This time, I’ve decided to share some tips I wish I had known when I started with street photography, tips that are now essential every time I walk around the city with my camera. It’s important to know that while photography has its technical aspects, for me, the fundamental part is the story it tells.
Writing this blog is partly because, this morning, I asked myself about the things I do when I take photos—things that may be so ingrained in me now that I do them unconsciously.
So, here they are:
Camera Always Ready
Although it might seem obvious, keeping your camera within reach will ensure you’re ready to capture a moment as it unfolds.
One thing I’ve learned over time is that the automatic mode can be a great help for taking quick, well-exposed shots most of the time. While it’s true that manual mode is essential for serious photography, shooting in automatic mode for street photography can make the process smoother and more efficient.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend this approach in every situation. Instead, think of it as a tip to let your creativity flow without getting stuck on which settings to use in the ever-changing scenarios that street photography presents.
Don’t Be Afraid of Making Mistakes
When you’re starting out in photography and get your first camera, it’s normal to be very protective of it, thinking that the fewer photos you take, the less wear and tear it will suffer. While this may be true, part of learning photography comes from trial and error, so not taking photos isn’t a viable option.
Going out every day to take pictures and filling up a memory card is part of the learning process. The more photos you take, the more you’ll learn.
Your eye will start to train itself, and your mind will naturally calculate compositions as you explore the city. This is a skill that develops over time, and it starts with not being afraid of making mistakes.
Light is Key
Not just in street photography but in every type of photography, light is an essential element. It determines, among other things, the message your photo conveys.
You need to be critical and observe how light interacts with the environment—how it passes through windows, how it reflects, and the shadows it creates.
Light in photography isn’t optional.
Be Patient, Wait
Sometimes, as photographers, we feel awkward waiting for something to happen with the camera in hand. This often leads us to take photos that lack any real message.
A key part of capturing a great photo and telling a compelling story is patience. It’s about waiting for the right moment, studying the environment, observing people’s behavior, and understanding how they interact with your chosen frame.
Walk
One thing I always do when I go out to take photos is walk—a lot. It’s not something I force or plan, like setting a timer to walk for 30 minutes or more. It just happens naturally.
What I mean is that you need to be curious and explore the city streets. If you immerse yourself deeply enough in photography, you’ll end up taking photos for hours without even realizing it (it’s happened to me).
Wearing comfortable shoes, a cap, and bringing water are always helpful.
