Street photography can involve random, spontaneous, chance events in public places – people and how they behave – to become a document recording life in a specific moment, period and place. Or you could take an to capturing the still environment of and itself; with its colours, lights and shapes. Pioneered by people like , there are a number of other famous photographers who are known for street photography including , , Garry Winogrand, and .
Have a look through some of their photographs for inspiration, and notice how fashions have changed over the years. The camera – it’s up to you. This will depend largely on how you feel about your public presence as a photographer.
Some recommend a small camera and minimal amounts of kit, to remain discreet. Other street photographers have used larger DSLRs like the , and even cameras with a flashgun – hardly subtle! is famous for using flash in his street photography. If you don’t already have a camera, and think Street Photography is going to be your primary interest, then have a look at our guide to .
You can use whatever camera you have with you, be that a , a real camera (more fun), and use autofocus (assuming the camera has it). You may prefer to use a camera with an optical or electronic viewfinder, such as a or , or you may prefer to “shoot from the hip” and use a camera with a tilting screen, so you can shoot from down low or high up. We have two great guides on how to start, one where And another with Amy Davie.
