Photography & Reflections Archives

Every Photo Says: Don’t Tell Me How to Shoot

Nikon D700 with Leica R 35-70mm f/3.5 E67

Some things in life don’t require you to know every detail—just believing you’ve got it figured out is enough. Photography is one of those things. Without a spark of confidence, you’re stuck before you even start. Forget about listening to other people’s advice or so-called “wisdom.” The moment you start doubting yourself, thinking you’re not good enough, you’ve already lost. Your past photos, your future shots—they’ll all crumble if you let self-doubt creep in. So, when it comes to photography, you need unwavering confidence in yourself. Whenever someone tries to talk to me about the art of photography, I pivot the conversation to gear. Why? Because the real drive to create, the true passion for photography, has to come from deep within you. It can’t be sparked by external opinions or tips.

Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not here to discuss photography techniques—just talk to me about cameras and lenses. Gear and the art of photography are like oil and water; they don’t mix. When it comes to gear, though, it’s smart to listen to others, especially those who’ve spent years testing and using it. You don’t have to take their word as gospel, but keeping an open mind and learning from their experiences can save you from costly mistakes.

Here’s my personal mantra: Trust your gut when it comes to photography, but when picking gear, check out the reviews. Just don’t get those two mixed up!

Black-and-White Photographers

Photographers in this world always see things differently. But those who embrace black-and-white photography are, without question, set further apart.

In this world, some people don’t understand black-and-white photography and can’t grasp how to capture it. Others understand it but lack the courage to explore its depths.

Capturing “My Landscape” Photography Reflections

Everything in the world, from light and shadow to rain and shine, can be seen as a moving landscape painting. Even the most lethargic mind can hardly resist the allure of nature. When the urge strikes, we can’t help but reach for the camera to capture the beauty before us. The quality of the photo is secondary, as our aim is not to impress but to document that which belongs solely to ourselves — “my landscape.”

Street Photography and Portraits

People often think that street photography is an infringement of portrait rights, but they don’t understand the nature and purpose of street photography as an art form. Street photography is a form of art that captures the essence of urban life in a way that tells the story of the city through the language of the camera. It also records people’s emotions and styles. It’s about paying attention, feeling things, and sharing your vision, not about being secretive or invasive. So, it’s clear that linking street photography with violating portrait rights is a big misunderstanding and a devaluation of this art form.

On the other hand, painters who work on the streets, whether they’re painting landscapes or people, work in a way that’s different from street photography but is still an artistic reproduction of the real world. Painters often choose to work on the street because it’s a great source of inspiration. They find the reality and diversity of life there really inspiring, and their paintings are a direct expression of what they see and feel, which is similar to street photography.

They were twins

The street photographer is a skilled artist with a quick hand. The poet is more of a critic behind the photographer. Language can also be a part of photography. It can make a photo more readable. They were twins, and it was clear they didn’t walk at the same pace or have the same expression at the moment.

Leica M8 with Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh (7-element)

Reflections in Photography

The reason why reflection is popular in photography is not because it looks like a mirror, but because if you flip the photo, you will see that this perspective makes the figure look more magnificent, yes, this perspective comes from the horizon.

Photographers are magicians

Photographers are magicians. They can freeze time and make the world black and white. Black and white, 0 and 1—this is the starting point of all magic.

Street photography: life is a movie, and everyone is an improviser

Street photography is like an impromptu movie you watch for free in the real world. As you walk down the street, you see everyone as the star of their own story. The photographer captures all those little moments, like the way people move, what they look like, and the way they bump into each other. It’s as if the director never said “cut.” The drama of life has been captured on camera, and you are the audience and recorder.

You don’t need a script or an actor to rehearse because the most real and touching moments often happen in the most unconscious moments. People walking, talking, smiling, frowning, and every subtle change of expression and natural twist of the body are like the invisible director’s interpretation of their plot for you. All you need to do is stand back, use your own unique perspective and keen perception to capture those fleeting images, as if you were using someone else’s body to tell a colorful story of theirs and the world.

Street Photography: Capturing the Extraordinary in Everyday Life

As I’m taking the photo, I suddenly realize that I’m about to bump into a group of people on the other side of the street. There’s a moment of tension in the air as we both move towards each other. In the blink of an eye, I took the photo, capturing the moment when we were about to meet but had never really touched each other.

This photo isn’t just a clever blend of light and color. It’s also a subtle capture of emotions and stories. It goes beyond the everyday look of things and captures the subtle sense of distance between people and the unknown stories that are about to happen. In the picture, the pedestrian’s expression might be with a hint of surprise, a hint of a smile, or immersed in their own world of calm. These real and natural moments are the essence of the “street feeling.”

These photos can make you forget the photographer is even there. It’s as if these moments were already in the world, waiting to be discovered and recorded. There’s no posing or fancy sets—just the raw, unfiltered reality of life and the simplest ways people interact.

When people enjoy these photos, they often find themselves entering into the scene, imagining they’re the one walking on the road or the photographer who pressed the shutter. They can feel the sudden surprise and warmth of a chance encounter in a busy city. Sharing this “street feeling” isn’t just about looking at pictures. It’s about connecting with people on a deeper level. It’s a way to find a little bit of peace and comfort in the midst of a fast-paced modern life.

This kind of photography can often transcend time and space, creating a bridge between the photographer and the audience. It allows people to find beauty in the everyday.