Follow These Street Photography Guidelines
Street Photography can be intrusive, so keep these rules in mind when you’re snapping.
As a street photographer, it can be difficult determining whether or not a subject is worth including. What are they doing? Are they clearly conveying an emotion? Do they appear to be concerned, scared, nervous? Then, the question arises if they should even be photographed in the first place.
Finding blog posts and videos online that claim street photography could be immoral isn’t hard. Posts like these are plentiful, as this is a polarizing topic. Or that capturing people on their path is only done to serve the photographer's will.
Street photography has been and will continue to be appreciated in the eyes of many photographers and photo lovers, regardless of ethics. Even so, certain guidelines can help keep your interactions friendly, improve your own work, and keep you safe in the process.
Maintain Awareness on the Street
Be mindful on the Street
Every day is different, so be prepared.
As photographers, sometimes we get in our own head a bit too much. Maybe you’ve tried finding an interesting scene or subject, and you can’t help but stare into the viewfinder. It’s a normal part of photography, and every photographer does this at one point or another.
Simply put, avoid things like staring through your viewfinder, looking down, and wandering. Stay aware when you go out to shoot and be mindful of your immediate space. Not only will you avoid bumping into someone, but you’ll also keep your gear safe.
One time I was out in Manhattan shooting street photos, and someone brushed my side with their arm and tugged my bag. It was so quick I almost didn’t notice. Stay alert and you will avoid problems like this 99% of the time.
Pack Light
Here’s my Smallest Prime Lens
It fits in my bag, as light as a feather. Look around online or locally for lighter primes.
Speaking of photography gear, ever notice how landscape photographers carry multiple lenses and heavy cameras? Or sports photographers pack that one heavy zoom lens?
As a street photographer, the best part is we don’t need all that. Just pack a small camera and one lens. It can be a prime or a zoom lens, that doesn’t matter. Of course, this is just my recommendation, as I’ve learned from my mistake of bringing two big lenses to the city for street photos (don’t ask me why I did this)…
The two biggest reasons for packing light:
Light: Enough said. Taking less gear with you means you will move much faster. And you won’t ever worry about which lens to use or have your eyes buried in settings. It saves you time to focus on what you love most.
Less Attention: Photographing with a smaller lens and compact camera can almost guarantee you will be noticed less and be able to capture shots you may not have been able to get previously.
Let’s take a break from street photography rules and shift toward street ethics. As I said earlier, regardless of your opinion on street photography, it is a growing subject. Certain street photos can definitely blur the ethical line.
Don’t Photograph Everyone
Yes, this is a blanket statement. However, it is important to discuss due to the nature of this genre. Taking photos of someone in a train car or walking in the street is fine, but what about a homeless person? Someone who’s hurt? In my opinion, I don’t see a purpose in snapping these photos.
This is entirely up to your discretion. You own the camera and you take the photos you desire, and I’d never force any photographer to do or not to do something. But, personally, I am not comfortable photographing everything I see on the street.
Don’t Photograph Private Space
Besides the fact this can be considered unethical, it’s also considered illegal. Visit your town or city’s resources for photography law and public versus private space. Be sure to understand your capabilities before going out in the field, as this can save you time and frustration.
There’s a reason your home is considered private. Would you be okay with a photographer shooting through your window at night? The overwhelming majority of readers just answered no in silence.
Photograph Things that Interest You
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Found this shot only by heading up above street level. This offers a unique perspective, while also telling a story about pedestrians.
Well, isn’t this obvious? Yes, but it is still great advice. Shooting street photography does not simply mean wielding your camera around, snapping pictures of everything you see. You probably won’t get many interesting photos that way, and halfway through the outing, your memory card will have run out of storage.
Instead, take your time in the street. More often than not, if you are looking for something, it will find you first.
Street photography is one of the most rewarding experiences. This genre will teach you so much about yourself, improve your skills, and allow you to see subjects in a new, interesting way.
FAQ
What is Street Photography?
Street photography is the process of capturing interesting or wacky subjects on the street. This genre combines compositional rules, like the rule of thirds and leading lines. However, more often than not, it’s best to break these rules. Street work pushes the boundaries of photography, sometimes even eliciting raw emotion.
How Can I Stay Safe on the Street?
The best method to keeping safe is to stay vigilant, stop looking down at your feet, and keep your gear close. Most importantly, have a purpose when you are photographing. After composing a shot, head towards the subject you just photographed. 99% of the time they will have absolutely no idea you took a picture with them included. And if they do suspect that, simply be kind and open about what you are doing.
Is Street Photography Ethical?
Ethics in street photography is a mixed bag. Street photography is the process of capturing people in public spaces going about their day. We all have cameras and many times we record others and don’t even realize. Yet just because it’s okay to do something does it mean you should? I think if every street photographer was kind and open on the street, there would be less controversy surrounding the genre. Even still, some of the greatest street photos were taken by photographers that were considered brazen, invading personal space often.
How do I take Great Street Photos?
Once you’ve packed gear (preferably a small kit), head out and start photographing. The location really does not matter, and you will care less about where you are as you get more comfortable on the street. The greatest street photos were captured by staying in the moment, being patient, and using your eyes. In my opinion, patience is the most important skill for a street photographer.
