A quick street photography tip: When you’re shooting on the streets, focus on the edges of the frame.

Some ideas:

1. Clean edges

Make sure the edges of your frame are clean. By having clean edges of your frame, your viewer can better focus on what is in the center of your frame– your primary subject.

Street photography is subtraction, not addition to your frame.

Subtract superfluous elements or distractions from the edges of your frame. If the edges of your frame (and the background) of your frame are clean, you are more likely to get a good photo.

Learn more: Composition >

2. Move around

When you’re shooting, don’t just shoot from the side. Move to the left, move to the right– position yourself better.

Think of your eye like the eye (lens) of your camera. If you want more engaging street photos, you need to shoot head-on. Photos shot head-on are more dynamic, and edgy. They have more soul. They feel less voyeuristic. They feel more personal.

So in the video you can see how in the streets of Hanoi, the backgrounds are messy 99% of the time. So by shifting my perspective (by moving my feet) I was able to get a better background/framing.

3. Get closer

Last step: get closer in street photography. I shoot with the Ricoh GR II with the 28mm lens. It is quite wide. So you need to get close to fill the frame.

You know if you’re ‘close enough’ if the edges of your frame are filled. So when you’re moving closer, keep looking at the edges of the frame.

And lastly, take some photos, smile, and say hello :)

Have fun,
Eric

For more guidance, pick up a copy of Street Notes.

Street Photography Tips

Practical street photography tips for you:

• Simple Street Photography Tips
• 15 Street Photography Techniques and Tips
• 70 Street Photography Tips for Beginners

See all street photography tips and techniques >

To learn more about street photography, check out Street Photography 101 >