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5 Fundamental Street Photography Principles

Jazz hands. Hollywood, 2011

Practical street photography lessons I’ve learned from 2009-2018 (the last 11 years!)


Master the Fundamentals: STREET PHOTOGRAPHY STARTER KIT >


1. Copy photographers who you like!

Jazz hands. Hollywood, 2011
Jazz hands. Hollywood, 2011
Eric Kim shooting Jazz hands. Action photo.
Eric Kim shooting Jazz hands. Behind the scenes photo.

First of all, don’t worry about biting the style or copying other photographers. It’s part of the process, just like how all great artists have apprenticed under other great artists.

My suggestion, don’t worry if you’re copying another photographer: just have fun making photos in a way that suits your personality! Like shoot with a flash (Weegee, Bruce Gilden style), waiting for decisive moments (Henri Cartier-Bresson), or shooting layers (Alex Webb, Constantine Manos, Nikos E).

Nikos Economopoulos : TURKEY. Central Anatolia. 1988.
Nikos Economopoulos : TURKEY. Central Anatolia. 1988.
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Nikos Economopoulos, Greece, vertical composition
Nikos Economopoulos, Greece, vertical composition
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I would say when you’re starting off, intentionally try to copy photographers whose style you like! Read all their interviews, watch YouTube videos on them and buy their photo books. Treat them like your virtual teacher or guide, and honestly you will naturally grow into your photographic style.

2. You’re not doing anything wrong

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Secondly don’t feel any ethical qualms from shooting street photography. Overcoming this false “guilt” is essential to becoming a better street photographer.

Realize that at worst, you’re only “minorly annoying” your subject. Also recognize you’re doing a “net good/positive” to society through your street photography! You’re making photos that help others appreciate the beauty of everyday life, while also uncovering injustice in the world.

So if you have good intentions in street photography, ignore what any critics or nay sayers may say about you and your work!


3. Shoot 25% more than you think you should!

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Jean Gaumy contact sheet- women burka - shooting guns3
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MARTINE FRANCK - contact sheet- boy by pool2
Martine Franck contact sheet
Martine Franck contact sheet
richard kalvar contact sheets4
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Third, shoot a lot! If you see a good scene, you’re probably only gonna see it that way once in your life.

Work the scene from different angles, perspectives and views. Take a step closer, take a step back. Wait a second before clicking the shutter again. Wait for the subjects to move around more, and get a better angle.


4. Start with monochrome

MONOCHROME Street Photography by ERIC KIM Pictures _Page_09
MONOCHROME Street Photography by ERIC KIM Pictures _Page_07
MONOCHROME Street Photography by ERIC KIM Pictures _Page_06
MONOCHROME Street Photography by ERIC KIM Pictures _Page_04
MONOCHROME Street Photography by ERIC KIM Pictures _Page_03
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Start off shooting in black and white to master simplicity and minimalism. Move onto color once you feel like you’ve mastered black and white.

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How to Master Monochrome Photography by ERIC KIM58
How to Master Monochrome Photography by ERIC KIM49
How to Master Monochrome Photography by ERIC KIM48
How to Master Monochrome Photography by ERIC KIM42
Heart tattoo. Downtown La, 2011
Pinnochio nose. Downtown LA, 2015
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How to Master Monochrome Photography by ERIC KIM22

Black and white forces us to focus on composition, framing, and mood. Color is more difficult than black and white because of the additional variables of color.

Start off studying Josef Koudelka, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Richard Avedon. Then move into color: Martin Parr, Alex Webb, Constantine Manos.

See all the masters of photography >


5. For more meaningful work, work on photography books and projects

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Single photos that get lots of likes on social media are good, but working on a long term photography project that’s personally meaningful is better.

For example I’ve been working on my SUITS project from 2011-2016, and I feel so much gratitude and meaning from the project. Same goes for my ONLY IN AMERICA series (2011-2016).

only in america - eric kim street photography COVER HORIZONTAL
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Bank of America and old-school car. Boston, 2018
Bank of America and old-school car. Boston, 2018. RICOH GR II

Projects may seem daunting, but just find a project you’re interested and passionate about, and trust me — the time will fly by!


Conclusion

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Marseille, 2013. Kodak Portra 400, 35mm format.
Marseille, 2013. Kodak Portra 400, 35mm format.
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Street photography is to me, the best form of photography. Open, democratic, fun, challenging, difficult and endlessly fascinating.

I feel like I can shoot street photography my whole life and barely scratch the surface.

