How Street Photography Sharpens My Edge as a Corporate Photographer
As a corporate and commercial photographer in Belfast, my day-to-day work is defined by precision. Whether I am capturing executive portraits, large-scale events, or high-end product photography, I am usually working to a specific client brief. Over the years, I’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality, professional results that help businesses tell their stories.
However, I’ve always been drawn to a genre that is the polar opposite of the controlled corporate environment: Street Photography.
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone While corporate photography is about control and meticulous planning, street photography is about chaos and spontaneity. At first glance, it might seem odd for a professional photographer to spend their free time shooting strangers in public spaces, but the two disciplines are more connected than they appear.
Street photography allows me to step away from the brief and challenge myself both creatively and personally:
Creative Innovation: The fast-paced nature of the streets forces me to see light, shadow, and composition in a split second. This "visual reflex" has sparked fresh energy in my commercial work, allowing me to find unique angles and candid moments even in a rigid corporate setting.
Personal Growth: Street photography is inherently social and sometimes uncomfortable. It requires me to navigate public spaces and interact with people I don't know—situations I might normally shy away from. Mastering these interactions helps me better manage a busy room or a nervous subject during a corporate photoshoot.
Evolution Through Exploration By exploring new genres like urban street photography, I am constantly evolving as an artist. Pushing the boundaries of my craft ensures that I don't become stagnant. I bring that renewed perspective and adaptability back to every client commission, ensuring that my work remains as dynamic and engaging as the streets of Belfast themselves.
If you’d like to see my personal work, you can follow my street photography journey on Instagram
