Street photography can be very relaxing, but it can also add value to society. A street photo can capture a lot of information about our society and show what’s happening in the dark alleys.
Street photography is multi-purpose. But then, what makes a good street photographer? Let’s explore this question.
First, let’s refresh ourselves to what street photography means:
“Street photography is a genre of photography that focuses on everyday life in public spaces. Usually unposed and candid, street photos can focus on people or other elements in the streets of our cities.”
What skills and views must a street photographer train to focus on these public scenes?
Train your street photographer’s eye
Since photography is a visual medium, the eye of the photographer and its viewer is essential. A good eye helps the street photographer find the right scenes to shoot.
Train your observational skills. Focus on the environment. Find small details that can become interesting, or view the entire scene. What moments happen and pass that make for an interesting photo?
But also train how you look at compositions. Watch the work of others and see how they compose their images. What choices did they make?
Learn to see and anticipate scenes. See what people do and if they repeat themselves. This can allow you to get another chance at a great street photo.
Train your street photographer’s mind
Thinking fast and on your feet (fairly literally sometimes) helps you get the shot. You need to be able to be spontaneous and change plans while out on the streets. Things happen fast, and so you have to be fast, too.
There’s also a lot going on, so you need to be able to filter what interests you and pursue it.
Train your photographers’ technical skills
Though a camera and lens are essentials, there’s no need to chase all the gear. It’s best to know what you have and be sure of what you might be missing. That knowledge makes you improve rather than buying an extra lens or camera.
Start by getting the hang of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Know how they work and how each can benefit your photos and style. But also be okay with imperfection and discover how to make it purposefully. Grain or movement can add to your photos.
Train your photographers’ empathy
Since you work with people on the streets, it is important to show respect and empathy. You need to tell their stories without putting them down, often while respecting their privacy. This is no easy feat.
Training your empathy can also benefit you. You’ll find more beautiful and nuanced stories by training that emotion. You will see beauty in the mundane or even ‘ugly.’ And you’ll know how to tell stories slightly different and more enjoyable.
Train your explorer’s legs
Doing street photography is also physical, so your legs and feet should be in good condition. Wearing good shoes also helps. But you also need to train the explorer part of your legs. You choose to go into new places and see what’s out there to photograph.
Train your ethical lens
Unfortunately, there’s more to street photography than just the photo skills. You also need to understand what’s legal in your region. Are you allowed to photograph in all places? And can you just photograph people in the streets? In some countries, the rules are stricter than in others.
But also, question yourself: What can you actually photograph? Even if you have the right to do so, using someone for your art can be unethical.
A good street photographer keeps practicing and persisting
Knowing what makes a good street photographer is half the battle. If even half already. You need to put it all into practice. Get used to it all and make all those habits and visions a second nature. Before you know it, you’ll be doing all of it instinctively.
Accepting that not every shot will be great, or even good, is also part of becoming better. You will have to learn to accept the bad photos. And there will be a lot of them. But going through them will make you better. See what didn’t work out for you and try to improve next time.
Trying out new things, places, and techniques will also help you develop your own style. Experimenting helps us discover what we like to photograph and show the world.
But also look and listen to others. Watch the photos of masters, look at what others are doing (but don’t copy), and listen and speak to other street photographers.
What skill are you looking to improve on?
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