Types of Street Photography: 22 Styles And Tips Featuring 5 Notable Photographers

July 13, 2024

Capturing the Essence of Urban Life

Ever wondered what makes street photography so captivating? It’s all about capturing the unfiltered moments of everyday life in public spaces. Feeling overwhelmed by the various styles and techniques? You’re not alone. Many photographers struggle to find their niche and perfect their craft. With years of experience and a passion for street photography, we can guide you through the intricacies of each type, from candid shots to urban landscapes.

In this article, you’ll discover:

  • The essence of urban landscapes
  • The charm of environmental portraiture
  • The creativity in abstract street photography
  • The storytelling power of documentary street photography
  • The allure of night street photography
  • The style insights from street fashion photography

Ready to transform your street photography game? Read on and explore the different styles that can help you capture the essence of urban life. Imagine mastering these styles and creating photos that truly resonate.

portrait photos
Photo by Bardia Azizi

Types of Street Photography

portrait photos
Photo by Bardia Azizi

Street photography is an art form that captures candid moments of everyday life in public spaces. There are various types of street photography, each with its own unique style and approach. Below are some of the most popular types of street photography.

1. Urban Landscapes

Urban landscapes are a type of street photography that captures the beauty and chaos of city life. This type of urban photography often focuses on the architecture, infrastructure, and people that make up a city. To capture stunning urban landscapes or landscape photography, you need to have a good eye for composition and an understanding of how to use light and shadow to your advantage.

2. Environmental Portraiture

Environmental portraiture street photography is a type of street photography that captures people in their natural surroundings. This type of photography focuses on the relationship between the subject and their environment. To capture stunning environmental portraits or street photographs, you need to have a good understanding of composition, lighting, and how to interact with your subjects to bring out their personality.

3. Abstract Street Photography

Abstract street photography is a type of street photography that captures the beauty of everyday life uniquely and creatively. This type of photography focuses on the details, patterns, and textures of the urban environment. To capture stunning abstract street photos, you need to have a good eye for composition and an understanding of how to use light and shadow to your advantage.

4. Documentary Street Photography

candid photos
photo by Bardia Azizi

Documentary street photography is a type of street photography that captures real-life situations photographs people and events. This type of photography focuses on the social and cultural aspects of life in public spaces. To capture stunning documentary street photos, you need to have a good understanding of composition, lighting, and how to tell a story through your images.

5. Night Street Photography

Avenue Fine art
Madison Avenue by Bardia Azizi

Night street photography is a type of street photography that captures the beauty and chaos of the city at night. This type of busy street photography requires a good understanding of camera settings, such as shutter speed and aperture, to capture stunning night shots. To capture stunning night street photos, you need to have a good understanding of composition, lighting, and how to use artificial light to your advantage.

6. Street Fashion Photography

portrait photos
Photo by Bardia Azizi

Street fashion photography is a type of street photography that captures the latest trends and styles in fashion. This type of photography requires a good understanding of composition, lighting, and how to capture the essence of a person’s style. To capture stunning street fashion photos, you need to have a good understanding of fashion trends and how to interact with your subjects to bring out their personality.

Equipment and Gear

1. Choosing the Right Camera

Choosing the right camera for street photography is crucial. You want a camera that is compact, lightweight, and discreet, allowing you to blend in with your surroundings and capture candid shots without drawing attention to yourself.

Mirrorless cameras are a popular choice for street photography due to their small size and interchangeable lenses, but many photographers still prefer the reliability and image quality of DSLRs. Some of the best cameras for street photography in 2024 include the Ricoh GR III, Panasonic Lumix LX100 II, and Sony A7 III.

Each of these cameras has its own unique features and advantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your street shooting, style, and preferences.

2. Lenses for Street Photography

Prime lenses are often the go-to choice for street photographers due to their fast apertures and ability to capture sharp, high-quality images in low-light conditions. A 35mm or 50mm prime lens is a great option for street photography, allowing you to capture a wide field of view while still maintaining a natural perspective.

