006: My Personal Notes: A Gameplan for Better Street Photography in 2025

My Personal Journal: A Gameplan for Better Street Photography in 2025

Intro:

Street photography is more than just capturing moments—it's about telling stories, connecting with the world around me, and finding beauty in the everyday. These are the notes I’m jotting down for myself to stay sharp, inspired, and intentional as I continue documenting life through my lens.

1. Keep It Simple

Stan, don’t overthink the gear. You’ve got the Leica M5 for that classic feel and the Canon EOS-1V when you need versatility. Focus on the story you’re trying to tell and not the tech in your hand.

2. Walk the Streets First

Before pulling out the camera, take a lap. Get a feel for the light, the movement, and the energy of the place. Downtown Atlanta always surprises you with its layers—look closer.

3. Chase the Light

Remember how light transforms everything? Use it. And those overcast days? Perfect for emphasizing textures and shadows. You know how the city breathes differently depending on the time of day.

4. Stay Patient

The moments will come. Watch how people move, and let the story unfold. Don’t rush it—good street photography is more about observing than snapping away.

5. Blend In, Always

Be a part of the scene, not an intruder. Keep your movements subtle, your energy low-key. The less you stand out, the more authentic the moments you’ll capture.

6. Layer the Frame

Work on composition. Foreground, subject, background—you know how these elements make the image sing. Keep practicing.

7. Embrace Awkwardness

You’ve been here before. Standing in the middle of a street or crouching for a shot might feel weird, but it’s worth it. Confidence builds with every frame.

8. Develop Your Mood

Film or digital, post-processing is where you add your voice. Lean into what feels right—those gritty tones from Kodak Tri-X always bring that timeless, soulful vibe. Keep experimenting.

9. Respect the Space

These streets and the people on them have their own stories. Be mindful. If someone’s uncomfortable, move on. Keep it human.

10. Share the Work

Don’t keep it all to yourself. Write it down, post it, or print it. Share why you created these images—your story matters as much as the photo.

This is my plan, my reminder to stay grounded and intentional in my work. Street photography is about being present, observing the world, and letting it shape the way I create. Here’s to another year of documenting life—one frame at a time.

005: Havana, Cuba: A Journey in Black and White

Havana, Cuba: A Journey in Black and White
Photographed on: Leica M5, Kodak Tri-X 400, 35mm Film

Stepping into Havana felt like stepping into a beautifully preserved time capsule. In 2023, I had the opportunity to document life in this vibrant city, where every street corner seemed to tell its own story. Armed with my Leica M5 and Kodak Tri-X 400, I set out to capture the soul of Havana in shades of black and white.

From the peeling pastel walls of Old Havana to the vintage cars cruising the Malecón, Havana thrives on contrasts. The textures were what drew me in—cracked pavement, sun-faded facades, and faces marked by the weight of history and resilience. Shooting on Kodak Tri-X 400 was intentional; its grain and depth allowed me to emphasize the timelessness of these scenes without the distractions of color.

Havana’s energy is its people. I spent hours wandering through neighborhoods like Centro Habana and Vedado, stopping to document quiet moments—a man lighting his cigar, children chasing each other barefoot, an elderly woman watching the world go by from her balcony. These moments weren’t staged; they were lived. The Leica M5, with its quiet precision, helped me document without intrusion.

Shooting on film slows you down. In Havana, this pace was a gift. I didn’t just document what I saw; I engaged with it. I took time to frame each image, anticipate movement, and consider light. Kodak Tri-X, with its ability to handle the harsh Cuban sun, gave me the latitude to work intuitively, knowing the results would speak for themselves.

As I developed these rolls back in Atlanta, the images took me right back to the streets of Havana—the warmth of its people, the rhythm of its daily life, and the layers of history embedded in its architecture. Each frame feels like a love letter to the city, a way of saying, “I saw you. I felt you.”

Havana wasn’t just a place I visited—it’s a place that left its mark on me. Through the lens of my Leica and the grain of Kodak Tri-X, I tried to honor that. For me, this trip wasn’t just about making images; it was about connecting with a culture, a history, and a people that will forever inspire me.

Check out the entire gallery HERE.

With Love,

Stan