Definition

Street Photography has many meanings and definitions, and everyone gives one. For me, street photography is creating raw photography of the natural moment, the people, the place, and the moments that pass. Still, my definition is not close to the actual meaning created by other photographers of the same gender to define what street photography is. Naomi Blumberg’s resume is very well https://www.britannica.com/art/street-photography.

 

“Street photography, a genre that records everyday life in a public place. The very publicness of the setting enables the photographer to take candid pictures of strangers, often without their knowledge. Street photographers do not necessarily have a social purpose but prefer to isolate and capture moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

What motivates you to create street photography.

It could be for several reasons, which may be some of the following (there are more reasons to create street photography; I am just showing these few):

1. Photograph the moment, some are interesting, and you have to be ready,
2. To create some projects for yourself,
3. To document your trip or blogging for yourself or others,
4. People (expression, candid moment), buildings, art,
5. The reasons you have, remember to be respectful,
6. Etc, etc.

What, Who, When, How.

Who. People (couples, families, pet owners, children try to be more respectful), buildings, art, and moments; try using different settings and vantage points of view. Try to approach people by saying a compliment or focusing on what they are wearing; you always have to be respectful. Ask permission to photograph people.

It could be closer if you plan to photograph people by using your cellphone to photograph people. You also can photograph candid moments using a telephoto or have a considerable distance between your subject and you. If people don’t like to take photos of them, you have to respect that; you are documenting their life, and not everyone feels comfortable that a stranger take a picture of them.

There are many things you could photograph, buildings, the details of things you find on the street; maybe you find a food vendor on the street, the food you buy, or someone walking their dog. If you see the house on the sidewalk, you could photograph but to photograph the inside, you need a license. Also, ask permission if it involves someone or property.

When. There are moments when you have to create the right moment and be ready, and your camera has to be in optimal condition to be within reach of your finger. 

Maybe you like a place, but there are no people around, or you do not have a great vantage point. You have to define what you want. You will eventually change your perspective but try to move and use your environment to your advantage.

Take different photos of places; in this way, you could practice and use this when you travel. It also helps you craft your art and use what surrounds you, for example, a door, tiles on the place you are, the light and shadows of a building that goes by, or when you commute. Your brain needs to read the moment, the actions happening in seconds, and what you like about the places and things. Street photography helps you to be ready to shoot.

How (gear). You can start with a cellphone, any brand. New smartphones can help you a lot these days, you can use apps, but most of the time, you dont need one with a native camera and take amazing photos.

I start taking photos from an iPhone 5s, and many photographers create fantastic photographs and edit them all on my phone, using some lenses. Now there are even more accessories like Beastgrip and Moment lens that help you achieve more with your cellphone without needing a DSLR or a Mirrorless. Later on, if you want to upgrade your craft because even with accessories, there are some limitations, you can upgrade to a DSLR or Mirrorless; there are magnificent brands that use what is best for you.

 

Beastgrip with canon lens and iPhone 7 plus

Have fun.

When you go out and use your camera for street photography, you travel to the city to a different area. Try to consider different factors as I present here, but you must remember that you enjoy your trip and try to see what is in front of you.

With street photography you have to be ready to create some stunning images; the more you practice you can be better and will understand what you want to create. The basics of photography are really important but you can break those rules enjoy your creations and be respectful of where you are so you can enjoy more your photographs and your travel.

Any camera you have could create outstanding work, so enjoy the experience and experiment with what you love the most.