Dehli, India
Street photography is difficult, maybe the most challenging and intimidating genre of photography. Standing on a busy street and trying to get compelling photos of strangers, without being rude or obtrusive or feeling self-conscious, is an art.
Although I am a naturally shy person, I really enjoy street photography. People are fascinating, and when I see fascinating things, I want to photograph it. Over the years, I have gotten better and more comfortable with taking photos of strangers on the street (although I am by no means an expert). I don’t want to shove my camera in the face of a person who is simply going about their day, but it is hard to get captivating street photos without getting close to the subject.
I use a few strategies for taking street photos that use opposing, contradictory methods. Although I think method A in each example below is the best, sometimes it pays off to adjust your style and be flexible. Read on and you will see.
Contradictory Street Photography Tips
1a. Ask People for Their Photo
The simplest way to get a photo is to ask. I’ve asked hundreds of people for their photo and I can count on one hand the number of rejections I’ve received. In the photo below, I saw these guys playing chess on the streets of Havana and I wanted to capture the moment. I started talking to them and after a minute, I asked if I could snap some pictures. “OF COURSE,” they said. Actually they said “!POR SUPUESTO!,” but, you get it.
Havana, Cuba
Usually, if you ask for a photo, people agree then settle into going about their normal routine. I took the below photo at a funeral ceremony on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Everyone knew I was taking photos, and after a series of posed shots, everyone relaxed and no one paid attention to me. Asking was the key that allowed me to get started.
Tana Toraja, Indonesia
1b. Don’t Ask
Sometimes asking ruins the moment, like in the photo below. These people didn’t seem to care that a gringo was taking their photo and I captured a candid moment that would have been ruined by asking.
Antigua, Guatemala
2a. Get in the Middle of the Action
Have you ever noticed how wedding and sports photographers are usually right in the action? The best way to get great photos is to get right in the middle of it all. In the photo below at the Navratri festival in Jodhpur, the locals saw me taking photos and placed me in this spot. It was a little scary with motorcycles whizzing by, but worth it.
Jodhpur, India
2b. Blend In and be Invisible
On busy streets, festivals, or tourist sites where there is a lot of activity, it can be easy to blend in. I will often find a street corner and wait. People sort of forget you are there, and people passing by take no notice of you. By blending in it is easy to get candid photos. In the photo below taken on the Ganges, I was able to get this shot of the two boys by staying in the same spot and waiting.
Varanasi, India
3a. Engage
Smile. Talk to people. Have welcoming body language. Engaging with locals on the street is a great way to get photos. Smiles are disarming and if you take a candid photo of a person and they catch you in the act, smile at them – 99% of the time they won’t mind. In places like India when people see you smiling and taking photos, often times they will pose for you.
Pushkar, India
Pushkar, India street portrait
Purists of street photography will argue that posed photos are no good, but many times posed photos of locals are fun and a great way to meet people. These kids ran up to me in Africa and posed like this spontaneously and it was one of my favorite photos from Malawi.
Likoma Island, Malawi
3b. Stand back
Sometimes, in order to get an overview of the scene and to avoid offending the locals, it is best to stand back. Take the photo below as an example. By standing back, I got a long line of boys queuing up for alms. Getting closer would have been rude and wouldn’t have captured the moment as well.
Luang Prabang, Laos
In summary: If you want to take photos of strangers, I think the best method is to ask, engage and get in the middle of the action. Although this can be intimidating at first, you are rewarded with great photos and interactions with the locals. Alternatively, sometimes it is better to be invisible. Use both methods to get the best results.
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Do you have any street photo tips to share?
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loved the frames.. Awesome
Thanks Roshan.
You never cease to amaze me with the multitude of photographs! I’m curious if you write down what you were thinking/feeling/doing when you take a series of photos. I mean, obviously your experiences are in your mind, but how do you keep it straight as to what photos you took where?
Cari, everything is saved in chronological order on my computer so that helps me keep it in order. When I travel I usually keep a journal but I don’t write anything down for a specific photo. Usually the photo allows me to recall my emotions and thoughts. Maybe someday when I am too old to remember stuff I will need to document it more thoroughly 🙂
After years of travel photography I think I’ve learned just about every one of your tips.
