Street Photography - The Dos and The Don’t

                                          Have you ever seen a photograph from the street perhaps it was close up or from a distant? Then you wonder how the photographer was able to pull such a classic perfect timed shot. It is like walking in a crowd unseen while capturing the moment with your eyes. The little details are what makes street photography an art.

                                          But with a camera, it becomes tricky and perhaps creepy to prying eyes and passersby. When you try to take a shot on the street. The most common setback for many photographers is fear when going about street photography.
If you have ever thought Street Photography is creepy especially the process then the truth is it is not inherently creepy. More truth is that it could be creepy at times. No one would like a camera pointed at them without their permission or would they?

                                          For an abstract photo say a shot of a water hydrant will not seem out of the normal. It is common to be nervous when trying street photography especially if you are an introvert.
As a photographer, street photography can be rewarding once you can scale through the hurdles of fear. To get started with street photography you need to learn some techniques to go about it. Most importantly dedication, time and practice will come into play.
To become more confident in taking street photography especially people which makes the photos tell more than a picture but a story. The process begins with you and these steps would be highlighted below,

The Dos

1. Make people come to you - it is important you pick a spot rather than roaming about on the street which could make you creepy. When you pick a spot where there is a lot of traffic and interesting background to have a clear view of every movement and you can get the best angle for your shot.
2. Pretend to be a tourist - dress like a tourist and be confident. Don’t look directly at your subject shots to avoid suspicion, like you are taking a shot of the background. This works all the time. Note, when you capture the person remain as though you are still taking a shot of the background.
3. Observe subjects – it is important to choose your subject wisely through eye test. Aim for people who look happy not someone that seems angry. If you can avoid such shot please do or take them at your own risk. But if you have taking a good spot as mention earlier you shouldn’t have any issue with taking your shots.
4. Use wide range lens – this could come in very handy for street photography. If you love zoom lens and you are shy or with fears this will not come in handy for you on street photography as they are heavy and more obvious and noticeable. Another option is the GoPro camera. They are very useful for discreet street photography with amazing shots.
5. The Portraiture – this is fun and mostly has to do with your confidence and way of approaching random people. You walk up to them and ask to take their portrait on the street. The more you try it, the easier it gets. The plus side to this street portraiture is that you get to pick the angles you want and take the shots to perfection. The best street portraiture are taken this way. It is never seen as creepy and many people often oblige when you ask them nicely. So you have to be confiendt and be comfortable approaching strangers. Go for people well dressed and in flashy clothes. They are your models. People dressed regualry can also be taking to have a perfect blend and mix of variety of shots to add to your collections. This will boost your confident and eradicate any fears you have about street photography.

The Don’t

1. Putting Camera on people’s faces – avoid making it obvious to your subject that you are taking a shot of them. This is very creepy behaviour and people hate.
2. Avoid Photos that don’t tell a story – This could be creepy and could pass you off as a stalker. Taking shots of people in awkward movements that could be perceived as voyeurism is not street photography. Street photography is art. It shouldn’t be a subject form memes or banter.
3. Running after a subject – don’t do this. You are not a paparazzi and it is very creepy. No one likes to be chased after by a man with a camera. If you missed a shot, move on to the next while following the do’s of street photography.

References

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