31.05.2016

10 Tips for the Aspiring Street Photographer

31.05.2016

10 Tips for the Aspiring Street Photographer

Tip #1: Don’t look for posers, but natural targets

When you point your camera towards someone it can happen that they come up with a pose instantly. But I always prefer to convey a more relaxed vibe with my shots. So sometimes you might have to direct your subject just like a film director in order to achieve what you’re looking for. Make them relax, maybe looking away from the lens or down at their phone.

Tip #2: Share emotions

I always aim to inspire and tell stories with my photography. That’s why I search authentic people and try to convey their emotions through my shots to the people that will see them.

MelanieGalea aka theStreetMuse_1

Tip #3: Wait in the right place

When looking for a right spot to find personalities to shoot make sure to choose a well-travelled spot in the city so you can focus on the quality of the image without wandering around in search of the people, they have to come to you.

Tip #4: Don’t wrestle with other photographers 

There are some hot moments during the year for a street photographer, that would be fashion weeks around the world. That means that many photographers gather in the streets to take pictures of often the same targets. My advice is not to compete with other for the same shot but move away from the crowd and search for another scene, maybe showing what happens backstage a street style photograph.

MelanieGalea aka theStreetMuse_2

Tip #5: Travel light

You won’t need too much equipment for your shootings, what you really need is to be able to move quickly from one street to another, one fashion show to another seizing the moment. So when packing just stick to the necessary and do the best in the street.

Tip #6: Take advantage of natural light

Make sure to always shoot your subject under the sun: as you’re going to have just few moments to take your picture you need to seek for the best light conditions in order to avoid the flash or other artificial lights, the pic also will have a more natural result.

MelanieGalea aka theStreetMuse_3

Tip #7: Set your camera right

As told before you’ll have a really short time to capture people, so having your camera settings ready is key. The average distance from where you’re going to shoot the target is usually 3 to 10 feet, so make sure to set the aperture to f/8 and anyone in that distance will be in focus.

Tip #8: Choose the appropriate lens

Depending on the style of your photography you must be prepared with the right equipment. I like to shoot static poses, that’s why you’ll often see me with a 70 – 200mm zoom lens. If you want to blur the background and focus only on the face and figure set the aperture to f/2.8. If you want to include a wide scenery instead go for a 35mm lens.

MelanieGalea aka theStreetMuse_4

Tip #9: Check local privacy rules 

The worst thing that can happen to you is to lose your camera and work because you break the law. Yeas I’m talking serious because in some countries there are really strict rules regarding personal privacy, so it can be considered illegal to take pictures of people walking in the streets. So before traveling check the local rules and take your precautions.

Tip #10: Exercise whenever you can

It doesn’t matter if you’re not in a big city and there aren’t any fashionistas around, I suggest you to go out and take as many pictures you can, exercise so you’ll be better prepared when the real action is on!

MelanieGalea aka theStreetMuse_5

MELANIE GALEA

Photographer, creative talent and fashion influencer based in Italy. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit her website here.

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