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Street Photography Part 2 – people photography



Human interaction is one of the most interesting aspects of street photography. It’s capturing a moment in time forever and if there’s a bit of emotion evident so much the better. Even if it’s only a smile or frown!

A great way to ease yourself into photographing strangers is to ask a market stall holder if you can spend some time with them and their business. Make it clear you’re not going to get in their way or hinder them or their customers in any way – and make sure you stick to that or they’ll never let you come back.

When you’re shooting street scenes up close in a confined space like this you’re going to need your wide lens. I used a 10 mm in this example. Before you start taking photos take a couple of test exposures so you can pre-set apertures and iso so you’re not faffing about when you should be shooting. You don’t want to miss photo opportunities.

If you’re unsure about how to use these camera settings please come and find out all about iso, apertures, priority modes etc with our free photography videos at http://www.photographycourses.biz/photography_videos.html

Gary who runs Shelly’s Snacks Burger van kindly let us spend a bit of time in and around his van taking pictures of him, his staff and their customers buying lunch. If you bump into them – say hi from us and grab yourself a burger. They’re very good!

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29 responses to “Street Photography Part 2 – people photography”

  8. Do you ever have any issues with getting permission from people to use their likeness in public presentation like a You Tube video? How about permission generally to use the photograph, say, in an exhibition or a marketing display?

  9. This has got to be the scariest aspect of photography… well, okay, I grant that going into war zones can be a bit iffy too… but having the brass neck to take photos of random strangers is beyond me. I'd love to but I'm a scaredy cat.

  12. I love it! The whole series. Thank you so much! I am though a bit shocked by the huge barrel distortion and the decrease of sharpness towards the edges. I know this isn't much of an issue if you can capture a great moment or interaction but, you know…spending my time on countless lens reviews etc. I couldn't help noticing.

  14. I call it gift of the gab! I love doing street or urban as I call it. The best thing is one does not require the best lenses or cameras to get great results. I use a fuji bridge cam and leave the dslr at home. Also my trusty pracktica mtl3 makes a great urban camera. Sitting with a friend outside a cafe drinking coffee can also be a good way of getting great images as people walk straight into the frame. Enjoyed these videos. Will share. Many thanks regards Mick

  15. Mike thanks so much for such a great series on street photography.  I especially like the fact that you tell us what focal length exposure mode etc you are using.  Your insights on the composition aspects really help!
    Caitlin

  16. What do you do with all these photos though, in this day and age of digital we don't print and mount photos like we used to?  Do you put them on an online gallery?  Did you print and frame any of them?  From somebody who is just starting out I feel that i am looking for those wonderful photos that i can display on the wall but these don't seem to fit that kind of profile.  I understand with this hobby that most of the fun is taking the photos but are they wall hangers or is it just part of the hobby to take the pics for you?  Would be interested to hear your thoughts.  Love your vids by the way, very helpful and i really like your style of teaching me what i need to know.  Am i wrong to think every picture i take needs to be award winning instead of just getting in there and taking shots?  I think i have answered my own question but still interested in your thoughts.  Cheers Mike.

  21. Hello Mike, i really like the way you run your vídeos, it's simple and easy to get what you explain. Thank you for sharing so much information with us. 🙂 I really use a lot of what you say while taking my pictures. ^^

  22. Hi Mike, great video, is that a D300 I have seen in your other videos? Is there a gallery where I can see your shots made with this camera ? I currently have a Nikon D200 planning on selling it as I am not at all happy with it. Highly insufficient for my needs as commercial photographer. No matter what I do images are very soft from this camera, and that is irrespective of the lens. I have tried a bunch of different lenses, tricks, but still no good shot. I am planning to buy  D7000, what do you think of the D7000? I am curious to know. I like your photography very much and your philosophy of not using too expensive cameras or lenses. I would like to take you out for a lunch/dinner/drinks for discussion if ever I am in the UK. Thanks in advance. Cheers.

  24. This is not street photography.  If you are new to street photography you don't go and get in someones business space (behind the counter).  This is highly unusual and if I were that business owner there is no way I would let this guy behind the counter.  There are issues not only around productivity but also liability.  This is not a good video.  See John Free or Beth Jennings.  Know Andre Kertesz.

  25. Love Mikes videos. but you can't ignore the fact that when asking for permission to shoot, carrying around a couple of grands worth of equipment does help convince people you are serious! I don't know how much luck you'd have using a camera phone!

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