SUMMARY
Teo Crawford advocates for a single habit to enhance street and documentary photography: actively choosing to notice. He argues that the constant stimulation from smartphones distracts from the present moment, hindering the ability to anticipate and capture spontaneous scenes. By making it slightly harder to access his phone, such as keeping it in a bag, photographers can interrupt automatic habits and cultivate presence. This practice, he explains, aligns with the skills of renowned photographers who read scenes early and position themselves for unformed moments, ultimately transforming ordinary experiences into compelling shots.
TAKEAWAYS
Active attention is crucial for capturing strong documentary and street photographs.
Constant smartphone use diminishes presence and the ability to anticipate scenes.
Physically making the phone less accessible can interrupt automatic habits.
Cultivating presence is a trainable practice that enhances photographic opportunities.