To promote my upcoming travel street photography experiences, I want to share some practical street photography tips (when you shoot while abroad):

1. Photograph hands

You can show the soul of your subjects via photographing their hands.

As a tip, when you’re traveling, don’t just shoot portraits of faces. Also focus on just their hands.

Use macro mode on your camera, and use flash.

---

2. Shoot inside coffee shops

Coffee and photography is a match made in heaven.

Take breaks while you’re shooting and go inside coffee shops. Have an espresso, chat with strangers, and either shoot candid photos inside the coffee shop, or ask for permission from strangers to make a portrait of them.

3. Cross walks

Shoot at cross walks, while people are waiting to cross the road.

Bonus points if you keep shooting and working the scene, and getting eye contact!

4. Shoot by the water

Visit the water. Lots of great photo opportunities here.

Also, you will catch nice light during sunsets at the water.

5. Shoot in local and ethnic areas

Don’t just shoot just tourist areas. Google “local places” to shoot.

You’ll find more interesting subjects to photograph. Also you can make good juxtapositions.

6. Hand gestures

Hand gestures make for better photos.

When you’re out shooting, look for hand gestures. Get close, and try to make photos with their hands close to their face.

7. Tattoos

Tattoos generally make for interesting street photos. Also, people like to show off their tattoos. So keep your eyes open for tattoo street photos.

8. Hotel rooftop bars

Visit fancy hotel rooftop bars. Lots of interesting street photography opportunities here.

9. Night markets

Shoot at night. Shoot night markets, or just go for a walk at night with your camera.

Shoot high ISO (1600-3200). Get dramatic silhouette photos by shooting at -1 or -2 exposure-compensation.

10. Capture the souls of people

Shoot street photography abroad like you’re shooting at home.

Our goal as streettogs is to capture the souls of our subjects.

We don’t need to waste our time making nice photos of tourist landmarks. Make your own personal street photography landmarks, by making photos that leave a mark and impression on your own soul.

Never stop traveling,
ERIC

See all new ERIC KIM TRAVEL STREET PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCES >