Street Photography at Sunset
After nearly 30 years as an art director, you’d think I’d be immune to creative burnout. After all, I spend every day working on fun projects for interesting clients, bringing ideas to life, and solving visual puzzles. But even the most enjoyable work can start to feel like, well, work. The mental strain of constant deadlines, client demands, and the need to stay innovative can leave me feeling creatively exhausted.
That’s where street photography comes in. For me, it’s the perfect way to recharge my creative batteries. Unlike the structured environment of an art studio or the precise demands of a client brief, street photography offers a form of artistic expression that’s free-flowing, spontaneous, and deeply personal. It allows me to reconnect with the raw, unfiltered beauty of the world around me and reminds me why I fell in love with visual art in the first place.
Recently, I had the chance to take my camera to the streets of Cleveland, Ohio. It was a late summer evening, just as the sun was beginning to set. The skies were a canvas of vibrant colors, blending soft pastels with rich, warm tones. A mix of clear skies and dynamic clouds created a dramatic backdrop that begged to be captured.
As I walked around downtown Cleveland, I felt a sense of freedom that’s hard to find in my day-to-day work. There was no pressure, no client expectations—just me, my camera, and the city unfolding before my eyes. The buildings, the people, the play of light and shadow—they all offered endless possibilities for creative exploration.
I spent hours wandering through the streets, from the bustling public squares to the quieter alleys. Each corner I turned revealed something new, something that sparked a fresh wave of inspiration. The way the light hit the side of a building, the reflections in the windows, the contrast between the old and the new architecture—it all felt like a visual playground.
I captured some incredible moments that evening, and I’m excited to share them with you. These photos represent not just a cityscape, but a renewal of my creative spirit. They remind me that even after three decades in the business, there’s always something new to discover, and that sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery and a fresh perspective.
Street photography has become my way of stepping back from the demands of art direction and reconnecting with the pure joy of creating. It’s a reminder that while work can sometimes be exhausting, there’s always a way to find inspiration and renew your passion.
Here are a few of my favorite shots from that evening in Cleveland. I hope they inspire you as much as they did me.