Cinematic, electrifying, and deeply evocative - David Silva’s street photography exemplifies exceptional visual storytelling.
Discover his artistic vision in this exclusive interview with Pure Street Photography.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
13/02/2025
(c) David Silva
(c) David Silva
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
Hi, I'm David, originally from Lisbon, Portugal. My interest in photography goes way back to my childhood, though I'll admit I didn't have a clue what I was doing back then! I remember my mum giving me a basic camera, and I promptly used up the whole roll taking pictures of cars passing by our window. Let's just say she wasn't best pleased when we got the photos back! Another memorable "photographic" moment was with my dad in Madeira for New Year's Eve. He gave me the camera during the fireworks, and, well, those were the only photos we ended up with from that holiday! Those were all basic cameras, though. I didn't get my hands on a DSLR until much later, when my best friend's dad let me have a go with his. I remember it vividly – my first time with a DSLR. I was at the beach watching some people skimboarding, and I was hooked. I took over 3,000 photos that afternoon! I wasn't entirely sure what I was capturing, but I was having a brilliant time.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
To be honest, my journey to street photography started almost by accident. Getting my first DSLR, a Nikon D3200, only happened after I moved to London. Initially, I wasn't sure what I wanted to photograph; I was just trying to get to grips with the basics – aperture, shutter speed, ISO – and the only way to do that was through reading and lots of practice. Working full-time meant I could mostly only practice after work, which, as I later realised, meant I'd inadvertently chosen two of the trickiest genres for a beginner: street photography and night photography. I took loads of bad photos, but that never deterred me. I'd come home after a cold night out with thousands of shots to review. Going through them all, reliving the moments, and thinking about what I was trying to achieve helped things slowly click into place. I started to understand how to correct my mistakes. Living in London definitely played a part too; it's such a vibrant city at night, and that's what really captivated me and spurred me on to improve.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
I'm still finding my feet in terms of style, and I'd be the first to admit my work isn't particularly consistent at the moment. I'm very much led by my curiosity, and my approach is quite spontaneous – I rarely plan my shots in advance. A lot of it depends on how much free time I have and how much energy I've got left after work
(c) David Silva
(c) David Silva
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
My photography routine is anything but routine! Some periods I can get out every night and take hundreds of photos, though I often come home empty-handed in terms of keepers. But I find those are the nights I learn the most; they just make me want to go back and try again. At the moment, things are a bit different. Work and family commitments have meant I haven't been able to get out as much.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
I've recently acquired a Nikon Z6II with a NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S lens, which is my main camera these days. I also use an iPhone 14 Pro Max, though I rarely use it for night photography. I'm currently shooting exclusively digital, but I'm definitely open to trying film photography sometime in the future.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
The biggest challenge I face is balancing the desire to capture the city's essence with respecting the people who live in it. Even though I'm not doing anything illegal, I'm very aware that I'm photographing people, and I often choose not to take a picture if I think it might cause upset. I'm trying to document London as it is now, a very different place from the city I encountered 10 years ago. People, streets, businesses – they've all changed, and some have vanished completely. I want to capture the nostalgia I feel walking these streets, and that's a delicate balance to strike. It's definitely my biggest concern when I'm out taking photos.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
I often do wonder about the people I photograph. I particularly think about those I've had a positive interaction with. For example, I was in Chinatown recently when two girls walked past, then immediately turned around and came back to smile for the camera. We didn't say a word to each other, but it was a lovely moment. That same day, another lady posed for me with a big smile. I have quite a few memories like that, and they always make me smile and appreciate those fleeting connections.
(c) David Silva
(c) David Silva
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
In my opinion, the biggest misconception people have about street photography is probably that it's all about randomly snapping photos of people without their consent. It's often seen as intrusive or even aggressive. In reality, good street photography is much more than that. It's about capturing a moment, a story, a feeling, the essence of a place and time. While people are often part of that story, it's not necessarily about them specifically. Many street photographers are very conscious of ethical considerations and try to be respectful of their subjects. It's more about observing and documenting the world around us than it is about exploiting or invading anyone's privacy. There's a real art to it, requiring skill, timing, and a good eye, and that often gets overlooked because of this misunderstanding.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
That's a great question. I'm still discovering what resonates most with me in street photography, and I think that's reflected in the range of elements I try to capture. Some days I'm captivated by the interplay of light and shadow, other days it's human interaction that draws me in, and sometimes it's just a quirky or unexpected moment that catches my eye. I try to stay open to all the possibilities and let the scene itself guide my focus.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
Social media has become a powerful force in street photography, offering both incredible opportunities and potential pitfalls. On the one hand, it's a fantastic platform for sharing work, connecting with a global community, discovering new talent, and finding inspiration. However, it's also important to be aware of the potential downsides. The pressure to conform to trends can sometimes stifle creativity, and the focus on likes and followers can distract from the artistic process. I try not to get too caught up in that. I have to accept that certain styles I love are sometimes beyond my current skill level, or even far from the direction I want to take my photography. It's too easy to start thinking that everyone else is doing so much better, but what really matters is that I'm becoming a better version of myself as a photographer.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
Unfortunately, I don't currently offer prints for sale. However, I'm excited to share that I recently published my first book, "London After Hours," through Blurb! The digital version is available now at https://www.blurb.co.uk/books/12283448-london-after-hours. I'm also working on making a physical copy available through Amazon, but the approval process is taking a little longer than anticipated. I'll be sure to announce when it's available!
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
My first piece of advice would be to have fun, be curious, and don't feel you have anything to prove to anyone. You're in control of your own journey. I embraced the learning process, taking my time to get familiar with the basics and the new concepts. I quickly discovered there's no substitute for practice and repetition. Make mistakes, analyse them, and then get back out there.
When you get frustrated, take a break. Accept that some days you won't get the shot you want – that's perfectly okay. It's all part of the learning process; you're planting a seed in your brain, and it just needs time to grow. It's also important to understand yourself. Some of us are more patient than others, so knowing who you are and what works for you will help you do your best work.
A huge thank you to David Silva for sharing his incredible journey.
(c) David Silva
(c) David Silva
In Frame : David Silva