Top 100 Street Photography Tips: In the Spirit of Eric Kim

Street photography is more than just capturing moments—it’s about being present, embracing spontaneity, and telling the stories of people and places. Here are 100 tips to help you improve your street photography, inspired by the philosophy and techniques of Eric Kim.

Mindset and Philosophy

1. Shoot for yourself, not for others – Capture what excites you, not what you think others want to see.
2. Focus on experiences, not likes – Photography is about personal growth, not social media validation.
3. Always carry your camera – The best photo opportunities come when you least expect them.
4. Don’t be afraid to fail – The best learning comes from mistakes.
5. Seek discomfort – Put yourself in unfamiliar situations to grow as a photographer.
6. Stay curious – Explore the world with a childlike sense of wonder.
7. Embrace the unknown – Don’t plan too much. Let the streets surprise you.
8. Don’t overthink composition – Sometimes instinct is your best guide.
9. Capture emotions, not just moments – Focus on the feelings behind the scenes.
10. Practice the art of patience – Wait for the perfect moment rather than rushing the shot.

Gear and Technical Tips

11. Shoot with what you have – The best camera is the one you have with you, even if it’s your smartphone.
12. Use a prime lens – Simplify your setup by using a 35mm or 50mm prime lens for classic street photography.
13. Zone focus – Pre-focus your lens so you’re ready for split-second shots.
14. Shoot in aperture priority mode – Let your camera handle the exposure while you focus on framing and timing.
15. Master your autofocus – Learn the quirks of your camera’s autofocus system.
16. Use manual settings in challenging light – Don’t shy away from full manual control when necessary.
17. Shoot RAW – Capture more data and give yourself flexibility in post-processing.
18. Embrace wide apertures – A shallow depth of field can isolate your subject and create striking images.
19. Turn off your flash – Natural light is often the most flattering in street photography.
20. Use black and white to simplify – Strip color from your images to focus on form, contrast, and emotion.

Compositional Techniques

21. Look for leading lines – Use architecture and streets to guide the viewer’s eye.
22. Incorporate frames within frames – Windows, doors, and arches can add layers to your images.
23. Capture reflections – Use puddles, windows, and mirrors to create unique compositions.
24. Embrace negative space – Let the environment breathe around your subject.
25. Use shadows creatively – Shadows add depth and intrigue to your photos.
26. Rule of thirds – Divide your frame into thirds and place points of interest on the intersections.
27. Break the rules – Once you understand the basics of composition, don’t be afraid to break them.
28. Look for symmetry – Symmetry can add a sense of balance and harmony to your images.
29. Focus on textures – Street photography isn’t just about people. Capture the gritty textures of urban environments.
30. Shoot from the hip – Capture more candid, unposed moments by shooting without raising your camera to your eye.

Engaging with the Streets

31. Smile at people – Disarming your subject with a smile makes for more genuine interactions.
32. Talk to your subjects – Don’t be afraid to ask for permission or learn their story.
33. Capture moments of interaction – Photos of people connecting are often more powerful than isolated portraits.
34. Be a fly on the wall – Blend in, observe, and wait for the perfect moment to unfold.
35. Shoot at the golden hour – Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for street photography.
36. Explore alleyways – Sometimes the most interesting scenes are away from the main streets.
37. Look for contrasts – Capture juxtapositions between wealth and poverty, youth and age, movement and stillness.
38. Find humor – Life on the streets is often funny. Capture those unexpected, humorous moments.
39. Don’t be afraid of bad weather – Rain and fog can add drama and mood to your photos.
40. Experiment with different perspectives – Try shooting from above, below, or through objects.

Being Respectful and Ethical

41. Be respectful of people’s privacy – Know the laws regarding photography in public spaces, and always consider your subject’s dignity.
42. Learn when to engage and when to walk away – Some moments are not meant to be photographed.
43. Avoid exploiting people’s hardship – Show empathy and respect in your work.
44. Get permission if necessary – For more intimate or close-up shots, a simple gesture or asking can go a long way.
45. Blend into the environment – Don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
46. Don’t take photos of people in vulnerable moments – Be mindful of your subjects’ situations and emotions.
47. Show your subjects their photos – Sharing the image can create a bond and trust.
48. Understand local cultures – When traveling, respect cultural norms around photography.
49. Don’t photograph children without permission – It’s important to be cautious when photographing minors.
50. Let your subjects be themselves – Don’t force a moment or pose; capture natural expressions.

