Street photography in Malta

A few weeks ago, I spent a few days in Malta. Had a room in Sliema, used the ferry to go to Valletta, used buses to go to Mdina, Rabat, and Marsaxlokk. Although I wish I had much more time there, this short trip served me great lessons about photography.

The problem

I have a style, mostly the high-contrast light and shadow shots mixed with geometry. I love this. But lately I've found that if I don't stumble upon scenes like that, I don't even bother to shoot. And this is a huge problem. First, I lose many great opportunities during a trip; second, I limit myself unnecessarily and don't shoot candid scenes, which I've grown to like more and more; third, I box myself into a one-trick-pony photographer, which I would hate to do.

So, even before the trip, I decided to take another approach now, shoot what I like, doesn't matter if it is a keeper, or just a fun image, or indeed if it is just something beautiful, memorable. Whatever catches your eye.

Photograph everything

I was serious about it. Be it a funny moment, nice light, just a fleeting moment, or great architecture, a nice sunrise, or sitting alone watching the Mediterranean sea. Party I was successful. Old reflexes still work, so I know I missed many ordinary things I should've photographed, but generally, I shot so many ordinary things. And I enjoyed it. So much so that I started to post-process almost all the shots. However, I needed to remind myself daily not to forget to shoot everything. So I need more practice to get used to this mindset.

Sliema, Valletta, Mdina, Marsaxlokk

I'd been there only for a few days, so I didn't have time to spend more days in one place. From what I've seen, Malta needs a slow approach; the light changes so beautifully that I already have multiple places in each place that I would like to revisit multiple times. So this journey was rather a what I would like to see more of. Not a photography trip per se. What is really great is that Malta is a small place compared to other countries. Meaning, for example, that you can find extremely touristy places and calm, quiet parts in the same small city. And these two different vibes are only a few streets away from each other.

Generally, everybody is very nice, being a tourist place, no one seemed to be bothered by any cameras. If there were any problems I encountered, it was that everyone apologised for walking into my shot. And obviously, that ruined the shot. But the texture of the walls and small gates, the quality of light, and the small alleys, just amazing.

Photograph what I love

Of course, I also took shots I love to shoot. This time, not as much as I usually do, but I just enjoyed it. Here's a small selection:

A lesson that must stay with me

The only thing that I should remember wherever I go, even if I just go out to shoot in Budapest, is to photograph everything. On one hand, it makes the whole process more enjoyable, on the other hand, I might get more shots I love.