Posts Tagged ‘Street photography’

A snapshot is is often used to describe a photograph in a somewhat derogatory sense. A photo that was taken quickly, with little regard to the composition, framing, and camera settings. A photo that was taken without much thought.

However, when a photo is described as a snapshot, that does not necessarily mean it is a bad photo. There have been (and still are) many popular and award-winning photographers who make use of the snapshot style, such as Gary Winogrand, William Klein, Nan Goldin, and William Eggleston, to give a few examples.

In this article we'll look at the snapshot in more detail, covering a brief history, and exploring how technical imperfections can add to rather than detract from the photograph's aesthetic.

A picture can tell a thousand stories and being a street photographer is one of the most rewarding things that you could ever do.

Ever since the first camera was designed photographers have been recording our world. Each individual capturing their own different style.

Some shoot candid, some shoot with black and white some like to interact with their subject. But all are doing the same thing and that is recording our history.

It Takes Time by Imahinasyon Photography on flickr (licensed CC-BY)

Street photography involves capturing the everyday life around us, usually people, but sometimes also buildings and vehicles. It is especially popular in cities, given the large amount of subject matter available for street photography there.

When practicing street photography, it is best to get to know the areas where you are shooting, rather than visiting a different area every day. Typically the best areas are those with lots of people, for example, city centers and locations near bus and train stations work well.

Rainy Rush Hour... by 85mm.ch on flickr (licensed CC-BY)

High angle photography is probably not a technique you'll use very often, but it can come in handy for certain types of shot. It requires you to get up above your subject, and then shoot down on them. Depending on the location, you might be able to get up on a table or chair, or you might have to bring a step ladder with you.