If you prefer zoom lenses, a 24-70mm or 70-200mm zoom lens can be a versatile option for capturing a range of street shots. Just keep in mind that zoom lenses can be larger and more conspicuous than prime lenses, so you may need to be more mindful of your surroundings when using them.

3. Mobile Street Photography

With the rise of smartphone cameras, mobile street photography has become increasingly popular. Many street photographers now use their smartphones as their primary camera, taking advantage of the convenience and discreetness that mobile devices offer.

If you’re interested in mobile street photography, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to familiarize yourself with your phone’s camera settings and features, such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. You may also want to invest in a few accessories, such as a tripod or external lens, to enhance your mobile photography capabilities.

The camera equipment, and gear you choose for street photography will depend on your personal preferences and shooting style. Whether you prefer a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or mobile device, the most important thing is to have the right equipment that allows you to capture the unique and interesting moments of everyday life on the streets.

Techniques and Styles

1. The Decisive Moment

One of the most important techniques in street photography is capturing images at the decisive moment. This refers to the exact moment when all the elements in the scene come together to create a perfect image. It requires good timing and anticipation, as you need to be ready to capture the shot at just the right moment. To do this, you need to be aware of your surroundings, paying attention to the people and objects around you.

2. Composition and Framing

architecture photos
Photo by Bardia Azizi

Composition and framing are crucial elements in good street photography too. You want to create interesting and visually appealing images that draw the viewer in. To do this, you need to pay attention to the elements in the scene and how they relate to each other. Use the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition, and experiment with different angles and perspectives to create a unique view of the scene.

3. Black and White vs. Color

Choosing between black and white or color is a personal preference in street photography. Black and white images can add a timeless and classic feel to your photos, while color can bring a vibrant and modern look. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to convey in your images when deciding between the two.

4. Lighting in Street Photography

Lighting is an important element in any type of photography, and street photography is no exception. Consider the direction and quality of light when taking your shots. Look for interesting shadows and reflections, and use various light sources to create mood and atmosphere in your images. Be prepared to adjust your camera settings to get the best exposure in different lighting conditions.

Themes and Subjects

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Photo by Bardia Azizi

1. Human Element

candid photos
Photo by Bardia Azizi

The human element of candid photography is a crucial aspect of street photography. Capturing people as they go about their everyday lives can make for some of the most interesting street photographs around. Try to capture candid moments, interesting expressions, and unique personalities. Remember to be respectful of people’s personal space and privacy when photographing them.

2. Urban Landscape

The urban landscape is another popular theme in street photography. Try to capture the essence of the city by photographing its buildings, streets, and other urban elements. Look for interesting angles and perspectives to make your photos stand out.

3. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is the art of placing two or more elements together in a photo to create a contrast or comparison. This can be a great way to capture interesting shots that tell a story. Look for contrasting elements such as old and new, big and small, or light and dark.

When shooting street photography, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Always be respectful of people’s privacy and personal space, and be aware of any local laws regarding street photography. You should also consider using a prime lens for better image quality and to help you capture the essence of the scene.

Exhibiting Your Work

If you are a street photographer, you may want to exhibit your work to showcase your talent and share your vision with others. There are several ways to exhibit your street photos, such as online platforms, galleries, and public spaces, and building a portfolio.

1. Online Platforms

Online platforms provide a convenient way to showcase your street photography to a wide audience. There are many websites where you can create your own portfolio and share your work with others. You can also participate in online communities and forums to get feedback and connect with other street photographers.

2. Galleries and Public Spaces

Galleries and public spaces are another option for exhibiting your street photography. You can approach galleries and museums to see if they would be interested in exhibiting your work. Public spaces such as parks, cafes, and libraries can also be a great place to showcase your street photos. However, you should check local laws and regulations before displaying your work in public spaces.

