Beginners guide to street photography

My friend, I see you’ve taken an interest in documenting the world around you. I’m excited to see what you’ll create. What's that, not sure where to start? No worries, I’ve got your back! Let's go over some street photography “rules”. But before we jump straight into it. Allow me to refresh your memory on some photo terms. This part seems tedious but it will make you and I sound less like kidnappers/murderers. 

*Shooting/shot & capture -the action of photographing subject matter.  

1) Safety Tips 

Street safety is similar to dating safety 

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 

• Share your location with a friend or family member-

• Tell your friends or family members you’ll be going out, especially if you are shooting alone at night

• Familiarize yourself with your local law.

• As long as you are shooting on public property it is legal 

• If you’d like to shoot on private property, talk to the owners beforehand and get approval. Failing to do so can put your safety at risk. You could also get fined or serve jail time. 

As mentioned before you might get some confrontation.  You are not required to delete your images as long as they were shot on public property.  Everyone has a different way of dealing with those situations.  Handle the situation you deem is the best for you. 

If you decided to not follow the points above.  Then don’t get caught, stay safe, and remember “Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.” You didn’t hear that from me!

2) Kick your nerves right out the door! (bold approach) 

This step is the most difficult for everyone, heck I even struggle with it from time to time. Approaching strangers is intimidating. What if you say the wrong thing? What if they think you are weird or awkward? To that, I say, so what? It’s a brief encounter that can lead to a connection. I know it sounds cheesy but, embrace who you are. People resonate with authenticity and are more likely to engage with you. Once you do it’s reflected right back! You’ll be able to capture their true expression and energy.

Downsides to this approach

•  Doesn't guarantee a yes 🙁

• Awkward interaction 

Pros to this approach 

• Increase social and networking skills

• Low-risk stakes, If you have an awkward interaction you’ll never see that person again. 

• Since we live in a digital age most people aren’t intimidated by the camera. They’ll be open to getting photographed 

This image was taken by approaching the stranger and getting to know them.

(Her name is Phoenix)

Let’s take a step back, what if the bold approach isn’t your style? You prefer observing from a distance (in a non-stalker way of course) You like to capture candid expressions and moments. Friend, I think the Fly-on-the-wall approach is best for you.

 Just be aware that not everyone is comfortable being captured from afar. You might be confronted and in that case,  I recommend presenting the images you took and explaining your intentions.

For example-

“ Did you just take my picture? "

“Yes, I’m a street photographer. You look great in that outfit. I wanted to document it.”  (hype them up)

*Show the images to the person

“Oh my, I look great! Could you send those to me?”

“Of course, Let's exchange contact information.” 

(Side note-Feel free to experiment with both approaches. You can mix and match them or create something that best suits you.)

Taken w/ the fly-on wall approach

Downsides to this approach

• Your subject matter might get offended and confront you

 (Don’t risk your safety if the situation escalates) 

Pros  to this approach

• Capture candid expressions and moments

• Not much social interaction is needed 

3)  Keep them peepers peeled, and keep on the move.

 Yup, that's right, use those beautiful eyeballs and take them out for a spin. DO NOT take this advice literally! I am not responsible for your eyeball endeavors. With that said, take yourself on a little hot girl or hot boy walk. Wait before you go, don't forget to take your camera! Okay, so here we are walking along the sidewalk. It’s a sunny day. There’s a refreshing breeze that tickles your face, it reminds you of popsicles & water balloon days. You tune into the pace of the bustling city. Breathe in-1.2.3, Breathe out-1.2.3. I call this mindfulness on the go, this exercise centers the mind. Resetting the senses & increases alertness, making you more aware of the surroundings. Now you’ll be able to notice those chance moments & patterns. 

What if you aren’t the meditative type? If this applies to you, just slow down a bit and observe the world. If nothing stands out to you. Change your course of direction, you never know what you’ll find around the corner. 

Don’t get discouraged if you come home empty-handed. Remember to enjoy the journey & try again on a different day.  

• Plan an A to B course and implement mini-side stops. These stops can be places you want to check out for example; A restaurant, shop/boutique, or an activity you’ve been wanting to do. 

• Don’t have time to plan something? Just remember to take your camera with you. Yes, even when you are just running errands. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Step 4- Ethics in editing documentary and photojournalism imagery

So you’ve taken some sick pics and now what? You can share the images you’ve shot or keep them for yourself. If you’ve decided that documentary and photojournalism are your callings. Then I have a few editing tips that’ll keep you in the business.

When it comes to editing images for documentaries and photojournalism. You want to keep true to the original content that was captured. Honesty and integrity are embedded in this felid of work. Altering the content of the image can get you blacklisted in the industry. Why? It’s because you are altering the truth! How could you trust a liar to shoot authentic imagery? 

Do’s 

• You can edit exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows.

• Work with the crop you're given through the viewfinder. 

Don’ts 

• Do not fake/stage a scene to photograph.

• Do not use Photoshop to remove or add things to the image.

When in doubt review, Code of Ethics for Visual Journalists

Conclusion

• Your camera is your new soul mate. Get into the habit of taking your camera everywhere you go. 

• Stay safe out there! Be aware of your surroundings and don’t forget to look both ways before you cross the street.

• Keep the integrity of your images by doing minimal editing. When in doubt review Code of Ethics for Visual Journalists 

• Be respectful towards your subject matter and deescalate situations when needed

• Remember to have fun!

  (Side note-I’d love to see what you capture, so tag me on Instagram :)