The essence of street photography lies in capturing the fleeting moments and raw emotions of everyday life, making it an excellent way to practice for photographers aiming to tell compelling stories through their lenses. Understanding the nuances of this genre is fundamental, as it involves more than just pointing and shooting; it's about immersing oneself in the environment and connecting with the subject matter on a deeper level.
Coming to you from Roman Fox, this enlightening video offers a wealth of knowledge for both novice and experienced photographers alike. Fox shares 10 essential street photography tips. From emphasizing the importance of good footwear to ensure mobility during long hours of exploration, to the significance of being observant and present in the moment to capture unique scenes, Fox's advice is practical and rooted in personal experience. His insights into the necessity of interacting with subjects and reading the room highlight the interpersonal skills required to excel in street photography.
Furthermore, Fox delves into technical aspects such as choosing the right focal length to match one’s vision, whether it be the intimacy of a 50mm lens or the broad perspective of a 28mm lens. He also touches on the low barrier to entry in street photography, debunking the myth that expensive equipment is necessary for success. Instead, he champions the use of accessible and affordable gear, reinforcing the idea that creativity and vision outweigh the price tag of one's tools. Fox's discussion on keeping gear minimal to avoid fatigue and his tips on utilizing different types of light to enhance the visual appeal of images are invaluable for anyone looking to dive into the genre. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Fox.
Little difference between Street and Landscape for the photographer's eye sees what many do not! Like the days of film most everyone had a small 110 camera to record a trip now it is the brick of a computer the phone that is used for travel remembrance of the tourist which makes it easier to do street. The one thing no one talks about is the legal part in the US and some countries where you need to get a release from people who you capture for if you sell you need permission from that person, that is one thing I learned when looking at that genre. I love europe for the narrow streets and easy to do on a walkabout. But what do you do with the images, do you sell or just keep and enjoy? Not a Pro just a hobbyist but I always ask and have a release form in my vest/bag. The thing I like is the zoo where an image will look like you went to Africa but not. I see a lot of street photographers that use the limited prim/zoom lenses but as I drive or walkabout I have the FE 24-240mm, yes bigger than a prime but in a teardrop bag wherever I go, for bokeh just use the little square focus point. A 24-70mm or 24-105mm are also handy. I mean as a whatever may happen or see.
Back in the 80's and film days and being on liberty while in the Navy a tour briefing in Morocco stated no photos of people or police/military you could be arrested, maybe different today!