In this post, I have written about clearing your mind when you start your street photography day.
Sit down and have a coffee, Close down your smartphone, look around, chat with someone next to you. And start your walk.
The first photograph is always an exciting one. Who will you meet today, What will you see? What scene will you encounter and will you make good pictures?
When I start my street photography walks, I always observe my surroundings and blend in with the crowd. I am still curious what I will find or encounter that day. Sometimes I will not see anything, and other days it is all around me. I always ask myself the question. ‘Can I take that picture.’ After that first picture ‘Can I take another one?’ And after a few pictures, I am in that ‘street flow’ or ‘street zone.’
When photographing on the street, there is always something happening. But do not be afraid. When you do not have any inspiration, start making photographs with a subject. Start or continue a street photography project.
After a while, you will see the same subject appearing in your images. Think of continuing and make more pictures of that matter and start a project.
Five things that can help, with the first photograph of the day.
- Have an excellent coffee, calm down and relax. Street photography is fun and full of joy. Meeting new people, exploring and enjoying new surroundings.
- Make sure that you have empty memory cards, If not export the images before setting off and format the memory cards. Have a spare one if your camera has only one memory card slot.
- Make sure your batteries are fully charged and have one or two spare ones with you.
- Know what the local law. In most countries, you can photograph in the streets but know what you can and cannot do. When someone asks you, you know what is allowed and what not.
- Be in a good mood, don’t be hasty. You cannot rush Street photography. After a few pictures, it will happen, If not just sit down, relax and get an excellent coffee.
