04.06.2014

Street photography – first steps

04.06.2014

Street photography – first steps

Street photography - first steps

Living in a city like Berlin means living with people. A lot of people. So when taking photos it is usually harder NOT to have one or two or even more persons in the shot. Besides we have to admit that it’s the people making the city what it is: not only a conglomerate of buildings but a lively and interesting place with its own specific touch and feel. Thus living in a city makes it easy to become a street photographer.

Street photography - first steps

I don’t want to discuss whether it is right or wrong to take photos of strangers, nor do i want to talk about any legal inclinations. Should we ask strangers whether they agree being on our photos? I must admit that I don’t care. Instead I’d rather give some thoughts about how to become a street photographer.

Street photography - first steps

So first of all it is important to have any kind of camera and to have it handy. In my case the camera is a mobile device, the iPhone 5 at the moment. It is rather small, doesn’t weigh much and I take it wherever I go. Another advantage of this small cam is that it is more or less sneaky, people do not necessarily notice that I am taking photos so they don’t act up.

Street photography - first steps

The camera is within reach, fully charged, the lens is clean. Next would be to look for a place with interesting people and a good backdrop. Take your time, some luck and a bit of patience too. Look out for persons to pass your beautiful backdrop. Wait till you can catch passengers in some kind of interesting interaction and take the photo. That’s it. Almost. Once the photo is taken make sure that the people look great on it, like king or queen of the scene. Make sure they aren’t chewing or pulling a face. Make sure there is nothing they might object.

Street photography - first steps

If you don’t want to be sneaky and when you don’t like candid shots you might as well ask whether you may take a photo. But always bear in mind that what you end up with will be more likely be a portrait. That’s fine to. I (insta)know a great street photographer in Los Angeles, Sam Smotherman aka @whittiersam who focusses on street portraits, telling a story with every photo, the story of the portrayed person as well as the story of the neighborhood.

Either way, whether sneaky or not, just go ahead and enjoy, taking photos can be great, sharing them is a pleasure too. Enjoy!

Uwa Scholz

About the author: uwa scholz. aka @uwa2000 on instagram. grown up in berlin. mobile photographer. on instagram since july 2011. street photographer by accident. documenting the city, but other instagramers call me a street photographer. currently travelling europe and the united states.

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