In the late 1960’s, photographer Tony Ray-Jones wrote a hand-written note on his “approach” when he took photographs. I think these tips are lessons all of us as street photographers can learn from him. Read more to see some of his inspirational images (and this list typed out):

1. Be more AGGRESSIVE

2. Get more INVOLVED (talk to people)

3. Stay with the subject matter (be PATIENT)

4. Take SIMPLER pictures

5. See if everything in background relates to subject matter

6. Vary compositions & ANGLES more

7. Be more aware of COMPOSITION

8. Don’t take BORING pictures

9. GET IN CLOSER (use 50mm lens)

10. Watch camera SHAKE (shoot 250 sec or above)

11. Don’t shoot too much

12. Not all eye level

13. No middle distance

Tony Ray-Jones Exhibition

If you are in the UK, make sure to check out the “Only in England: Photographs by Tony Ray-Jones and Martin Parr” opening on September 21st, 2013. It will be held at the Media Space at the Science Museum in London.

The National Media Museum holds the Tony Ray-Jones archive of approximately 700 photographic prints, 1700 negative sheets, 2700 contact sheets, 600 boxes of transparencies along with notebooks and diaries.

All photographs are copyrighted by Tony Ray-Jones and The National Media Museum.