Mastering Street Photography - Tips from Someone Who Has Led Some Workshops

Introduction to Street Photography

Street photography is a genre that captures the essence of everyday life and humanity in urban settings. This art is not only about capturing people, but also about understanding architecture, unexpected events, and the small details that make up the urban landscape. It involves photographing life, the moments you encounter along the way, wherever you are and wherever you go.

Essential Equipment for Capturing the City

As you delve into the city's alleys and avenues, having the right equipment is crucial. A versatile and lightweight camera is essential, ideally one that allows you to quickly change settings without losing focus on what's happening around you. From my experience, a 28mm or 35mm lens offers the perfect balance between field of view and portability, though it greatly depends on your style (even your personality); other lenses and cameras are also viable options. I have a phrase that I often tell my street photography students:

"Small cameras, big ideas."

Key Techniques in Urban Photography

Capturing street life requires a mix of intuition and technique. It is crucial to learn to anticipate moments before they happen, maintaining strong composition and a critical eye for detail. During my workshops in places like Thailand and Japan, I always emphasize the importance of patience and observation, though the most important thing is always the PHOTOGRAPHER'S INTENTION. Remember this word because you will hear it a lot both on my YouTube channel and in this blog. INTENTIONALISM.

You might be better at waiting for the right light, maybe you focus on good composition and look for geometry, symmetry, color contrasts, you may have an eye for the juxtaposition of elements, or perhaps you are intrusive, aggressive, wanting to appear in the scene by photographing up close, hunting...whatever your style, it is as valid as anyone else's. Always strive to improve!

Composition and Style in the Streets

Composition is king in street photography. Searching for leading lines, playing with light and shadows, and finding interesting contrasts are essential parts of the creative process. In my exhibitions in Hong Kong and Madrid, I've shown how these elements can transform a simple street scene into a work of art.

But, what if I don't use these composition elements, would my photographs not be good?

No, as I mentioned earlier, everyone has a style, and maybe you find searching for lines, light, and shadows boring... first learn what you like and why you like it, and then let's improve it. There is always room for improvement, and the work of other photographers can always inspire us.

Expert Tips: Learnings from a Decade

Over the years, I've discovered that street photography is more about seeing than looking. It's more about giving your opinion with an image, stating that you were there and immortalized the moment. On my YouTube channel 'Miguelitor', I share how I capture the authenticity of the streets, discussing both the technique and the philosophy behind each shot but always with respect for other photographers because what I've realized is that everyone photographs according to their personality, and learning from how others see will IMPROVE our photography.

Editing Your Street Photos Like a Professional

Post-production is where your photos come to life. Adjusting the exposure, contrast, and saturation can help emphasize the message you want to convey. In my courses, I have taught editing techniques that respect the essence of the captured moment while maintaining the naturalness of the images.

But...how important is editing in street photography?

As important as you want it to be, that's all.

Global Expansion: Teaching Street Photography Around the World

Expanding my reach by teaching internationally has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. From Vietnam to Macau and Taiwan, each place offers new opportunities to explore and capture. This global reach has also helped me connect with a diversity of students and photographers, further enriching my view of the world.

I have had professional photographers in my workshops, newspaper editors, people who wanted to start, elderly people, artists, very shy individuals, others very direct, and as I've said...

from everyone there is much to learn!

Conclusion: The Evolution of Street Photography

Street photography continues to evolve, and with it, the techniques and tools at our disposal. My academy, www.streetphotographyacademy.com, is a testament to my commitment to this art, offering a space for others to learn and share their experiences in this fascinating field.

This article not only reflects my knowledge and experiences but also draws on a deep understanding of the techniques and styles that make street photography such a powerful and revealing art form.

Hit it hard,

and Long Live Photography!!

Miguelitor