Pure Street Photography is a platform where dialogue between photographer and audience can flourish and where passion, persistence, and purity of vision are celebrated. We highlight its award-winning street photos that capture candid moments worldwide.
In the dynamic world of street photography, few figures have created such a distinctive mark as Dimpy Bhalotia. Known for her poetic monochrome compositions and instinctive timing, the London and Mumbai-based photographer has become a powerful advocate for unfiltered, observational photography. In 2020, Bhalotia launched Pure Street Photography (later joined by creative partner Kamal Kumaar Rao), a community-driven platform that celebrates what she calls ‘authentic street moments.’
Founded during the global COVID-19 lockdowns, PSP began as a response to what Bhalotia saw as a void in support for emerging photographers. ‘During lockdown, I was thinking – there were so many photographers all complaining, “where do we go, there’s no income”. People have this perspective that you can’t make money out of photography. I had that perspective when I started,’ she says. ‘It was because of my experiences that I figured out that’s not true… So I thought, let me start with my own account.’
Ray of light
What began as a grassroots Instagram initiative has since evolved into a global community, with curated features, mentorship, and resources for street photographers at all levels. ‘Pure Street Photography is like a ray of light,’ Bhalotia says. ‘It’s about giving that spotlight to those photographers who otherwise get lost in that big pool because they don’t get seen, or they don’t get featured.’
Key to growth has been the PSP Awards and Grant, launched to provide both recognition and tangible support to photographers committed to capturing life as it unfolds.
With an emphasis on candid, unposed imagery, the awards have quickly built a reputation for spotlighting raw talent. They are judged by industry icon David Campany, an influential curator and Creative Director at the International Center of Photography, New York. The grand prize winner receives $500 – winners and finalists were exhibited in Mumbai in January 2026. Winners and finalists of the most recent PSP Grant – a rare source of funding for pure street photography projects – were exhibited in Rome last year.
The exhibitions offer members the opportunity to showcase their work to international audiences and further elevate the visibility of street photography on a global scale. It’s another step in PSP’s evolution – one that reinforces its mission to not just feature street photographer but to champion them in full view.
Collaboration
In collaboration with Sakshat Foundation NGO, PSP runs photography camps for underprivileged children in India. These camps introduce children to the art of visual storytelling, giving them a creative voice and equipping them with skills for self-expression in the hope it will open doors to future opportunities. They receive a nutritious, high-protein meal, ensuring they have the energy to learn, create, and grow without hunger as a barrier.
There are also plans for street photography expeditions to Nepal in addition to the ones through India. ‘I’m not saying this because I’m Indian but I’m genuinely saying India is like paradise for street photography. So much to photograph here. It’s insane. You have to experience India at
least once in your lifetime. India is a celebration every day,’ enthuses Bhalotia.
Freedom
The ethos of PSP reflects Bhalotia’s own artistic values. ‘There are so many people photographing without knowing what they’re gonna come across on the street, but still going out every single day for years. I find that so pure,’ she says. She’s also keen to challenge the perception that only well known photographers are worth learning from: ‘We are so used to knowing the stories of only the famous photographers, but sometimes it’s the ordinary people who have such valuable stories. It’s so inspiring. Pure Street Photography is full of freedom – everybody’s welcome, no matter what stage you are in your photography journey.’
PSP now has more than 218k Instagram followers and over 100 official paid-up members who benefit from curated exposure, portfolio reviews, and a supportive network. ‘I realised that it’s not just about getting featured once,’ Bhalotia explains. ‘That’s how I came up with this membership – for people who were really serious about it. There’s so much conversation.’
The PSP Awards 2026 is now open! Entry deadline is 28th February 2026. To enter, to find out more, and for information on membership, expeditions and more, visit www.purestreetphotography.com
Related reading:
- 10 amazing street photos we loved this month
- Analogue street photography tips
- Complete guide to street photography
