Street photography has become one of the most popular genres today. With the rise of smartphone technology, anyone can take a street photo anywhere. But what exactly makes a photo qualify as a “street photo”? Let’s explore the key elements that define this genre.
What is Street Photography?
Street photography captures everyday life in public spaces, often showcasing candid, unposed moments. It focuses on the scenes and people you encounter while walking through the streets of cities or towns. Though technology has evolved, and photographers now use everything from heavy professional cameras to smartphones, street photography continues to capture raw moments of human existence.
What Makes a Street Photo?
At its core, a street photo is simply a photo taken on the street, but it’s more layered than just that. A good street photo brings together several elements that elevate it from a simple snapshot to a compelling image. Let’s break down these characteristics.
Characteristics of Street Photography
Candidness
Candidness is one of the most crucial aspects of street photography. The essence of the genre often lies in capturing spontaneous moments where the subject is unaware of the camera. However, some photographers do interact with their subjects, which can still result in a powerful street photo. The key is authenticity—images that reflect real life as it happens.
Post-processing is allowed, but keeping editing minimal preserves the authenticity of the image.
Public Spaces
Street photography is typically done in public spaces. These can be busy urban streets, quiet parks, shopping areas, or even the parking lot of a small-town supermarket. While big cities like New York or London are famous for street photography, any urban setting can provide great material.
Storytelling
Street photos often aim to tell a story. Whether the narrative is lighthearted, serious, or thought-provoking, a compelling story behind the image can elevate it. While a purely aesthetic shot has value, a photo that conveys a message or story is often more impactful.
Common Subjects in Street Photography
Street photography often focuses on three main subjects: people, scenes, and urban landscapes.
People
People are the most common subject in street photography. Street portraits focus on individual subjects, but people can also be part of a larger scene, like a bustling crowd or a moment of interaction in a public space. Capturing everyday activities, whether mundane or extraordinary, gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of others.
Scenes
Not all street photos have people as the main subject. A scene might include elements like buildings, shop windows, or public events, where the human presence is implied but not always visible. The interaction between the environment and its inhabitants often provides an interesting dynamic to the composition.
Urban Landscapes
Cities themselves offer rich subject matter for street photographers. Urban landscapes such as streets, monuments, or buildings without any people can still convey a sense of the city’s character. These shots capture the imprint of humanity on the built environment.
Juxtapositions
Juxtapositions—contrasts in size, scale, or environment—add an extra layer of interest to street photos. An example would be capturing small figures in front of massive buildings, highlighting the vastness of the urban environment compared to the individual.
Techniques and Approaches
Street photography isn’t just about choosing the right subject. The way you compose your shots, select your gear, and handle your camera are all vital aspects of the process.
Gear and Camera Choice
The camera used in street photography isn’t as important as how familiar you are with it. Whether you use a smartphone or a high-end DSLR, what matters is that you are comfortable with your camera and can quickly adjust settings when needed.
Timing and Patience
Henri Cartier-Bresson famously called it “The Decisive Moment”—capturing that perfect instant when everything aligns. Mastering timing in street photography is an intangible skill that comes with practice. Learning how to anticipate the right moment is a critical aspect of capturing compelling street photos.
Interacting with Subjects
Approaching subjects in street photography is an art in itself. Some photographers prefer to shoot candidly without interaction, while others engage with their subjects. How you approach someone can affect the dynamic of the shot, and this technique often depends on your personal style.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
When photographing people, it’s important to understand the legal and ethical implications. In many places, photographing people in public is allowed, but there are exceptions and restrictions. Always check the local laws, and consider whether photographing a subject is respectful and appropriate.
A general rule of thumb: Always treat others the way you would want to be treated. If you’re unsure, asking for permission after the shot is taken can be a good practice.
Getting Started with Street Photography
To get started with street photography, all you need is a camera and a willingness to explore. Choose a camera you are comfortable with, make sure it’s charged, and head to a public space. Look for interesting moments, experiment with composition, and pay attention to the light and surroundings. Street photography is about practice and observation—keep refining your technique as you go.
Subgenres of Street Photography
Street photography is a broad genre with various subgenres. Some of the most popular include:
- Street Portraits
- Street Fashion
- Architectural Details
- Street Documentary
- Candid Shots
- Abstract Street Photography
Each subgenre offers a different perspective on street life, and exploring them can help you find your unique style.
Conclusion
A “street photo” is more than just a snapshot taken on a city street. It’s a photo that captures the essence of everyday life in a public space, often featuring candid moments or powerful juxtapositions. Whether you focus on people, scenes, or urban landscapes, a great street photo tells a story and reflects your perspective on the world around you.
