Street Photography Beginner Tips

Dear friend,

Never lose your childlike sense of curiosity in street photography! Always return to beginner’s mind, to never run out of inspiration and motivation!

Street Notes Clean Background Assignment


1. Shoot head on

Shooting street photography head on. Underground shopping mall, Tokyo 2018. 24mm

When you’re shooting with a wide-angle lens (24mm, 28mm, 35mm), don’t shoot from the side. Instead, be aggressive and shoot head-on. You can do this by using the “cutoff technique“, or by literally getting in front of people and their walking path.

By shooting more photos head-on, your photos will be more dynamic! It will give your viewer the impression that the subject of the photograph will directly collide with you!


2. Video camera technique

Man in subway, shot with video camera technique.

To be more stealth when shooting street photography, shoot street photography like you were shooting with a video camera.

When you pretend you’re shooting video, people ignore you. So hold your camera steady while you’re shooting (and use your lcd screen), and don’t make sudden movements. This will allow you to shoot really close to your subjects, without getting your subjects to suspect that they’re being photographed.


3. Shoot as you’re entering the subway (or exiting the subway)

Woman at entrance of subway station. Tokyo, 2018

If you feel self-conscious when shooting street photography, my suggestion: shoot photos as you’re entering the subway, or exiting the subway.

Woman exiting subway. Tokyo, 2018

My rationale: when you’re exiting or entering a place, most people are distracted. They won’t really notice.

You can also do this if you’re inside a subway train: shoot photos as you’re entering or exiting a train.


4. Linger and shoot A LOT MORE photos than you think you should.

If you see a good moment, linger and shoot a lot more than you think you should!

Taxi man sleeping. Tokyo, 2018
Taxi man sleeping. Tokyo, 2018

I know what it’s like: you see a scene, and you get afraid, so you only shoot 1-2 photos, and quickly move on.

My suggestion: keep your feet planted, and keep shooting!

The more you keep shooting and “working the scene”, the more likely you are to make a good composition of the scene!


5. Talk with your subjects!

Don’t feel like you must always be a ninja street photographer. If you’re in a good mood, interact and chat with your subjects!

Woman with pigtails and yellow jacket. Tokyo, 2018
Woman with pigtails and yellow jacket. Tokyo, 2018

When I talk with my subjects, I get better interactions with them, and also get better vibes. I’m happier after chatting with my subjects, and I often get better photos as a result as well!

Elderly Japanese couple. Asakusa Tokyo 2018

NEVER STOP SHOOTING!


There’s still an infinite number of “decisive moments” for you to capture in the world! Never stop shooting, never stop exploring, wandering, and following your childlike curiosity!

BE BOLD,
ERIC

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Street Photography 101