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The Anxiety of a Street Photographer: From Fear to Confidence Behind the Camera
- Michi Masumi BA.MA
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
It seems strange to say now that I love street photography.
When I first started my self-taught photography journey, I was terrified of approaching strangers and asking if I could take their photograph.
I am an experimental fine art photographer. I love portraiture, still life, floral photography, and street photography. I think it is the poet in me; each of these genres flows into the next and connects naturally within my creative practice.
From early on in my photography career, I knew I would never stay in one lane or focus on just one genre. As a neurodivergent person with two different forms of neurodivergence, I need variety. At the same time, I can become intensely focused on my photography. These genres work well for both my personality and my love of storytelling.
My fascination with street photography probably began long before I ever picked up a camera. Growing up, I loved watching old black-and-white films on BBC Two during the 1980s and early 1990s. They often featured the same actor or actress in both films. Some of my favourites came from the silent movie era, alongside James Cagney films, femme fatales, and classic film noir.
The aesthetics of those films naturally lent themselves to documentary and street photography. The lighting, shadows, movement, characters, and everyday life all fascinated me. There is something magical about observing people and moments unfold naturally. You can get completely lost in creative joy simply by standing on a street corner and watching the world go by.
Imagine the shock I felt when I arrived at university and was given an assignment that required me to approach strangers and ask to photograph them.
I genuinely thought I was going to faint.
I could barely speak, and in that moment, I couldn't have told you a single thing about photography. I tried a few times to go out alone and practice, but I felt awkward and out of place. I worried that I looked strange. More than anything, I dreaded not knowing how people would react. Would they politely say no? Would they say yes? Or would they respond with annoyance or abuse?
At that stage, I was still developing confidence in the type of photographer and artist I was becoming, and that uncertainty definitely contributed to my anxiety.
In 2024, I finally became fed up with being my own barrier.
By complete accident, I discovered a free community-led photography workshop at Chatham Library. 'Upon the High Street: with award-winning Medway-raised photographers Joshua Atkins and Daniel Loveday,' followed by a practical street photography session.
The timing was perfect. The workshop was free, easy to get to by public transport, and local.
Can you believe I arrived late?
Not because of traffic. Not because of public transport.
Because anxiety nearly stopped me from attending.
I was so close to having a panic attack that I almost turned around and went home.
Eventually, I got so frustrated with myself that I decided it was now or never.
Thanks to Josh and Daniel, I returned the following week and completed the workshop properly.
They gave me practical advice, led by example, and, most importantly, made me feel it was okay to be anxious. I left with a new sense of confidence and several tips that I still use today.
Has my anxiety disappeared?
No.
Anxiety remains part of my life in many different ways.
But when it comes to street photography, I continue to grow.
The photographs accompanying this blog are images I took of 'Iris,' a stranger I approached at the Tate Modern last month, a reminder to 'self' that each of these spontaneous series
represents a small personal victory over fear, self-doubt, and anxiety.
If there is one thing I hope you take away from this piece, it is that it is perfectly okay to enjoy more than one genre of photography. And if you are interested in street photography but find it difficult, please be kind to yourself.
📥 Free Download: Street Photography Quick Guide
Feeling nervous about trying street photography?
Download our free Street Photography Quick Guide, featuring the following:
📸 5 practical street photography tips
🧠 Neurodivergent-friendly confidence tips
⚖️ A simple guide to UK street photography law
💙 Encouragement for beginners
Perfect for photographers who are just starting or looking to build confidence in public spaces.
Street photography is not easy.
So, to all the street photographers out there who confidently walk the streets capturing life as it unfolds, I am genuinely in awe of you.
Michi x
Peace N' Love
On the High Street Project:
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