Embracing the Unknown: Tips for Urban Street Photography Adventures
Stepping into an urban environment you've never been to can be thrilling and daunting for an amateur photographer. The streets are teeming with stories waiting to be captured, and the architecture stands as a testament to the city's history and culture. In this post, we'll explore how to prepare for your urban photography outings, what to look out for, and how to capture the essence of city life through your lens.
Preparing for Your Photography Outing
If you have read my posts, you know that I like to preach that preparation is key to any photography outing. Here's a checklist that I suggest you go through to help you get ready for a photography outing while you are in a city that you are travelling to on vacation:
Research the Area: Learn about the city's landmarks, cultural hotspots, and the best neighbourhoods for street photography. Websites, travel guides, and social media can provide valuable insights.
Plan Your Route: While spontaneity is great, having a rough plan can save time. Mark key locations on a map and plan your route accordingly.
Gear Check: Ensure your camera is in good condition, batteries are charged, and you have extra memory cards. A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm) can be handy for capturing both wide angles and close-ups.
Pack Light: Carry only the essentials to stay agile and comfortable. A small backpack or a crossbody camera bag is ideal.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Blend in with the locals to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
Capturing Daily Life
One of the most rewarding aspects of urban photography is capturing candid moments of people going about their daily lives. Here's how I would suggest that you can do this effectively:
Be Observant: Take time to observe your surroundings. Look for interesting interactions, gestures, and expressions.
Respect Privacy: Be mindful of people's privacy, and always ask for permission if you're taking close-up shots.
Blend In: Try to be as unobtrusive as possible. Use a smaller camera or a telephoto lens to capture candid shots from a distance.
Capture the Mood: Focus on the atmosphere of the scene. Look for story elements, such as a street musician, a bustling market, or children playing.
Consider Slower Shutter Speeds: With all the movement in an urban environment, consider slowing your shutter speed down and trying some panning photography of people walking, people on bikes, and cars driving by.
Architectural Photography
Urban environments are a playground for architectural photographers. Here's how to capture stunning architectural shots:
Look for Symmetry and Patterns: Architecture is full of symmetrical lines and patterns. Use them to create visually appealing compositions.
Play with Angles: Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Shoot from low angles to emphasize height or from high vantage points for a unique view.
Focus on Details: Don't shoot the entire building; zoom in on interesting details like ornate carvings, unique textures, and contrasting materials.
Incorporate the Surroundings: Show how buildings interact with their environment. Include elements like trees, people, and vehicles to provide context.
Best Times for Street Photography
The time of day can significantly impact your photos. Here are the best times for urban photography:
Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset provide soft, warm light, perfect for portraits and landscapes. It is also the time of day to incorporate shadows into your compositions.
Blue Hour: The period just before sunrise and after sunset offers a magical blue light, ideal for capturing cityscapes and architectural details.
Night Photography: City lights create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. The night photos can introduce mood into your images. Use a tripod and experiment with long exposures to capture light trails and illuminated buildings.
Night Photography Settings
When shooting at night, consider these settings:
Use a Tripod: To avoid camera shake, use a sturdy tripod for long exposures.
Slow Shutter Speed: Start with a shutter speed of 1/10 to 30 seconds, depending on the scene and desired effect.
Low ISO: Keep your ISO low (100-400) to reduce noise in your images. Don't be afraid of high ISO. Modern-day software can clean up almost any image, but I do like the grain in my black-and-white images that are shot using high ISO. Experiment, and have some fun.
Wide Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 - f/5.6) to allow more light into the camera.
Gear Suggestions
For urban photography, consider the following gear:
Camera: A lightweight mirrorless camera or a DSLR with good low-light performance.
Lenses: A versatile zoom lens (24-70mm), a prime lens (50mm or 35mm) for portraits, and a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for architecture. You can also consider a 70-200mm lens. This will allow you to be more of a voyeur; people will not change how they act because you are not seen. You get more candid interactions with people using a longer lens.
Accessories: A tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, and a lens cleaning kit.
Safety Concerns
Safety should always be a priority:
Stay Aware: Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid risky areas, especially at night.
Keep Valuables Secure: Use anti-theft bags and keep your gear close to you. Keep your wallet and phones in your front pockets. And NEVER set your bag down beside you when taking photos.
Travel Light: Carry only what you need and avoid flashy gear that might attract unwanted attention.
Blend In: Dress like a local to avoid standing out as a tourist.
Travel in Groups: It is always smart to go with other photographers. Watch each other's back and stay safe.
Inspirational Photographers
To inspire your urban photography, look to the works of these famous photographers:
Henri Cartier-Bresson: Known for his candid street photography and the concept of the "decisive moment," Cartier-Bresson's work teaches the importance of timing and composition.
Elliott Erwitt: His whimsical and humorous approach to street photography captures the lighter side of urban life, emphasizing the value of finding joy in everyday moments.
Eugène Atget: Famous for his documentation of Paris, Atget's work highlights the beauty of urban landscapes and the importance of preserving history through photography.
Vivian Maier: A nanny by profession, Maier's street photography offers a unique perspective on urban life, showcasing the power of capturing unnoticed moments and the charm of the mundane.
Conclusion
Urban photography is a rich and rewarding pursuit, offering endless opportunities to capture the heart and soul of a city. By preparing adequately, staying observant, and drawing inspiration from the greats, you can create compelling images that tell the story of your urban adventures.
If you enjoy street photography or want to learn more about the subject, consider joining me in the ultimate street photography playground in Paris, France. I lead photography workshops there each year. You can find these workshops by visiting this webpage.
Happy shooting!