I’ve often gotten some good shots using the lcd screen turned out and the lens just jutting our around Don’s body as he’s facing me. I can look down into the screen instead of holding the camera up to my face to look through the view finder. This way no-one knows I’m taking photos. I have had some serious thoughts about the ethics of it however.
Alison
Alison, the ethics of it are something to discuss. I feel like that if you take a photo of a person and they don’t know, then no harm, no foul. If you take someones photo and they consent, then it is okay also. In the rare event that a person gets upset, you can offer to delete it and apologize. I’d say that happens once in about ever thousand photos though.
As we go through our daily lives we are on surveillance cameras about 200 times a day if we live in a big city in the west. That is more disturbing to me than what a street photographer might do!
Oh yes! I do agree about the surveillance cameras! I also have deleted a photo in front of a person who was upset. I made a point of showing him as I deleted it. As you say it is very rare.
A.
That same person who was upset probably has uploaded hundreds of selfies on Facebook 🙂
Generally, I only include people in my images if they are important, say for a sense of scale. But for a long time, I have thought about doing a series about homeless children in my area of the US. Your tips and advice just might get me started.
Laura, that would be an interesting photo project and I’d love to see it. Have you ever seen Humans of New York? A photo he took of a child ended up raising over a million dollars for the school. You never know what it could lead to.
What got me thinking about it is all of those commercials for children in 3rd world countries (not that they don’t deserve help) but we have starving children right here in the USA and no one seems to want to acknowledge it. I haven’t seen Humans of New York, but I’ll look it up.
The one time I took pictures of strangers, I hid in my car and took the thru the windshield because I was too embarrassed to ask them and I felt intrusive. We were up at a local park on the beach, and a Hmong wedding party came up for photos. They had such colorful outfits and were laughing and and smiling. My photos were not so great- next time I will follow your tips and ask!
Sue, I can understand being shy. A Hmong wedding must have been beautiful. At a wedding though, there is an expectation that people might be taking photos so that would be a good place to get your feet wet if in doubt. You just have to throw yourself into it and ask!
To summarize all of your tips: be nice. I guess it’s really the key to taking decent shots of strangers. What you did in Luang Prabang is really commendable, Jeff. When I was there I watched in horror as some tourists came so close to the monks, all for the sake of getting the ‘best’ photo. Again, be nice.
Bama, totally agreed about being nice. I was in Luang Prabang in 2006 and I am sure it is worse now, but there were a handful of people getting right in their faces. That photo isn’t worth being rude over. Thanks for the input.
I went in 2012 and at almost all restaurants in Luang Prabang’s old quarter there were signs telling visitors to not take photos too close to the monks. I guess it did get worse so they had to put those signs.
On the morning of my visit I think there were maybe 10 other people taking photos. I hope LP doesn’t get turned into the next Chaing Mai.
Great tips! I agree with Bama. Be nice. I would add, be respectful.
Lynn, yes, Bama is right. Be nice and respectful.
Jeff first I have to say I am delighted to see readers I know commenting here. I am happy they have found you and clearly are loving your blog like I do.
These are great tips and obviously amazing photos. When someone will be recognized in my photo (close up) I always ask. I go so far as to ask if they are okay being on my blog. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on using these photos on line. Does asking their permission imply permission for publication as well? I have had a similar discussion with James at Gallivance some time back. I tend to be very cautious on this front.
Sue,
You bring up an interesting point here. I look at it two ways. 1) Legally, at least in the US, I can take a photo of anyone in public and post it online, in the newspaper, a magazine, etc. When we leave our house we have no real expectation of privacy. 2) Ethically, I think if a person gives permission for a photo, it today’s day and age, they have to expect it will at the very least be on Facebook, Instagram, etc. and possibly on a blog.
I have asked some of my friends if I can use their photo, but I never ask strangers. I am not sure why. I actually never tell strangers that I have a blog when I take their photos.
I try to post people photos that are positive or informative. I almost posted a photo of a guy in Alaska last year who was outside in -20 degrees with a t-shirt on that didn’t cover the bottom hemisphere of his belly. It was a funny photo, but my wife said it was mean. It was, and I’m glad I didn’t post it.
