Street Photography 101 | By Sarah VanHook
Most people are intimidated by the thought of street photography. The idea of shoving your camera in a stranger’s face isn’t enticing and actually feels terrifying. What if I told you that street photography doesn’t have to be like that at all?
Street photography by definition is a genre of photography that captures candid moments in public spaces. It is characterized by unposed, spontaneous images of people in their current surroundings (i.e. streets, parks, beaches, cafes and public transportation). I’m going to share how I found my love (and courage) for street photography and offer some tips on getting out there to start capturing your own street shots.
Do street photos need people?
This is the question I get asked often and the answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no. People can often make your image more dynamic but so can the use of shadows and reflections. If you are nervous about approaching people, I get it – I was too. However, people are oftentimes flattered and very agreeable more times than not. A smile and a compliment go a long way in breaking the ice with a stranger.
One of my favorite street shots comes from an interaction with a local man named Larry. He’s known for his flock of pigeons in the park. I stood, watching, for a while before I gathered the courage to ask if he minded if I took pictures of him. He was glad for the conversation we had as I snapped away as the pigeons flew around us.
What makes a good street photograph?
The first misnomer of street photography is that you need to be in a large city to take any good shots. While it may make it easier to find options to photograph, it is not a necessity. Street photography is about noticing and capturing interesting, often fleeting, moments where you are.
One thing that you need is a clear subject and composition. While it may feel like you are just pointing and shooting wildly, your composition is important. You want people viewing your image to stop, look and wonder. I find that taking a moment to survey the scene and decide what it needs to make it a great shot, not just a snapshot, is important.
Key elements of street photography
These are some elements I look for any time I’m out shooting:
Silhouettes/shadows: Use strong light sources to create dramatic outlines
Reflections: Puddles and windows are my favorite sources to add depth
Patterns: Play with shapes and patterns to add visual interest
Juxtaposition: Look for contrasts; old/new, hard/soft, traditional/modern
Tips for getting started in street photography
Start with a camera you’re comfortable with
Choose a versatile lens
Explore busy areas with lots of activity
Be respectful off people and property
Use natural light sources. Flash is not necessary
Try different composition techniques (framing, leading lines, symmetry)
Observe moments and anticipate what comes next
Smile and have fun!
Time to go shoot
Now that you have your equipment and your area to photograph, it’s time to go out and shoot. Blending into your surroundings is important. Remain inconspicuous and let the action come to you. There are times that I sit and wait in a location for what seems like an eternity for the right conditions to present themselves. Slowing down may seem contradictory in the busy city but it’s when you’ll find the most amazing moments.
In Conclusion
Street photography is about more than taking pictures. It’s about seeing the world differently and sharing your perspective with others. My husband and I often go together on street walks in New York. We both usually see the same things but our perspectives are completely different.
That’s the amazing thing about street photography! There may be similar shots but none exactly like yours. So, grab your camera, get outside and I can’t wait to see your perspective and vision!
