Street Photography
Street Photography is probably a type of photography that many photographers have never heard of, it didn’t sound very interesting, but it is there and can be a new way to take photos. Always carry a camera with you. Even a small point and shoot is better than not any camera, as once the shot is gone, it’s gone forever.
To make it simple, walk a busy street and take pictures of what you see. This does not have to be a city street, but a flea market, county or state fair, or any place where there is a large group of people doing whatever they feel like doing. That’s street photography.
Take pictures of what ever is of interest to you. People, animals, architecture, vehicles, signs, lights, and any kind of action or something happening or about to happen.
When doing street photography, have one camera, one lens, keep it on all the time. Set it for auto focus, ISO 1600, bracket for three shots, +1 0 -1, and keep the lens cap off. Do not bother looking at the picture that you just took. Just keep taking pictures.
The reason for all of this is that you do not want to miss a shot. If you are looking at the camera, or checking camera settings, you will miss something. Bracketing takes care of the exposure problem. Do not worry about composing, you crop later.
The most important rule to follow is that the pictures must be sharp. Do not try to compose or worry about the light, as the shots will not wait. On occasion, if you are comfortable with asking, some people will pose for a shot. Make sure to thank them. If they absolutely refuse, forget it, walk away.
If law enforcement tries to stop you, stand you ground, as some will try to bluff you and cite rules that they make up. They can not take your camera, film, or memory card.
Model releases are not required, only if used for advertising something specific. These pictures are for yourself, and any pictures you take on public property are legal.
One of the best lenses to use is a 70-300mm. This allows you to get relatively close at 70mm and at 300mm, good telephoto people shots when they do not know you are taking their picture.
Enjoy your self. Have fun. Give every one a smile who looks at you and sees what you are doing.
Walk slow. Stop and watch. Sit down. They will come to you. Take pictures without people know you are taking them.
Take pictures of something you have not seen before. You will never see everything walking a street. Walk at different times of the day. The light is continually changing. Walk the street in a different direction. You will see something new.
Take pictures on an overcast day. There are no deep shadows. Look for things that are colorful. This always makes an interesting shot.
Do something different. Take a picture through glass. Someone riding in a bus, taxi, or inside a store or restaurant. In the rain. Take pictures that are different. Do not try to copy someone else. Be original and take what is interesting to you.
Try taking part of the picture in or out of focus. An example would be the near foreground sharp but a building in the rear out of focus.
Night pictures are always interesting, different colored neon lights. Rain or fog always add something to the photograph.
There is money to be made doing street photography. But you have to consistent and take many shots. Go out every day. It takes practice. Find a local company that buys pictures, and give it a try.
Now that you are interested and want to try some street photography, go do it, but have fun. There is something interesting where ever you go.