On the flipside, I imagine that my photo has been on about 1000 Facebook pages over the years. When I worked for a tour company n Alaska I went to the Denali Park Train Depot almost daily and I know I inadvertently ended up in hundreds of vacation photos each day. In our travels in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, we have posed for countless photos. I am sure almost all of these have ended up on social media.
I think as photographers and bloggers it is ethical to ask permission and show people in a positive light, but I’d defend anyone’s right to post a negative or ugly photo of someone because ultimately it is free speech and ought to be protected.
I appreciate your thoughtful response Jeff. It helps as I sort out this piece of blogging/social media. I very much agree showing subjects in a positive light is ethically a wise choice every time. Again I appreciate you taking the time to give your thoughts and advice.
Thanks Sue. It is an interesting topic now that I think about it. I didn’t expect such thoughtful comments.
Great tips!
Thank you!
Great tips Jeff. I used to be very uncomfortable photographing people, but am getting over my self consciousness. Love the featured shot and the one from Cuba especially.
Madhu, The photo from Cuba was one of the first times I ever asked a person for their photo. I really wanted some photos of daily life to show my friends and family since that country is closed off.
It can be hard to get over the shyness – I still struggle with it. But once I get started, I am usually okay.
Great tips and advice. I’m terribly shy about even approaching people to ask about photos, but it really is the best and most honourable way to get those great shots. I must admit that sometimes I just resort to using a super long telephoto, and “stealing” shots from afar.
Shelley, thanks for your input. I have used a telephoto before but I don’t usually get very good results. It works best for me to get up close, but yes it is hard. I find that after I approach the first person and get started, then I feel more comfortable.
that first picture is super cool 🙂
Thank you. She was actually a con artist, but I got a nice photo of her 🙂
All your suggestions are valid depending on the situation. Asking is the hardest for me as well, but often results in the best shots. Once I get over my shyness, I ask, then take my time. A few minutes later they basically forget about me and I get better shots.
One other suggestion though – a good guide. If they are good at their job they can break the ice and make the subject more comfortable when there is a language barrier. I was grateful today for a local ‘guide’ when photographing today in Taipei.
Kevin, good point on having a guide or a local that can break the ice. When we visited the funeral ceremonies in Sulawesi the guide got us in and told me where and when it was polite to take photos. I didn’t offend anyone and got candid shots.
I’m usually shy when taking pics of strangers and act like I’m reviewing old pictures on my camera or phone and then snap the picture really fast. Unless I’m in New Orleans, because I’ve usually had a cocktail or two, and so has everyone else, so I just snap away.
You make a good point – alcohol changes everything on both sides of the camera. Let’s all get drunk and photograph each other! Nothing bad can happen with this.
Great technique tips Jeff. I love to take people shots as well, but realize that it can be appreciated as a kind gesture, or disliked for being rude and intrusive. My technique is rather simpler than yours. Normally, I just put myself on the other side of my camera and ask myself how I would feel if a stranger wanted to take my photo at that moment. If the person is aware of me and my camera I always ask. And if there’s a sensitive shot that would be spoiled by permission, I try to use my zoom. I agree with Bama – just be nice. ~James
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Love this post. Super pertinent to me as I’m just starting to explore which situations fit which tip.
Thanks Betsy. Have you been taking photos of people in North Dakota yet, or is everyone still inside for the winter?
Lovely pictures! Have to say, had to laugh at your poll options, did anyone tick of the creepy/pervent box? hehe:)
So far, no one has ticked the creepy/pervert box, however I do know that perverts read my blog because about once a day someone googles “naked indian women pooping sex” and lands on my blog. The internet is a dirty place.
Haha… That is just hilarious! 🙂
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Enjoyed reading this post as I often see street shots I would like to take, however, privacy laws, as I understand them in Australia, prevent me from posting any shots in which people can be recognised. Those same people probably have thousands of shots of themselves on FaceBook as one other respondent commented.
That is interesting. In the USA, you can post any photo that was taken on the street or public place. Privacy laws don’t protect against that.
