curtain photo is truly amazing!

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Hey! Thanks so much for the lovely comment, and yeah I agree with you for sure. Also thank you about the photo of the Queen! I’m really happy with that one 🙏🏻

[@CourtneyG.]

As ever, very much enjoyed watching Tim. It was really thought-provoking, and as someone who watches more for interested than taking pics myself - it was great to look at the full process, and framing (no pun intended) what you want to get out of a photo walk. It does feel like there is a lot of parallels to fishing, one has a level of control, going to the right places, spending large quantities of time etc. - but feel the magic of photography is capturing the moments, the spontaneous nature, and the unknown what will come out. Loved all the shots, but feel 1:41 is my favourite, as in context to the video, felt it really captured pure human excitement and emotion. P.p.s 6:15 sharing your work really brightens my Sundays!! Thank you :-)

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks so much Courts! I’m glad all of that came through in the video as it was something I’ve been struggling with/thinking a lot about recently so thought I’d do a video on it. So happy to hear my posts Brighton your Sundays! Means so much man 🙏🏻

[@TDtog2112]

I just shoot for me and for fun. I rarely have a plan as what to shoot I just go out and see what I can find. I only ever shoot digital but the one thing I never do is chimp. As I need glasses to see anything up close I don't want to be constantly stopping every time I take a shot to put my glasses on to check the back of the camera as it's too time wasting. I am also a member of the online photo competition site Photocrowd and do get disappointed when my images don't do so well but I just think that those who are voting just don't see my images as I do and don't really take it to heart. Don't beat yourself up if you are not getting thousands of followers or likes because at the end of the day you are shooting to please you and not everyone else. I am really enjoying your channel and your photographic view on things so keep up the good work. Onto the next. 🙂

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thank you, Tony! That means a lot. As does your support of the channel and my work. Not chipping is so important, so I'm glad you don't! Social media is so valuable yet can also be so detrimental to mental health, I've yet to find the balance that works for me but I'm focusing on improving that :)

[@TDtog2112]

@@timjamiesonphotos I think the world focuses too much on social media ( I probably have this view as I grew up without it) and not enough focus on ourselves. I'm sure trying to come up with new video ideas must also strain your mental health but for me you content is inspiring just with the POV walks you do. If you do struggle there is nothing wrong with making the statement they you are just going to take a break for a while to recharge your batteries (no pun intended). Just carry on doing what pleases you when you want to and don't let the curse of social media make too many demands on you. I follow other photographic KZbinrs who have done just that and their content improves. Staying healthy is the main thing. 😀

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thank you Tony that’s much appreciated! It’s a tricky balance because one day I would truly love to be able to do KZbin/photography full time, so I put pressure on myself to make the best videos/photos possible which can be very stressful. But I also try not to stray from the main point of starting the channel which is to help people/make people think as much as I can first and foremost, so I’m glad these videos seem to be doing that!

[@davidclode3601]

Really enjoyed the video, thanks. Regarding mental health, it has now been scientically proven that exposure to nature, and, would you believe, specifically watching birds in the afternoon, is good for mental health (which I think we all knew intuitively). Perhaps there is a case for including parks and birds in street photography, partly for the resulting photos, but also for the well-being of the photographer.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks, David! Really appreciate that mate. And yeah 100% street photography is just the perfect excuse to go outside and observe the world. That’s why I love it so much

[@scotskinner4350]

This is my first year of street photography. My first outing was probably about process; trying to figure out what settings and lens choice would work best of me. Now that I have a pretty good idea of what works best for me, I can concentrate on the results. I'm not usually happy with my photos when I look through them for the first time when I get home. But there is usually at least one good one in there which keeps me going out with the camera.

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Street photography's the best, even with the downsides of it being very hard to get amazing results. Glad you're enjoying it and hopefully many years of street photography to come for you!

[@philcrean]

" Sharpness is a bourgeois concept" Henri Cartier Bresson...

[@timjamiesonphotos]

A classic quote that one!

[@_jbflickz]

Just doing it for fun so I don’t really care if it flops or not…

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Good attitude!

[@paulspink2701]

Love it. I have a little XA too. Great fun to use and so convenient for days out. Your shots look great to me. What film stock were you using in this?

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thank you, Paul! Appreciate that mate. It’s definitely a fun little camera! I was using Ultramax 400 :)

[@jbaxter007]

Hi Tim . Comparing a top flight digital compact camera to a plastic film compact camera is unfair, I predominately shoot black and white film on my Nikon F3 with nikon prime lenses and get tack sharp images or be it with a bit of grain. I`m not having a dig just saying how it is. I do all my own processing and printing in my darkroom, Your videos are very informative and will be using some of your techniques to improve my street photography. Thanks

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Glad you find my vids informative and useful!

[@jbaxter007]

@@timjamiesonphotos 👍

[@gusatvoschiavon]

could you speak louder? its pretty comum to people to listen to music while watching a video

[@timjamiesonphotos]

That’s probably the strangest comment I’ve ever had. You can just turn the volume up 😂

[@TDtog2112]

@@timjamiesonphotos so true 😂😂😂

[@timjamiesonphotos]

I do understand though, have had some comments that the audio is a bit quiet in this one, so will fix for the next video

[@diegunsson]

What an awesome script, really represents what is street photography in such a short video. Congrats, keep the awesome work, regards from Spain!

[@timjamiesonphotos]

Thanks so much mate! Really appreciate that comment, means a lot 🙏🏻