So friend, aim to shoot street photography your whole life. Always seek to push yourself, challenge yourself, take bigger risks, and more dynamic compositions.

Don’t forget to have fun, and shoot until your dying day!

NEVER STOP SHOOTING,
ERIC

CONQUER YOUR FEARS AND MEET NEW PEERS at ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE >


STREET PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Black and white dark skies over Tokyo eric kim street photography

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

  • Street Photography 101 Tutorial
  • 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography
  • How to Shoot Street Photography

Master Street Photography

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY STARTER KIT: Everything You Need to Master Street Photography.


Never Stop Shooting


For more free resources, presets, and PDF visualizations on street photography, join my free ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER to stay inspired and empowered.

Also join ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE if you want to take your street photography to the next level and conquer your fears and meet new peers.

To join a positive and passionate community, share your photos in ERIC KIM FORUM. Look forward to having you friend :)


Street Photography Ideas

cyan pink composition istanbul

  • 10 Street Photography Assignment Ideas
  • How to Tell Stories in Street Photography

Street Photography Techniques

  • Photography Technique: Take Photos While Walking!
  • New Tokyo GoPro Fusion POV Street Photography YouTube Videos
  • ERIC KIM Street Photography Tips and Technique
  • The 360 Degree Technique in Street Photography
  • How to Work the Scene in Street Photography
  • How to Shoot Layers and the Bookend Technique in Street Photography
  • Street Photography Technique: GET CLOSE & FILL THE FRAME + GOLDEN DIAGONAL COMPOSITION
  • Street Photography Techniques: The 3D Scan/360 Degree Technique (Shooting Head-on) and Holding Your Camera High in the Air and Point Downwards (and Use Your LCD Screen to Frame the Scene)
  • The Walking Alongside Someone and Shooting Until They Notice You Street Photography Technique
  • SUPER INNOVATIVE NEW GOPRO STREET PHOTOGRAPHY POV EXPERIENCE: Cutoff Technique, Shooting Head-on with Flash, and Slow-Motion on RICOH GR II at 28mm
  • How to Shoot a Street Portrait: Tips, Technique, and GoPRO POV Tutorial
  • Street Photography Technique/Composition: Leading Lines and Crouching Down Low
  • How to Shoot Layers in Street Photography: GoPRO POV Video Composition Tutorial
  • How to Shoot Street Photography with a 24mm Lens
  • The Cutoff Technique in Street Photography
  • THE CUTOFF TECHNIQUE IN STREET PHOTOGRAPHY: GOPRO POV KYOTO ERIC KIM

JUST SHOOT IT. HENRI NECK STRAP by ERIC KIM

ERIC KIM x HENRI NECK STRAP
ERIC KIM x HENRI NECK STRAP

See HENRI NECK STRAP on AMAZON >


Street Photography Articles

Mad men. NYC, 2017. Pentax 645Z

  • Street Photography is Like Fishing
  • Why Do We Feel Nervous Shooting Street Photography?
  • Street Photography Philosophy
  • Everyday Street Photography
  • Why Street Photography?
  • Why You Must Follow Your Own Voice in Street Photography
  • How to Overcome Guilt in Street Photography
  • 5 Dynamic Off-Center Street Photography Compositions
  • 5 Night Street Photography Composition Tips
  • How to Talk to Strangers
  • How to Overcome Fear in Street Photography
  • Street Photography Empowerment
  • Eric Kim’s Top 30 Street Photography Tips
  • How to Shoot Street Photography on a 35mm Lens
  • 7 Tips How to Conquer Your Fears of Shooting Street Photography
  • Street Photography Lifestyle
  • How to Use Tactful Flattery in Street Photography
  • How to Conquer Social Anxiety With Street Photography
  • Street Photography Secrets Debunked
  • 10 Dynamic Street Photography Tips
  • The Benefits of Shooting Street Photography
  • The Street Photography Manifesto
  • My Experience Shooting Digital Medium Format in Street Photography
  • Why Do You Feel Guilty Shooting Street Photography?
  • Improvise in Street Photography
  • Ethics in Street Photography

Street Photography Composition Techniques

  • 10 Inspirational Sergio Larrain Compositions
  • 5 Henri Cartier-Bresson Photography Composition Lessons
  • Street Photography Technique: Overlap
  • Street Photography Composition Lesson: Chunking
  • The Fishing Technique in Street Photography

STREET NOTES.

STREET NOTES MOBILE EDITION x RICOH GR II
STREET NOTES MOBILE EDITION x RICOH GR II

Push yourself out of your comfort zone with STREET NOTES: Mobile Edition.

