So. I tried Street Photography. Non-Pro Tips To Get Your Feet Wet
Oh, street photography. It’s just a walk in the park with a camera, right? Wrong! It can be a thrilling, yet utterly intimidating experience for beginners. But fear not, dear reader, as we embark on this journey through the world of street photography, we’ll unravel the mysteries, conquer the fears, and help you dip your toes into this fascinating realm.
Key Takeaways
Street Photography is intimidating, but don’t let the purists deter you!
Push past your fears and practice - it’s like trying to catch a butterfly with a net.
Have fun exploring different styles, projects & themes while being mindful of legal/ethical considerations.
Why is it intimidating?
So, you’ve decided to give street photography a shot. Good for you! But why does it feel like you’re about to walk into a lion’s den, camera in hand? It’s simple, really: close proximity to subjects, the need to capture candid moments, and pressure to adhere to certain rules and expectations within the genre.
And, of course, picking the appropriate camera for street photography is equally important, especially when considering the best street photography cameras available!
Street Photography Purists
Ah, the purists. Those street photographers who cling to strict rules like a life raft in the ocean of creativity. They insist on using wide lenses, getting close to subjects, and shooting full frame. It’s as if they’ve built a fortress of regulations around the sacred art of street photography.
What’s the deal with wide lenses? Well, wide lenses offer a large variety of compositions, capture bigger scenes, and get up close and personal with subjects. And the best focal length for street photography? Photography enthusiasts find somewhere around the 28mm focal length particularly favorable. It is the preferred choice of many photographers. Renowned cameras for street photography include the Fuji X100 series, the RICOH GR III, and mirrorless or micro 4/3rds cameras, all offering various focal lengths to suit individual preferences.
A More Relaxed Take
However, if you're not keen on abiding by the rigid rules set by the purists, there's no need to fret! There exists a more laid-back approach to street photography that includes capturing your shots from a safe distance. This method can significantly help in building your confidence and reducing the intimidation factor often associated with street photography. The choice of camera for street photography can also significantly influence your overall experience.
To make the process less daunting, here are some strategies you can employ:
Start by shooting from a distance: This can help you gradually ease into the process and get comfortable with your camera and surroundings before you move closer to your subjects.
Use a longer lens: A longer lens can allow you to capture intimate moments from afar, allowing you to remain unnoticed by your subjects.
Practice in familiar areas: Start practicing in areas that you are familiar with. This will help you feel less intimidated and more comfortable.
Shoot in quieter areas: Quieter areas with less crowd can make the process less overwhelming and give you more time to focus on your composition and technique.
Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear
Now that we’ve recognized the intimidating aspects of street photography, how do we conquer them? Easy! Here are some steps to follow:
Push yourself past the fear you feel.
Improve your hand-eye coordination and get the technical and practical tips down.
Learn how to present yourself well.
Practice is essential.
Having a reliable street camera can make a difference in your street photography journey.
And where to practice, you ask? Parking lots, sidewalks in town, and quiet streets are just the best places to practice street photography. Expose yourself to different scenarios on the street to become a better street photographer. Oh, and don’t forget the amazing technique of hyperfocal distance shooting used by many street photographers.
Shooting in a variety of locations can also help make your photographs more intimate and familiar. As common knowledge goes, spontaneity is the essence of capturing those transient moments in street shooting.
What Made My First Attempt Easier
Allow me to regale you with the tale of my first attempt at capturing street photos. Imagine a busy downtown area on a Saturday night, with people bustling about, hopping from one bar to another in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. What made this experience easier for me were two factors: low vehicle traffic and people being preoccupied with their enjoyable activities.
The advantages of shooting in a low vehicle traffic area and with people preoccupied with their activities are:
I could take my time to compose my shots without worrying about cars getting in the way
I could capture candid moments without drawing too much attention to myself
The result was a surprisingly successful first attempt with stunning shots and a sense of accomplishment.
Knowing what factors to consider when attempting street photography can make the experience much easier and more enjoyable. So, keep these factors in mind and get ready to capture the essence of the streets!
A couple of times, I actually had pedestrians come up to me and ask me to take their photo with their friends! Everyone was in a good mood down there, so it was easy and fun.
Techniques for Capturing Candid Moments
Capturing candid moments in street photography is like trying to catch a butterfly with a net: it requires skill, patience, and a bit of luck. Which techniques can assist you in this endeavor? Consider zone focusing, maintaining a casual demeanor, and keenly observing your surroundings.
Setting your camera to manual focus is known as zone focusing. This technique can be used to determine the right focusing distance for each shot. The advantage of zone focusing is that it allows for quick and spontaneous shooting without spending time locking in the focus. The ideal lens for zone focusing is a wide-angle lens, preferably 35mm, and the ideal aperture is between F8 to F16. Prime lenses, especially those with a wide-angle, can be a great choice for this technique.
Acting nonchalant is all about:
looking calm and natural
holding your ground
avoiding eye contact
being prepared to react in awkward situations
Observing your surroundings can help you anticipate and react to interesting scenes or interactions, ultimately capturing those spontaneous and authentic moments that make street photography so compelling.
