Street photography can be challenging when it comes to capturing candid moments. You capture people doing their daily tasks. Street photography is not just about capturing moments. It’s also about choosing the right location and time.
This article will provide you with 7 tips to help you take stunning street photos.
1. Select the Right Location
You can capture street photography anywhere in the world. However, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations pertaining to taking photos of people. You will need to explore the area and observe what’s going on. Some places are busy at certain times, but others are active all day long, especially in cities.
You need to be aware of the background, light and story in all forms of photography. These factors can be used to create powerful images that will elevate the photo.
Light
Depending on the time of day you photograph, street photography can be done in either natural or artificial lighting. You will use natural light during the day and artificial ambient lighting at night.
If you want to take street photos, soft side lighting is preferred. However, if the light is bright and you don’t want to miss anything, you can use the available light.
You can take dramatic street photographs in the mornings and evenings. During midday you can use harsh light shadows to frame your subject. You can shoot in overcast conditions all day and capture rich colors. You can make instant decisions based on the situation and lighting. Each will produce a different mood in the picture.
Background
By moving around, and using different perspectives, you can eliminate clutter and distracting backgrounds. You can use colourful backgrounds, such as walls, houses, or shops.
In the street, you may also see lines, frames and walkways. You can use these as interesting backgrounds when framing the subject. Try to choose contrasting colours for your background.
Storys
Each street will have something that tells the story of the location, or something related to local culture and tradition. When you’re new to a location, learn about the culture and traditions of the area, and observe people in their everyday environment.
Markets, cultural events and local shops are all good places to find images that tell a story. You should try to photograph people in traditional clothing as this will help you capture the essence of your area and the people that you are photographing.
