Street photography has the potential to look fan-flipping-nominal. Those magical moments where you feel right in the middle of a crowd or those emotions which are so real and honest and no one could impersonate. Unfortunately, most of the times I see [and take] “street” photography photos that are lifeless boring and flat. I’ve certainly taken my share of these photos but why is it so common and why don’t people take better street photography photos. Well, here are my uninformed guesses as to why my street photography photos often suck and why yours probably do as well.
1. I use a zoom lens
Zoom lenses have a magical ability to flatten the image. They bring distant objects closer and the greater the zoom, the more it flattens the objects in the image. They all become closer together and you don’t get that sense of place or distance. This can be great for a portrait with a buttery bokeh background (and you can certainly take street photos like that) but in general you want a sense of location and place within a street photos. You want to see the context and have a sense of distance between objects. This merges with my next point.
2. I’m too distant from the action
Often I don’t get close enough to the action of a photo. I want to sit back unobserved and quietly snap away. The only problem is that you need a zoom lens to really do that OR you need to get close to the action and risk being noticed. It’s pretty scary but the reward is you can get shots that you can’t get with a zoom lens and sometimes the best street shots are where the photographer has been clearly identified by the subject. Take a look at the work of Mark Cohen for some examples.
3. I use normal subject
Too many of my subjects could simply be described as “tourist 1” or “business man moving quickly”. These are a dime a dozen and while there are interesting tourists or businessmen for street photography, most of the time I choose the uninteresting ones. To extend this a bit, it’s not so much they are uninteresting, it’s just they are in this place or this time. The problem with the more interesting subjects, they usually have more risk. An agressive and angry looking man is a great subject, but someone who looks angry may quickly choose a different outlet for their anger.
4. I’m not brave enough
This really brings together many of my points above. I’m too worried about what may happen when I take a street photo. The person might notice me! (shock horror!!!) or worse get aggressive or violent. Sometimes the mere thought that someone might think that I’m about to take a street photo of them can put me off (yeah, anxiety or what). This makes me default to actually far more creepy behaviour of lurking in the shadows or being obviously awkward which ironically makes the person less settled and causes the very thing I want to avoid.
I know that horror stories do happen and I’ve had some strange moments where a photographer acted very strangely around me but these are the exceptions rather than the rule. This fear has lead to the previous factors and also made me a less pleasant photographer to be around ruining possible snapshots.
5. I use boring backgrounds
One of the things that I don’t often notice till afterwards is how plane the background of my images are. This is particularly an issue if you’re not getting close enough to the action but instead are standing from a distance observing. More of the background is on display so it needs to be good. Finding a good background is a tricky challenge but one thing I’ve started trying is wandering around and finding something which looks good and then waiting for a good subject to come into that shot.
6. I take the same old shots
This is a combination of many of the above points but many of my “creative” street shots show the same things as everyone else. Like those really “rare” moments of a group of friends all on their phone (sorry to break it to you but you can actually find that fairly often.) or the same landmarks. I’m trying more and more to find shots which are unique and special and which your average Joe doesn’t notice.
How to take street photos that don’t suck
So what is the solution then? It’s easy to be critical (especially of others photography) but how can we all level up and take better street photos.
1. Use a short lens and walk!
Shorter focal lengths help to create a greater sense of depth and place in a photo than long zooms. But to make use of this shorter focal length you need to get out and about and zoom with those legs. One of the great benefits of a prime lens is that restriction forces you to move. Many people debate the best focal lengths for street photography. Personally I use a 20mm (40mm on a “Full Frame” camera) because it’s my shortest prime but some people will tell you 35mm or 50mm (full frame) are the best. Just don’t take your zoom or portrait lens
2. Get close
Building on that previous point, you’ve got to get in close. The best street photos are those ones where you feel like you are right there, in the scene and not watching seedily from the side. Being right in the midst of things helps you see different things and from a different perspective. That perfectly ordinary moment becomes super interesting and lively.
Even better, you become part of the moment and not just a by stander. People noticing you can actually be great for leading to some fun moments. Some people may even start posing for you.
3. Punch fear in the guts
Of course the resistance and fear will kick in at this point and tell you not to do it, not to get in close, not to get hurt and not have that awkward moment where your eyes cross (I know, I’m so British). The only cure, punching fear in the guts!
When you feel that pang of doubt, push forward and go for it anyway. This can be very difficult in the exact moment so here are some thought pattern to help you. Imagine the worst case scenario. It’s probably something like someone attacking you or having to run away. Now accept the reality that it is unlikely and that this will be short lived pain. Now plan to encounter that very situation. Take a really obvious street photo where you are noticed and make a note of what happens. I’m willing to bet it isn’t anywhere near the worst.
Please note, you don’t have to take every photo, and it’s probably a good idea to respect some moments. Yes you may miss out on some great photos but I still want to respect some moments. That’s something you have to draw a personal conclusion on.
4. Go to interesting places
This is one of those interesting paradoxes that while you may find it difficult to find interestinig subjects and frames for your street photos where you are, the truth is that every place is interesting (if you know where to look). The truth is you need to find what is interesting in a place. The people, the background, the story, the details, the bigger picture. I can’t tell you for certain but it’s great fun to investigate.
5. Break the rules
Just as with all “rules” in art, they are guidelines and the exceptions always outweigh the examples which obey the rules. Okay and experiment with the rules but remember Pablo Picasso quote. ” learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist”
6. Take a workshop or class
Workshops and classes can really help you see the world from a different perspective, the eyes of the instructor. They can also challenge, push you, help you build confidence and point out errors in yourself which you just can’t see yourself. Yes, workshops and classes will cost you but you will gain a lot from them.
7. Go on photo walks
A cheaper alternative is to go on Photowalks with some other photographers. Sure you may not learn as much but you may learn some other things from them as well, plus it can help you build confidence.
8. Be inspired by other photographers
This could be by looking at a photo book they have, by following them on Instagram or by reading their blog. Whatever you choose it is important to be filling your creative well with new inspiration to use for yourself.
9. Enjoy it
The best tip I can give you is just enjoy it. That’s what’s this is all about, having fun, and learning. And as anyone in education will tell you, if you enjoy learning something, you will learn fit better than someone who doesn’t. It’s called intrinsic motivation (not extrinsic like getting a financial reward).
What tips do you have for improving your street photography?
[…] Why My Street Photography Sucks […]