After an incredible experience capturing the streets of Colombo, it was time to take my Leica Q3 on a new adventure. My next destination? Galle—a historic city on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, just a two-hour train ride away. With its colonial architecture, bustling streets, and rich history, Galle promised to be a street photographer’s dream.

Early Morning Hopes and Unexpected Subjects

I started my day before sunrise, hoping to capture local fishermen at work. But as fate would have it, I arrived too early, and the beach was eerily quiet. The lighting was less than ideal, and the action I had anticipated simply wasn’t there. Disappointed but determined, I turned my lens toward other subjects—like a man unloading chickens from crates. The sight was unsettling, as the birds were in terrible condition. It was a painful yet honest depiction of life’s raw realities.

The Grit and Energy of Galle’s Bus Station

Making my way back to the city center, the streets gradually came to life. The bus station, with its chaotic energy and gritty aesthetic, became my next photographic playground. The station’s vibrant atmosphere made for some compelling images, and I knew I’d return for more the next day.

A Familiar Scam and a Legendary Photographer’s Footsteps

On my way to explore more of Galle, a local man approached me with a tragic story about losing his family in the 2004 tsunami. He then tried to lure me to a market—an all-too-familiar scam. While the tsunami was a real tragedy, this exact story has been used on tourists for over two decades. It made me wonder—maybe it’s time for them to come up with a new narrative?

Speaking of stories, I made an exciting discovery. Back in 1995, renowned photographer Steve McCurry visited Galle and captured one of his most iconic images of local fishermen. I was thrilled to find a faded print of that very photo mounted on a column. Seeing it in person transported me back in time, making me wish I had a few rolls of Kodachrome to capture the fishermen myself.

Finally, The Fishermen Arrive

That afternoon, I took a tuk-tuk back to the beach, where I finally found the fishermen pulling in their nets. The process took nearly an hour and a half, drawing in a crowd of spectators eager to buy fresh fish. I documented their hard work, capturing portraits of the fishermen hauling in their boats. The next day, I returned with printed photos to give back—a small but meaningful gesture.

Exploring Galle Fort and Beyond

The following morning greeted me with sunshine. After a quick revisit to the bus station, I made my way to Galle Fort—the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1588 by the Portuguese, expanded by the Dutch in 1649, and later controlled by the British, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating blend of history and modern charm. Inside the fort, I found locals relaxing under umbrellas, enjoying cricket matches, and even spotted a rather unexpected guest—a kangaroo statue, likely a nod to Sri Lanka’s cricket rivalry with Australia.

I stumbled upon a school celebration where a marching band played for a crowd of locals. Unlike the more tourist-heavy parts of Galle, this was a genuine moment of community and culture. Though invited to stay and watch the performances, I continued my photographic journey, eager to capture more of the city’s essence.

Dramatic Sunsets and Street Photography Magic

As the day ended, I headed to the western walls of the fort, where locals and visitors gathered to watch the sunset. The sky rewarded us with a dramatic display, providing the perfect backdrop for my final shots. The silhouettes, the golden light, and the timeless feel of Galle made it a perfect conclusion to my time in the city.

Galle turned out to be more than just another destination—it was a place where history, culture, and raw everyday life merged into a visual feast. Whether chasing the legacy of Steve McCurry, dodging tourist scams, or capturing the grit and beauty of street life, this adventure was one for the books.

My Leica Q3 was the perfect camera for the job. Especially since I was using flash, it was very helpful that I didn’t need to worry about the flash sync speed, unlike cameras with a focal plane shutter. If you want to learn how to use flash in street photography, check out my video course, 'Ultimate Guide to Flash Street Photography.'

Next stop? Who knows. But the Leica Q3 and I are ready for whatever comes next.

Chasing Light and Stories: Street Photography in Galle, Sri Lanka