Street photography can be one of the most challenging genres to master. The unpredictability, combined with the constant pursuit of improvement, creates a dynamic environment where growth feels both exhilarating and exhausting. As your skills develop, your ability to critique your own work sharpens, often revealing gaps between your vision and execution.
Coming to you from Mike Chudley, this reflective video explores the nuances of growth in street photography. Chudley discusses how advancing in the craft doesn’t necessarily close the gap between what you envision and what you create—it shifts it. The unpredictability of street photography amplifies this, as moments unfold quickly, and capturing them as intended requires both skill and instinct. He shares insights on how your perception of your own abilities evolves over time, tying it to the Dunning-Kruger effect. Early success can breed overconfidence, but as you learn more, you recognize the subtleties you once missed, such as light, timing, and storytelling.
Chudley highlights the role of taste in shaping your work. Your taste acts as a filter for what you gravitate toward, influencing everything from the moments you choose to capture to the aesthetic decisions you make. While improving technical skills is essential, Chudley argues that refining your taste may be just as critical. He raises thought-provoking questions about whether taste can truly be improved or if it simply evolves alongside your experiences.
The video also touches on the emotional challenges of this process. Chudley acknowledges how self-awareness can feel discouraging, especially when the gap between your taste and your work feels insurmountable. However, he frames this discomfort as a natural and necessary part of the creative process. Rather than viewing it as a barrier, he suggests seeing it as motivation to keep pushing forward, allowing your work to better reflect your ambitions. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Chudley.
