If you ask me what makes a photographer a street photographer, once Vineet Vohra said in one of his interviews that street photography is straight photography, meaning the way you see the world. Now, in your daily life, where do you go on a regular basis? Maybe a doctor will say he/she goes to the hospital for work. Great, then take photos in the hospital. Street photography is not something that has to be on the street. It can be in your home, maybe on your rooftop… It is not mandatory that it should be on the street; it can be anywhere.
Now, what are the things you need to do if you want to be a street photographer?
Go out to take photos every day
Going out is important because it will make you see, and when you are walking out with your camera, at least take photos of anything, maybe a bird, maybe something that strikes your eye. This is how your practice will begin, and your eye will continuously hunt for photos.
Learn to observe
Street photography is all about observing. It is about noticing interesting people, light and shadows, expressions, gestures, and small everyday moments. This is what will train your eyes to see the stories in the street.
Do not take photos with an intention to crop
Try to take photos as you want the photo to be. Try to move up and down while taking them. Because this practice will make your photos better and make them less dependent on editing or post-production. Now you can ask me, don’t I need to edit my photos?
Yes, of course, you will edit your photos, but just a few basic tweaks, nothing much. You cannot do high-end retouching here; this is not fashion or any commercial photo.
Respect and Ethics
A good street photographer does not only take good photos; they also act responsibly. When you go out with a camera with an intention to take photographs, it is very normal for people to get anxious about your presence. Strangers will feel awkward. In this situation, respect people and their privacy, avoid humiliating or exploiting someone, and be careful about the sensitivity of places.
Patience and Fast Reaction
Street photography is all about walking, waiting, missing shots, and trial and error. A lot of errors may happen. Maybe you will get a photo that will make you happy, or maybe someday you will come back without anything, or maybe with a depressed soul. So you need a lot of patience, a lot.
But you know the street is very fast; nothing stays forever. This is the most interesting part of street photography. You need to notice moments early, point your camera fast, make the composition quickly, and press the shutter button at the right time. Isn’t it fascinating?
If you have read till now, maybe you have realized how fascinating becoming a street photographer can be! Then what are you waiting for? Go out and start taking photos because the world is waiting to see your creation… Happy Clicking.
