7 Tips for Street Photography

For the past few months, I've been on a thrilling detour from my usual portrait work. I've been diving headfirst into the exciting world of street photography, and I wanted to share some of the lessons I've learned along the way.

Back in October, I embarked on this new photographic adventure. I scouted out a variety of locations – bustling city streets, architectural marvels, and even some serene outdoor spaces. My goal? To capture the everyday, the fleeting moments that make up the human experience. Atlanta, my home base, has been a fantastic playground for this project, but I've also been lucky enough to incorporate some shots from a recent trip to Colorado.

Now, let me tell you, street photography is a wild ride! The biggest challenge? You're constantly adapting. You have to be quick on your feet, adjusting your camera settings as the light changes and constantly scanning the scene for that perfect shot. I've found that my mirrorless camera, the Canon R10, is a lifesaver in these situations. The ability to see live updates through the viewfinder (a bit of a cheat, I know!) is incredibly helpful. I also shoot with a zoom lens for versatility, 18-45mm F4.5 - 6.3.

Of course, navigating the human element is key. You're walking among people, capturing candid moments, and it's crucial to be mindful and respectful of their space.

But honestly? I'm absolutely loving this journey. I plan to continue this project throughout the rest of the year, pushing myself to capture the essence of everyday life. I'm inspired by photographers who immerse themselves in the action, capturing the energy of Wall Street during lunch hour, the hustle and bustle of a busy market.

Street photography is about capturing the unexpected, the fleeting beauty in the ordinary. It's about finding art in the everyday, and that's what makes it so thrilling.

I'm excited to see where this journey takes me!

Nonetheless, here's a bulleted list of Tips;

1. Gear Up Strategically

• Wide-Angle Lens: A prime wide-angle lens (around 24mm or 35mm) is essential for capturing the grandeur of buildings and the dynamic feel of the street.

• Comfortable Shoes: You'll be walking a lot! Invest in comfortable, supportive shoes to avoid foot pain.

• Small Bag: A discreet and comfortable camera bag is crucial for carrying your gear while staying mobile.

• Consider a Polarizing Filter: Reduces glare and reflections, especially helpful for shooting glass and water features.

2. Master Composition (Very Important!)

• Leading Lines: Utilize lines (roads, sidewalks, fences) to guide the viewer's eye through the frame.

• Rule of Thirds: Imagine a grid dividing the frame into nine equal parts. Place points of interest along the lines or at their intersections for a more dynamic composition.

• Framing: Use natural frames (archways, doorways, trees) to isolate your subject and add depth.

• Symmetry and Patterns: Look for repeating patterns and symmetrical elements to create visually striking images.

• Negative Space: Utilize empty space to emphasize your subject and create a sense of simplicity.

3. Find Your Light

• Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset offer warm, soft light that's ideal for photography.

• Blue Hour: The short period of time after sunset and before sunrise when the sky is a deep blue. Creates a dramatic and moody atmosphere.

• Overcast Days: Diffused light can be surprisingly beautiful for street photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating even illumination.

• Utilize Sun Tracking Apps: I use the Unscripted App for Photographers, its amazing.

4. Capture the Moment

• Be Patient and Observant: Street photography is about capturing fleeting moments. Be patient, observe your surroundings, and wait for the right opportunity.

• Interact with Your Subjects (Ethically): If possible, ask permission to photograph people. A friendly smile can often go a long way!

• Tell a Story: Look for stories within the scene. What are the people doing? What is the atmosphere like?

• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different angles, perspectives, and focal lengths.

5. Post-Processing

• Learn Basic Editing Skills: Use photo editing software (like Lightroom or Photoshop) to adjust exposure, contrast, color, and sharpness.

• Be Subtle: Avoid over-processing your images. Aim for a natural and authentic look.

• Black and White: Consider converting some of your images to black and white to emphasize texture, shapes, and contrast.

6. Ethical Considerations

• Respect People's Privacy: Be mindful of people's privacy and avoid photographing them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

• Obtain Consent: When in doubt, ask permission to photograph someone.

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be mindful of your own safety.

7. Inspiration and Learning

• Study the Masters: Look at the work of renowned street and architectural photographers (Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gordon Parks, Jill Freedman).

• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become.

• Don't Give Up: Street and architectural photography can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Keep shooting, keep learning, and enjoy the process!

Important Note: Always prioritize safety and respect when photographing people and places.

I hope these tips help you on your street and architectural photography journey!