Street photography is definitely something I am trying to get more into. There are certain elements of creativity that you really need to exercise to have success on the streets. For example, the combination of seeing light, framing and capturing a subject in a split second. People, cars and life in general move pretty quick in the city. Unlike out in the wild where I have the luxury to set down my tripod and really think about every shot I take, on the streets, that could spell a missed opportunity.
Faizal Westcott, in a beautifully rendered video guide, gives us 5 tips to making sure we are in the best position to capture the streets:
- Always keep the camera ready. As mentioned above, you have to be able to take a photo in a split second so fishing for your camera in your bag is not going to cut it.
- Leave the chaos. Photographing people is usually the name of the game. However, very busy areas can tend to overwhelm and cause loss of focus. Its best to place yourself in the best position to succeed.
- Minimize distractions; shoot alone. Photographing people on the street on your own can be awkward especially if you are new to the game. However, while your friends might make you feel more comfortable they can detract from your full attention to the shot.
- Don’t be ashamed of auto settings. Manual gives you the maximum creative liberty and ensures you don’t mess up the exposure. On the streets however, shooting in auto lets you focus on your image and gives you the luxury of speed. As Faizal mentioned, cameras these days are significantly more capable and auto (P for “programmed auto” or “A” for “aperture priority” is preferred to retain some control) is not as much of a detriment.
- Accept failure and doubt. Street photography is all about failure and repetition. Often times, you will hit the streets and come back empty handed. Accept your feelings of frustration as a sign that you care and that you are improving. Keep at it for the long haul and you will see results.
One tip I would like to add to the list, especially if you are totally new, is to focus on one element at a time. Don’t overload yourself trying to capture the best leading lines, into the best reflection, with the most interesting people that just so happen to be standing in the best possible light. Pick one element and go out there and try to get a few examples under your belt.
The key to success with repetition is converting actions into muscle memory. To master something is to be able to do a task without having to think about it. You are not going to be able to build a house if you’ve never struck a nail with a hammer. Focus on one thing at a time and soon you will be able to craft the entirety of your creative potential into a single glorious image.