Street Photography – The Do’s and Don’ts
Street photography, the do’s and don’ts so you document everyday life like a pro. Be sure to know the laws in your state or country as privacy laws vary depending on where you shoot. But let’s say you are able to legally just walk outside and start photographing, is there anything else you should know? There sure is, and I’ll explain how I do it and what I do and don’t do when out shooting in street photography.
First, let me explain what I mean by “street photography”. It’s when you go to a public place and photograph people going about their everyday life AND people can visibly see you taking a photo. And most importantly, you are not hiding your camera or yourself from taking a photo. This last part is very important which I’ll explain later.
The Do’s of Street Photography
Ok, so here are the things you should do. Find location that are busy with people, downtown city streets are always good, but look for other places like street festivals, car shows, or other outdoor setting that is in a public area. The more crowded the place is the better. You’ll have more opportunities to capture some great photos.
Make sure you pack light, I normally take a regular 50mm or 85mm lens and only occasionally pack an 70-200mm lens. There’s lots of walking and waiting around when you do street photography, so take into consideration the weight you plan on lugging around.
Have your camera out and hold it in one hand so you’re ready to quickly snap a photo. But also take photos of the buildings or structures around you, this way people who are walking by or near you can see that you are a photographer and don’t feel intimidated. Also, make eye contact with people and smile at them, you’d be surprised at how they will be ok with you photographing them and their surroundings.
If someone asks you why you are shooting them, tell them you are a street photographer creating historical images. Then offer to show them the images on your camera, I do it all the time. If they ask you to delete a photo they’re in, do it, on the spot right away. Yes, legally you’re not obligated due to it being out in public, but I do it because it’s the right thing to do. No need to make anyone feel uncomfortable or threatened.
The Don’ts of street Photography
This gets me to the “don’ts” part of street photography. Never take full on candid pictures with a camera that is not visible to all. By that I mean a hidden camera. Or in a manner that will show a person in an inappropriate way. Not only is it illegal in most places, but it’s just plain wrong.
Don’t hound or follow a single person and take multiple photos. That person may have noticed you taking one photo and didn’t mind. But if you take multiple shots, then it may translate to stalking, that is not good.
Don’t focus only on people. Street photography encompasses buildings, structures, animals, and activities, like sports or arts and crafts.
Finally, have a focus and a goal when out photographing in public. I try to capture a moment in time that tells a story. Photos in this article were from photos I took at the US Open of Surfing events in Huntington Beach.