Street photography is a captivating genre that demands a unique set of skills to capture candid moments of everyday life. Unlike staged or posed photography, it involves seizing the raw emotions and actions of people in their natural state. If you’re considering trying a new photography style or interested in improving your street photography, a few things to consider are how your photos can provoke an emotional response, make an impact, and leave a lasting impression. By mastering the techniques of street photography, you can enhance your images, evoke emotions, and create an unforgettable visual story that resonates with your audience.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at street photography, here are some tips and techniques to help you get started!
1. Keep Your Camera Ready
One of the keys to successful street photography is to always be ready with your camera. You never know when an interesting moment will present itself, so it’s important to have your camera settings dialed in and your finger on the shutter button. Of course, you can’t forget to use the smartphone in your pocket as well for any photography opportunities that come up! If you want to know how you can incorporate using your phone into your street photography, check out this guide. Keep your phone on hand, or your camera in a small bag or hanging around your neck so that it’s easily accessible.
2. Look for Interesting Scenes
To capture compelling street photos, you need to be observant and constantly on the lookout for interesting scenes. Pay attention to the people around you and the environment they’re in. Look for unique characters, interactions, and moments that tell a story. If you’re interested in learning how best to capture an interesting and candid scene without interrupting the moment, you should check out this guide that provides 11 tips on mastering candid photography. It’s a useful skill in strengthening your street shots.
3. Use Natural Light
Street photography often relies on natural light to create mood and atmosphere. Pay attention to the direction and quality of light and use it to your advantage. Position your subject so that the light falls on their face or creates interesting shadows. Be mindful of harsh midday sunlight, which can create unflattering shadows. To get more tips on lighting and also other technical things to keep in mind, read this.
4. Be Respectful
When photographing people on the street, it’s important to be respectful of their privacy and personal space. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, and be prepared to accept a “no” as an answer. If someone doesn’t want their photo taken, respect their wishes and move on.
5. Practice Patience!
Good street photography requires patience and perseverance. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t capture the perfect shot right away. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you find a style that works for you. There are many different street photographers out there, and you can learn a lot from their work and advice to inform your own. We found this interview pretty interesting here!
We hope these tips instill you with some inspiration and motivation to get out and start photographing on the street! By keeping your camera ready, looking for interesting moments, using natural light, being respectful, and practicing patience, you can create compelling street photos that tell a story and capture the essence of everyday life.
Further Resources
To get more out of your street photography, or get started in street photography, check out this Street Photography Guided Resource Kit from our friends at Photzy! This Kit contains 17 pieces of content on street photography, including a guided video walkthrough, and 3 hands-on exercises and assignments for you to try! Get it here.
