The only street photography skill that matters

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks, Mike for showing some of my images! Awareness is so important, something I've been thinking too is following that basic intuition vs forcing a shot that maybe isn't there!

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks George! Basic intuition definitely keeps photography fun, something we should all follow I think.

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

What makes a legendary street photographer? Somewhere at this moment there is someone who isn't sharing or influenced by social media who is living and photographing in the now. We are all collectively influencing and imitating each other. Those off social media will have a body of work truly original, pure and amazing.

[@DanScott1]

Great point. Our great photos are inside us, not others.

[@Malick333]

Unplug from the Matrix and visit when you need. 😉

[@MyLifeFrAiurGaming]

The more you see others work the more you learn no?

[@Nitidus]

Getting your work out there is part of being a legendary street photographer. There probably have been thousands of Vivian Maiers after the original whose attics nobody ever searched when they died. You can be good or even excellent without anyone knowing you at all, but you cannot be legendary as that includes leaving behind a legacy. For people to remember you and be inspired by your work long after you're gone. There is no legendary without a legend for people to tell. I'm not necessarily talking about social media, just to be clear. Though it would be just as foolish to rule it out as an option for the right person in today's society. Social media also doesn't _have to_ be the sellout, algorithmically driven thing it is today. Ignorance and elitism certainly won't make you a legendary photographer at least. But as I said, there are still other methods to get your work out there still. It always changes, the old ways of sending a portfolio to Steidl and get published have become much harder. I don't care how you do it, but you HAVE to have reached a lot of people to possibly become a legend. It's simply what separates a great artist from a great artist who is being remembered.

[@ayooluwakolawole]

I've been thinking about this for ages, and its nice to see someone finally express it so articulately. I feel like theres a pretty fast learning curve for the technical side of photography, learning how to control light, even the most obscure techniques could realistically be learnt in a month. But the real mountain is learning how to see, and that takes years, if not decades.

[@danielx555]

I went on a trip across the United States last month and I took 4,000 photos. Opening up your mind to what's in front of you is really liberating, and it felt amazing to be present and to be actually looking at the things in front of me. On my last day of shooting, I walked 36,000 steps and I was out for 15 hours. It was really meditative and yet a lot of exertion and energy was spent. Open your eyes, that's what I'm learning. Look at what's in front of you.

[@landesnorm]

Yes Mike, I think you are on a fruitful path. I keep 4 ideas in mind when shooting nowadays. They are 1) pay attention--be aware-- to the scene, event, subject, etc. 2) an extension of paying attention is anticipation but not so much that you overlook opportunities, this anticipation prepares you for the decisive moment, 3) be able to discern good or better images on the fly, this is a sensitivity to all the elements that come together to make a good shot--often described as the feeling one gets from a shot, and 4) appreciate the difference between a single "hero" shot which makes a statement (often without a full context) and suggests a story and a series of images that together tell a more complete story--which are you trying to do? Both are valid photographically.

[@DanScott1]

Connection to self, well done young grasshopper. Well done Mike for discovering this, some of your example photos show it so well, 0:59, 2:41, 4:05 and 4:13. Instinctive, unique, originality showing through.. your on the right path with this approach in my humble opinion. Lean in, practice, practice, practice.

[@JohnPatrickWeiss]

We definitely go through our lives asleep. And Tolle’s “The Power of Now” teaches us to pay attention. To focus on the present. Because that’s where life is happening. And if we level our camera, select, compose, and shoot, perhaps we can convey to others the beauty of the moment. The gift of life in the present. The beauty of what unfolds, and what just might resonate with others.

[@vijaykarve736]

i think your mentor must be Sean Tucker.I love his work, his images and his explanation.I loved your images too.Keep up the good work and best of luck.

[@kif411]

Is really resonated with me. I just started getting into streetphotography. I'm becoming more aware on what's around me, slowing down and observing. Thank you for this video that captures what I've been feeling when out shooting

[@jamesballantyne8349]

This is so good, ive just started street photography after 3 years of therapy and self awareness and self-compassion, I love Echart Tolle and what he says and the awareness of life consciousness within it.. (its just my newbie photography that needs to catch up now) and how I see then execute the shots. But I love this, thank you

[@stephenjoseph5265]

And I love this comment! Thank you

[@brianperry]

Years ago l became aware of Henri Cartier Bresson (mainly through the TimeLife series of photographic books published from the mid seventies, l think l received one every month or so)..What he called the 'Decisive Moment' is what caught my eye. After many years doing other 'things' l am now revisiting my youthful exuberance for street photography. Thanks for rekindling a 50 year old itch!...

