Credits: Daniel Adesina
Anyone can take great photographs in the street – but it takes a little bit of courage to step out and snap away. Some of the greatest photographers in history – including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa and street-smart Britons George Eastman and William Eggleston – were more than a little hesitant around strangers, and yet they were able to capture some of the most impactful images ever taken.But how do you overcome your inhibitions and get your camera out in public? Here are some tips for beginners who feel a little self-conscious when they are taking photos of strangers in the street:
Find inspiration from other photographers. A great place to start is by browsing the work of some of the world's greatest street photographers on Flickr and Instagram. By looking at other people's work, you can get some ideas about how to position yourself when taking your own photos, what kind of shots to take and how to compose them. Another great source of inspiration is the art of graffiti artists. You can follow their work on Instagram to see how they capture their surroundings and express their opinions through striking imagery.
Credits: kevser
Credits: Olena Bohovyk
Work on developing your confidence. It's difficult to take photos if you're feeling self-conscious or nervous, so it's important to work on your confidence. Start by taking lots of photos of your friends and family, and gradually move on to taking photos of strangers as you get more used to being in front of the camera. Practice makes perfect!
Be patient and take your time. There's nothing wrong with taking your time when you're photographing strangers in the street. Remember that you're shooting an artistic image rather than just capturing a "snapshot" of the moment. Take your time to plan the shot and think about where you want to position yourself and which angle you want to shoot from. Try not to rush the process - the more time you spend on a shot, the better the result will be.
Credits: Luca Morvillo
Don't take too many photos at once. You don't need to spend all day snapping away, but try to take a few good shots before moving on to the next subject. Try to focus on the people in the shots rather than the background - people are usually more interesting subjects than buildings or scenery. However, if your goal is to capture a specific architectural detail or a beautiful landscape, then feel free to stay in one place for a while and experiment with different shots until you get the shot you want.
And finally, be open to new people and experiences. If you always stay in your comfort zone, you will never try new things and learn new things about yourself and the world you live in. Street photography is a great way to meet new people and experience different cultures. It is also a great way to practice your communication skills and interact with people from all walks of life. Don't be afraid to talk to the people you photograph and ask them if you can take their photo - most people will be happy to oblige and you may even make some new friends in the process!