Real, Not Right

South Africa

Books can accelerate our growth in unexpected ways.

Recently, I finished The Analects by Confucius. His wisdom, shared centuries ago, struck me as surprisingly relevant — even to something as modern as street photography.

Confucius speaks of five key virtues that shape a humane person. I began to wonder: what if these same principles could guide how we photograph others? Here’s how I interpret them through the lens of my practice:

1. Be Respectful

The style of street photography I follow walks in the footsteps of Henri Cartier-Bresson and John Free — candid, unstaged, and deeply human.

At its core, this approach demands respect for the people I photograph. To approach them with reverence. To avoid making anyone feel small, ridiculed, or objectified.

Street photography isn’t about conquest — it’s about coexistence.

2. Be Large-Minded

To me, being large-minded means staying curious about the ordinary moments — and finding ways to tell someone’s story in the best possible light for them.

It also means resisting the easy shots. In my pursuit of mastery, I aim to take the photos that others avoid. I choose a 35mm lens because it requires me to be physically close to my subject — close enough to feel the moment, yet still invisible to it. And above all, I strive not to influence or interrupt. To capture life as it is — candid, imperfect, true.

3. Be Trustworthy

I want my photography to be honest — not just in content, but in intent. I don’t crop, add, or remove anything from my frame. I try to uphold a personal code of integrity, letting the truth breathe through the work. It’s not just about what I show, but how I show it.

4. Be Quick in Response

On the street, everything is fleeting. A glance, a gesture, a shadow — all gone in seconds.

To capture those moments, I must stay present — emotionally and visually tuned in. I need to know my camera inside and out. Every missed shot is on me, not the machine.

It’s in my hands and in my heart to sense the moment and release the shutter at just the right time.

5. Be Generous

Photography isn’t just about showing — it’s about offering.

I want to be generous in how I interpret and share my images. I want my photos to uplift. To invite reflection. To leave space for others to feel seen — maybe even to see themselves more clearly.

I want my work to be an offering, not a performance.

Note to self: you don’t need to change the world with every photo. You do own the world and yourself, and an honest approach. Photograph like you remember that the frame holds real people. Hold your integrity closer than your camera settings. Let your work be real, not perfect. Let it be art, not artifice.