Everything you need to know to get started in street photography (and to eventually master it)!
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What is street photography?
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eric-kim-Street-photography-black-and-white-Tokyo-2017-Ricoh-gr-ii-13-2000x1325.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&ssl=1)
Street photography is the art of photographing strangers. It can be done in a public or semi-public space. At the park, beach, mall, subway, in the streets, in a library, hotel lobby, airport; any place where humans congregate.
With or without permission?
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Dark-Skies-Over-Tokyo-5-2000x1331.jpg?resize=2000%2C1331&ssl=1)
Either or.
Sometimes you ask for permission, sometimes you shoot candidly without permission. It depends more on the situation, your mood, and circumstance.
When I want to get hyper close and shoot a “street portrait“, I’ll ask for permission.
Why shoot street photography?
![Berlin, 2019 — original photo](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/berlin-eric-kim-street-photography-2019-ricoh-gr-iii-21mm13-1200x1800.jpg?resize=1200%2C1800&ssl=1)
Now this is the real question:
Why shoot street photography? Why does street photography interest you? Why do you want to pursue it?
Reasons why you might want to shoot street photography:
- Your hunger for adventure (photographing strangers gives you a “sense of place”). Works well in travel street photography.
- The belief that there’s nothing more beautiful than humans. Therefore to photograph humans as the apex form of photography-art.
- The fun challenge and hormonal rush from shooting street photography: The great adrenaline rush from street photography.
The best camera for street photography
![Street photography vertical](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/eugene-eric-kim-photography-97.jpg?resize=1365%2C2048&ssl=1)
I’d recommend RICOH GR III or the iPhone Pro. The ideal is a camera which is small, compact, and always with you.
What’s the best lens or focal length for street photography?
![Dark Skies Over Tokyo, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dark-skies-over-tokyo-eric-kim6-2000x1325.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&ssl=1)
If you must choose a lens, use prime (non zoom) lenses. If you’re new, 35mm is ideal. 28mm for intermediate. 21mm for advanced street photographers.
I generally find the wider your lens, the more interestingly your street photos.
Who are the master street photographers I should study?
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/josef-koudelka-black-and-white-photography-41141405602967739161..jpg?resize=1280%2C854&ssl=1)
Here is my list of master street photographers.
If you’re new or looking for inspiration, this is the order I would recommend:
Street photography techniques
- Shoot with a flash
- Fishing technique: Find an interesting background and wait for someone to enter the frame.
- Ask for permission: First compliment your subject then ask for permission to “make their portrait”.
- Pretend like you’re shooting something behind your subject.
What’s the best way to share my street photos?
![Hanoi, 2019 hoan kiem lake](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hanoi-eric-kim-street-photography-2019-ricoh-gr-ii10-2000x1325-2000x1325.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&ssl=1)
Start your own blog (WordPress.org or WordPress.com).
For feedback on your street photos, upload them to arsbeta.com (my photography feedback platform).
What makes a good street photograph?
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/eric-kim-photography-vietnam-black-and-white-3-copy-2000x1325.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&ssl=1)
A good street photo has drama, soul, simple yet dynamic form, and is open-ended to interpretation.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/eric-kim-street-photography-hanoi-5-2000x1325.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&ssl=1)
How to take your street photography to the next level
![NYC, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/suit-smoking-645z-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1500&ssl=1)
- Shoot with a wider lens (and get closer to your subject).
- Experiment with digital medium format street photography (Pentax 645Z, Fujifilm GFX 50R/50S).
- Experiment and innovate with new and asymmetric street photography compositions: For example, tilt your camera in street photography [dutch angle], experiment with unique perspectives [super low angle].
- Create more layers, depth, and dynamism in your photos. For inspiration look at Alex Webb, Constantine Manos, and Nikos E.
Keep learning: Street Photography 101 >