Get into position, observe and press the shutter – street photography sounds simple, but there’s an art to capturing images that make a lasting impression
French photographer Robert Doisneau famously said, “The marvels of daily life are exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.” And nowhere is this more true than in street photography. The streets bring people together who may not otherwise have crossed paths; indeed, the most thrilling aspect of street photography lies in the unexpected combinations of people and their actions that come together fortuitously for the perfect shot.
Observing the way in which people interact is an important element of street photography, allowing you to capture people off-guard while going about their business. Walking the streets with a camera in hand and watching what’s happening around you is not just the best way to discover the city but also to practice your photographic skills. However, it’s important to remain discreet when doing so.
Urban areas offer plenty of opportunities to capture images that celebrate everyday life. However, certain times of the day offer greater potential for capturing eye-catching situations, such as the end of working hours when people are heading to public transport. Events such as exhibitions, fashion shows and conventions also offer the opportunity to frame unique characters amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Over the next few pages we’ll cover everything you need to know about street photography. With pro advice from photographer Jamie Canning, we’ll look at everything from choosing the right gear to using your camera’s auto modes to best effect. We’ll also look at how you can remain discreet when capturing authentic street scenes, and how to respect the privacy of subjects.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LENS
Use the right lens to help you to act fast and capture the perfect moment
The lens you choose for street photography should be easy to handle, flexible, and have accurate focus so you don’t end up with blurry subjects. Manual lenses are popular as they don’t rely on the camera’s aut
