I’ve just spent three days in Sitges, which is a small town just outside the city of Barcelona. I loved Sitges so much; the place was beautiful and quiet.
I wanted to spend time relaxing by the sea, which I did, and of course I wanted to do some street photography. When I arrived in Spain, I headed straight into Barcelona. Upon arriving in Barcelona, I envisioned a dynamic six-hour exploration filled with lively street photography opportunities. Sadly, what greeted me instead was a sense of disappointment. After only two hours, I felt overwhelmed by the crowds and the rushed pace of city life. Everywhere I looked, people were darting from one shop to another, their indifference draining the vibrancy that street photography thrives on. It felt oddly reminiscent of London or Manchester—sure, with better weather, but devoid of the spark I sought.
I decided to abandon my plans and take the train to Sitges. Yet, fate had a surprise in store. Onboard, I encountered a couple who transformed my day: the gentleman strumming a guitar while his partner danced. Here was the spontaneity I craved! I quickly turned my camera towards them, capturing the joy in a rare moment of authenticity amidst the otherwise chaotic backdrop of the city.
I really enjoyed the rest of my day walking around Sitges, the pace of the town is slow which I love, nobody is in a rush. I took a few photos before finding a nice quiet restaurant by the seafront. I took a few more photos as I walked back to my hotel thinking about the start of the day in the city and I thought I’ll have a good night’s sleep and try again.
The next morning, I returned to Barcelona, determined to experience it from a different perspective. This time, I ventured into the enchanting narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, where sunlight filtered through the historic architecture. Despite the picturesque settings, I once again faced the challenge of feeling uncomfortable while trying to do street photography. I struggled to find subjects that radiated life and energy—everything felt flat and uninviting. Realising that I was losing my passion, I made the decision to return to Sitges after only three hours, grateful for its inviting atmosphere.
Well, that was last week. Tomorrow (seven days later), I’m heading back to Sitges for another three days. Only this time, it’s going to be different. I’m meeting up with my friend James, who flew into Barcelona this morning. I’ve been messaging James today, and to my shock, he is also struggling with street photography in the city. He, like me, just doesn’t feel comfortable. So our hope is that when I arrive tomorrow, things will change.
We have to remember that street photography is not merely about capturing images; it’s about connection, emotion, and the stories behind each moment. As I embark on this adventure, I am reminded that sometimes, the best photographs arise when you least expect them.
Here’s to finding beauty in the unexpected and discovering what Barcelona truly has to offer!
The following photos are the only ones I took in Barcelona