[@michaelkozak9145]

This is so ridiculously accurate and on point! And this is what gets me, when I find that one among 3 or 4 or twelve or twenty…..when I find it, I am ecstatic!

[@kenmorrisproducer]

This is why AI will never replace us. It’s not about what it looks like or what gear we used. What matters is that we were there and we witnessed. We ARE the photographs. I’m not showing a picture of the world, I’m showing you a picture of me.

[@DanScott1]

100%! We photograph ourselves.

[@Nitidus]

I don't know if that applies for all eternity because the theoretical potential for AI is insane once an actual general intelligence is developed that will eventually be able to reproduce quasi-real human emotions, intuition and everything. But who knows if that's ever going to happen. What street photographers do is probably the hardest kind of work for any machine to take over. There are just so much abstract motives behind it that other humans will (more or less) understand intuitively.

[@lead-dog]

@@NitidusStupid comment 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@AJ_Lucas]

Pleasure to watch another great piece, Mike. I had the X100V around some of the same areas of London after work today-the rain came down and the brollies came out; it was reflection time. In more ways than one.

[@jpmojo]

Agree about awareness…years of shooting… I use the phrase “I see photographs’. I’m composing with my eyes as I look around.

[@colingerard7863]

Hi Mike. It can be a long and brutal process getting to the point of realisation when our pictures reflect who we are and what we feel. However, understanding that's the path you're on gets you there a lot quicker than if you are unaware of the process. The other thing that helps is speaking to picture editors and art directors. They have invaluable insights into what pictures are good and why they are good. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[@schwinte]

I really like your approach connecting spirituality with photography. resonated quite a bit with me as well.

[@winslow_j]

Beautiful video man...the editing, the way it's put together and the message. So important!!

[@MikeChudley]

Really appreciate that man. Glad you liked it.

[@Maine_Focus]

While watching this I paused to be sure I would have time to read the quote by Joel Meyerowiz. My wife and I read Tolle a few years back and both saw the connection. I was happy to start back the video and hear you mention The Power of Now. I knew I liked you.

[@darrensacks5120]

Awesome video. Great food for thought there mate. Agreed that's one of the things that makes Street Photography epic - the fact many people can all look at the same scene and get a different photo. Great shots from Gokhan. Thank you for the feature 🙏👊

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks Darren, glad you liked it. My pleasure mate.

[@ImagesbyAsh]

Hey Mike. Just wanted to say thanks so much for making the video about awareness All the points you make really resonate with me. I'm trying to improve my overall street photography and awareness is a big part of this, to be able to focus on the present so that I can better see the things that I want to shoot.

[@LadStrayer]

One of the best street photography I've watched

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks!! That means a lot

[@EgmontLabadie]

"Your thoughts became something you noticed, and that became the real image", actually this is very close to the definition of a work of art American philosopher Susanne F. Langer gave in the 1960's in her books "Philosophy in a new key" and "Feeling and form"...According to her, there is a work of art when an emotion has been turned into an idea and this idea has been transferred to an aesthetic form/symbol. IMO this is a great definition, very useful when trying to create. All the best to you 🙂

[@philbarber9738]

Prefer to work alone in familiar and strange cities, hence I'm responsible for my own actions regarding my ill mannered intrusions when stealth fails me. If your intent is to capture reality then audacity and arrogance have to attach themselves to awareness. I've been threatened, insulted and assaulted over time but it's not like I did not invite it by practicing this form in its purest sense. Awareness yes, but the nerve to pull the trigger with the subject leaning towards ugly also calls for a certain skill in explaining your intent after, along with whatever else comes along with it. The street photographer works without a net. Fine video interspersed with some superb imagery and a superb quote by JM. Thanks also for turning me on to the work of Gokhan Arer. Headed over to E-Bay to look for "The Power of Now." Quite a sunrise semester for me at 4 in the morning.

