Hi! If you’ve found yourself on this page, there’s a good chance that you’re looking for advice about how to get started in the exciting world of street photography. We love how Curious you are!
Street photography is an awesome genre of photography to get into, and once you find your groove, it’s incredibly addictive. Put simply, street photography is candid photography that documents humanity. That’s it. There are no hard and fast rules – your shots don’t have to be urban, they don’t have to be revolutionary, and they don’t even have to include people. It’s all about capturing the human element of everyday life, unposed and raw, whether that’s by photographing people, small details, architecture… the possibilities are endless!
We ran a survey on @thecuriouscameraclub’s Instagram Story, asking our followers to suggest one piece of advice they wish they had known when they first started out shooting street photography. Below are the results of that survey – be sure to check out the inspirational work of all the lovely Instagrammers who took the time to leave a tip (links direct to each individual’s Instagram page, and open in a new tab):
Shoot as much as possible, and try out everything to find your own style.
@zenostr33t
Start today! And challenge yourself with exercises to improve your skills.
@phlippst
Push yourself out of your comfort zone.
@knniigght
Go out, take photos, have fun.
@malmberg.jpg
Just go out and shoot! Practice until you find your groove.
A lot of the advice suggested that the best thing to do was to just get out there and start doing it. Generally, people have a tendency to over-think and over-plan new things. But what’s stopping you from getting outside right now and giving it a go?
Maybe you’re worried that you aren’t going to do it “right”, or that you don’t have a good enough camera… but remember: THERE ARE NO “RULES”:
Best way to learn: forget about gear and reading about street photography – just get out and do it!
Take your time, there’s no rush, just ensure you use your imagination and be creative.
@theurbantake
Shoot what pleases your eye. Don’t try to be the next Bresson or Winograd. Be the first YOU… There’s very little that hasn’t already been done, but don’t sweat it. Be you.
@drewdriskellphoto
Don’t go out focussing on the results. Just enjoy the street and be open to possibilities.
@simonescarano.street
Do not fear the streets, just enjoy shooting!
@k.icabalesphotography
So you’ve decided to head out, armed with your choice of camera (be it mirrorless, DSLR, point and shoot or the camera on your smartphone)…
Take a camera with you wherever you go.
@packetsofradge
Walk 20% slower than normal. Take your camera everywhere.
@loumorgs
Always have a camera with you.
@consilliophotog
Always carry a camera.
@alanpring
Always carry a camera. Search for “situations” rather than “scenes”. Look for aspects of yourself.
@simonking_v
Whilst this seems like simple advice, always carrying a camera is the quickest way to build your skills. And the best camera is the one you have on you at the time, so if your only option is to use the camera on your phone, then use it! Always being on the lookout for photo opportunities is the fastest way to improve.
Strive to get closer.
@slice.of.soul
Smile if someone sees you.
@thisisclive
Listen to music with headphones. Start shooting from a distance, after time, get closer to your subject.
@g4org4
Think about, then shoot, what moves you: expressions, shapes, light, placement, etc.
@ray.bridgewater
Get in the habit of not looking down. Keep your eyes up and don’t stop looking around.
@id.discover
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes!
@the_street_chimp
Keep your camera ready, observe, and anticipate.
@hkhaz
It was really refreshing to see that all the advice given had a similar message – that the best street photography is fuelled by passion and personal taste. We received no technical tips as recommendations at all.
‘Figure to ground’. Contrast your subject with their background!
@roscoe.street
Photograph what you love and whatever catches your eye.
@alastairarthur
Try to shoot as often as you can, change places, read a lot of photo books.
@theshuttercurtain
Shoot festivals, become part of the action. People are more relaxed to be photographed.
@gidivet
Don’t try to hide. Be obvious about what you are doing, and no one cares.
@hunter_shoots_raw
OR
Be invisible.
@nore.rogers
It’s up to you.
And remember:
One bad photo is an accident. 100 bad photos are a style.
@sicksadworld_
Ask for forgiveness, not permission. Street photography should be candid and charged.
@focus_mitch
Keep learning and trying new things – be confident!
@missyhjb
Keep at it! Most days you’ll come home with nothing but some days bangers.
@the.marvels.of.daily.life
Just keep shooting! The more you shoot the more you’ll find your style and interests!
@leighelliottphotography
Sometimes out of 100 shots, only two are good enough. If so, then you’re doing well.
@thesbshot
Respect the street. These are real people, real buildings, real lives – not props.
“A camera is a machine that teaches you to see without using a camera” – Dorothea Lange.
“Reality is reality but when you look at it really closely it’s kind of fantastic” – Dianne Arbus.
@dcseen
And finally, our personal favourite (for obvious reasons):
Be brave. Be curious.
@jlm_cork
