It doesn't matter what kind of photography you do, the skills required in street photography are some of the most valuable you can learn. It's for this reason that you need to watch this free masterclass.
Street photography requires quick thinking, forward planning, and an eye for detail. If you think about it, capturing events on the street is not a million miles away from documenting a wedding, shooting sports, or even doing nature photography. There are plenty of transferable skills between them all, yet how many of us look to other areas of photography to learn or get inspired? This week, renowned street photographer Nick Turpin has released a masterclass video walking us through the intricacies of street photography that I think we all should watch. The video covers the basics of the craft as well as going into many of the advanced techniques you can take advantage of while out on the street.
What I really love about this video is that I feel like I'm actually there with Turpin having a one-on-one masterclass with him. He explains things in great detail and goes at a pace that makes it easy to digest what he is teaching. One area of the class that I think is particularly valuable is when we hear his running commentary and thought process while he shoots on the street. It's a great way to get into the head of a street photographer and understand why they do what they do in the moment. The video is jam-packed with lots of examples of good street photography, which is reason enough to watch the video. This masterclass is set around the area of central London, but the lessons taught can easily be applied to any city you find yourself in. It really doesn't matter what level of ability you are at with your photography; there is something for everyone in this video. I know I feel inspired after watching, and I think many of you will too.
Lead image by Josh Hild, used under Creative Commons.
If you're passionate about taking your photography to the next level but aren't sure where to dive in, check out the Well-Rounded Photographer tutorial where you can learn eight different genres of photography in one place. If you purchase it now, or any of our other tutorials, you can save a 15% by using "ARTICLE" at checkout.
That was amazing!!! Thank you
Very informative! Well done Thanks for posting this.
One of the lessons that I learned from this video was to appear as though you are photographing something else in the background to not look like you are capturing people that come and go through your frame...which really is your intention.
I've been shooting street photography for about 3 years now, and the issues I run into is dealing with people who don't want their photo taken and then walk over and voice their opinions or call the police. Other times people will run out of the frame or duck down so as not to ruin the photo when inevitably they do by those actions. Oh and never photograph women your you'll be called out for being creepy. I've talked to other photographers and they have similar stories. One idea that has worked for me is when approached, just say you are on assignment for a college type class or for a major magazine submission. Many times that defuses the issue and ends up wishing to pose for the shot. Which in turn defeated the purpose of street photography. I currently only use a telephoto lens or my iPhone 11 Pro Max when shooting streets. Less conflict with Americans that are so uptight. :)
" Oh and never photograph women you'll be called out for being creepy".
Likewise, children. In the UK at least you'll be called out as a paedophile. Usually, very loudly so that everyone in proximity can hear.
On the other hands, it's amazing the power a hi-vis vest gives you.
Or better still, just stop shoving your camera in someone’s face and then complain about it when they get upset.
If someone has to walk over and voice their opinions, they obviously did not have a camera in their face, they were walking-distance away.
The problem is that people think photography is a permissioned activity.
We must overcome that somehow.
Ideas?
.
There was definite food for thought here! But, I'm curious how some of it will work in practice.
I live in the land of nice (well, theoretically), where if someone sees me shooting with a camera, they often will stop as not to "ruin" the shot. Hell, "I" will stop if I see someone with a camera seeming focusing on a subject. I'm going to try shooting from the hip (literally) to see if I can minimize the issue.
And I'm sure this is naivete, but I was not as fond of his work overall. Other artists showcased a really obvious "story"; I may be too literal, but for a lot of his art I couldn't see the story - merely a juxtaposition of objects. I respect what he does, but there's others that at this point I like better (shrug)
I appriceate your willingness to explain and demonstrate the way you actually carry out the task of street photography. Thank you.