The Art of Composition in Street Photography
Ah, composition. The secret sauce that can transform an ordinary street photograph into a masterpiece. Leading people’s eyes around an image and using everyday elements to create a balanced and visually appealing photograph is the key.
So, what are some effective composition techniques in street photography? Here are some techniques to consider:
Utilizing the Rule of Thirds
Including Negative Space
Using Shallow or Deep Depth of Field
Zone Focusing for Faster Shots
Taking Advantage of Lines
Creating Layers
Incorporating Symmetry
Paying attention to the Background
Identifying the Main Subject
Creating Visual Interest through Juxtaposition
Seems overwhelming, doesn’t it? However, with practice, these techniques can significantly enhance your street photographs.
Don’t forget to consider the light sources when composing your shots. Pay attention to the direction of the photograph, the type of light, and how it affects the subject and background. Experiment with different lenses, such as telephoto lenses, which can create unique compositions and capture unobtrusive moments and expressions.
Developing Your Street Photography Style
So you’ve dipped your toes into the world of street photography and mastered some techniques. Now what? It’s time to develop your unique style by experimenting with different techniques, equipment, and approaches.
There are different street photography styles, such as Unobtrusive or Standard, Intrusive or Gutsy, Raw, Fine Art, Geometric, Smart or Intelligent, and Portraiture. Try each style and see which one resonates with you. Challenge yourself further by planning street photo trips abroad and documenting foreign places and cultures, or learn more about the art of curating and designing beautiful photobooks.
And of course, having the right equipment can make all the difference. A compact camera with a fixed lens, like the Fujifilm X100V, or a 35mm lens for a DSLR can be the perfect companions for your street photography adventures. Just remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards, because you never know when inspiration will strike! Compact cameras, in general, are a great choice for street photography due to their portability and ease of use. In fact, street photography cameras like these compact cameras allow you to capture candid moments effortlessly.
Street Photography Projects and Themes
Feeling uninspired? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Street photography projects and themes can help you stay focused, motivated, and inspired in your work. Here are some street photography project ideas to consider:
Architectural details
Storefronts
Signs or graffiti
Animals
Colors
Portraits
Movement
Light and shadow
Everyday commute
Cafe culture
Some of these may not appeal to you for your project, but many will prove interesting!
Once you have a clear understanding of your street photography project and its intended presentation, aim to create 10-20 final images. You could also print your work in various formats, such as a zine, photobook, postcards or a box of fine art prints. Bear in mind, without a system to categorize and finalize your street photography work, even the most productive photographer could end up with thousands of unused files on their computer.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-fun part: legal and ethical considerations. In the USA, street photography is legal. In public spaces, individuals have no right to privacy, so photographers can take pictures of street scenes without permission. However, in Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires photographers to obtain consent from individuals before taking their picture.
In major cities like New York, Paris, and Tokyo, street photography is legal as long as the photographer is not breaking any other laws, such as trespassing or invading someone’s privacy. It’s important to differentiate voyeurism from street photography in a legal context, as voyeurism involves capturing images of others without their consent for sexual gratification, while street photography focuses on capturing moments and scenes in public spaces without the intention of sexual gratification.
In terms of legality, photographing minors in public spaces is generally allowed, given that these spaces are where individuals have limited expectation of privacy. However, the laws can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, and it is always advisable to familiarize yourself with the local laws. Ethically, the matter becomes more complex. While it might be legally permissible, it doesn't necessarily make it ethically right. Minors are vulnerable, and their privacy should be respected. Photographing them without consent can be seen as an invasion of their privacy. From a common-sense and respect standpoint, it is generally best to ask for consent from a parent or guardian before photographing a minor, even in a public setting. This not only ensures you are respecting the rights and privacy of the child but also helps to maintain a sense of trust and safety within the community.
My best practices in my street photography have fared well: I don't make children the focus of my street photos without permission, but I do not avoid taking a shot just because a child will be in frame.
Summary
In conclusion, street photography can be an intimidating yet rewarding adventure. By understanding the different approaches, mastering various techniques, developing your unique style, and being mindful of legal and ethical considerations, you can conquer your fears and capture the essence of the streets. So, go ahead and take that first step into the world of street photography – you won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 3 major rules in street photography?
Be respectful, be invisible, and remember to have fun; those are the essential rules of street photography.
What is considered street photography?
Street photography is a genre of photography that captures everyday life and candid situations in public places. It features unmediated chance encounters and random incidents framed and timed to capture decisive moments, often without the knowledge of the subjects.
How do street photographers make money?
Make no mistake, street photographers are savvy business people, capitalising on the power of e-commerce and online exposure to market their books, prints and workshops – and making sure they're in galleries!
How do you take street pictures?
Take street pictures by getting the right equipment, knowing your camera, picking the right shoot mode, using the right lenses, keeping your eyes open, shooting from the hip, taking shots at different times, and being personable. Above all else, don't forget to get close to people!
What type of camera is best for street photography?
For street photography, a mirrorless camera with manual focus and the Olympus 17mm f/1.8 lens is the perfect combo for achieving great results. With no AF or BS, just point and shoot!