Wow! This is beautiful, I love every picture, especially those children smiles..nice work!
Thank you very much. Kids are sometimes the easiest to photograph.
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Great photos. I especially like the action shot of the motorbike in India 🙂
Thank you. That one was fun to take!
Hi Jeff. Nice open approach to Street Photo. I just posted a link on our group FB page, The Leica Meet. We also have some good street shooters and I’m sure they’ll be interested in your thoughts. Best Olaf
Thank you Olaf. I checked out your Facebook page and enjoyed some of the photos in the group. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it.
This is beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Loved these photos and your tips! I photograph for the newspaper at my college and will definitely take these ideas into consideration, thanks!
Thank you. Let me know if they are useful to you later on after you’ve tried them. Good luck with your studies.
I am by no means a photographer and I only have my iPhone to take pictures but I find myself in new places taking pictures of strangers and street photography. This is good advice. Thank you
Hales, iPhones are nothing to scoff at for photography, and for street photographers they are an interesting tool. Due to their ubiquity, no one is going to pay attention to you using one on the street. I am glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you for commenting!
No problem I really enjoy your blog
It’s more awesome when you roam the globe as a street photographer than as a travel photographer. When you come to Manila let me show you around
Elmer, When I’m in Manila, I’ll definitely look you up. I agree that the streets are a great way to learn the culture.
I’m new on your blog and I’m already in love with it . I could never get the nerve to go up to strangers so I think its really courageous for you to ask . I like the one in Africa and india the best 🙂 really great post
I am a shy person so it isn’t easy for me, and in certain countries, like India, Indonesia, parts of Africa, people are really open and it is easy. I have a more difficult time in America or Europe.
I’d say give it a try. Go up to 10 of the meanest, most unfriendly looking people and ask to take their photo. I bet 9 out of 10 say yes, and that will make it easier in the future.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Loved the tips! I will try the first one and happily people will agree haha 🙂
Thank you Jessica. Good luck with your photos!
Those photographs are amazing, makes you really feel like you’re taken away from your computer screen and in the moment in which they were taken.
Thank you so much Elizabeth, that is a very nice compliment. Street photos are just that – a moment in time that will never be repeated, and that is why I like it so much.
Love every single photo!!
Thank you!
I like it, nice tips.
http://www.balitripadventures.com
Thank you!
What an excellent articles & great tips. 1a & 1b are the difficult ones. So many times I felt like capturing certain people in action but I restrain myself think they might not like it. If they are not seeing me then I dare to capture. Once I asked a road side food seller, “can I take your picture cooking?” He asked me, ” Why?” And I didn’t have any answer… I rushed out of the place…
Thanks for sharing the tips… Your pics are superb…
Thanks for the comments, Chiradeep. Next time you ask for a photo and they ask why, say “because…” Have a reason in mind, like, because I like your hat, or because your street stall is very colorful and you look very interesting, or because I am a tourist. You’d be surprised how that changes things.
Thanks for the tips… That would be a good idea… Thanks a lot Jeff.
Great post!!
Thank you!
nice descriptions
Thank you.
Hi Jeff. Great summary of how to perform respectful street photography. I just came back from 6 months of backpacking, and managed to bag a number of great shots of locals that will be unique memories of this visit. Most of the time, i asked if it was ok to take a photo in advance, for especially in Southeast Asia this is very important. Hated to see so many tourists just shooting as if they were on a safari, but I guess this is the drawback of everyone owning a camera these days.
One additional trick, that however only works when you are travelling with 2, is for your partner to ask if he/she could have a picture taken with the person you are interested in. We copied this method from the locals in Myanmar, who always asked if they could take photos with us, and it turned out to be a great way to get nice close-ups of interesting individuals. Make sure your wing-(wo)man stands a bit away from the person so you can crop the shot afterwards and cut your partner out. This is what you might get then: https://ruotsalainenontheroad.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/mandalay-market-3.jpg
Cheers,
Anselmi
Amselmi,
Great tip on having a friend stand with a local. My wife is blonde and fair skinned, and in Asia everyone wants a photo with her. I have a whole series of photos of her with locals, and sometimes with the locals cropped out. This is also a great way to break the ice as people I think are a bit flattered to have a photo taken with them and a visitor. Thanks for the tips!