3. Building a Portfolio

Building a portfolio is an essential step for any good street photographer, who wants to exhibit their work. Your portfolio should showcase your best street photos and reflect your own style and vision. You can use your portfolio to approach galleries and museums, participate in exhibitions, and apply for grants and awards.

When building your portfolio, you should consider the following:

  • Choose your best street photos that reflect your style and vision.
  • Use high-quality images that are sharp, well-composed, and properly exposed.
  • Use a mix of different street shots such as portraits, landscapes, and candid moments.
  • Consider using prime lenses for a more authentic street photography feel.
  • Create a consistent body of work that flows well and tells a story.

Influential Street Photographers

Street photography has a rich history that spans over a century. Many photographers have made their mark in this genre, influencing and inspiring others to capture candid moments of everyday life. Here are some of the most influential street photographers you should know.

1. Henri Cartier-Bresson

Considered by so many photographers as the father of modern street photography, Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer who co-founded the Magnum Photos agency. He is known for his candid and decisive moment style of street photography books, capturing fleeting moments that tell a story. His book, “The Decisive Moment,” is a must-read for any street photography enthusiast.

2. Lee Friedlander

Lee Friedlander is an American photographer known for his black-and-white street photography, capturing the urban landscape and its inhabitants. He is also known for his use of reflections, shadows, and framing techniques that add a depth of field to his images. His work has influenced many street photographers, and his book, “Stems,” is a classic.

3. Garry Winogrand

Garry Winogrand was an American street photographer known for his candid photography and energetic style of photography. He captured the social landscape of America in the 1960s and 1970s, and his images often portrayed the humor and absurdity of everyday life. His book, “The Animals,” is a great example of his work.

4. Daido Moriyama

Daido Moriyama is a Japanese photographer known for his gritty and high-contrast black-and-white street photography. His images often depict the darker side of urban life, capturing the raw energy and chaos of the city. His book, “Farewell Photography,” is a must-read for fans of his work and digital photography.

5. Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier was an American street photographer who worked as a nanny and took photographs in her spare time. Her work was discovered after her death and has since gained widespread recognition for its unique perspective on everyday life. Her book, “Vivian Maier: Street Photographer,” is a great introduction to her work.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

1. Street Photography Legal Aspects

Different countries and cities have varying laws regarding street photography. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local regulations to avoid legal issues. Generally speaking, photographing in public spaces is permitted, but there may be restrictions on commercial or advertising purposes without consent.

While street photography often involves capturing people candidly, it’s important to be mindful of personal space. Avoid intrusive or disrespectful behavior when photographing strangers. Public spaces are generally fair game for street photography, but private properties and events may require permission. Be aware of your surroundings and seek consent when necessary.

2. Ethical Considerations

Approach your subjects with respect. If someone is visibly uncomfortable or asks not to be photographed, honor their request. Ethical street photography involves capturing life without exploiting or disrespecting individuals. Also Be aware of cultural norms and sensitivities, especially when photographing in foreign countries. What might be acceptable in one culture could be considered invasive or disrespectful in another.

3. Purpose and Intent

Consider the purpose and intent behind your photographs. Are you capturing moments to tell a story, highlight a social issue, or simply document life? Ensure your images serve a constructive and respectful purpose.

Types of Street Photography: A Recap

In this article, we covered a lot of ground on street photography, from the basics of camera settings and lenses to the more advanced concepts of composition and capturing fleeting moments. We also discussed the legal and ethical considerations of photographing strangers in public spaces, as well as the importance of respecting personal space and obtaining permission when necessary.

As a street photographer, it’s important to develop your own style and approach to capturing life in the city. Whether you prefer candid shots taking photos of interesting subjects or staged street portraits, there’s no right or wrong way to approach this genre of photography. However, by following some of the tips and guide to street photography techniques we’ve discussed, you can improve your chances of capturing more interesting photographs and developing your skills as a street photographer.

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