Credits: Rachel Claire


1. Get to know your camera
This may seem like an obvious one, but it's important to take the time to read your camera manual and experiment with the different settings. This will help you get the most out of your equipment and make better photos.

Read the manual
Reading your camera's manual is a great way to learn about all the features and functions of your camera. You'll be surprised at how much you can learn just by reading the manual.
Experiment with your camera's settings
Don't be afraid to experiment with your camera's settings. Try different combinations of settings to see what works best for you.
Get to know your lens
Your lens is an important part of your camera, so it's important to get to know it well. Experiment with different lenses to see how they affect your photos.​​​​​​​
Credits: Malte Luk and cottonbro
2. Be prepared
When you're out shooting, dress appropriately for the weather and have your camera ready to go so you don't miss any spontaneous moments. It's also worth considering the time of day – early morning or evening light can often be more flattering than harsh midday sun.

Dress appropriately
When you're out shooting street photography, you need to be comfortable. Wear clothing that won't restrict your movement and that you can move freely in. Wearing layers is also a good idea, so that you can adjust to the changing weather and light conditions.
Have your camera ready
Before you head out, make sure your camera is charged and that you have enough memory cards. It's also a good idea to have a backup camera or lens, just in case something happens to your primary equipment.
Choose the right time of day
The time of day can make a big difference in street photography. The light is usually best early in the morning or late in the afternoon, but that doesn't mean you can't get great shots at other times of day. Pay attention to the light and how it's affecting your subjects.

3. Be respectful
Remember that street photography is about capturing everyday life, so be conscious of people's privacy and personal space. If in doubt, always ask permission before taking someone's photo.
Ask permission
If you're going to be taking photos of people, it's always polite to ask for their permission first. This way, they won't be caught off guard and you'll avoid any potential conflict. If you're in a situation where you can't ask for permission, be sure to be extra respectful and avoid taking any photos that could be considered invasive.
Be aware of your surroundings
When you're out photographing, it's important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means being aware of who and what is around you, as well as any potential hazards. By being mindful of your surroundings, you'll not only avoid potential danger but also be able to spot interesting photo opportunities that you might otherwise have missed.
Respect people's privacy
Even if someone has given you permission to take their photo, it's important to respect their privacy by not sharing the photo without their consent. If you're posting photos online, consider using anonymity settings or watermarks to help protect people's identities.
4. Be patient
One of the keys to successful street photography is patience – wait for interesting subjects or compositions to present themselves, and don't be afraid to walk away if nothing feels right.
Wait for the right moment
The best shots often come when you least expect it, so it's important to be patient and wait for the right moment. Sometimes this means waiting for minutes or even hours for the perfect shot to present itself. It's important to be prepared mentally and physically for this – make sure you're comfortable and have everything you need so that you can stay in one spot for a while if necessary.
Be prepared to walk away
There will be times when the perfect shot just doesn't seem to be happening, no matter how long you wait. In these cases, it's best to walk away and come back later. This can be frustrating, but it's important to remember that not every shoot will result in a home run – sometimes you have to settle for a single or a double.
Be prepared for unexpected events.
No matter how well you plan, there are always going to be things that happen that you don't expect. This is just part of the nature of photography. The best way to deal with these situations is to stay calm and flexible, and be prepared to think on your feet. Don't let unexpected events throw you off your game – roll with the punches and see what interesting shots present themselves as a result.

5. Be creative
Don't be afraid to try new things or think outside the box when it comes to composition and subject matter. The best photos often come from thinking creatively about mundane situations or objects.
Try new things
One way to be more creative with your street photography is to try new things. This could mean trying new compositions, experimenting with different camera settings, or looking for unique subjects to photograph. By pushing yourself to try new things, you'll find that your creativity will start to flow and you'll be able to take better photos.
Think outside the box
Another way to be more creative with your street photography is to think outside the box. This means thinking about unconventional ways to approach a scene or subject, and not being afraid to experiment. Sometimes the best photos are those that are taken in an unexpected way, so don't be afraid to take risks.
Be open to new ideas
Finally, it's important to be open to new ideas when it comes to street photography. If you're always stuck in your own ways of thinking, you'll never progress as a photographer. Instead, be open to hearing other people's ideas and opinions, and try out new techniques that you might not have thought of before. By keeping an open mind, you'll find that your creativity will increase tenfold.

