It takes a combination of courage, self-confidence, and a relaxed, easygoing nature to feel comfortable approaching and photographing strangers. For some of us, this comes more naturally than for others, but is this a skill that we can develop with a view to becoming better street photographers?
Street photography can feel intimidating if you're naturally introverted or shy around strangers. Overcoming that initial fear matters, because without it, you might miss capturing compelling moments that happen right in front of you.
Photography sometimes requires us to embrace the apparent contradiction that life can be beautiful even when it isn’t pretty. This is something that Serbian-born photographer Boogie understands all too well and is reflected in his raw and unflinching photographic style.
Canadian photographer Greg Girard left Vancouver in the 1970s to explore Southeast Asia with his camera. His colorful, atmospheric landscapes showed us a very different and unfamiliar part of the world that, for Westerners at that time, was much less traveled and even less well known.
Walking 20,000 to 40,000 steps on a photo walk isn’t always practical. Sometimes, you need a way to capture compelling images without constant movement. A method called the "fishing technique" offers an alternative, letting you stay in one spot and wait for the right moment instead of chasing subjects.
Picture this: rays of sunlight streaming through the pristine waters of an ancient cenote, forming a mesmerizing light display found nowhere else on Earth. Or a golden-hued petrified waterfall at sunrise, untouched by crowds. This is a side of Mexico rarely seen—far removed from the iconic shots of Chichén Itzá or the bustling shores of Cancún.
Japan is one of the hottest travel destinations right now, with visitor numbers exploding since borders reopened in late 2022 following the pandemic.
It is often through the eyes of an outsider that we are most able to see ourselves clearly. The collection of iconic images that Swiss photographer Robert Frank captured on his 10,000-mile road trip across America amounts to nothing less than a historical document and a landmark in American culture.
Long-exposure photography isn’t just for tripods and perfect lighting conditions. With the right technique, you can create surreal, motion-filled images handheld, even on a rainy day. This can turn an otherwise uninspiring scene into something captivating.
Street photography forces you to think and react differently compared to travel or landscape photography. While the latter might involve waiting for a perfect scene to unfold, street photography demands quick reflexes and an ability to anticipate moments before they happen.
Street photography is all about capturing compelling scenes that hold the viewer’s attention. One powerful technique to elevate your images is layering. By incorporating depth through foreground, middle ground, and background elements, you can create dynamic photos that feel rich and dimensional.
Mistakes are a part of learning, especially in street photography. However, if you don’t identify and address these errors, progress becomes slow. From technical missteps to behavioral habits, recognizing these pitfalls can significantly improve your photography.
Street photography thrives on strong composition and purposeful framing. Creating images that captivate often comes down to how effectively you use the space within your frame.
I go through many a season with my gear. Sometimes it's Nikon season; other times, it's Panasonic or Fuji season. But no matter how many times I try to downsize, I always end up back where I started: with too many cameras.
Street photography is a craft that requires both spontaneity and intention. It's not just about capturing what’s happening; it’s about capturing it in a way that tells a story or evokes a feeling.
Street photography captures everyday life in unique ways. From rare moments to aesthetic portraits, each style offers a different lens through which to see the world. Understanding these styles can help you refine your approach or explore new creative directions.
Street photography can feel intimidating, especially when hesitation creeps in. The fear of mistakes or imperfect shots often holds you back, but learning to embrace imperfection is essential.
Street photography often presents an unexpected challenge: your own anxiety. The hesitation about being noticed or judged can prevent you from capturing moments you want to freeze in time. This internal struggle is common, and learning to manage it is essential.
Zone focusing is an essential skill to learn, particularly for street, travel, and documentary photography. Even the latest autofocus technology on new expensive cameras can’t beat this method of getting photos quickly and in perfect focus.
Join photographer Laura BC as she embarks on a 48-hour photography challenge in Bali, testing the limits of her Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II lens. Known for her creative challenges, Laura takes this single-lens approach to showcase how limiting your gear can unlock new levels of creativity.
Which focal length is best for street and travel photography: 28mm or 35mm? If you've been thinking about buying a compact camera but you're not sure if 28mm or 35mm suits your style better, hopefully, this article will help.
In 4 Minutes is a captivating short film by filmmaker Adam Holmes of Focas Media, in collaboration with renowned photographer Simon Murphy. This thoughtful piece explores Murphy’s Photoautomat project, offering an intimate look at the creative process set amidst the vibrant and gritty streets of Berlin.
Street photography offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into life, and understanding the nuances of composition is key to capturing truly compelling images.
Street photography is more than just pointing your camera and clicking. It’s about capturing the energy, emotion, and complexity of life as it unfolds. Whether you’re struggling with composition, lighting, or storytelling, this video tutorial will help you improve.
