Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-taking-picture-1910521/

Street photography is more than just capturing streetscapes and urban landmarks. It’s also about telling stories and documenting the lives of people we pass by each day. It is an art form covering a diverse range of styles and conventions.

If you think this is the right genre to explore as a photographer, you should know how to get started as a street photographer. You may find it difficult at first, especially if you are used to other forms of photography, but it takes practice and patience to become one with photographers like Vivian Maier or Henri Cartier-Bresson. Here are a few tips to help you break into the exciting and creative world of street photography.

1. Get the right equipment

A great artist doesn’t depend on the tools they use. They put more focus on their skills and knowledge. We can say the same for street photographers, although having the right equipment can make all the difference. Aside from wearing a proper photographer outfit with matching accessories, you should also invest in a high-end DSLR camera with at least a 24-megapixel sensor. Still, you can always make do with a smartphone camera that has a 50-megapixel sensor. You can also opt for vintage-looking shots using cameras like Polaroid, Instax, or LOMO.

2. Pick a good time and place

When you are out looking for subjects to shoot, make sure to choose the perfect time and setting. This is important if you are looking to start a series or an outdoor photography exhibition based on a specific theme. If you want to take gloomy shots around the city, wait for an overcast sky or you can start as soon as dusk settles. For fashion or dramatic shots, wait for the Golden Hour which often produces stunning and powerful images.

3. Pay attention to the details

As a street photographer, people aren’t your only subjects. You can also focus your camera on buildings, animals, and even random objects. The trick here is to slow down and look around. You can find everyday things that could tell a great story. Whether it’s an empty storefront or cigarette butts on the gutter, these objects can strike an emotional chord in your audience. You just need to compose your shots properly to achieve the effect you wanted.

4. Capture people in motion

Street photography is all about illustrating city life represented by the local people. However, it can be challenging to take shots of people going about their lives. In some cases, they may be reluctant to show their faces or stop doing what they’re doing. For this, you only need to be patient and ask people if it’s okay to take pictures of them in action. If you are at a skatepark, for instance, you can ask a group of skateboarders if you can take shots of them doing tricks. In case you are in a cafe, you can look for interesting people to shoot while they sip on their coffee or have an intellectual conversation.

If you want to be a street photographer, it shouldn’t take long to become one. Follow these tips and start your career as an urban artist.