6 Tips for Improving Your Street Photography

Street photography has endless stories to tell. It offers so many opportunities for the trained eye of the photographer, that one can say street photography is easy. But the truth is it is very easy to get lost in the crowd. It is very easy to miss the important, the different, and to be stuck with the ordinary. Street photography is always about people because they built the cities and they live in them. It goes from portraits to reportage, from architecture to art, from philosophy to psychology. Here are some tips to find your path in street photography.

Open Eyes, Open Mind

To do street photography you have to be alert, to have the eye of an eagle. Things happen fast, people are always in motion, the city has its own life. As a photographer, you have to understand the place and never judge it. You are not there to fix it, but to describe in images life as it is. Doing street photography is part of a photojournalist’s job. You have to be honest, uninvolved, and impartial. Remember that your pictures are compositions, and you have to tell the real story. It takes courage to do street photography, but it also takes empathy and kindness.

People

People are almost never missing from street photography. From fashion portraits in The Sartorialist’s way to ordinary people doing ordinary jobs, your focus should be on people. Ask for permission whenever you want to do a portrait. Nobody likes nosy paparazzi. Look for characters, look for people who stand out and make a point. Attitude and personal features are also good points. People add thrill to your photos as well as a real life touch. In the foreground or in the background, people are supposed to be present in street photography.

Architecture

Cities carry their legacy in buildings. Architecture is an important part of human civilization. You can find legends all over, and influences which define a country or a lifestyle. Pay attention to monuments, street art, architectural details, and to everything that a city has to show you. This is also a good opportunity to explore shapes, lines, and textures. Street photography is a good lesson of geometry and perspectives, and a challenge when it comes to composition.

Events

Festivals, open air concerts, and other public events are also good moments for photography. They display traditions or cultural features. They can be political manifestations, violent protests, or just the party of the local sport team. Your pictures will be snapshots, documenting something that happen only for a limited period of time. Be present and be fast.

Black and White Photography

Street photography goes well in black and white. Without colors, you can focus on characters, buildings, and situations. Think like a theater director and compose a scene. You can do black and white photography directly from your camera, by using an orange filter for example. It will improve the contrast both on people and buildings. The orange filter is the most flattering filter for the human skin and it is often used for portraits as well.

Wear Light Gear

Street is not the place for carrying around heavy equipment. Take only one or two lenses, a couple of filters, batteries and a comfortable backpack. Especially if you want to photograph crowds and get in the middle of the action, secure your camera as good as possible.

Street photography is alive. Your are there, in the middle of the action, taking part and documenting. Keep that in mind and don’t lose your focus. People are always interesting subjects. As a photographer, you should observe a lot, understand a lot, and be honest.