[@MikeChudley]

Loved reading this, thanks Phil! Glad you liked the video.

[@stevesomers7366]

Mike, great video. I love street photography, but do not get out often enough doing it. I see you're in London...one of my favorite places (I live in Southern California) that I have visited several times. On one occasion, I was taken around your great city by Linda Wisdom to do street photography and it is one of my most memorable experiences. I wonder if you know her...an excellent photographer. I'm really enjoying your approach and, like you, I'm a Fuji shooter. I love the spontaneity of Fuji products as well as the quality. In any case, I like your approach and will be tuning in from here on out. Cheers!

[@PhotoswithArt]

Glad I click this video. I've been trying to develop photographic mind for ages. This is one more skill to acquire.

[@Osa713]

The power of right now. Such a good takeaway

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for watching! Glad you got something from this.

[@smokey19bear]

It is interesting how you use awareness in your video. When I teach emergency responders and lay people first aid and similar classes, we often talk about situational awareness. I define that as using all of one's senses (taste albeit somewhat limited) to have the ability to notice and possibly even predict the behavior of a situation. The "sense" I most often point out is the "sixth" sense or gut feeling. I have had my gut feeling save my own butt more than once. This sixth sense I find is often based on prior experiences or the stories of others thrown into similar situations. It can also touch into our fight or flight modes. My work demands we be ready for damn near anything. I can certainly use this skill when I am taking journalism or wildlife images, but situations where situational awareness can be of great help. In closing I like to recommend a book, called: A Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker.

[@jettubby17]

Mike thanks for bringing the awareness of consciousness in photography. I've always admired Joel Meyerowitz's words and I've always known that this is the key to our great images. 🙏😊

[@reinhartreuschel5499]

Awareness is the crucial thing referring to our lives. I agree that any photograph whatsoever characterizes the photographer's mental ability. To demonstrate you own a Leica has nothing to do with that what was said if you are a random photographer because you're a random figure. Paddle your own canoe - that's the best way to become the best photographer you want to be.

[@PBKB]

A really great video. A lot of this (if not all) can be used for any type of photography. Not just Street Photography.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I like the think the same yeah, but I have much less experience in other genres haha

[@liv0003]

It can be used for any kind of art expression actually. Painting/drowning, photography, filmography, writing, composing music, sculpture and so on

[@_ballistic]

This video came out of nowhere. You are such an inspiring guy! had a great time. Thanks for the tips!

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you! Really pleased you liked it

[@HogbergPhotography]

Wow, you are actually good! Got yourself a new subscriber, hope you reach 100K soon! 👍

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for that! Glad you like the content ✌️

[@developingtank]

Been going in on your stuff lately. Love to see it/keep it coming!

[@MikeChudley]

Appreciate it! Thanks for the comment.

[@Stop-All-War]

💡 Imagining two 'Street Photographers' meeting while shooting..capturing eachother, like passing Ships at Sea.

[@rogerbrooksfilms]

This was a very refreshing, insightful and inspiring message, and beautifully put together. Thank you for taking the time to do this, very well done mate.

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you for this comment. That’s amazing to hear!

[@NTL00]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and point of view ❤

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for watching!

[@bcegerton]

Great set of images Mike and excellent narratives too.

[@mikeking2397]

Great advice Mike, and very inspiring. Love your work.

[@AlastairMackenzie-n4z]

Freeze at 4.00 would this work ? coming and going - bike into scene - bike out of scene people moving left people moving right and crop it in from the left to th post with yellow on it - just a thought

[@wolfcamera1]

Very true what you say. Sometimes I'm completely exhausted after I come out from the intensity of being in the flow.

[@EricAdeleye]

Excellent video. Can you list the title and author of the photography books you showed or referenced in this video?

[@RCBOSS1969]

Thank you!

[@EgmontLabadie]

Thanks for all this very useful piece of advice...I'm stumbling upon your video just at the time when these ideas begin to be clear to my mind...Right timing, even if your video is a year old already ! Thanks for this great gift, all the best to you in 2024 ! And very nice photos...☺

[@rebecajuncos9826]

Thank you, Mike, very inspiring thoughts!

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you!

[@markcutting9313]

Excellent and thought provoking!

