Street photography tips

Street photography is incredibly versatile. There's always something to see on the street, and people are constantly on the move. From candid portraits to lively street scenes, every image you capture on the street is unique. Capturing unexpected moments and interactions between people is what gives street photography its dynamic character, and it offers endless opportunities to tell compelling stories with your camera. In this article, we share six street photography tips so you can get started today.

Tip 1: Try not to stand out

It may be easier said than done, but it's essential for a good street photo. People simply behave differently once they realise they're being photographed, and then you miss those spontaneous moments. The beauty of candid photos is that they show who a person really is.

Tip 2: Pay attention to composition

A street scene can be very busy and crowded, pulling your attention in every direction. There's so much going on in the street that your photos can quickly end up looking cluttered and chaotic. That's why it's important to create calm amid the chaos by focusing on a clear subject – for example, by blurring the background.

Tip 3: Try black and white

Street photography lends itself perfectly to black and white, and for good reason: the street is full of colours, which can easily distract from your subject. Edit your photo in black and white and you'll see the image become calmer, putting the focus entirely on your subject. Do still shoot in colour and (if possible) in RAW. That gives you more options in post-processing, and you can always switch back to colour if you prefer it.

Tip 4: Experiment with your settings

A slow shutter speed can make a street scene feel dynamic – think of a car racing past, creating motion blur. Alternatively, you can choose a fast shutter speed to freeze movement, which is especially useful when photographing people and you want to see every detail. Also consider your aperture. Do you want everything in the photo to be sharp, or is there one point you want to draw the focus to? The possibilities are endless.

Tip 5: Find inspiration

Practice makes perfect, but it's certainly worth looking at how other photographers approach their work. There are countless street photographers, each with their own approach and style. Delving into their work gives you a better idea of everything that's possible in street photography – and gives you plenty to practise with.

Tip 6: Know the rules

In street photography, it's very important to know what you can and can't photograph. On the street or in public spaces you're free to take photos, but inside a building or shop you're bound by the house rules. Portraits are a bit more complicated: you can take portraits on the street, but publishing them is another story. For that, you need permission from the person you photographed.

Share your results

Have you taken a great street photo? Share your result with us on Instagram! Use #KameraExpress or tag Kamera Express in your post. And don't forget to follow us for plenty of inspiration.

> Read all about street photography here