Advice from Carlo Cafferini
- The Global Photography Community
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
To me, street photography is best described as “face to face with the unexpected.” It’s an incredibly versatile genre that can be practiced anywhere, capturing a wide range of subjects—or even the absence of them. Street photography allows me to share my personal vision of the world around me, a vision that shifts based on what unfolds before me, the people involved, or simply my mood that day. The same scene, viewed by two different photographers, can result in completely unique images because each of us interprets reality through our own perspective and style.
When it comes to storytelling in photography, I see two main approaches. The first involves planning and pre-visualizing a story, starting with a concept and choosing a location and elements that enhance the narrative. However, my preferred method is more spontaneous. I go out without specific expectations, let something capture my attention, and then build a story from the initial frame. I want viewers to feel as if they’re part of the scene—smelling the salty air of a sea storm, feeling the rain, or marveling at a surreal sunset. Simplicity is key for me; I strive for minimalism in my compositions, using as few elements as possible to tell a compelling story.
Capturing emotion in my photos often comes down to mood, which I enhance through particular lighting and weather conditions. I love early mornings when sunlight filters through trees, fog that adds a dreamy touch, or the drama of a storm. Minimalism again plays a part; a lone figure or tree against a striking background can be incredibly powerful, allowing emotions to come across more clearly. For me, the fewer the elements, the more potent the message.
Photographing strangers in public is something I approach with discretion. I rarely engage directly with people for permission, as I prefer to shoot from a distance with a telephoto lens. When I use a wide-angle lens, I look for natural ways to protect people’s identities, like shooting with hats, shadows, or hoods that obscure their faces. This approach not only maintains people’s privacy but also keeps me focused on capturing spontaneous, candid moments.
