The Business Start

How Street Photography Led Me to My First Client

Street photography is more than just capturing moments—it’s about connection, spontaneity, and the magic of the unexpected. My journey into this art form not only honed my skills but also brought me my very first client.

It was a crisp October day in 2019, and I was walking through Zurich with my camera. Back then, I had a simple goal: practice taking portraits of strangers. I’d approach people who caught my eye—those with a stylish hat, an intriguing expression, or even a cute dog—and politely ask if I could take their portrait.

At first, it felt daunting. Asking strangers to pose for a photo takes courage, especially when you’re not sure how they’ll react. But as the day went on, I got used to it. Each interaction became a tiny adventure, full of surprises and stories.

One person in particular stood out that day—a man with a strikingly charismatic presence. We talked for a while, and at the end of our conversation, he asked for my business card. I didn’t think much of it at the time; I was just happy to have had such an interesting exchange.

A few days later, I received an email from a director of a boutique hotel chain. She told me he had met someone who spoke highly of me and my work, and she wanted to discuss a project. To my amazement, that conversation led to my first professional photography gig! For a year until Covid hit, I captured images for the hotel’s social media, honing my craft and building my confidence as a photographer.

Looking back, it feels surreal that a single afternoon of street photography opened the door to such an incredible opportunity. It taught me a valuable lesson: creativity thrives when you put yourself out there, embrace challenges, and let the unexpected guide you.

To this day, I carry that memory with me—proof that even the smallest steps can lead to something extraordinary. And yes, street photography continues to be one of my greatest passions, not just for the images it creates but for the connections and stories it brings to life.

So if you’re hesitating to take your camera out and step into the unknown, remember this: every click of the shutter is a chance to create something meaningful—not just a photo, but a story worth telling.