How do I start street photography?

Street photography is one of the most simple genres of analogue photography to dip your toes into. All you need is a film camera loaded with your film of choice, a suitable place to photograph, and some free time to do so. If you’re still unsure of where to begin, here are a few additional tips:

Get to know your camera
Make sure you have a basic understanding of your camera’s settings before hitting the streets. Of course if you’re just starting out with film photography you won’t have a perfect grasp of things right away, but it will help a lot to know the essential features of the camera you’re using. This way you can minimize wasted shots and missed opportunities in a fast paced street environment.

Relax
Photographing strangers can be a daunting prospect, but it’s also the bedrock of all street photography. So take a deep breath, keep your hands steady and your mind clear. Remember that most people don’t care what you’re up to, and for those that do, a smile and a compliment can go a long way. It’s as easy as – “I love your outfit so I wanted to photograph you.”

Choose a location with plenty of action
When you’re just starting out with street photography you may not be completely sure yet what you’re interested in capturing. So give yourself options by choosing a spot with a lot going on and pay attention to what your eye is naturally drawn to.

Practice
Practice street photography as frequently as you can. It probably sounds obvious but it’s also the most useful piece of advice we can give. As you practice your craft, your skills, along with your confidence will gradually increase until the whole process becomes second nature.