Living with ADHD can be challenging, but it can also bring unique perspectives and talents. When it comes to photography, some people with ADHD may prefer one style over another. In this blog, I will explore the differences between landscape and street photography and why I personally prefer street photography, especially now that I understand my ADHD.
When I first began photography, I was drawn to landscapes and seascapes. Landscape photography involves capturing the natural beauty of the environment and often requires spending long hours hiking and waiting for the perfect lighting and conditions to get that perfect shot. This deliberate and slow process can be challenging for individuals with ADHD who struggle with patience and tend to get bored or distracted easily. While I occasionally still photograph landscapes, I tend to do so in the moment, when I happen to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes, I even incorporate them into my wedding or holiday shoots. I find sunsets to be uninteresting as they all tend to look the same. Instead, I like to look for interesting light sources, such as the light behind me or an object that can be positioned between myself and the sun.
Having recently discovered my ADHD, I now understand why street photography in a foreign land has become my passion. This type of photography is all about capturing candid moments of people in their everyday lives, requiring quick thinking and the ability to react quickly to a situation.
Street photography is a fast-paced and unpredictable style that provides a constant source of stimulation, making it a perfect match for my ADHD. I find great pleasure in the spontaneity and unpredictability of street photography, and the challenge of capturing a moment in a split second. The constant flow of people, movement, and energy keeps my mind engaged and focused.
Street photography allows me to connect with people in a unique way. As someone with ADHD, I often find it difficult to connect with others in a traditional sense, but through street photography, I can observe and capture moments that offer a glimpse into people’s lives and experiences.
As someone who has been diagnosed only recently with ADHD, I have come to realise that my brain works differently than others, which can often make it challenging to stay focused on a single task for an extended period.
When it comes to photography, I have always had a particular interest in street photography, which involves capturing candid shots of people and life in public places.
While I appreciate the beauty of landscapes and the opportunity to take in the serenity of nature, I have found that street photography provides me with the perfect mix of stimulation, challenge, and connection that suits my ADHD brain.
For one, street photography offers a high level of stimulation. There is always something happening on the streets, from people bustling about their daily lives to unexpected occurrences that can make for fascinating photo opportunities. This constant stimulation keeps my brain engaged and helps me stay focused on the task at hand.
Additionally, street photography provides a challenge that keeps me motivated. Capturing candid shots of people in public places can be a difficult task as it requires a great deal of patience and the ability to anticipate and react quickly to changes in the environment. This challenge keeps me on my toes, and I find that it helps me stay focused and engaged in the moment.
Finally, street photography also offers a level of social interaction that I find particularly appealing. As a photographer I hide behind my lens, I have to interact with people to capture their photos, and this social interaction can be both exciting and rewarding. This social interaction can also be a way to improve my social skills and to connect with people in a way that I might not be able to otherwise.
In conclusion, understanding my ADHD has helped me to recognise why street photography is my preferred style of photography. The mix of stimulation, challenge, and social interaction that street photography provides aligns well with my ADHD brain, allowing me to stay focused, motivated, and engaged while capturing compelling photos of the world around me.
By Glenn Alderson | All photos are on location in Varanasi, India
Glenn Alderson
Photographer | Adelaide, Australia
ADHD Street photography over landscape photography
Tweet