6. Be persistent
Street photography can be frustrating at times, but it's important to persevere and keep trying even when things aren't going
Don't give up
Street photography can be challenging, but it's important to persevere and not give up. There will be times when you don't get the shot you want, but don't let that deter you. Keep trying and you'll eventually get the shot you're after.
Keep trying
Even if you don't get the perfect shot right away, keep trying. Street photography is all about trial and error. The more you practice, the better your chances of getting that perfect shot.
Learn from your mistakes
If you miss a shot, learn from it and try not to make the same mistake again. Each missed opportunity is an opportunity to learn and improve your skills.
7. Be observant
Try to see things from a different perspective and try to look beyond the obvious – you may find amazing scenes or subjects with little effort if you're open to new ideas.
Pay attention to your surroundings
When you're out shooting, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take note of anything that might make a good photo. Look for interesting patterns, shapes, colors, and textures. Also, pay attention to the light and how it's affecting your subjects.
Look for interesting subjects
One of the most important things in street photography is finding interesting subjects to photograph. Look for people who are doing something interesting or unusual, or who have an interesting story to tell. If you see someone who catches your eye, don't be afraid to approach them and ask if you can take their picture.
Be aware of the light
Light is one of the most important aspects of any photograph, so it's important to pay attention to how it's affecting your scene. Look for areas where the light is particularly strong or weak, and use it to your advantage. Also, be aware of shadows and how they can add interest to a photo.

8. Be spontaneous
There's nothing like a great shot coming completely out of the blue, so make sure you're always ready to capture those spontaneous moments when they arise.
Be ready to act quickly
When you're out shooting street photography, you never know when the perfect shot will present itself. That's why it's important to be ready to act quickly when the time comes. Have your camera on and at the ready, so you don't miss a beat.
Be prepared to miss the perfect shot
Of course, even if you're ready to act quickly, there's no guarantee that you'll always get the shot you want. Sometimes, the perfect moment will come and go before you can even raise your camera to take a picture. Don't let that discourage you; just keep shooting and enjoy the process.
Go with the flow
One of the best things about street photography is that it's often unpredictable. Embrace the chaos and go with the flow; you never know what kind of magic might happen.
9. Be confident
Try to stay positive when shooting – even if you're not happy with the results, it's worth keeping an open mind and trying again next time.
Believe in yourself
One of the most important things you can do as a street photographer is to believe in yourself. This may seem like common sense, but it's often easy to second-guess yourself, especially when you're starting out. It's important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and there is no such thing as a "perfect" photo. Just keep taking pictures and learning from your mistakes, and eventually you'll find your own unique style.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes
Another important thing to remember is that it's okay to make mistakes. In fact, making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn and improve as a photographer. So don't be afraid to experiment, and don't be too hard on yourself if something doesn't turn out the way you wanted it to. Just keep shooting, and you'll eventually get the hang of it.
Be yourself
Lastly, it's important to be yourself when you're out shooting street photography. There is no right or wrong way to do it, so just do whatever feels natural for you. If you're comfortable approaching strangers and asking permission to take their picture, then go for it! But if you're more shy or introverted, that's perfectly fine too – just shoot from a distance or candidly without asking permission first. The most important thing is that you enjoy the process and end up with photos that YOU are happy with – not anyone else.

10. ...and most important! Have fun
Try to stay positive when shooting – even if you're not happy with the results, it's worth keeping an open mind and trying again next time.
Remember why you're doing this
Photography is supposed to be fun, so make sure to remember why you started doing it in the first place. It's easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of photography, but don't forget that the reason you picked up a camera was because you wanted to capture moments and create art.
Enjoy the process
Take the time to enjoy each step of the photography process, from taking the photo to editing it afterwards. Appreciate the small details and don't rush through the process just to get to the finished product. Remember that part of the fun is in seeing how your photos turn out, so take your time and enjoy yourself.
Don't take yourself too seriously
It's okay if not every photo is perfect, and it's okay if you make mistakes along the way. The important thing is that you're enjoying yourself and having fun with it.​​​​​​​

Conclusion

If you want to improve your street photography, following these ten tips will definitely help you out. Get to know your camera inside and out, be prepared for anything, respect the people and places you're photographing, be creative, be confident, and most importantly, have fun. With practice and persistence, you'll see your street photography skills improve in no time.
Back to Top