Jeff
Reblogged this on psychosputnik.
Thank you for the reblog.
Awesome. Always wondered about this subject with photography. Great read.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed.
such a great article, and a wonderful series of images to accompany. Thanks for sharing these tips. As much as i love street photography, i often find it uncomfortable. it’s the one genre that i’d love to be a little more confrontational in… and you’re right. there is no harm in asking if you can take someone’s photograph. lesson learned here today. namaste! x
It is hard and I find myself being shy a lot. I think the key is just to dive in and ask, kind of like if you saw a cute boy/girl at a party that you want to talk to. If you hesitate, you will lose the never. Just go for it!
Thanks for commenting.
Sometimes strangers find it very uncomfortable i think?
Yes, absolutely they do. If so I’d say it is best to respect their wishes, however, I think most people are okay with it.
Yeah! 😀 because when i try and take they..stare at me..
Where do you do most of your shooting?
India
Maybe my experience in India was different, but there are so many people in the streets, I could mostly shoot unnoticed. You probably see a few posed pics in this series from India. Often times people would come up and pose for me. Maybe it helped that I was a foreigner? I loved India and the people and can’t wait to return!
Aw thankyou very much! True 😉 maybe it could be becouse you werea foreigner and u might have shooted in the local area! 🙂 india is great place for photography…especially becouse of the people. But im an indian and so they might think it could be something dangerous haha!
Trust me, I feel the same way in America sometimes. I am from a small town in the center of the country and when I visit there I feel strange asking for photos. If I were Indian, it would be much easier. I could be a tourist and people would think it was great.
Hmm… Timeless
Thank you.
Reblogged this on Sultansm's Blog and commented:
Street photography, no Photoshop no editing. Amazing 🙂
Thank you for the reblog and comments!
Hi! I’m just an Italian girl that bought a Canon and with a pure passion for photography… I think that the pics on this article are very very expressive 🙂 compliments… I don’t know if I’m gifted but I’m trying to improve! I would be very glad if u want take a look at my blog 🙂 bye
I’ll take a look. I think the first thing to improving is to take a lot of photos and to look at a lot of great photos. Look at the work of the masters and newer photographers you like. Happy shooting.
oh thanks for the add 😉 Yes but I need a great lens too… and my Reflex is basical I think! U have some advice for a lens?? 🙂
You have a cannon, right? First, get the 50mm f1.8. It costs 100 USD and is a great lens. If you are interested in street photography, I’d shoot with this for a while. You might also look at a 17-55mm canon lens or a 35 mm lens. I think the main thing is to use one lens to you get used to it and have a consistent look.
I love portrait… it’s my passion to take pics to people… their expression, their eyes, the way they look at u! And I love pics under the water too… in a beautiful sea 🙂 did u take this kind of pics ?
Nice post, I look forward to following you 😉
Thank you! Have a great day.
😀 Street photo is very awesome activity one. And I like do it too.
Sometime, when I met stranger on the way, then take a photo, make me smile beautifully.
Hope you enjoy your trip when come to Indonesia, again Jeff… 🙂
Best Regards,
-My Surya-
We went to Indonesia last year and we loved it! It is one of my favorite countries, with some of my favorite people!
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ماذا لو تقهقر المتظاهرون فما الذي ستفعله المرجعية ؟
I literally have no idea what you just said, let’s hope it was praise because I approved the comment.
Good article… I have been able to get some great shots by doing just as you penned. Thanks…
Thank you for the feedback and comments.
I thought this was a nice article. I enjoy photographing candid moments, but I was not sure how receptive people would be with me asking them. I like some of these tips though. Thank you for sharing.
I think asking is the easiest way to get started. One tip I have when asking is this: have the word “because” ready. If they ask why, you can say because you have a great hat, or I’m learning photography, or because I think you look cool, or because I’m a tourist. That way, you have a comeback and 9 times out of 10 they will say yes.
Thank you for the tip:) I have social anxiety, so this could also help with that while I do my art!