Creative Exercises

51. Set mini-projects for yourself – Focus on a theme or concept for the day (e.g., shadows, hands, or motion).
52. Limit yourself to 36 shots – Pretend you’re shooting with film to be more selective and thoughtful.
53. Shoot one color – Pick a color and only capture photos featuring that color for the day.
54. Photograph hands and gestures – Often more expressive than faces, hands tell unique stories.
55. Try minimalism – Simplify your compositions by removing distractions.
56. Capture motion blur – Use slower shutter speeds to show movement and energy.
57. Photograph a stranger for 5 minutes – Spend time with one subject and document their story.
58. Shoot in a single location – Stay in one place for an extended period and document everything happening around you.
59. Do a photo walk with a friend – Challenge each other with themes or critiques as you shoot together.
60. Photograph at night – Nighttime street photography offers a completely different mood and atmosphere.

Staying Inspired

61. Study the masters – Learn from iconic street photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, and Vivian Maier.
62. Consume art outside of photography – Find inspiration from painters, musicians, and filmmakers.
63. Read photography books – Expand your understanding of the craft by learning from written wisdom.
64. Attend street photography workshops – A great way to learn from peers and experienced professionals.
65. Join street photography communities – Whether online or in-person, surrounding yourself with like-minded people will motivate you.
66. Review your old work – Learn from your past mistakes and successes.
67. Take a break – Sometimes stepping away from the camera for a while can reignite your passion.
68. Create photo zines – Curate and publish your street photography in a tangible format.
69. Don’t compare yourself to others – Everyone’s journey and style are unique.
70. Trust your eye – The more you practice, the more you’ll develop your unique way of seeing.

Post-Processing and Editing

71. Less is more in editing – Don’t over-process your images. Keep them natural.
72. Convert to black and white if color doesn’t add value – Monochrome often strengthens street photos.
73. Crop minimally – Try to compose perfectly in-camera, and crop only to enhance the story.
74. Dodge and burn – Use light and shadow adjustments to guide the viewer’s attention.
75. Keep a consistent style – Develop a recognizable editing aesthetic that feels true to your vision.
76. Backup your photos – Regularly save your work on multiple drives or cloud storage.
77. Create series, not singles – Edit with a larger story or theme in mind.
78. Don’t obsess over gear – Master what you have instead of chasing the next best thing.
79. Limit distractions in your photos – Use editing to clean up unnecessary elements.
80. Print your photos – Viewing your work in print offers a new perspective.

Advanced Tips

81. Shoot with film – The constraints of film can teach patience and precision.
82. Learn to see light – Pay attention to how light falls on your subjects, and let it guide your shot.
83. Photograph at festivals and public events – These settings often provide a wealth of candid moments.
84. Capture decisive moments – Wait for the perfect moment when all elements align.
85. Use contrast to tell stories – High contrast between light and dark, rich and poor, can create powerful narratives.
86. Follow the rule of triangles – Triangular composition can create dynamic and balanced images.
87. Pre-visualize your shot – Imagine the photo in your head before taking it.
88. Use minimal equipment – Simplicity is key. Avoid gear that slows you down.
89. Photograph without looking at the screen – Trust your instincts and compose without constantly checking your display.
90. Look for eye contact – Capturing a fleeting glance can add intensity to a photograph.

Staying Consistent and Motivated

91. Shoot daily – Make street photography a daily habit, even if just for 10 minutes.
92. Document your own neighborhood – Don’t overlook the beauty in familiar places.
93. Challenge yourself to get closer – The closer you are, the more intimate the moment.
94. Participate in photo contests – It can push you to take your work seriously and improve.
95. Analyze your best photos – Identify what works in your best shots, and replicate that success.
96. Seek feedback – Constructive criticism from others helps you grow.
97. Stay inspired by traveling – Explore new cities or countries to refresh your vision.
98. Create long-term projects – Commit to a specific topic or location for an extended period.
99. Always be ready – Be prepared for the unexpected. Street photography is about capturing fleeting moments.
100. Enjoy the process – Above all, street photography should be fun. Let your passion and curiosity guide you.

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By adopting these tips, you’ll not only improve your technical skills but also develop a deeper connection to the streets and the people you photograph. Happy shooting!

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Let me know if you’d like more specific tips or a detailed expansion on certain points!