What is street photography?
Street photography is a genre of photography that captures unpolished moments of people and their surroundings in public spaces. It is a form of documentary photography that aims to capture the essence of everyday life and the unique culture and character of a particular place.
Street photography is often considered a form of social commentary, as it provides a glimpse into the lives of people from different cultures and backgrounds. Street photographers strive to capture the atmosphere of a particular place and the emotions and interactions of the people within it. They look for unique and interesting moments, but also for patterns and rhythms in the movement of people and objects in the urban environment.
Key characteristics of street photography
One of the most important characteristics of street photography is that it is done in public spaces, which makes it different from other forms of photography. Street photographers must be aware of their surroundings and the people they are photographing, as they often capture stolen moments of people without their consent. To do this effectively, street photographers must be confident and discreet, and able to work quickly and efficiently in busy public spaces.
Street photography can be done with any type of camera, from a simple point-and-shoot to a high-end professional camera. However, many street photographers prefer a rangefinder camera, which is small and inconspicuous and allows them to shoot quickly and discreetly. Some street photographers also prefer a camera with a fixed lens, which offers a wider field of view and allows for more control over the depth of field.
The biggest challenges in street photography
One of the biggest challenges of street photography is finding the right moment to capture. Street photographers must be able to anticipate the action and be ready to take the photo at the right moment. They must be able to react quickly to changing light and weather conditions and be prepared to move quickly to get the best angle and perspective.
Another challenge of street photography is finding a way to get close enough to the action to capture the details and emotions of the scene. Street photographers must be able to navigate crowded public spaces and work discreetly to avoid drawing attention to themselves. They also need to be able to communicate with the people they are photographing in order to capture candid moments and build rapport with their subjects.
Street photography is often a highly personal and subjective form of photography, and each photographer has their own unique approach to capturing the essence of a particular place and its people. Some street photographers prefer to capture moments from everyday life, while others prefer to focus on the more quirky and unusual aspects of the urban environment.
Whichof my photographs is my favorite? The one I'm going to take tomorrow.
Don'tpack up your camera until you've left the location.
Instreet photography, there’s no hiding. You’re out in the middle of the action and have to rely on your own judgment, ability, and courage as a photographer to make a meaningful photograph.
Photographyis about discovering what can happen within the frame. When you place four edges around certain facts, you alter those facts.
“Tome, photography is the art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
“Agood photograph is knowing where to stand.”
Patience, perseverance
, and attention to detail
Regardless of the approach, street photography is a challenging form of photography that requires patience, perseverance, and a keen eye for detail. Street photographers must be able to see the world in a unique and interesting way and capture the essence of a place and its people in a single image.
In short, street photography is a powerful and fascinating genre of photography that offers a glimpse into the lives and emotions of people in public spaces. It is a form of documentary photography that aims to capture the essence of everyday life and the unique character of a particular place. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just starting out, street photography is a great way to explore the world and capture unique moments that tell a story.
Photography is about discovering what can happen within the frame. When you place four edges around certain facts, you change those facts.
- Garry Winogrand
Etiquette and ethics in street photography
Street photography is about capturing real life in public spaces, but that also comes with responsibilities. An important aspect of this type of photography is treating the people you photograph with respect. This means being aware of the boundaries of privacy and personality, and asking yourself what you want to convey with a photo and why you are photographing someone.
Many street photographers choose to be open and transparent when engaging with people, especially when they get closer to someone than just taking a quick snapshot. In some situations, it may be appropriate to ask permission first, while in others, you work with spontaneous moments where permission has not been sought in advance, but where you treat the subject with respect in the context of publication and presentation. It is a balance between artistic freedom and humanity, a balance that every photographer must determine for themselves and constantly reevaluate.
I wrote an ebook with Charlotte Meindersma, LL.M., about what is and isn't allowed. In the ebook, we discuss a number of my photos and examine whether and why a photo should or should not have been taken or published.
Now it's your turn: Developing street photography as a practice and mindset
To improve your street photography skills, it is important to practice regularly, not only technically but also mentally. Go out regularly without a specific goal, but with the intention to observe, feel, and understand what is happening around you. Experiment with different times of the day, change your perspective, try to anticipate movements, and pay attention to small details that tell a story.
In addition, it helps to constantly challenge yourself with assignments such as capturing lines, searching for contrasts, or using emotions as a guide in your work. Discuss your photos with other photographers or in a community, because feedback and different perspectives help you to sharpen your vision. Street photography is not a final destination but a lifelong journey in observation and expression.
Conclusion: Street photography not only enriches your photography skills but also opens your eyes to the world, as you learn to look with attention, curiosity, and respect.
