Street Photography
Perhaps the most interesting and challenging type of photography is Street Photography. Many of us are uncomfortable taking photos of people on the street. It’s not difficult if you follow these hints.
Street photography is one of the most challenging but at the same time one of the most rewarding genres of photography. Documenting people in their everyday environment is not easy – it requires patience, hard work and sometimes even some bravery to be able to approach and photograph complete strangers. In this article, we will take a close look at what street photography is, how it differs from other genres of photography and provide some helpful tips to get you started.
Over my photographic journey, I have shot wildlife, travel, landscapes, and even some sports. However, for me, street photography is the most challenging and satisfying genre. Why? Because street photography requires patience, persistence, and luck, like in wildlife photography.
You need to have quick responses and react intuitively as you would shooting sports. Just like travel photography, you must master storytelling. And also, you must be able to thoughtfully and creatively compose a compelling shot that draws in your viewer, just like in landscape photography. If you think you might be interested in this type of photography, read on.
What Makes a Good Street Photograph?
Right now, social media is flooded with mediocre and subpar street photography. Just pointing your lens in the direction of a person on the street does not qualify as street photography. As in all photography, how you compose your image will make or break your photograph.
A good street photo needs a clearly defined subject. All the rules (and I use that word loosely) of composition, such as rule of thirds, leading lines, use of negative space, symmetry, frames, etc. still hold. Try and tell a story with your images. Create photographs where the viewer pauses and asks questions.
These are the signs of good street photography.
Is All Street Photography Candid?
Again, the sticklers out there will say “yes,” you must shoot street photography candidly. Still, I disagree. While some folks say that street portraits are another genre of photography, I lump them under the street photography umbrella.
A street portrait requires you to interact with your subject. Interacting with a stranger may strike fear into those just starting. However, I have met some fascinating people this way.
Another type of non-candid street photography occurs when you make eye contact with your subject. Purists will say that eye contact takes away from the spontaneity of the moment, and thus alters the scene. I make it a rule never to initiate eye contact by hovering over a subject.
However, if my subject notices me and looks up just as I snap the shutter, I don’t disregard the shot. These chance encounters often add a bit of humor to the image. And eye contact often makes an image more intimate.
Camera Equipment for Street Photography
In terms of street photography, less is more. You want to become invisible when you are on the streets. Using a small camera makes this much easier to do.
Smaller camera systems are less obtrusive than big and heavy DSLRs. They are easier and less painful to carry around, especially when taking long walks. They also do not have the same psychological effect on people as big cameras – most people are used to seeing small cameras that look like a tourist point-and-shoot, so they do not feel as intimidated. Lastly, some mirrorless cameras have a silent shutter mode, where you won’t even hear the shutter firing. Those could be great for documentary-style photos and candids.
Code of Conduct
Taking photographs in public spaces is legal in “most” countries. In both Canada and the United States, this is true. If you are in a public area, you are well within your rights to take pictures. However, it is important to realize that even if you are shooting in a public space, you must exercise a reasonable expectation of privacy.
For example, photographing into someone’s bedroom window from the street is unethical, and probably illegal! If you are unsure, make it a point to do a bit of research to become familiar with local privacy laws where you will be shooting.
Respect and Smile
Respect goes a long way in street photography. If someone does not want their picture taken, apologize and find another subject. The streets are full of interesting people, and another is sure to come along shortly.
A smile works wonders. If someone notices you after you have captured an image of them, smile and nod a thank you. Most likely your subject will smile back, and you will both go on your way. I have never been asked to delete an image. But, if I were, I would certainly do so. No shot is worth a confrontation in my opinion.
In the image below, my subject noticed me just as I was pressing the shutter and shot up his hand in front of his face. I immediately lowered my camera and apologized. I then showed him the image I had captured, at which point he laughed and told me I could keep it!
