Of all the many different styles of photography, Street Photography is my favorite.
Street Photography: What is it?
Street photography is a genre of visual art that captures everyday life and "unmediated" moments in public spaces. Unlike portraiture or fashion photography, it is generally candid and unstaged, focusing on the random interactions between people and their environments.
While the name suggests a city street, the genre actually encompasses any public area—beaches, parks, subways, or even rural roads.
What are its Characteristics?
The Decisive Moment: A term coined by pioneer Henri Cartier-Bresson, it refers to capturing a fleeting second where all elements—subject, light, and composition—align perfectly.
Candid Nature: The subjects are usually unaware of the camera, preserving their authentic behavior.
The Mundane: It finds beauty or interest in "ordinary" scenes that most people walk past without noticing.
Juxtaposition: Many street photos rely on irony or contrast—for example, a person standing next to an advertisement that seems to comment on their situation.
How to do it:
If you’re interested in trying it yourself, you don't need expensive gear. Most street photographers prefer prime lenses (fixed focal length like 35mm or 50mm) because they are small and force you to move your body to get the shot.
Start with "Street Scenes": If photographing strangers feels intimidating, start by capturing the light, shadows, and architecture of the street without people.
The "Fishing" Technique: Find a background with great light or interesting geometry, and wait for the right person to walk into the frame.
Dress Inconspicuously: Wear dark or neutral colors to blend into the crowd.
Don't appear to be a voyeur: Be an active participant in the "scene." People will be more receptive to you and your camera if you are part of the action rather than a simple observer. Your results will be more exciting as well.
...stay tuned for more...
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