Street Photography Magazine

photos of people in an inconspicuous way
while retaining control of your composition.
These devices make it simple to use the
camera in an unobtrusive lowered (or raised)
position.

The Right Time of Day

The early morning hours when a city is waking
up is a great time to capture all sorts of action.
Markets are the scene of a lot of activity, with
stallholders going about their business and
shoppers meeting and chatting between
purchases. Sundays and public holidays are
best for capturing more relaxed scenes of
people who are, for once, not in a hurry.

Keep Coming Back

If you have the chance to visit a location more
than once, each time you go back you will find
it easier to take great photos. Once the locals

are used to seeing you and your camera, you

will simply blend in and will be able to snap

away unhindered. If people ask you what you

are doing, always be polite and give honest

answers. Speaking to shop and kiosk owners

or residents of the area you are ineterested in

often helps to break the ice and makes it

easier to get interesting and unusual photos.

An Open Approach

Sometimes going out in the open is the best

way to get the results you are looking for. If

you see a potential subject approaching you

can always frame them in the viewfinder and

try to get in a shot or two in before they get

too close. Some people are sure to simply

move out of your way, but you might get

lucky and get a well-framed shot. A direct

approach often results in a chat and an

opportunity to take more photos.

Get Closer Slowly

Street photography beginners are often told

that shooting shoes or other incidental

details is a good way to practice in public.

Personally, I don’t recommend this approach,

unless you really want to concentrate on

photographing shoes (a subject that does

have its own charm, it has to be said). It is

unlikely that looking at the ground will give

you the confidence to suddenly start taking

photos of strangers. My students often tell

me that gradually getting closer using

increasingly short lenses is a much better

way to get results with an intimate feel.

Street Photography | Tips for Beginners

In situations like this, it is impossible to remain unnoticed and you
will always end up talking to the subject. Allowing your subjects to
see the photos you have taken is often the best way to gain their
confidence and get permission to publish.

ISO 320 | 70mm focal length | f8 | 1/100 s | -1.3 EV