Finding your kind of street photography

Bhutan, February 17, 2018. /All photos by Tom Coyner

By Tom Coyner

If you ask serious photographers just what is "street photography," you are likely to find many definitions. At times, street photography can resemble travel photography. But travel photography tends to be less artistic and more about personal documentation of one's experiences when in unfamiliar locations.

Often travel photography tends to look "National Geographic-y," focusing on the exotic. But just what is exotic is pretty subjective. What may be exotic to you can be very mundane to me. It really depends on one's background.
In any case, street photography is almost always outside, involving people in either candid or very informal portraits, conveying a mood or feeling of the place or the people.

Another Bhutan street scene, February 17, 2018.

Street photography is ultimately about people, or something directly relevant or caused by people. When photographing people, I have found there are essentially four basic situations. First, there are truly candid photographs when the subject has no knowledge beforehand, and often afterwards, that he or she has been photographed.

Secondly, there are times when the person doesn't expect to be photographed but is aware of the camera at the time of capture. Third, there is the semi-candid where the person is aware of the photographer but ignores or pretends to ignore the camera. And fourth, there are informal posed photographs that are obviously posed but with very relaxed demeanors.

Bagan, February 9, 2016.

Most people are shy about taking photographs of strangers and try to take street pictures using telephoto lenses. But most quality street photographs are taken with medium-length (50-85mm) lenses, and even with wide-angle lenses, most commonly in the 28-35mm range. (I'm writing in full-size sensor standards here.)

While photographs may be required to be secretive or candid in certain situations, probably the most consistently successful approach is to get some kind of buy-in with the subject, even when there is no common language between photographer and subject. Often a smile and a gesture are sufficient. It often helps to share the moment with the subject by showing the result as depicted on the back of the camera. And it is essential to thank the person whenever possible.

Finally, and perhaps critically, it is important not to take the photograph if the subject makes it clear he or she does not wish to be photographed. There are always other ― usually better ― subjects to be discovered.

Myanmar, February 11, 2016.

The less equipment the better when it comes to street photography ― one good zoom lens may be ideal. Keep in mind that the less equipment you take, the more photos you take. Also, the smaller the camera, the less obvious and intimidating you will be as a photographer. A good smartphone camera can often work wonderfully.

Some pros shoot at a high ISO (1600 or even greater) setting, depending on the quality of the camera's sensor. With older cameras it may be best not to exceed ISO 800, however. Generally, it wise to shoot at a high f stop (f/11 or greater) and a fast shutter speed (1/125 or faster), while being willing to break these rules ― and live with the good and bad consequences.

Yangon, October 19, 2014.

Over time and with constant practice, you can find your preferred approach to your kind of street photography in terms of how you interact with your subjects and how you use your camera. It is up to mastering the camera you are using and to practice being at ease when you are shooting this kind of photography. It is essential to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Most people take the photograph too far from their subjects and the results are often disappointing. While it is important to avoid ruining someone's day with your photography, if handled in the right way, photographing a stranger can be an unexpected compliment to the other person.

Ultimately, it is up to you in terms of how you interact with strangers, ideally in a very positive manner and with an affirmative state of mind.

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