Street photography may seem to be a simple art form – you just have to go out and look for the special moments. While patience is key, it’s also one of the hardest forms of photography. There are some tips, tricks and techniques you can use to make Street Photography easier and more natural. You will soon improve if you follow these tips.

1. Let the action find you by lingering.

Everybody wants to reach the next amazing location. I am a lover of walking and getting lost. This is why I started taking photos.

The key to success in this genre is stopping along the way. Choose a good spot and wait for things to come.

You will encounter the same moments whether you walk or not. So, you should be prepared with your camera and in a good spot.

This will make it easier to , as you will not have to enter their personal space.

2. Take things slowly and walk slow

When working with photographers I’ve noticed that they are constantly on the move, looking for a new location and ignoring what is around them.

Try to be patient and not ignore anything. The best photographs are often hidden in plain view in the most ordinary places.

The most interesting photographs are often of everyday objects that we overlook.

If you find yourself in an area where you think you won’t be able to take a great photo, then use it as a motivation and slow down. You’ll be surprised at what you see.

You’ll be surprised.

3. Acting

Acting doesn’t mean you have to overdo it. Just play your part.

This is a very simple trick. Pretend you are not photographing the subject.

I’ll walk around and pretend to be a photographer, not noticing people around me. I don’t make eye contact to give the impression that I am a photographer who is absorbed in what’s going on around me. This is a great way to go.

Usually I take pictures quickly, so that people won’t notice. But when I want to be discreet I aim the camera at the background behind the person. Then I move the lens to them and take the picture. I then return the camera to aiming behind or to the side of the person. I look like I am looking around, which is obvious to people.

4. What to say when you are caught

It is important to understand that street photography can be a lot more fun if you know how to talk to people about it.

It’s not necessary to hide your shooting, you can still get close enough and be clear about what you are doing.

When someone approaches me, I flatter them with a smile. I tell them that I am a photographer working on a project in the area, and I wanted to photograph them because they were so beautiful. I smile, and pretend that I thought I wasn’t doing anything wrong.

It usually leads to a nice conversation. I also offer to send the photo.

If the person still feels uncomfortable, you can offer to delete the photo and apologize. You don’t need to, legally speaking. But it is nice to do.

On a similar vein, I would like to emphasize that the more relaxed you appear and act when taking photos, the more likely people are to ignore you.

You will be noticed by people no matter how you act. So, acting sneaky will grab their attention. While smiling, joining in on the action and looking like you are having fun photographing, will let them down.

5. Street portraits

Street portraits are an important part of the genre, even though the definition of street photography technically is candid moments.

These images are a great way to tell the story of your community and capture the spirit.

If you’re just starting out with street photography, these tips can get you started. Many people are receptive to your approach – they’re looking for a relationship as well.

Prepare your words in advance. You can ask them if they would like to be photographed, or tell them that you are taking a photography class or working on a project. Tell them that you stopped because you thought their look was great.

When they say “okay”, it’s your responsibility to take a great portrait. Consider the background and how you want that to look. A good background with details can make a portrait really sing.

Try to make them feel as comfortable as you can. Many people pose. I prefer to tell them I want them to stand and look as naturally as they can.

Talking to them can also help them feel more comfortable. Ask an interesting question (or a simple chitchat). Encourage them to talk.

We want to capture the essence of a person in our street portraits.

6. Raise your ISO

Sharpness is a bourgeois idea, as Henri Cartier Bresson said famously and was repeated a thousand times.

In most cases, increasing your ISO will help you capture sharp shots in this fast-moving genre.

Raising your ISO will allow you to reduce your mistakes by using a slower shutter speed.

I usually shoot with Aperture Priority, and start at F8. (I can go lower if necessary). However, I like to have a greater depth of field. If I accidentally miss the focus a little bit, the shot is still sharp. There are many situations where you have multiple subjects in different depths and want them all to be sharp.

Then I will pay attention to the shutter speed. It is important to keep it at least 1/200th to 250th to freeze people in motion (at night, 1/80th works fine).

If you don’t shoot in perfect lighting, the ISO will have to be increased.

I shoot ISO 400 on days with strong sunlight. ISO 800 is used on days where there are areas of shade. ISO 1600 is used on days when it’s overcast. And ISO 3200-6400 at night.

When it is sunny, I shoot at ISO 800. I want to be sure that my settings work in both sunny and shady conditions.

7. Prime lens/small camera

For a review of the best street cameras , you can check out my article.

With a prime lens, your camera will be lighter and less intrusive for the person you are photographing. You will also become more familiar with the focal length of your camera.

At some point, zooming will be second nature. You’ll simply move to the correct position. You will become so accustomed to the camera that you won’t even notice it.

I only use 50mm and 35mm focal lengths (full frame equivalent). These wide angles let you get closer and capture the whole scene.

8. Take a picture of the day

Capture the everyday. Do not always search for the most unique or spectacular. Think about what someone from outside your area would find interesting.

Make things that you don’t think are beautiful or fascinating beautiful and fascinating.

9. Shoot your area

The advantages of photography are endless. You will be rewarded for taking more photos, but first you must get out and take pictures.

There is no better place to achieve this than where you spend the majority of your time.

You know what’s best. You are the best photographer in your area.

Schedule some weekly sessions and take your camera with you on everyday excursions (this is where the small camera/prime lens comes in handy). Plan weekly sessions and bring your camera on all of your excursions.

Take pictures of your street, your neighborhood. Parking lots, vacant corners, the main road, supermarkets, homes and quirky places. Take advantage of all the random photo opportunities that people tend to overlook.