Why Street Photography?

Why shoot street photography?

1. It is free.

Paris, 2015

My favorite reason for shooting street photography: it is free.

You can shoot it anywhere. In your own neighborhood, around your office, during your commute, or even inside the mall, or at Costco.

Prague, 2015

Shooting street photography can be done anywhere. You can shoot wherever you find fellow human beings.

Prague, 2015 #trix1600

There are no definitions in street photography. If anyone (including ERIC KIM) tells you how to shoot street photography or how not shoot street photography, just ignore them.

Street Photography: create your own reality.

2. Free exercise

Stockholm, 2015

Today’s society, we are fat as fuck. The problem: cars that prevent us from walking. Whenever I am in LA, I gain 10 pounds. Why? I eat a lot, and walk very little.

Santa Monica, 2009

Street photography gives us an excuse to walk. The more we walk, the better we are as street photographers. Because the more we walk, the more photo opportunities we see. And the more we walk, the stronger our backs, our minds, and the less stressed we are.

Tokyo, 2014

I remember when I used to have a day job, and had 200 unanswered emails in my inbox and I felt stressed as fuck, I would just go for a 15 minute walk around the block at my office. I took my camera. Often I didn’t see any good street photos. But I just did it for the walk

Tokyo, 2012

So when you’re stressed, just take your camera for a walk– like walking your dog, but without having to pick up shit. Haha.

3. Just shoot with your phone

Downtown LA, 2015

Street photography is probably shot best on a phone. A phone is light, unobtrusive, and easy.

Berkeley, 2015 #cindyproject #ricohgrii

It is better to shoot a street photograph on your phone, than to not shoot it at all.

Dubai, 2014

This is why I generally anti DSLR, or big and heavy cameras. The bigger your camera, the less likely you are to carry it with you everywhere you go. And even to be honest, a Leica is quite heavy. Just shoot with your iPhone: the best street photography camera.

Conclusion

Seoul, 2009

Street photography is my favorite genre of photography. But honestly, all photography is photography. No definitions, no boxes, no boundaries.

To find more inspiration, buy HAPTIC products. And go out and make more photos and art.

Be strong,
Eric


STREET PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Tokyo, 2012

If you’re new to street photography, start here:

Street Photography Inspiration


Beginner Street Photography Articles

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Get started in street photography:

Definitions in Street Photography

How to Shoot Street Photography

Street Photography Equipment

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How to Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography

See all articles to conquer your fears >


Intermediate Street Photography Articles

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Take your street photography to the next level:


Advanced Street Photography Articles

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Find deeper meaning in your street photography:


Street Photography Tips & Technique

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Learn how to shoot on the streets:

See all street photography tips and techniques >

Street Photography Guides

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In-depth guides on street photography:

Street Photography Equipment

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The best equipment for street photography:

See all equipment articles >

Street Photography Editing and Workflow

How to Start a Street Photography Project

Learn From the Masters of Street Photography

Prague, 1968. Josef Koudelka / Magnum Photos
Prague, 1968. Josef Koudelka / Magnum Photos

“He without a past has no future.”

If you want a distilled version, read the free ebook:  “100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography.”


Free Downloads

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Free Street Photography Ebooks

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Distilled information on street photography:

For more resources on photography, Start Here >