Street photography is all about storytelling—capturing fleeting moments, raw emotions, and the beauty of everyday life. In Capture The Little Things, Steve Sweatpants, a renowned NYC street photographer, delivers an insightful and accessible introduction to the art of street photography.
About Steve Sweatpants (Steven John Irby)
Steven John Irby, widely known as Steve Sweatpants, is a renowned street photographer based in New York City. Co-founder of Street Dreams Magazine, Steve has built a reputation for his raw and authentic storytelling, capturing the rhythm and energy of city life through his lens. His work blends strong composition with deep emotional resonance, often highlighting overlooked moments and everyday people in powerful ways. With a keen eye for detail and a deep respect for his subjects, Steve’s photography goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about connection, culture, and the beauty of fleeting moments. His work has been featured in major publications, and he continues to inspire photographers worldwide through his workshops, mentorships, and community-driven projects.
A Brief Overview
This short but impactful course consists of six lessons, covering everything from gear selection to the importance of patience and empathy when shooting in urban environments. The lessons are concise, making it easy to digest the material, yet packed with useful takeaways for both beginners and experienced photographers looking for a fresh perspective.
What You’ll Learn
Steve walks you through key aspects of street photography, including:
✔ Gear & Setup – Understanding the best equipment for capturing candid moments.
✔ Framing & Composition – Learning how to be intentional with framing, even when shooting on the go.
✔ The Power of Small Moments – Recognizing the beauty in everyday details that often go unnoticed.
✔ Patience & Persistence – Developing the mindset needed to anticipate and capture the right shot.
✔ Respect & Empathy – Understanding the importance of respecting your subjects while documenting their stories.
What Stands Out
One of the highlights of the course is Steve’s focus on subliminal but intentional framing, where he explains how to compose dynamic images without disrupting the natural flow of the street. His emphasis on patience and observation is a valuable reminder that great street photography isn’t just about quick reflexes—it’s about truly seeing and understanding your environment.
The lesson on empathy also adds depth to the course, reinforcing the idea that street photography isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about connecting with people and their stories.
Who Is This For?
If you’re new to street photography or struggle with confidence when photographing in public, this course is a great starting point. Even if you have experience, Steve’s insights on composition, storytelling, and patience can help refine your approach.
Final Thoughts
Capture The Little Things is a solid, well-structured course that balances technical advice with the artistic and emotional aspects of street photography. While it doesn’t dive too deeply into post-processing or advanced techniques, it provides a strong foundation and the motivation needed to get out and shoot.
Overall, if you’re looking for a course that inspires you to see differently and embrace the spontaneity of street photography that is not very long, this one is worth checking out.
I likes it so much i am away to do his other two courses and of course will let you know how they go.
Check him out at the following pleaces:-
Course – https://www.creativelive.com/instructor/steve-sweatpants
Steven John Irby/Steve Sweatpants Website – https://stevesweatpants.com/
Steven John Irby/Steve Sweatpants X – https://x.com/stevesweatpants
Steven John Irby/Steve Sweatpants Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stevesweatpants