Enter the world of the photo-supernatural and shoot some ghosts! The object of this exercise is to get to grips with shooting at a slow shutter speed, blurring the main subject, but keeping the background sharply in focus. Shot with care, it could make a lovely photobook, set of postcards, or framed prints. ...
Humor will always be central to street photography, and for some photographers it underpins much of their work. However it is difficult to work with because when you go looking for it, it's hard to find-but then it pops up out of nowhere when you're least expecting it. The key is to have a camera with you at all times, switched on and set up for a quick "grab" shot....
Critique-proper critique-is essential to our growth as photographers, but it can be hard to find. Put an "average" image on social media and the chances are it will be heralded with comments such as "awesome capture;' "outstanding;' or "just wow!!" But why? It's an average image. ...
Mobile phones are ubiquitous and their cameras make a great street photography tool-they're discrete, portable, non-threatening, quiet, and we usually have one with us. It also makes us look like "tourists" rather than photographers, and people are so familiar with them that they will behave more naturally if someone around them is photographing with a phone. ...
Get in among the artists! Shooting in art galleries-particularly contemporary galleries-is an art form in itself and can be highly rewarding. Okay, it's not on the street, as such, but it's still street photography. Major modern galleries are usually bright, cathedral-like spaces with light pouring in through skylights or high windows onto stark white surfaces. That means you are usually guaranteed good light. ...
If you want to add some real drama to your street images, shooting into the light provides both a challenge and an opportunity. Usually referred to as contre jour ("against daylight") photography, the technique goes against one of the first rules you were taught when you started out in photography (don't shoot into the light!), but there are several benefits to be gained from breaking this rule: ...
Street photographers have been fascinated by the urban landscape since the 19th century, when Eugene Atget introduced us to the streets of Paris with his evocative monochrome images. This type of street photography places more emphasis on the built environment than it does on the people, although including people in your shots can provide context or a sense of scale. However, before adding people, ask yourself whether they contribute to, or detract from the scene....
Bruce Gilden, Dougie Wallace, and Garry Winogrand are just some of the street photography legends who have made a name for themselves by photographing strangers at close quarters. Their style is intrusive, provocative, and confrontational, and gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "in your face:' ...
The mention of eye contact will always fuel an interesting debate among street photographers. If someone is looking at the camera, can the shot be considered truly candid? Does it matter? Probably not: it's more of a convention than a necessity, and the decision will depend on your approach to street shooting and your aims for that particular shot. ...