3 tips to get better in street photography
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So, let’s talk street photography.
Street photography is a unique type of photography that varies in interpretation among individuals. To me, it involves telling stories by capturing moments and people's interactions in public spaces. This could include someone walking to work on a winter day, people talking, cars driving by, or interesting buildings and alleys. Each person can define their own style in street photography. For example, a friend of mine likes to find reflections that show human interactions in his shots, and his work is impressive.
Moving forward, let’s start with the first tip!
Tip #1 Find leading lines
You can find pretty much leading lines almost everywhere in the streets.
I use this basic technique when shooting on the streets. Lines are everywhere if you look closely. You can find them on the ground, on building walls, in the shapes of buildings, and in cables and light poles, among other places.
The photo above is a great example. The road lines lead to the horizon, creating a strong leading line effect. This adds depth and contrast to your photos.
Using leading lines can make your photography more engaging.
I enjoy using leading lines to photograph buildings from below looking up. This technique highlights their height and grandeur. The symmetry of the lines adds texture, enhancing the photo's message.
Next time you're in the city, look around even if you don't have a camera. Find the leading lines I talked about. Once you spot one, think about how you want to photograph it and start taking pictures. If I’m without my camera, I usually use my smartphone to capture the scene, so I can remember it and try again later.
Tip #2 Breath life into the photos by capturing human movements
Capturing human moments brings life into the photo.
Street photography shows "what's happening on the streets." It's a way of journalistic photography that captures everyday life in the city. It's crucial to include people in the photos.
I enjoy photographing buildings, but they often seem lifeless. I’ve come to realize the importance of including people in the shots, no matter their size in the frame.
The victorian brick wall looks so much better with people in the frame, right?
Street photography aims to capture moments in public spaces, but many miss the point. Proper framing is essential. Consider what you want to capture. Looking at the photos above, ask yourself: Who or what is the focus? Is it the building, the walkway, or the people on it?
Street photography goes beyond just capturing nice images with trendy edits. It's about telling a story through the interactions between people and their surroundings.
When taking photos of people, be respectful. I won't take close-up shots without permission, as it can make others uncomfortable. I also try not to capture full faces if they might not like it. Always ask for permission before taking certain shots.
Sometimes when you ask permission, you’ll get more freedom to approach the model and start shooting creatively. It’s really worth the effort!
Tip #3 Understand your camera
Know the inside out of your camera.
What? Really?
This tip may seem odd, but it's true. As a photographer, your camera is essential. You must always be prepared, knowing the right ISO, shutter speed, aperture, focal length, and focus point to capture a moment that could vanish in an instant.
I had many experiences when I began street photography, and I still sometimes miss the perfect shot. Knowing your camera settings well can save you time and prevent those frustrating moments when you think you've missed a shot.
This skill is essential for all photographers, especially those covering events. You don’t want to adjust settings while trying to capture the perfect moment.
Scenes like this happen in a split second, so you really need to be ‘one’ with your camera to capture it at the right frame and exposure.
Being ready to take photos is very important. I emphasize this when teaching my photography students. If you don’t know your camera well and how to use it effectively, it's like holding a sword still in its sheath. Get to know your camera and pay attention to your surroundings.
Yes, even getting shots like this needs precision and sharp awareness.
So that’s it. 3 tips that will help you get better results in street photography.
These skills are helpful for street photography but can be used in other types of photography too. Just grasp the concept of these tips and apply them creatively.
I hope you found this post entertaining. Your reading this shows I succeeded. I also hope my tips inspire you to improve your creativity. If you have questions or feedback, please leave a comment, and I’ll respond as soon as I can. If you prefer video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel where you can find more content that I think you'll enjoy.
Till the next post. Peace out. ✌️