[@alexandros.visuals]

Mike, thank you for creating these videos. You and your work are inspiring. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot

[@ItsTheBigHorse]

awesome vid Mike. some of the greats had to do everything manually as well which makes their shots even more amazing. having the eye for composition but then being able to pull it off not being able to view it in real time

[@baldasciop]

Grate job dude.

[@adamboomcircus3344]

Really nice video Mike. I like yr shot of the bunches of flowers and man the story attached. Made me smile. The curiosity from what if is a pleasant state of mind to be in. Following your channel with curiosity too. Thx for sharing :)

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for the comment! Glad you liked that photo - appreciate it

[@srunchres]

Thanks, Mike for showing some of my images! TO ME thank a lot😍

[@indianastoned8234]

Really interesting idea. Thanks for posting some good artists with their accounts for us

[@FisforFenton]

one of the hardest things about taking photos is taking them a lot of times at the beginning you want to wait for the right picture but then it is easy to miss something special.

[@musaquazi3495]

Perfectly said. Thanks

[@MikeChudley]

Cheers!

[@retropixer]

Great video with good substance!.. And it’s weird, because just this morning I was thinking “if you gave a camera to someone, who has never seen and will never see “the greats” and the works that are today considered ‘top level’ artistry, can that person has any chance of becoming a “good” photographer, producing work that garners mass appreciation and acknowledgment?”. I think the answer is no because on a macro scale, the collective work of ‘good’ photographers does generate a general direction, a set of unspoken norms and styles. This is not to step on individual creativity or style, but in grand scheme of things we all are shaped by the results of the work before us and with our contemporaries, with a select handful paving new ways and taking the general population with them. (Rant over) 😊

[@DennisFreeland]

There always exceptions to a "rule" eg Vivian Maier

[@devincutter_]

Love it, Mike!

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks man!

[@pierrezapata90]

Wow great commentary on street photography. Not just a video of how tos. Great job

[@hilltopviewer8204]

What if you get attacked or confronted while photographing? I have often been approached by people when I am a good distance away from them. Has any of your viewers ever had trouble on the streets while photographing? Thanks for your video

[@MikeChudley]

I've never had a problem with people in the streets. I believe your body language, approach and way of being has an impact on this. I have no bad intentions and will happily talk the people in my images or make myself known the wider scene in general if it calls for it. Just because I'm being discrete to get the candid photo doesn't mean I'm hiding anything. Always being respectful combined with obvious street smarts should help out a lot. Just my experience.

[@jules_mac]

Great video, Mike. Thanks!

[@MikeChudley]

Glad you liked it!

[@TomKiteman]

just wondering if any photography videos out there are not sponsored by squarespace..

[@jojoaugustus1383]

Can you please tell us wich cross-bag you're using at the beginning of the video ? :) Great video ! I recently purchased the XT20 second hand ✋✋. Learning photography. Subscribed :)

[@StewartDorman]

Thanks

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you for the super thanks! That’s very kind of you 👌🏻

[@jonsmith7650]

love your work.. keep it up MIke

[@marekward6202]

👍You may like the older 80's Ram Dass lectures too.

[@khairulakbar]

Are you using manual or autofocus when doing street photography?

[@shreyaskaundinya4379]

Even though all of the above was things that are obvious, it wasn't something I'd thought about, brilliant video!

[@MikeChudley]

Glad you enjoyed the video ✌️

[@ChristianLawrence]

Great video Mike. Often I will see a scene that I think would make a great image, but it’s that transition to having the confidence to snap it when people are involved in it. Certainly easier in a city than a town. Any tips?

[@phillmeredith]

This was very insightful Mike, thanks

[@TUBEWALKER100]

That guy with the graffiti TV aerial, brillant.

[@АлександрНикифоров-ч6к6у]

Очень интересный творческий подход !

[@davidrathbone]

Made me think about my photography, well done on creating a good video

[@omar.p9]

Your Istanbul picture reminds me of the work of Elliott Erwitt. Amazing sense of humour =D

[@yaroslav2907]

Hey Mike. Great inspiration in this video. I got a question: How do you deal with all the pictures you take on the day. Do you delete and keep the best or just save all pictures in to one folder and move on ? Hein ? 😇 Just curious

[@yomotii]

Hello, is it possible to know the song’s title at 7:10? Tks a lot.

