Dallas street photography captures the people and character of downtown as the day comes to end and everyone makes their way home.
The weather was perfect today to head downtown to shoot some Dallas street photography. Also, it was Friday evening right as the Memorial Day weekend was starting. My brother and I went just before rush hour. We did that so we could capture people walking around the city as they end their workweek. Downtown Dallas is normally pretty dead in the evening and weekend. I really like having people in my street photos. In order to have a lot of opportunities for great photos the best time to shoot is just before rush hour. Either in the morning or the evening.
Once downtown, we walked as much as we could without any specific plan or route. We ended up walking over 4 miles zigzagging all through downtown. Dallas street photography is not like in New York or Chicago. There isn’t activity on every block and there aren’t interesting stores and shops all over the place. You have to be patient and look for unique moments and scenes. I’ll often walk for several blocks without taking a single photo. Then I’ll have a moment when I will suddenly see something interesting to shoot.
Though Dallas street photography is challenging, I enjoy it. I get to document a city that not many people take the time to document. I get to go out and enjoy the weather and hustle and bustle of downtown. When I’m doing street photography, it makes me feel connected to the city and people. What it feels like for me is a hard feeling to fully explain. I do notice that whether I interact with a person or not, I am present with them at the moment I take my photo. I think that’s what I like most about street photography, it requires me to be present, attentive, and active.