Sometimes, living in the shadow of a big city (New York, in my case) makes you forget how rich a photographic playground an urban environment can be.
Negative space involves large areas of emptiness that direct attention to the focal point of an image, creating a sense of simplicity and depth. This technique can add balance to a composition, enhance its mood, and simplify otherwise cluttered scenes. It’s especially effective in high-contrast environments where shadows and light can be used to sculpt the frame.
Street photography demands quick reflexes. Often, you’ll need to capture fleeting moments with no time to adjust your camera. Having your camera preset and ready ensures you won’t miss shots when the unexpected happens.
Viltrox, as you know, has established itself as a go-to brand for photographers looking for quality glass at a more affordable price. The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 takes that ethos a step further, offering a compact, lightweight option that seems tailored for street photographers and travelers. With its discreet design and modest f/4.5 aperture, this lens feels like it’s made for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing sharpness.
Quite recently, Viltrox introduced the AF 40mm f/2.5 lens from the “Air” series at a very budget-friendly price, considering the quality of images the lens produces. Viltrox is known for their glass quality and as a budget-friendly third-party manufacturer, and again they haven’t disappointed with this lens for both.
Since its initial release in 2019, the GRIIIx has been a popular addition to Ricoh's revered GR series. Sporting a fixed lens with an equivalent focal length of 40mm, it’s the ideal companion for photographers keen to get a little closer to the action than the GRIII’s 28mm lens.
Street photography is unpredictable, fast, and often happens when you least expect it. Capturing those moments requires preparation and awareness, which is why understanding key principles can make a significant difference in your work.
Street photography is an ever-evolving field with countless enthusiasts worldwide. With the abundance of styles and techniques available, finding a unique approach can be challenging.
Street photography is full of opinions, and you've probably heard advice that can hinder your progress. By the end of this video, you'll know some of the most controversial advice you can get and what to do instead to boost your creativity and take better photos.
Street photography can be intimidating, especially if you're worried about confrontation. Learning how to approach it with confidence and ease is crucial. This video provides valuable insights to make your street photography less stressful and more enjoyable.
Street photography is a popular genre that captures the essence of everyday life. It’s about being in the right place at the right time and having an eye for the unexpected. Here's how to create compelling images that tell a story.
With the release of their new Z6 III hybrid camera, has Nikon just thrown the proverbial cat among the pigeons for anybody looking for a new camera that can hold its own in both video and still photography? Based upon this first look at a pre-production Nikon Z6 III, the answer might well be yes.
Working in the rain can be an exciting but challenging experience. It’s not just about the weather; it’s about how you prepare and what you look for in those conditions. Rainy days offer unique opportunities to capture reflections, colors, and moods that you wouldn't get on a sunny day.
Is the Fujifilm X100V worth the hype? While the X100V might not offer the best specs for its price, its charm and usability can inspire photographers to shoot more and improve their skills.
Camera gear talk is probably something that we as photographers cannot resist often when we are discussing photography. Some cameras hold a special place in our hearts not just for their technical prowess but for the memories they carry. One such camera for me is the Ricoh GR.
Street photography can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By mastering a few essential techniques, you can significantly improve your skills and capture more compelling images.
In the days when film was king and gasoline cost less than 50 cents a gallon, photographer Rick McCloskey captured a vibrant car culture on the streets of LA in glorious black and white. Equal parts art and historical record, McCloskey’s work is a visual feast for street and film photographers alike.
Living in a small town with a passion for street photography can be challenging. How do you make great images in a place that feels uninspiring? Instead of giving up, you can develop the skills to create worthwhile photographs even in seemingly boring locations.
Shooting street photography can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to find your own voice and style. This fantastic video tutorial offers seven tips sure to help you improve.
Sometimes you don’t have to look far and wide for artistic inspiration. Oftentimes the answer you seek is right around the corner.
The ability to capture the essence of humanity in a single frame is what draws many to street photography. However, the genre often finds itself trapped in repetitive patterns and clichés, hindering photographers from expressing their unique perspectives.
Right now, it seems like nobody has the new Fujifilm X100VI for sale unless you’re willing to pay a hefty premium over the retail price. But are you really ready to pull the trigger on one, or still on the fence about it? Never fear—help is at hand.
Capturing the essence of a city during a momentous occasion presents a unique challenge for photographers. You need to go beyond the obvious celebratory visuals and find images that tell a deeper story, conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the event. This is especially true when documenting a significant historical milestone, like the 1,000-year anniversary of Hanoi, Vietnam.
Impressionistic photography challenges traditional approaches by emphasizing mood and atmosphere over sharp, detailed imagery. This style captures fleeting moments of light and color, offering a painterly quality that stands out in the digital age.
