Find a Street Photography Community that Challenges You
Let’s have it straight—photography can be a lonely old game. You wander the streets, camera in hand, chasing moments, feeling a little bit awkward, a little stranded at times. Maybe a bit of impostor syndrome now and again. I do feel that most people who pick up a camera and shoot the streets want to improve and grow creatively as photographers. They want to feel connected also. This isn’t always the case. Some people are happy just to pop out on their own taking photographs, hoping for the best. This in itself is enough. It’s a hobby and it gets ‘em out the house. That’s fine.
This blog post isn’t for those people.
Want to improve … or get happy-smiley comments?
This post … is for those of you photographers who want to grow, no matter your skill-level, no matter your age, no matter your gender, no matter what gear you have.
If you want people to tell you how great your photography is, throw your pictures on instagram. Most people on there will tell you how great you’re doing. Or better still, show your stuff to family and friends. They’ll do the same. There is nothing wrong with that at all. What it won’t do is support you in anyway to grow creatively.
What we actually need is support. That’s where a solid street photography community comes in. Not just a group, not just a bunch of likes and fire emojis—a genuine community that pushes you, challenges you, and supports you to wake up and grow creatively.
Dare Facilitator / LASHMAR, aka the Street Thief
Why Most Photography Communities Miss the Mark
There are loads of photography groups out there. Some are full of gear-heads who think the latest lens, camera of photo preset is what is required to progress. Others are just echo chambers of endless praise—post any frame and you’ll recieve a blitz of ‘WOW, AMAZING, COOL!’. All a bit of a cosy massage really. But does it help you grow?
The truth is, most people don’t want real feedback. They want a pat on the back, reassurance that they’re on the track but real progress in street photography (or creative, fullstops) requires rigour.
Growth Comes From Discomfort
Think about it. When was the last time you really pushed yourself creatively? Question your approach, your intention? That’s what a real photography community does. It doesn’t just hand out compliments—it challenges you. It calls out your habits. It forces you to ask, “Am I actually progressing, or just repeating myself?”
Here’s the hard truth: You don’t need more information. You’ve got Google, YouTube, and a million photography books that all say the same thing. You don’t need someone to tell you about the rule of thirds again. You need people who will push you to utilise the information you already have.
The Myth of Readiness
One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves? “I’ll do it when I’m ready.” Ready for what? To take a risk?
Here’s a secret: No one ever feels ready. I don’t feel ready to facilitate the Dare photography workshop. And every time I do It i feel the same amount of ‘not feeling ready’. I never feel ready to stop someone on the street and ask them if I can create their portrait. I never felt ready to have kids. The photographers who are creating and operating in a way that they are continually progressing, the ones who really make an impact, aren’t the ones waiting until they feel ready. They’re the ones who do what is required whether they feel like it or not.
The Power of Honest Feedback
Let’s talk about something uncomfortable—real feedback. Not the kind you get from your mate who says, “Yeah, looks cool.” The kind that isn’t comfortable.
The Dare Photography Community for example isn’t about tearing people down. It’s about supporting photographers and creatives to experience discomfort rather than turn away from it. Sometimes, that means hearing something you don’t want to hear so that eventually you can operate without the need for approval and just forge your own path.
If you’re serious about growing as a photographer, you need people around you who aren’t afraid to challenge you.
Stop Seeking Approval, Start Seeking Growth
If you’re just looking for praise, Instagram’s got you covered. Post a half-decent shot, and someone will hype you up. But if you actually want to achieve real growth, you need to drop the need for constant approval.
Ask yourself: Are you creating work that is courageous and true to yourself or are you creating for approval.
A strong photography community isn’t about making you feel good all the time. It’s about supporting your growth. The best communities aren’t the biggest ones—they’re the ones that support you with what you need and not always what you want.
Want to Be a Better Street Photographer? Find Your People
If any of this resonates with you—if you’re tired of the endless cycle of doing the same thing hoping for different results. if you want to be around photographers who actually challenge you—then you need to find a real community. Not just a group, but a space where growth is the purpose.
And when you find it, don’t just sit in the background. Engage. Share your work. It’s fine to feel uncomfortable despite rumours to the contrary.
