City streets have their own rhythm—a melody composed of movement, texture, and fleeting stories. This image captures a serene, almost poetic moment of a man walking past a window on a quiet urban street. There’s something timeless in the way his figure is framed by the brick façade, the muted colors of the street, and the soft reflections in the glass. It’s a moment we often overlook in the rush of life, but through photography, it becomes an enduring narrative.
Capturing Stillness Amidst Motion
Street photography is about timing, but it’s also about storytelling. In this shot, the subject is mid-step, giving the composition a sense of motion within an otherwise tranquil scene. The soft, diffused light on the brick building adds warmth, while the reflective glass reveals hints of the city’s larger story—a car passing by, a traffic light glowing faintly in the distance.
For me, street photography is about balance. You’re not just capturing what you see but interpreting it through your lens. This image was taken on a day when the city felt calm, and that serenity is what I aimed to preserve.
Behind the Lens: Crafting the Scene
To create an image like this, technical precision is essential. While the artistry of framing and composition matters, understanding your camera settings allows you to fully control the outcome. For this particular shot, here’s what worked:
Aperture
Set at f/5.6, this provided enough depth of field to keep both the subject and the background in focus while allowing a slight softness in the far distance. It’s a balance that ensures the viewer’s attention stays on the man while appreciating the texture of the bricks and reflections in the glass.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed was set at 1/125 sec, fast enough to freeze the subject’s movement mid-stride without losing detail to motion blur. This setting helps preserve the sharpness of his silhouette.
ISO
To maintain image clarity without introducing noise, the ISO was kept low at 100. This choice ensured the natural lighting was captured cleanly, with every subtle hue intact.
Focal Length
Shot at 50mm, this lens choice provided a natural perspective, closely mimicking how the human eye views the world. The result? A composition that feels both intimate and expansive.
This combination of settings allowed the shot to retain its authenticity while emphasizing the story within the frame.
The Role of Equipment in Urban Storytelling
For this image, the trusty Sony A7 III paired with a Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 lens was my gear of choice. The A7 III is a mirrorless powerhouse that thrives in varied lighting conditions, and its dynamic range ensures no detail is lost in the shadows or highlights. The 50mm lens, often referred to as the “nifty fifty,” is perfect for street photography due to its sharpness and versatility. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, and its wide aperture capability ensures adaptability for different lighting scenarios.
The combination of these tools allowed me to capture the muted tones and the soft urban light with precision. Every detail, from the texture of the man’s coat to the reflections in the window, is rendered clearly, adding layers to the narrative.
Finding Stories in Everyday Moments
Photography is often romanticized as capturing grand, dramatic moments. But I’ve always believed in the beauty of the everyday. A man walking past a building might seem mundane, but it’s in these unguarded, honest moments that we find real stories. What’s he thinking about? Where’s he going? The scene invites the viewer to fill in the blanks, to create their own version of the story.
When shooting street photography, I always aim to make the ordinary feel extraordinary. It’s about patience—waiting for the right moment when light, subject, and background align perfectly. That patience paid off in this image, where every element works together to create a snapshot of urban life.
Turning Passion into a Profession
This image is just one of many moments I’ve captured in my journey as a photographer. Over the years, I’ve built a portfolio that showcases not just technical skill but a deep love for storytelling. If you’d like to see more of my work, you can explore my creative portfolio or my professional portfolio. Each photograph is a chapter in a larger story, capturing the essence of the world around us.
Beyond photography, I’ve also created merchandise inspired by my work. You can show your support and find something meaningful by checking out my store.
Join the Journey
If you’re as passionate about photography as I am or simply enjoy seeing the world through someone else’s lens, I’d love for you to join me online. Follow my adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
For collaborations, inquiries, or just to say hello, feel free to email me at ramontrotman@gmail.com.
Final Thoughts
Urban photography is more than just capturing buildings or people—it’s about weaving the two together to tell a story. This image, of a man walking in the city, reminds us to pause and appreciate the quieter moments in our bustling lives.
To me, every photograph is an invitation to see the world differently. What stories are waiting for you just outside your door?
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