Although street photography may seem easy to begin with, it actually requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. It can be easy to miss the moment or to even ruin a photograph. However, by following these top tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to improve your technique and capture some unique moments.
Here are 7 Street Photography Tips To Make Your Photos More Interesting
1. Revisit The Same Place
Revisiting the same spot or locations again and again is a great way to capture a really interesting photograph. Despite its familiarity, a place will look slightly different each time you visit. The lighting will be different, especially if you revisit at different times of the day. The people will be different and so too will the mood. You’ll be able to see it anew each time you visit, resulting in more interesting photographs.
2. Choose One Location And Wait
When you pick one spot and wait, you’ll have the opportunity to notice small details and take much more intimate photographs. The other benefit of this approach is that it allows you to be more discreet. Instead of you entering other people’s space, they enter yours instead which can be less intimidating, especially if you’re just starting out with street photography.
3. Visit Uninteresting Places
Every place has a story to tell. Sometimes the places that you think are too boring or dull to photograph, are actually hidden gems just waiting to be found. Think about what it is that you think makes these locations not worth photographing. Then visit them and revisit them. You’ll become more attuned to the location over time and be more likely to find some unique moments to capture.
4. Choose A Good Background
A good background is important as it helps to set the mood for your photographs, but also helps to directs the focus. You want the background to be uncluttered so it doesn’t distract the viewer.
When you choose a location for street photography. Choose one that provides you and your subjects with a great frame and backdrop. A deserted street tends to work well, especially if you’re still learning.
5. Take Close Ups
Strangers make for great subjects. They can help to make a photograph more compelling and create a powerful narrative.
When you photograph strangers, you also succeed in capturing a moment from daily life. For even more depth and storytelling, aim to take close up photographs of your subjects.
If you can capture the facial expressions, body language or eyes or your subjects, it can add much more emotion and authenticity to your photographs. They also make you seem more part of the moment, rather than a mere spectator.
However, it can be tough to begin with as you don’t want to make people uncomfortable. To avoid this, you can pretend that you’re actually photographing a building behind your main subject, then at the last moment, reposition your camera to capture the image.
If you’re taking a photograph of someone directly, avoid removing the camera instantly after shooting, as this will make you stand out far more. Instead, capture the image but keep the camera at your face until they’ve passed by. This will make it seem as if you’re actually photographing something behind them.
6. Take Street Portraits
If you’re new to street photography or looking to get some detailed close-ups of individuals, then it’s worth giving street portraits a go. If you see someone you who you think would be a good subject, stop them and politely tell them you’re doing a project.
Spend some time making sure that you take the best photograph you can and try to really capture their personality. Remember to offer to email them a copy of the photograph.
7. Take Photographs In Different Types Of Weather
Different weather conditions can create entirely different moods and atmospheres to your photographs. Some of the most dramatic photographs are taken during bad weather.
In particular, rain, snow and fog can greatly enhance your photos, adding textures and reflections to your images. It can also be the perfect time to photograph urban architecture, as buildings can seem much more dramatic and powerful in these images.
Conclusion
The key to great street photography is to just keep shooting. Go out regularly and take photographs consistently. Enjoy the walk and try to capture as many moments as you can.
Watch this space for updates in the Photography category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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