Street photography has increased in popularity over the years. For me, it is one of my favorite photography styles because it is easy to do, too much fun, and so accessible. Most of us live in or near a large city or city, so it is possible without a spontaneous outing plan. I like that. And you do not need a lot of fancy, expensive gear.
If you want to give a effort to street photography, or to elevate your street craft, some things here are worth considering.
Keep your gear simple
A small, light camera is the best way to go. A crop sensor camera is perfect, and they are much cheaper than full frame cameras.
For the lens, you need a 28 mm, 35 mm, or 50 mm. In fact, having just a lens makes life so easy and helps you focus on creativity and seek good creations. With a lens, you quickly become the master of framing when using zoom lenses.
We have been given this impression street photography, pursuing a rich person because we look at YouTube people with leicas. The truth is, you don’t need one. Sure, I have a Lika Q2 monochrome Because I am a very hardcore black and white shooter, and there are not many digital options. For color street photography, I use a 6-year-old Nikon Z50 with a crop sensor and a cheap aftermarket manual focus lens. This is perfect. You can use them for a few hundred dollars, as the new Z50 II was released last year. The Z50 II is very good if you want a good autofocus eye tracking. I do not need it, so I have no reason to upgrade. Z50 II It is very good if you want a good autofocus i-tracking. I do not need it, so there is no reason to upgrade.
Ricoh GR III There is a great option or any of the old Fujifilm X100 series cameras. To do something new, Olympus Om -3 There is a wonderful small camera packed with the latest technology, do you need it.
Probably the most important aspect of keeping things small and simple does not stand out and attract attention. Just the dress-dog color, I think, is best to mix.
Two approaches for street photography
Easy Street Photography: Light and Shadow
Most people are looking for dramatic lighting places in the first place starting with street photography. Reflections, backlighting, and silhouettes play a big role in finding compositions with drama, contrast, depth and texture.
A view with a lot of shadows and a contrasting bright area of ​​light is a great place to “fishing”. Hang around and wait for people to walk in light. This is the easiest type of street photography, and it is possible to achieve some very dramatic and graphic results.
This style of street photography is generally about aesthetics – creating a strong composition that looks good. Something that would look great on the wall.
Harder Street Photography: Search for decisive moment
The Cartier-Bracen des
Street photography is the most effective when it expresses a story or emotion. Look for conversations, emotions, or contradictions that add depth to your shots.
Here is the key story. This is the story that, for me, takes us from fine art to documentary photography. The sand of the holy comb of street photography is capturing and capturing that decisive moment in this way. It is incredibly beneficial to work together aesthetics and emotions.
The expectation is the key
Great Street Photography is all about the possibility of moments. You need to observe roads, inspect people, what is going on around you. Often, one should employ a very rare photography skills: patience. And you need to be ready to react quickly!
It is important to capture the right moment, and it can often be the subject of a photo and the reason for this works. Capturing a simple look or gesture at the right time can create or break an image.
The speed in which you react also makes or breaks the photo. To react, you have to master your camera and its settings. You need to exposure and focus your attention. A good technique for learning in zone focusing. I wrote an article about that Here,
Social media is waking up with the road pictures of people walking with people, doing nothing. There is no story, no great composition or light system, nothing is interesting. There is no point in taking them! I should add, however, shooting random strangers to walk on your side or road is a great way to practice your skills. But let’s not mistake – this is not a great road photography. This is, of course, only my opinion.
Let’s embrace imperfection
We live in a world where the story is about more megapixels and super-sharp lenses. We believe that technical perfection is what we should follow to make great pictures. I say, speak on it.
It does not matter whether every photo is completely sharp or is in meditation – or if the framing is a bit away. I believe that Great Street Photography should have a raw and honesty. It should be comfortable and exciting and capture energy. Incomplete photos may feel more authentic and alive. Perfect focus is not required.
Stay confident, yet respectable
Do not be one of those rude union that contact someone and shakes a 12-inch camera from your face to take a photo-or indicates a flash on someone. They give us a bad name to all of us.
You need a good mix of confidence and respect. If someone notices you on shooting, in some cases a smile and humble interaction, a big difference.
I have no problem in asking people if it is fine if I take a picture of them going about their business. They can be a stal holder, business, etc., and you will be surprised how many people say yes. I would often ask to shoot a street portrait. Street Persists will tell you that this is not True Street Photography, but I say what you want is not limited to the definition of someone else’s style. Shoot whatever you want, if it is something you enjoy. Rules and definitions are for sheep.
The fear of conflict is there for many people, and it can prevent your creativity. To go around it, start with a 50 mm lens so that you are slightly ahead of the action. Then, over time, as you create your confidence and improve your street craft, go to 35 mm or 28 mm lens, which takes you closer to action.
Using zone focus and shooting from the hip – a very secret approach – when you create your confidence and develop a technique with which you are comfortable, you can help grab clear moments.
What is your biggest challenge when you are shooting on the streets?
And do you like the documentary realism, abstract “fine art” compositions, or people’s pictures?
Let’s continue the conversation in the comments.
