The 11 Best Street Photographers in Washington, D.C.

8. Kirth Bobb

Kirth Bobb spends a good amount of photography time devoted to performing more traditional photo services (weddings, portraits, event coverage, etc.). Maybe his “work” photography skills seep into his more personal efforts, but something will indeed strike you as you scroll through his street images: they’re all so incredibly well-composed. Even the fast-moving, spur-of-the-moment ones. That Bobb manages to give us both a realistic glimpse at D.C.’s street life and deliver them to us in seemingly planned, exquisite layouts, now that’s gold.

9. Tom Woodruff

With a Masters degree in photojournalism, it is unlikely that most other Washington, D.C., street photographers are as formally well prepared for the task at hand as Tom Woodruff. His goal with his street images is simple and straightforward: he wants to humanize D.C. To show that it’s alive and well and not just all politics. With his growing body of work that covers the city’s streets, tourist spots, nightlife, and more, we think Woodruff is doing just that, and splendidly!

10. Ja’Mon Jackson

A multidisciplinary artist who uses photography as his main medium, Ja’Mon Jackson shares that his cell phone got him started taking pictures. He found himself using it a lot trying to capture footage at concerts. He moved on to a borrowed camera, eventually getting his own heavier-duty equipment, and now it’s a solid part of his life and what he is, one of the Washington, D.C., street photographers to watch. His portfolio lets us take a look at D.C.’s Southeast predominantly African-American community, and more invaluably, a look through an insider’s point of view.

11. Dee Dwyer Jonts

With the members of her community anointing her “The Visual Voice for the People,” artist Dee Dwyer Jonts’s portfolio is understandably heavy with activist events. The tension is palpable. But mixed in with her excellent street-level event coverage are the occasional bright spots focused on community and family. It’s almost poetic, the juxtaposition of much of her portfolio’s anxious images contrasted with her notably positive street and community photos. All that, in effect, not only show us a seldom seen side of the city, but are vivid reminders of why there’s a need for all the activism in the first place.

Street-level reality check

As we can see, if there ever was a city in need of the real-life visual stories that street photography delivers, it’s Washington, D.C. Take the opportunity to see D.C. through these photographers’ eyes and experiences. That’s what it’s really all about.