[@jettubby17]

Mike I enjoy your videos. Got a question for you what screensaver is that on your computer? 🙏😊

[@CarlyWaarly]

Nice work Mike!

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for watching!

[@findphotography]

Really good video. Keep up the good work 📷

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you 🙌

[@simonhunt10]

So you are getting into the idea of existentialism, read Sartre. However, I wonder if this equates to wildlife photography?

[@drohnen_foto_film]

Hello thank you for this great video What book of Joel Meyerowitz is this?

[@marcpilon4585]

I read the Power of now 3 times. Great video. Thoughtful

[@robbiesloan3992]

the power of now is a great book

[@reaganhicks7318]

the man you took a photo of at 4:02 looks SO much like Leslie Jordan

[@jeromelouvart9842]

Great and hello from France... take care and see you on your next vlog ...

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you!

[@raymeedc]

At my advanced age, what appeals most to me is the seemingly unspectacular/mundane/over & under looked. EyE leave the rest for the rest. 🤔

[@miintka8356]

With me being pretty empathetic, I often feel like I'm encroaching on peoples activities..... like they're thinking wtf is he doing taking a picture of me.. I often have ''too much'' respect for the shot, its ridiculous. But if I'm with a friend its the complete opposite.. I suppose you can shield yourself when you have someone, otherwise I just feel like a creeeep sort of. Maybe I need to re-evaluate the situation overall...... well I mean, the best shots are when they don't even know you shot them, so maybe i need to be more of a sniper, bit tricky when I'm lugging a 2.8 around, literally I went to Cardiff today and it felt like EVERYONE was onto me.... uhhhh

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Love it

[@MikeChudley]

👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

So i am on a mission to find a good or even a great street photographer and do a collaboration with... I love street but i just dont see the shots like a true street tog... i thought it would be a great video idea to have me a landscape photographer with my eyes and someone like you and your eyes.. i just dont get most of the images i see.... so would you be up for a meet up and some street photography...

[@AaronAnalog1]

Well said, great video!

[@brafuptop9786]

the goat

[@MikeChudley]

think you commented on the wrong video

[@ratgirl13]

@@MikeChudley The Goat means G.O.A.T= Greatest Of All Time. ❤

[@FootballPolls]

What is a good camera for beginners?

[@antonoelle]

Sony A6000 👍

[@canxel11]

I was copying many photographers but I wasn't happy with it. The most important thing I learned is just be you

[@charleshodge1223]

very insightful

[@justcallmesando]

Beautiful content, nice!

[@DB-Lackaufbereitung]

Photography is like deepest diving into the power of now

[@sigurdrille9693]

Thank you! Got me hooked, you got a new subscriber…🙂

[@MikeChudley]

Things I love to hear, thanks!

[@Jameswallace21]

subscribed luv yr images luv from NZ

[@gasbike100mpg]

i agree with having the awareness to get those special shots. however, if you want to capture people, and not building, I offer at my own expense a humbling opinion...... after taking a few thousand street photography shots, i have realized that street photography sucks to some degree. if you look at the examples of street photography pics (on youtube) they are awful pics of the back of people, this is shit. been there, done that, and said to myself, this is crap!!!!! for crowds, i suggest using smartphone or wide lens. for capturing the back of people, use smartphone, or take a mental note. for frontal shots that capture facial expression, and you are brave - 85mm is great!!!! for keeping distance in order not to disturb the subject, and getting the front of people's heads, use 200mm and longer. i have reviewed most of the vids on youtube (about 10) that offer street photography advice, and i must say 80% of the pictures they offer are no better than cheap smartphone snapshots that capture the back of people. be well, and thanks for posting this video.

[@Wasp9513]

What are the books at min 9:06 ?

[@travelling_west5308]

Really liked the content here Mike. I fully agree that what catches our attention is what makes the difference, but just like you, one of my main goals is to improve my awareness and what catches my eye. Far too often social media and the internet place a lot of attention on gear and equipment but not enough focus is dedicated to the process behind photography - a fantastic camera just doesn't always equal to great photos.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for watching! Couldn't agree more!

[@pepinedkov]

Who is the guy talking in the beginning?

[@MikeChudley]

Joel Meyerowitz :)