7 Steps to Better Street Photography
Street photography is a wonderful part of the photojournalistic tradition in photography. Along with documentary photography all of these areas share the common ground of the images not being set up. The true 'hands off' approach is what gives the journalistic purity to this genre and also creates a challenge for a photographer. I am primarily a documentary photographer. I began more as a traditional one and then later branched off into what I call a 'fine art' documentary photographer. I still follow all of the tenants of good journalism, but my images have more of a romantic and artistic feel to them. They may have some post processing effects added to enhance my artistic vision. But for the most part they are in the pure 'hands-off' style. You can see and read more about my work in my posts 'Riding on the Marrekech Express' or 'How to Get Motivated.'
Here are some suggestions to help you improve your street photography work.
1. Get in the action
You want to be close, close enough to reach out and touch your subjects. So you will want to favor a wide angle lens, like a 35mm (full frame) or 24mm (cropped sensor). Some famous photojournalist, I cannot remember who, once said that if you can't touch it you shouldn't photograph it. Good advice.
2. Use a wide angle lens
Like I mentioned above the wide angle lens allows you to get in close but still see the surroundings. That is why the 35mm equivalent lens has long been the photojournalist's choice. It gives you a bigger picture, literally, and allows you to see the setting. With that in mind play attention to the setting and make sure that it is adding to your image not taking away from it.
3. Make it real
Remember this is photojournalism. Don't set it up. Don't ask your friends to do something in the image. Hands off! And making it real means very little post processing work. Most journalistic agencies will only allow basic retouches like dust and spot removal, conversion to black and white, sharpening, and contrast enhancements. Toning would also be permitted.
4. Look for light and shadow
This goes for all areas of photography. Light and shadow are some of our most important compositional tools. Subject matter and emotion are great, but don't let that overshadow good, interesting, or dramatic lighting. Most images will benefit from this extra layer.
5. Include people
Including a person just draws people in more. We are programmed to look at other people and when we see them we are drawn into the scene. Our curiosity takes us on that journey and we can more easily create a narrative, a story, that goes with the image.
6. Take us there
You want your viewer to feel like they are standing where you are. That is why being in close is so effective. I want to know what it was like to be at that place at that time and with those characters. Make this element seamless. People should not notice it, but they will notice it if it is not present. This will strengthen your narrative.
7. Be respectful
People on the street do not want to be hassled. Today, may of them are very distrustful and afraid that an image of them is going to end up on some weird website. You need to respect people, their dignity, and their privacy. Make sure, either through words or gestures, or eye contact, that it is fine for you to be there and taking a photograph. Don't let this hinder your work. Just have a respectful attitude and you will be surprised at how many people respond positively.
So now that you are armed with some advice go out there and do it. Practice and practice some more. You have to know your camera and its' settings very well because most of these images happen very rapidly. With practice and experience you will begin to anticipate things. Good luck.
by Gary Miller
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