There’s a moment in Rome—just outside the Pantheon—where time seems to fold in on itself. Tourists and locals gather in the light.

You stand there, camera in hand, not as a tourist, but as a quiet observer.

You don’t know them, and they don’t notice you. That’s the beauty of it. You’re not intruding—you’re witnessing. The scene is ordinary, yet full of life. And that’s what street photography is all about.

I always observe first, but have my camera setting ready for shooting. I don’t raise the camera right away. First, I watch. Feeling the rhythm of the space—the way people move, pause, and interact. I notice how the light spills across the columns, how the shadows stretch and soften. I wait, not for perfection, but for presence.

Then, with a subtle motion, I lift my camera. Panning gently, following the flow of the group as they shift positions. I don’t need to be close.I don’t need to be seen. I just need to be ready.

Rome. Leica M9, Summilux 50mm f1.4

This is how I approach most situations, and what I teach when we gather for a photo workshop, in Rome, Copenhagen, Stockholm or any of the cities I plan for workshops. I don’t pretend to put something into the story. I let it unfold as you as an viewer will see it. We all see things differently and the same picture may tell different stories to whoever watches them.

The right gear make a better picture

No. This isn’t about having the “right” gear. It’s not about owning a Leica or any other brand. It’s about being present, being patient, and knowing when to press the shutter. Whether you’re using a Ricoh, a Nikon, or your phone, the principle is the same: see first, shoot second.

And when you do, you capture something more than a photo. You capture a feeling—a fleeting, unrepeatable moment of life, framed forever.

The camera quality is about the tool we use. What feels good when working with it. Of course quality pays of regarding equipment that last, lenses that create good sharp but smooth looking pictures. But what folds out in front of you, and how you manage to capture it is more about the right mindset and training than the camera. My Leica makes me feel comfortable. The menu is easy to use. The camera is small and very good handcrafted design. The lenses are small. But if you feel good with a Fuji, or a Ricoh with a fixed lens that’s great.

The camera should feel as good as wearing a good comfortable jacket.

So next time you’re out, slow down. Watch. Wait. Let the street speak—and when it does, be ready to listen with your lens.

📷 Want to take your street photography further? Join me in Copenhagen for a hands-on workshop in June or one of the other places where we’ll explore these techniques together:
🔗  Photo Workshop 2025-26 Calendar https://www.mortenalbek.com/photography-workshops/

Morten Albek on the workshop in Rome. Photo: Stefan Lalkovski.