Sounding similar to photojournalism, street photography is about capturing any surprising or unexpected story on the streets or in any public place.

Street Photography is a diverse form of photography. Uncommon, interesting and artistic in its own way, street photography is quintessential type of photography. Not all people have that Cali to photograph the subject so openly and boldly. Street photographer requires you to go out, be bold and start shooting without any hesitancy.

Unlike landscape photography or shooting celebrities, which requires you to get prepared earlier with your camera and gear for the moment and you want to capture every shot perfectly. In street photography, you are unsure about the next moment you want to capture, or the next moment. It is just taking random shots of strangers, unknown places in public or shooting in front of open public to capture special moments.  Few examples of such locales can be restaurants, bus tops, pedestrians, rail crossings, etc.

Here are few tips and strategies for street photography to turn up with a perfect masterpiece.

1. Do not use Telephoto lens.

Street photography is not like taking close up shots at particular subjects. Its about using wider view, experiencing what’s all happening around and capturing moments which may be  unexpected or surprising. Do not use zoom lens while photographing on streets. Use wide angle prime lens, which also allow you to capture your subject in a detailed and perfect way.

2. Think More

The moment can only last for an instant. It is important to frame your image on your mind before actually shooting the image with your eye. It is important to foresee, visualize, and perceive the things earlier before capturing it finally.

3. Make Convincing Stories with your images.

Try to narrate a story or send a message with your images. Your images can speak a lot if you portray it that way. Capture funny moments, moments of joy, moments of sadness, weird moments.  Concentrate more on the story and the subject rather than the camera, gear , lens or other things.

 

4. Carry a Camera

For street photographers, it is always best to carry a camera with them. Imagine how it will feel if you face some unexpected and special   moment in front of you and you are just unable to capture that  as you do not have a camera with you.  As photographers say that is that the best image are always taken at unexpected time.

5. Be bold

You have to be bold and wise to ignore what people will think of you. Sometimes you may be called as weird or funny one trying to zoom as people for no reason. Do not react. It is important to do your work professionally.

6. Take photos of strangers.

Believe it or but strangers will happily pose for a photograph depending on the kind of approach.  In other words you are trying to invade someone’s privacy. They may not like that. Therefore if you want to shoot a portrait then gently ask for their permission. Say them with courtesy and honestly. Trust me! They will happily pose for you. Otherwise if you want to stay unnoticed, do that.

7. Be courteous.

Be very cautious. When you are shooting, respect your subjects. If you do not respect the subject, it may offend the sentiments of many persons. For example,  you can shoot the photos of beggars, rural or poor people, naked kids etc but your pictures should not be offensive to attract unwanted hassles.

 

8. Try to be unnoticed. 

If you be unnoticed then there is good chance that you will get to capture a natural shot.  Street photography is all about capturing a nice story and a subject.

 

9. Choose your location:

Before going for a shoot, select your location. Ask other photographers, read their stories, use their knowledge to select the location.

 

Conclusion:

Street photography is not about only the perfect gear, perfect lens or aperture or angle. It is not about the timing or location or moments.  It is more about the perception to see and capture subjects around you inconsiderately, randomly to capture the essence of that moment in earth.  It is about to essay the churning life of people.

Hopefully, it will help you start using your gear more freely without fear of being confronted by your subjects.