Street Photography: How To Take The Perfect Shot

Street photography is a bit different from the more common portrait photography. This genre of photography focuses on documenting life, culture and society. This is usually done candidly, without permission and knowledge of the subject.

Because of its nature, this kind of photography may be harder to master. Here are some things that can help you take your street photography skill a notch higher.

Image source: static.flickr.com

1. Choosing the right lens for the job

Choose lens that are appropriate for the place. Choosing a bigger lens will make people uncomfortable. It’s not a good feeling when a stranger is aiming a giant lens at you. It's creepy. Most photographer settle for a more compact camera. Even flagship smartphones nowadays are good enough to be your go-to camera.

2. Get close

In relation to no. 1, you will only successfully do this if your shooting discreetly. Use a wide-angle lens so you can get great close up shots. Blend with the environment so your image will have a sense of being in the moment.

3. Always be ready to shoot

In street photography, the perfect moment won’t wait for you. It happens spontaneously. You may only have a few seconds to capture it, so be ready to whip out your camera when it happens. This skill takes patience and practice. Have your camera with you at all times.

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Jack Elway here. I am a retired photographer, but I still love taking photos. I like giving helpful tips so be sure to follow me on Twitter for more.

How to take nature photos like a pro

In my years working as a photographer, I have learned that for some, it’s not really about the technicalities. Even with a simple camera, an eye for detail will take you far. If you want to make your nature photos look like it was shot by a pro, here’s what to do:

Don’t put your subject in the center.

When you take nature photos, you’re not just focusing on just one detail. Show what’s happening in the environment and capture how your subject is blending with it. For example, when taking pictures of insects, the scene would look more incredible if you show the flowers and plants they’re crawling on.

Image source: Boredpanda.com

Play with natural lighting.

Natural light can do a lot for you. Aside from being a natural filter, it also adds a mood to the photo. Learn to play with lighting brought by the gray skies and the misty filter caused by drizzles. Once you learn how to roll with different weather conditions, you’ll have a new appreciation for what it does to nature.

Convey your own insights about the place or the subject.

If you’re a photographer who just wants to snap away without thinking of the photo you are taking, then I suggest you take a minute or two to contemplate the shot you’re capturing. If the goal is to let others marvel at what you’re witnessing, then work toward conveying that in the shot.

Image source: Mnn.com

Of course, practice will greatly improve your skills. Looking at the works of other photographers will also give you an idea of what details to capture and which aspects to focus on your shots. Have fun!

Thanks for visiting. I’m Jack Elway, a retired photographer exploring the wilderness in Denver. For updates, drop by this page.