The simplest definition of a good or great photo is one that the viewer simply cannot ignore. Whether it’s due to the subject matter, the message it conveys, its graphic elements, its palette of colors, or the reaction it elicits, a photo that captures attention is doing something right.

Street photography excels at this. It forces us to pause and observe the fleeting, chaotic moments of daily life. In today’s world, where we are bombarded with visuals every waking minute, a street photo that demands attention is a testament to the photographer’s ability to capture meaning in everyday chaos.

Simply put, create photos that compel people to stop and stare, and you’re onto something. Let’s take the photo below as an example. While I don’t think it’s a masterpiece in terms of composition, and the color palette is interesting but not extraordinary, this photo has certain attributes that make it stand out:

Relatability:
The discomfort of this elderly couple walking through Times Square, surrounded by an overload of information and quirky characters, is something many of us can empathize with. The chaos of being in an unfamiliar and overwhelming situation resonates deeply, making the photo relatable.

Words in the Frame:
Text within a photo always grabs attention because our subconscious—what I like to call our quantum mind—instinctively processes it.

• The large “Smile” sign in the upper-right quadrant suggests an action completely opposite to what the couple is doing, creating contrast.
• The “Octopus Energy” sign in the upper-left quadrant introduces curiosity. The word “octopus” evokes ideas of “many” or “multiples,” mirroring the sensory overload within the scene.
• A subtle “Times Square” sign and QR code in the lower-left quadrant anchor the context for those unfamiliar with the location.

Visual Contrast:
The pièce de résistance is the bold “I ❤️ NY” sign painted on the scantily clad woman’s exposed bottom cheeks. This striking detail pulls the viewer’s attention and ties the image to the energy and spirit of the iconic location.

This photo may not check every box of a traditionally “great” image—I know the composition could’ve been a bit cleaner—but it excels at capturing a decisive moment: their troubled faces. It creates relatability, places them within context, and highlights contrasting elements: the traditional and conservative vs. the modern and outrageous. All of these qualities demand the viewer’s attention and make it a winner.

And this is the true beauty of street photography. It forces you to slow down and analyze the myriad elements haphazardly moving in front of your lens. Street photography challenges you to find meaning in the chaos of daily life. Not every moment captured is beautiful—some, like this one, are arresting for the discomforting yet relatable feelings they elicit. It’s about holding up a mirror to humanity and inviting the viewer to connect, reflect, or even empathize.