top of page
Writer's picturePhil Davenport

Take Street Photography to the Next level

Updated: May 19, 2021

Street photography is not uncommon among freelance photographers in Dublin, Galway or any city in the Emerald Isle. Apart from being a fulfilling task, it fuels the soul, and you can effortlessly perfect your skills during the process. Unfortunately, the task can be tricky to most photographers, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.


Content:

Are you seeking to improve your skills in this sector and take more captivating street pictures? Read on for the amazing tips.


1. Become Bold and Brave

2. Take Those Unusual Images

3. Live the Moment, Don’t Try Too Hard

4. Develop Connection with the Images You Want To Photograph

5. Try Taking Pictures on Less Crowded Streets

6. Learn Street Photography History

7. Learn Your Preferences



1. Become Bold and Brave

Taking pictures of people on the streets can be uncomfortable. The stares, the snares, and everybody wondering what you are doing can deter you from capturing those fantastic moments and thrilling sites. You have no way out but to be confident in your endeavours.


Taking pictures next to the cars of strangers would spark curiosity among them. Be ready to make conversations with them to ease the tension. You can talk to mothers if you want to feature their children in your photography. Being bold will make your street photography experience worth the effort.



2. Take Those Unusual Images

Before you take any photograph, ask yourself what any other freelance photographers in Dublin would do and take the opposite direction. Which angle can you choose to make the images look unique? That’s the way to go. Take pictures of things you love the most and sell them. Capture different images, whether they are happy or even tragic. Be creative while doing this.



3. Live the Moment, Don’t Try Too Hard

Remember, you are not trying to impress anyone. You just want to go on the streets and do your thing. While taking the photographs, don’t overthink. You shouldn’t stop taking certain pictures because you think a particular person won’t love it. Critiques will always be there, and that shouldn’t bother you at all.


The problem with worrying is that you might fail to take perfect shots when you come across them. Street photography needs to be fun. Get lost in the moment and take pictures of everything that fascinates you.



4. Develop Connection with the Images You Want To Photograph

Connecting with the subjects you are going to capture is incredible. Connect with buildings, trees, and people. That’s what will enable you to obtain your shots perfectly. Learn about the cities, neighbourhoods, people, and exciting features that accompany them. You have to develop an interest in the subject matter. Go deep because there is always more than meets the eye.



5. Try Taking Pictures on Less Crowded Streets

As much as you adore taking images of some of the most picturesque locations in Dublin, such as the markets, during festivals, or in the streets, it’s time to explore those quieter places. There are lots of incredible photographs you can take from there. You will not only feel calm here but try something out of your comfort zone. Here, you can create different types of street images to your liking.



6. Learn Street Photography History

When you want to perfect street photography, learning will take you a step higher. You will get ideas of your next shots, even those that you thought never existed. You can read classic books about the subject, or go across old albums in the library while listening to music through your headphones. With a ton of information, you will acquire, you can figure out what you can relate to the most. With this, you can plan your next street adventure photography.



7. Learn Your Preferences

Learning your preference is what will take you to the next level. What do you love the most? You can then focus on that. It’s all about creating a space you are comfortable in. Do you like taking funny, sad, or weird images in the dark or light? You have no excuse when it comes to street photography.

Take pictures that add sparkle to your life. You can also observe what others have done before, to improve or foster your new ideas.



Conclusion

My favourite focal lengths for street photography are the 50mm, 35mm or for portrait capture the 85mm. Avoid using large zoom lenses they tend to attract way too much attention plus a prime will help you develop your photography skills through movement and interaction.

Taking street photographs should be a pleasing exercise for any photographer. Apart from having fun, you get to improve your skills and perfect them.


Filming with the:

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital DSLR bestbuy.7tiv.net/7maAxV

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens bestbuy.7tiv.net/mgOx3e

Hand held photography with the Joby Gorillapod 5K Video Pro: bestbuy.7tiv.net/5b5OE


Recent Posts

See All

Why MPB!

Comments


bottom of page