AYP Insider: Street Photography 101
Being a good street photographer requires you to ignore some of your instincts as a human. Taking a good candid photo sometimes requires a level of bravery that is not instinctive for most. Snapping on the street and getting great images means doing things that will take you out of your comfort zone. As such, following these guidelines will help you.
1. Ask For Forgiveness, Not Permission
Sometimes, asking for a shot guarantees that you’re not going to get it. Your subjects will know they’re being shot and will react accordingly. In the worst case, you’re going to get someone who outright refuses to let you shoot them. Sometimes it’s better to just shoot.
2. Kids and Pets
This is the exception to the previous rule. Shooting someone else’s child can be a bit awkward if you don’t ask for permission. There are some parents that are completely cool with you taking pictures of their kids but this is a situation where caution is recommended.
3. Be Ready to Shoot
This should go without saying but most amateur photogs I’ve shot with on the street don’t usually have their cameras ready to roll. When I’m out for the day, I usually have my camera physically attached to my hand. I’ve gone away from using a neck strap entirely and now, the camera is just anchored to me via wrist/hand strap. Try this out and do it until you’re comfortable.
4. Be Aware of the Light
Always get a read on the quality and amount of light you have to work with before you head out. I typically take a few shots at the beginning of the day and get a range for what type of ISO and aperture will give me the best shot. I adjust accordingly as the day goes on but having a benchmark helps me to adjust quicker. The last thing you want to do is to be fidgeting with camera settings as the moment passes you by.
5. Experience Breeds Speed and Confidence
Go out and shoot. Shoot often. Shoot as much as you can. This will greatly help you with adjusting on the fly, dealing with uncomfortable situations and working with your camera intuitively. There is no substitute for experience so discipline yourself to get out there and snap shots as much as possible.
6. A Pocket full of Singles
Lately, I’ve been shooting a lot of street performers and homeless people. I find that they provide a nuance and texture to my shots that I can’t get from tourists or patrons. They are usually a lot more receptive if you can throw them some cash. A buck or two will usually do it so head out with $10 in singles and you’ll get some interesting shots from some much more willing subjects.
7. Become a Familiar Face if you can
Walk around the neighborhood or area you intend to shoot and snap some shots. Get to know the locals and get a sense of the space and textures that you want to shoot. Knowing your environment allows you to be spontaneous and having a sense of your favorite spots will allow you to setup, shoot and scoot with speed.
8. Bring Along a Friend
This person is meant to be your gateway to other subjects, not as a second shooter. They can have a camera too, to be sure, but their purpose is to show that you’re already shooting others. It helps if this person is social and reasonably attractive. This will help build an interactive relationship between you and the people you intend to shoot.
9. Say Yes
If you do the above, people will come out of the wood work to get their picture taken by you. Say yes! The ones who are asking are typically not shy and will help to build a buzz for you. This is particularly helpful with street performers or during events such as rallies or parades.
10. Say No
That being said, don’t let subjects monopolize your time. There is a difference between being engaging and being a pushover. You’ll always get at least one in the crowd that wants to be the center of attention. Start taking shots of others and see if they get the hint. If they don’t, you might have to leave and come back. These subjects will often try to keep you in conversation. Keep pulling the camera up to your face and snapping away. Keep moving. They’ll usually back off after a while.
Street photography can be a very rewarding experience. I find that it gets my creative juices flowing and help to better prepare myself for professional shoots. Also, the speed and confidence it has helped me gain with my gear has been instrumental. I highly recommend it for anyone who has the intention of living a photographic life.
Be inspired, shoot, and share.
Images by Lam Nguyen