STREET NOTES PAPER EDITION ON AMAZON >


LEARN FROM THE MASTERS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

LEARN FROM THE MASTERS by HAPTIC

Timeless wisdom from the masters of street photography.

Learn more about MASTERS >

Buy MASTERS on Amazon >


FUNDAMENTALS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

elegance, seoul, 2009 Eric Kim street photography

  • The Psychology of Street Photography
  • Fundamentals to Street Photography
  • How to Conquer Fear in Street Photography
  • Street Photography Secrets
  • NEO STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
  • Street Photography Lenses
  • Street Photography Settings
  • Street Photography Techniques
  • Street Photography Ideas
  • CLOSER.
  • CLEAN BACKGROUND

Street Photography Inspiration

eric kim street photography marseille kodak portra 400 sunbather beach

  • How to Enter the Street Photography Zone
  • Simple Street Photography Tips
  • How to Defuse Confrontations in Street Photography 
  • How to Make Controversial Street Photographs
  • Street Photography Project Ideas
  • How to Make Good Street Photos
  • Is Defining “STREET PHOTOGRAPHY” a Good Thing?
  • STREET PHOTOGRAPHY “RULES” TO BREAK
  • Walking Meditation in Street Photography
  • 10 COMMANDMENTS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
  • Street Photography is Improvisation
  • In Praise of Randomness in Street Photography
  • How to Become a Fearless Photographer
  • How to Make Better Street Photographs
  • 12 ERIC KIM Street Photography Assignments
  • Meaningful Street Photography
  • 25 Street Photography Tips by ERIC KIM

Beginner Street Photography Articles

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Get started in street photography:

Definitions in Street Photography

  • Visual Sociology Street Photography
  • Why Street Photography?
  • What is Street Photography?
  • Why Shoot Street Photography?
  • The History of Street Photography

How to Shoot Street Photography

  • How to Shoot Street Photography
  • Street Portraits 101 by ERIC KIM
  • The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Street Photography
  • 70 Street Photography Tips for Beginners
  • 15 Street Photography Techniques and Tips
  • A Letter to My 18 Year Old Self: If I Started Street Photography All Over Again

Street Photography Equipment

Tokyo Eric Kim rain umbrella

  • What is the Best Camera for Street Photography?
  • What is the Best Lens for Street Photography?
  • What to Consider When Buying a Camera

See all equipment articles >

How to Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography

  • How to Conquer Your Fears in Life
  • Shoot What You’re Afraid Of
  • How to Channel Your Fear into Bravery

See all articles to conquer your fears >


Intermediate Street Photography Articles

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Take your street photography to the next level:

  • How to Become a Stoic Street Photographer
  • The 10 Principles of Good Street Photography
  • 7 Tips How to Capture “The Decisive Moment” in Street Photography
  • The Importance of Social Skills in Street Photography
  • The Street Photography Code of Ethics
  • “Taking” vs “Making” Photos in Street Photography
  • Follow Your Gut in Street Photography
  • 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Chimp While Shooting Street Photography

Advanced Street Photography Articles

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Find deeper meaning in your street photography:

  • How to Master Street Photography
  • How to Be a Zen Street Photographer
  • Personal Street Photography
  • The “Bookend” Technique in Street Photography
  • Street Photography is Self-Therapy
  • Zen in the Art of Street Photography
  • Taoism and Street Photography
  • How to Find Your Style in Street Photography
  • Follow Your Gut in Street Photography

Street Photography Tips & Technique

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Learn how to shoot on the streets:

  • 70 Street Photography Tips for Beginners
  • 15 Street Photography Techniques and Tips
  • Flash Street Photography Guide
  • Take More Risks
  • Don’t Think About Composition When You’re Shooting Street Photography
  • 7 Tips How to Capture “The Decisive Moment” in Street Photography
  • 7 Tips How to Make a Great Street Photograph
  • Tokyo Street Photography Contact Sheets
  • Video: Why it is Important to “Work the Scene” in Street Photography
  • Shoot Less, Better
  • Make Shitty Photos
  • Shoot Effortlessly
  • 10 Tips for Candid Street Photography
  • 103 Lessons I’ve Learned From Street Photography

See all street photography tips and techniques >

Street Photography Guides

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In-depth guides on street photography:

  • How to Shoot Candid Street Photography
  • How to Shoot Street Portraits with Permission
  • How to Shoot Black and White Street Photography
  • How to Shoot Color Street Photography
  • How to Shoot Street Portraits with Permission
  • How to Shoot Layers in Street Photography
  • How to Shoot Urban Landscapes

