Mastering your camera settings, perfecting your composition, and capturing the perfect moment are all essential for great street photography. But what about the location? Where do you find those incredible spots that make your photos stand out? Let’s explore how to uncover the best places for street photography.

What Makes a Great Street Photography Location?

Before we dive into the methods, let’s first understand what makes a location ideal for street photography. The answer varies depending on your style and preferences as a photographer.

• Are you interested in capturing people? If so, places with lots of foot traffic, such as busy streets or markets, are ideal.
• If architecture excites you, look for interesting buildings, street corners, or historical areas with unique designs.

Ultimately, the perfect location aligns with what you enjoy photographing. It’s a personal choice that varies from one photographer to the next.

Define Your Photography Goals

What do you want to capture? Are you after vibrant street scenes filled with people, or do you prefer the quiet beauty of urban textures, like peeling posters and rusted metal? Do you have an eye for dramatic architecture? Once you define your interests, it’s easier to locate the best spots.

For example:

• If you’re looking for bustling crowds, head to a high street, popular market, or tourist hotspot.
• For architectural shots, guides and books dedicated to local landmarks can point you to buildings that suit your style.

Techniques for Finding the Right Street Photography Locations

There’s no one-size-fits-all method to finding the perfect photography spot. It’s about exploring and discovering what works best for you. Here are a few ways to find great locations:

1. Do Your Research

Google Maps: You can start by browsing Google Maps to locate prominent landmarks, squares, and famous buildings. If you’re looking for markets, simply search for them on the map to see where they’re located. You can also create your own collection by pinning places of interest for future reference. I find this method especially helpful when traveling or planning shoots in new locations.

Instagram: Many photographers share their best shots from specific locations on Instagram. Searching location tags can lead you to hidden gems. Plus, browsing their images can help you discover unique angles or spots you might not have considered.

Websites and Flickr: Some photographers share their portfolios on websites or Flickr. The geotagging feature on Flickr is particularly useful for finding exactly where photos were taken, which can give you a better sense of where to go next.

2. Simply Roam Around

Sometimes, the best way to find great street photography spots is to walk around. I often take this approach in my hometown of Antwerp. By following my intuition and exploring random streets, I discover new areas and capture moments that aren’t found in guidebooks. This method can also lead you to hidden locations that others may have overlooked.

3. Revisit Your Favorite Spots

Returning to familiar locations can be surprisingly rewarding. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the area. Knowing how light changes throughout the day or how the atmosphere shifts with the seasons can help you predict when a place will look its best. Repeated visits also encourage fresh perspectives, pushing you to find new ways to photograph the same spot.

For example, you could create a photo series that shows the same location taken at different times—golden hour, midday, or blue hour—to capture the subtle changes in light.

4. Connect with Other Photographers

Meeting other photographers, whether over coffee or during a photo walk, is a great way to discover new locations. You can ask for recommendations based on your interests and see how others approach photography in the same city. Not ready to meet photographers in person? No worries! Virtual connections through social media can also lead to valuable insights.

5. Keep an Eye on Local Events

If you’re into capturing candid moments of people, attending events is an excellent way to find photo opportunities. Most cities have event calendars that list everything from festivals and marathons to protests and cultural gatherings. By staying informed, you can plan your shoots around these events and capture the essence of public life.

How Do You Find Your Street Photography Spots?

Do you prefer some of these techniques, or do you have your own method for discovering great street photography locations? I’d love to hear how you find your spots in the comments below!