Random Danderings - The Zen of Belfast Street Photography

Let me clear something up first. To 'Dander' is a verb, it is slang, in Scotland and N Ireland I think to wander slowly and aimlessly. I like it, it suits me and my language. So a photo walk is a random dandering for me....lol. OK glad I got that one cleared up!

It's funny, but at least two or three times a week people ask me why do I choose to do Street Photography over all other types, which can produce better results, are less intensive and you don't have to look directly at your subject and wonder if they will tell you to F&@k Off. The best tip I got was always smile first.....it can buy you loads. I would consider myself a keen amateur who is learning day by day, but I enjoy being around people, especially busy places where I can hide away in plain site, so it is a love of watching how people live and interact I suppose.

The other element I take away from Street photography is that there is the element of the unknown. You don't know what you are going to get. Some days completely nothing, others you are just falling over situations. I also find that the practice of walking the streets of Belfast helps me relax. I don't get all Zen about the whole thing but the process of parking the car and sitting for a couple of minutes trying to think of a route to take (some days there is none, hence the term 'random danderings') settles me. Next there is the cameras, checking the kit, making sure all is good then stepping out.

The walking is the relaxing part. I purposely do not think about what is around me, I don't go looking for things. I concentrate on my pace and footsteps, nothing fast or measured (dandering...lol),. Next I purposely slow my breathing right down, I concentrate on my breathing rate and just keep saying to myself that there is no pressure, no agenda. If I get something all well and good, if I don't then tough shit! Then with this mental attitude it's just a case of putting one foot in front of the other.

I never wear bright clothing and I never run, it attracts attention because the next part is about just stopping. Find a corner or a space and simply stop, get comfortable, lean against the wall and see what the tide brings you. I would sometimes pick a particular spot where there is high traffic or a particular street crossing but that is if i want something in particular, like you come across a future backdrop for a shot that will look brilliant in the right circumstances.

Another important element is coffee. Sounds a bit daft but I like to have a few coffees when I am out and about as it keeps the brain sharp. Must be the caffeine or that and is slightly counter-intuitive to the 'non Zen' bit before, but it seems to work for me.

I think anyone who considers their images seriously wants for them to be liked on social media or loved or admired and I am not one of these people who say they are not bothered...I do get bothered, but if an image isn't good enough...well...it ain't..so a bit of self reflection and learning then it's jog on time.

Photography for me is a release. A way of self expression to show the world what I feel and see. My son is an artist and his stuff blows me away. I cant even do the basics. I try and capture as much street art as I can because its needs capturing and it can get covered over at a moments notice, but really I am so so jealous that these artists can have the vision and forethought to produce some amazing stuff on walls with nothing more than spray cans.

So in conclusion smile, don't plan, dander, slow down, smell the coffee and more importantly enjoy it!