Street Photography Equipment

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The best equipment for street photography:

  • What is the Best Camera for Street Photography?
  • What is the Best Lens for Street Photography?
  • Why I Love Cameras with Non-Interchangeable Lenses
  • The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide for Cameras in Street Photography
  • What to Consider When Buying a Camera for Street Photography
  • In Street Photography, The Smaller the Camera, the Better
  • Why Sharpness is Overrated in Street Photography
  • How to Shoot Street Photography on a DSLR

See all equipment articles >

Street Photography Editing and Workflow

  • Video: Introduction to Editing, Processing, and Workflow in Lightroom
  • How to Edit (Choose Your Best Photos) in Street Photography
  • How Studying Contact Sheets Can Make You a Better Street Photographer
  • Debunking the “Myth of the Decisive Moment”

How to Start a Street Photography Project

  • Free E-Book: The Street Photography Project Manual
  • How to Start Your Own Street Photography Project
  • How to Come Up With a Personal Photography Project Idea

Learn From the Masters of Street Photography

MASTERS PROTOTYPE by HAPTIC

“He without a past has no future.”

Start here:

  1. Why Study the Masters of Photography?
  2. Great Female Master Photographers
  3. Cheat Sheet of the Masters of Photography
  4. 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography
  5. Beginner’s Guide to the Masters of Street Photography
  6. Download All Articles >

The Masters of Photography

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

Classics never die:

  • Alfred Stieglitz
  • Alec Soth
  • Alex Webb
  • Alexey Brodovitch
  • Anders Petersen
  • Andre Kertesz
  • Ansel Adams
  • Araki
  • Blake Andrews
  • Bruce Davidson
  • Bruce Gilden
  • Constantine Manos
  • Daido Moriyama
  • Dan Winters
  • David Alan Harvey
  • David Hurn
  • Diane Arbus
  • Dorothea Lange
  • Elliott Erwitt
  • Eugene Atget
  • Eugene Smith
  • Fan Ho
  • Garry Winogrand
  • Gordon Parks
  • Helen Levitt
  • Henri Cartier-Bresson
  • Irving Penn
  • Jacob Aue Sobol
  • Jeff Mermelstein
  • Joel Meyerowitz
  • Joel Sternfeld
  • Josef Koudelka / Part 2
  • Josh White
  • Lee Friedlander
  • Lisette Model
  • Magnum Contact Sheets
  • Magnum Photographers
  • Mark Cohen
  • Martin Parr
  • Martine Franck
  • Mary Ellen Mark
  • Rene Burri
  • Richard Avedon
  • Richard Kalvar
  • Robert Capa
  • Robert Frank
  • Saul Leiter
  • Sergio Larrain
  • Sebastião Salgado
  • Shomei Tomatsu
  • Stephen Shore
  • The History of Street Photography
  • Todd Hido
  • Tony Ray-Jones
  • Trent Parke
  • Vivian Maier
  • Walker Evans
  • Weegee
  • William Eggleston
  • William Klein
  • Zoe Strauss

Free Downloads

  • Eric Kim Lightroom Presets
  • Street Photography Presentations

See all free downloads >

Free Street Photography Books

eric-kim-street-photography-only-in-america-14

Distilled information on street photography:

  • STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM
  • The Art of Street Photography
  • 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography
  • Street Photography Contact Sheets
  • Street Photography 101
  • Street Photography 102
  • Film Street Photography Manual
  • The Street Photography Composition Manual
  • The Street Portrait Manual
  • 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography
  • Zen in the Art of Street Photography

For more resources on photography, Start Here >

HENRI SHOULDER STRAP

Film Leica MP x Henri Shoulder Strap (CREMA BROWN)

Supreme >


Street Photography Starter Kit

street photography starter kit by ERIC KIM

Master street photography >


HENRI WRIST STRAP PRO

Henri wrist strap pro

For the pros >

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship

My brand-new Udemy Course, "Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship" now live!

Seize your destiny >


Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography

eric kim ultimate beginners guide to mastering photography udemy

Master photography >

ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

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Unleash your creative potential:

2021:

  • April 10-11th, 2021: BOSTON / Discover Your Unique Voice in Photography Workshop [Register Intent Here]
  • May 1-2nd, 2021: CHICAGO / Street Photography Composition Masterclass [Register Intent Here]
  • May 22-22nd, 2021: NEW YORK CITY / STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS by ERIC KIM [Register Intent Here]

Be notified of when new workshops are live here.


ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

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