Street Photography: An Introduction

Street photography is raw, genuine and unrefined. People are and have always been, by far, the most interesting subject to photograph. There is never a shortage of variety, and it`s great for beginners because you don`t have to have great photography skills to make a portrait or street photograph interesting- it`s the subject that draws the eye in.

Even though the photograph itself isn't particularly outstanding, this woman's eyes and pose speak to the camera, making it an interesting shot. 

However, you should be willing to talk to people, as this makes for great pictures (I`m sure you`ve all heard of Humans of New York). There are a few different types of street photography, including: Humans of New York style stuff, where the photographer talks to and gets to know his subject (ie. portraits),  and distance street photography, where the photographer takes a photo of a subject that catches his eye from a distance- brief contact or no contact is made in this instance. These two forms can be summed up as capturing a personality vs. capturing a moment, or getting involved and affecting the outcome of the photo vs. remaining unattached and leaving the moment (mostly or fully) uncompromised, to be captured as is.

Catching someone in their element, like this street performer teaching a little girl to make huge bubbles in Barcelona, Spain, can be magical.

Men dressed as traditional paganistic "monsters" taking a break during a pagan-themed festival in Pernik, Bulgaria.

It's best to dabble in a little of each type of street photography, even with the difficulties of blending in and being a stealth photographer with such an archaic, slow camera! this is a good way to kick your ass into high gear, in terms of learning to take quick photos.  

But first thing's first; an intriguing, eye-catching subject needs to be found. Then, you must decide whether you want to approach or take a shot from a distance (note that distance-type shots don't necessarily have to be from a distance, they can even be close-range, as long as you don`t disturb the moment too much- quickly asking permission is usually necessary if you are standing right next to your target, so you don`t come off as rude or arrogant... But sometimes you'd be surprised at how much people will let you get away with capturing without saying a word, even when you're right in their face! ). With distance street photography, you want to try to talk through your eyes and body language: if they don`t want their photo taken, you`ll know  Otherwise, you`re good to go as long as you make it quick- no one wants someone lingering around them with a camera pointed at them, like a stalker. Knowing how to expertly choose people who seem OK with having their photo taken, and especially knowing whether or not to ask permission from the person, come with time.

 I'm pretty sure this man noticed me taking a photo, but didn't care and kept doing what he was doing.

If you end up wanting to speak to someone, get to know them, and take a portrait, you need to really know how to pick them because this is much more intimate than shooting from a distance. Read the energy, body language, etc. and always make sure to make your intentions clear regarding what you want to use the photo for. Don`t pressure anyone into having their picture taken- don`t be that guy.

This woman approached me to complain about her sister living abroad.

The best places to take to do street photography are usually festivals (everyone takes photos there, you will fit right in), public street performances, outdoor concerts, dog parks, and the like; basically any public place where people gather of their own free will.

Remember, street photography is meant to capture human nature. It's raw and unrefined, and, in my opinion, so should your photos be. No Photoshop!!! Though I would be surprised if I saw a true film photography enthusiast using that garbage- it defeats the whole purpose of the art!