Part of being a visual storyteller is capturing stories as they happen in real time, wherever you are. And sometimes, that means telling stories through street photography. Street photography essentially means observant, candid photography. It’s an exciting (and occasionally nerve-wracking) experience—one that gets better with time.
Want to practice? Here are a few tips to get you started.
It’s Okay to Feel Awkward
The idea of walking around with a camera in a newly discovered place can be intimidating for those familiar with photographing friends and family. But the good news is that people out and about are less concerned with being photographed today—because the world is saturated by photography! And while it can be a bit jarring the first time you’re asked, “What are you doing?” please remember...
Know The Law
The thing is, taking candid photos of complete strangers can be a sticky legal situation. It’s important to do some research on your particular location and culture to see if street photography is a good idea. A close-up snapshot of kids in a conservative country might garner different reactions than, say, a candid photo of strangers on the streets of New York.
Be Ethical
I love referring to the US National Press Photographers Association’s Code of Ethics as a quick checklist when telling stories of people and places. To sum it up? Be respectful! Respectful of your subjects, your fellow photographers, and yourself.
Find a Crowd
Contrary to instinct, it can be much easier to take pictures when there are lots of people around, as opposed to isolated areas. In crowds, people don’t pay attention to individuals as much, which means you’re much less likely to get hassled. Plus, the variety of people can make for great photo opportunities!
Bring a Buddy
While photographers often like to go it alone, if you’re the kind of person to get swept up in your craft, having a buddy can be helpful to make sure you don’t, say, walk into a busy street while looking through your lens, for example. They also serve as great support if you’re feeling nervous about taking photos of strangers or your surroundings. It’s always good to have a buddy by your side!
Do Unto Others
As with most things in life, the best advice is to be empathetic to the people in your photo. If someone asks you not to take photos of them, oblige. If they ask you what you’re doing, be honest and reassuring.
So go out there, be safe, be respectful, and keep your eyes open for the wonderful, visual stories there are to tell in this world. You just might find that the more you tell stories, the more stories there are to tell.