Going out on the streets, something usually sparks an idea for street photography, but what if you are in a photographer’s block and can’t find anything to photograph? For that, I have this inspiration list.
Often, it’s best to try and find something for yourself. Inspiration can hit you from unexpected corners. Going somewhere new can often help, or trying out a new technique. Maybe borrowing a friend’s camera or lens can help, too.
But sometimes, those tools aren’t available, or, let’s be honest, you just don’t feel like it. So, we can chase ideas and try to (re)spark our inspiration that way.
Street photo ideas for right this second
These ideas can be used for instant results. Later, I’ll also give some ideas for long-term projects. But for now, let’s focus on what you can try out today.
Look for reflections
Reflections can give you interesting new angles. Once you start looking for them, you can find them everywhere: shop windows, puddles on rainy days, car mirrors, and people’s sunglasses…
They give you an interesting new way to frame your subjects.
Find silhouettes
Silhouettes can make exciting and graphic subjects in photos. Photographing people into the sun or in front of other light sources usually produces a good silhouette.
Keep an eye out for textures
Textures can be exciting as a standalone, in a series, or as an addition for double exposure. So go out and find textures in ripped posters, walls, floors, …
Look for people focussing on something
Of course, you can change the action to anything. However, focusing on a particular action can help narrow the options, which usually sparks more inspiration.
Find people reading books, posters, menus, or anything else.
Find things in motion
This can be people walking, running, or even playing soccer. Or, of course, you can find a corner where cars and other vehicles pass by. A slower shutter speed blurs the background, enhancing the movements.
Look for animals
One of the most famous street photography books is Dogs by Elliot Erwitt. It’s just full of dogs he saw on the street. Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to dogs or even one pet. You can go for a collection of pets you see, or of the wilder animals, like pigeons, you encounter.
Focus elements on the buildings
You can make a collection of attractive front doors, for example. Or the nicest flowerbeds. You can also focus on other elements of buildings and houses. And, of course, you can find a street art route. Inspire yourself with other people’s work while roaming around the city.
Find a place where you can look down
A higher vantage point, like a bridge, gives you a new perspective on the streets. Looking down on people, cars, and the city can give you new ideas. The shadows of people walking can give you an interesting photo.
Find one spot and photograph all the movement there
Find one spot somewhere and photograph it for a while. Tell yourself to be there for an hour. Photographing the people who passed and all the events that happened there during that period. Notice how the light changes.
Look for fashion
You can either look for people that are fashionable and (ask to) photograph them. Or look for specific items of clothing. Like shoes, photograph all the different types of footwear you see throughout your walk.
See how people interact with a construction zone
In every city, roadworks and construction zones obstruct passages. Often, the fences and signs make for interesting subjects already. But you can also observe how people interact with these zones, either passing through, going around, or struggling with any obstacle.
Go to your local skate park and freeze their movements
Similar to the motions I mentioned earlier, you can go to a skate park and freeze the skaters’ motion there. Obviously, ask for their permission. But then you can try to freeze their motion as they jump up and do tricks.
Make a diptych or triptych
You can do this with already existing photos or go out and make new ones. Consider combining two or three photos into a diptych or triptych.
Learn more about making triptychs.
Find a market or event happening
Often, there are markets or other events happening. Those can make interesting photo subjects, too. A rally, a promotional event, or a sporting event. Often, there are people there. And usually, they don’t mind being photographed, either.
Make one photo on each aperture setting of a lens (use full stops)
Choose one lens, go out, and make one photo on each aperture setting. For example, a 50mm with 1.8, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32
This will force you to think of what type of shot is best for the aperture you choose. Usually, you won’t do a cityscape on f1.8. Just as you won’t do a portrait on f22
Create creativity jars
I made these a while back. I have three jars, each with its own category. For example, one has the gear (camera and lens combo) to use, one has a camera technique or subject to use, and one has specific settings. The sometimes unique combinations make it a fun challenge with often interesting results.
Try double exposure
Trying out fun new techniques can also inspire you. Double exposure is a popular one. You can either do it in camera or use Photoshop. Trying and toying around with this will deliver visually exciting results.
Ideas for long-term projects on street photography
Apart from the ideas you can use to spark your creativity right now, you can also use these ideas for longer-term projects on street photography.
The different seasons of the city/ specific place
Explore how the different seasons affect the city. Does one location look different in summer and winter? Or are the city and roads used differently during different seasons? That could become an exciting topic.
Or people may behave differently. They may use different roads, wear other clothes, and relax less in public spaces.
Portraits of people
Ask people you find interesting if you can make their portraits. Doing this for a while will surely give you an exciting series of portraits. You can also go specific and photograph only one type of person (for example, people wearing sunglasses, …)
The different events happening in the city
Make a habit out of going to most, if not all, events in your city. It could be the big ones and the small ones. Show how your city lives and celebrates special occasions. Or even just having small events to entertain yourselves.
What ideas do you or did you use to be inspired? Let me know in the comments below!
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