How to Start Shooting Street Photography

My earliest passion and interest in photography was specifically street photography. But starting off, how does one approach street photography?

1. Strong light and contrast

The importance of going out and shooting when the light is the strongest and most extreme. High contrasted light will render more interesting, dynamic and punchy photos — whether in color or black and white.

2. Work the scene

My primary confusion:

I always assumed the master street photographers would just get the shot in “one shot, one kill”.

No. If you study their contact sheets you will well discover, they worked the scene. Towards debunking the myth of the decisive moment.

3. Towards undefining “street photography”

Define street photography for yourself. Ignore how others define it.

Would you allow others to define “love” for you? Probably not. Apply the same concept to street photography!

4. Don’t rest on your laurels

Marseille ERIC KIM

In my short tenure in photography and life, I’ve gone from being an unknown college kid shooting (before I even knew that “street photography” was a thing) to becoming world famous (internet famous).

But one must not rest on one’s laurels. One must always enjoy the street photography process, technique and approach and think to oneself:

How can I approach street photography in a way in which it is fun and interesting to me for my whole life?

ERIC KIM

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MOTIVATION

Hand tattoo

Only in America

Downtown LA in COLOR

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY STARTER KIT

street photography starter kit by ERIC KIM

Master street photography with STREET PHOTOGRAPHY STARTER KIT.


STREET PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Hearts. Hollywood, 2011 #flash

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


Brave New Street Photography

running through the swings kid street photography ERIC KIM

Street Photographs

ERIC KIM layers hong kong

  1. How to Shoot Street Photography with Dads and Kids
  2. HOW I BECAME SUCH A GREAT STREET PHOTOGRAPHER
  3. Use Quarantine as an Opportunity to Pick up Film Photography
  4. Hong Kong Street Photography by ERIC KIM

Street Photography Philosophy

Street Photography Articles


Street Photography Techniques


JUST SHOOT IT. HENRI NECK STRAP by ERIC KIM

See HENRI NECK STRAP on AMAZON >


Street Photography Ideas


Street Photography Composition Techniques


STREET NOTES.

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

Timeless wisdom from the masters of street photography.

Learn more about MASTERS >

Buy MASTERS on Amazon >


FUNDAMENTALS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Street Photography Inspiration


Beginner Street Photography Articles

Get started in street photography:

Definitions in Street Photography

How to Shoot Street Photography

Street Photography Equipment

See all equipment articles >

How to Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography

See all articles to conquer your fears >


Intermediate Street Photography Articles

Take your street photography to the next level:


Advanced Street Photography Articles

Find deeper meaning in your street photography:


Street Photography Tips & Technique

Learn how to shoot on the streets:

See all street photography tips and techniques >

Street Photography Guides

In-depth guides on street photography:

Street Photography Equipment

The best equipment for street photography:

See all equipment articles >

Street Photography Editing and Workflow

How to Start a Street Photography Project


Learn From the Masters of Street Photography

“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

Classics never die:


Free Downloads

See all free downloads >

Free Street Photography Books

Distilled information on street photography:

For more resources on photography, Start Here >