Introduction to Street Photography

Purpose:

• To practice using manual camera settings by photographing with a Film Camera;

• To learn about and understand the genre of photography, “Street Scenes”;

• To demonstrate with your film camera, how to capture “Street Scenes”;

• To continue to practice processing film;

• To continue to demonstrate darkroom procedures (mixing chemicals, steps for printing)

• To learn and  practice enlarging negatives to create photographs

“Street photography at its essence means candid photography of humanity. A street photograph is a real moment.” The genre is not only about the subject but about the photographer as well. Street photography can be captured anywhere and people don’t necessarily have to be in the picture. It is known to be said that street photography can’t be fully described and that trying to describe it is like trying to describe what sweet or salty is. But overall the photos are meant to prompt the viewer.

Something to consider when capturing street photography is the fact that there are hints, feelings, ideas, stories, or questions that should be seen within each photo. But when taking photos you need to have ideas in mind, like finding interesting or unique scenes to take pictures of. Just because it is cliche doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be bad. When first getting into street photography you have to push through some fears, then develop your voice while figuring out what makes a good photograph. The most important factor that needs to be considered when capturing street photography is to practice frequently because that is what will make you get better.

Some fears come with shooting street photography, which may include the fear of improving your hand-eye coordination, getting general tips down technically, and the way you handle yourself when being approached or getting caught. When taking pictures of people in the street, may be awkward and uncomfortable, but it takes time to get used to. If you get caught the best way to handle the situation is to be polite and if they seem uncomfortable then delete the picture. Sometimes pretending like you don’t know how to use a camera in a busy place may make you fit right in and not make it seem strange that you are taking pictures while looking like a tourist. Although practice shouldn’t just be done in one setting being in a busy setting while adjusting to a new style of photography may be helpful until you are more comfortable.

When it comes to street photography many ideas come to my mind. But as I am getting started I want to follow the basics like learning to tell a story, as well as being observant, shooting candidly, and getting used to being outside my comfort zone as there would be people in my pictures. I think the two most important things while capturing street photography are to be polite and to practice a lot no matter where you are.