What Is Street Photography?

Street Photography by Anıl Uzun

 

Street Photography has always been the most exciting experience that I had. I am an architectural photographer and I love but the joy of taking shots of street life, for me it is very satisfying. At some point, it is more joyful tahan taking pics of the buildings. I love interaction, obviously. Shooting passers by is mysterious, bold and very satisfying. 

 

To take photos of the people on the street you need to be involved with them and you should also be on the street with your camera. The most important thing is, you should take a lot of photos. 

 

History of street photography

 

Street photography is believed to start in the early 50s. After the war, people started to wander around the streets freely. But before that there were photographers on the street taking photos of the busy streets. 

 

The most famous street photographer in history is Herzog. He was taking photos of the Vancouver streets and the everyday life of the people on the streets. His works reflected  what was going on on the streets. He shot the interaction between the people and their environment. When you look at his works, you will see how street life was before and how it has changed over time, for the better or for the worse. 

 

What I love about photography in general is, it is a travel-in-time. When you see a picture from another time, you go back to that time. In addition photography teaches us to see. You can look at a photograph on the other side of the world and feel there. You can be in Istanbul, Nepal, or in New York. Most of the street photographers help us witness the modern life of the city people. 

How to take street photos? 

 

It does not matter if you are living in a city or a village. Just go outside and shoot. If you are in the village or a small town it would be to your advantage because you’ll be the only one to shoot the scene, people and objects. 

 

First go out and observe. Take notes if you need to. Observe shadows, light, the people, animals. Do that regularly. Shoot and observe. Then you will find your rhythm.

 

You can combine doors and people. Buildings and the sky. You have endless options. You can work on the buildings in one day. And on people the following day. Work on every possibility you can think of. If you spend two hours everyday. You’ll master it in two months time. 

 

Once you take a couple of shots you can decide on which type of camera and equipment you will need. Do not rush to spend money on the gear that will not meet your needs. 

 

Go out everyday but in different time slots. Observe the light in every hour. See the result and examine how the light changes in every shoot. Take a friend out with you and shoot him/her. Shoot him/her as they move or make them stand on the street in front of a building. 

 

Do not forget that your passion will be a motivating force for you to take street photography.