An Attempt at Street Photography

I don’t consider myself a street photographer. Living in a small Midwest town, I’m usually drawn to the quiet charm of historic buildings, small-town streets, and rural life. When your hometown has a population of roughly 13,000 people, opportunities for true street photography are few and far between.

That said, it’s a genre I’ve always admired. So when I get the chance to spend time in a larger city, I lean into it.

Last week, my day job brought me to Grand Rapids, Michigan for an annual convention. While the conference itself is always a valuable opportunity to learn and grow professionally, I also see it as something else—a chance to explore a different environment with my camera in hand.

Most of my time was spent walking near downtown—early mornings or later in the evening when things were a little quieter. No real plan. Just paying attention.

Drawn to the light

Action in the streets

Trying to see the streets from a different angle

A city full of character

Landscape symmetry, what I know best

A quite bridge at night

Ending the night at The Bob

Spending a few days in a city like Grand Rapids reminded me how different photography can feel depending on where you are. Back home, things move slower. The scenes are quieter, more familiar.

Here, everything felt a bit more unpredictable but that’s what made it interesting.

I may not be Phil Penman or Alan Schaller just yet, but it’s a step in that direction. And I had a blast attempting it.

Thanks for taking the time to look through these.

Scott

People passing through