How to Take Better Street Portraits

Street photography offers a captivating glimpse into the diversity of urban life, capturing candid moments and authentic emotions in public spaces. Street portraits, in particular, provide a unique opportunity to connect with people and tell compelling stories through photography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a beginner, mastering street portrait photography can be a rewarding experience. In this guide, I’ll explore the essential techniques and considerations for taking better street portraits, from engaging with subjects to mastering composition.

What Is Street Portrait Photography?

Street portrait photography involves capturing portraits of people in public spaces (see Figure. 1), typically in urban environments such as streets, squares, parks, and markets. Unlike studio portraits, street portraits usually rely on natural light and the surroundings to create compelling images of strangers going about their daily lives. Therefore, street portrait photographers often seek to capture the essence of everyday life in urban settings, showcasing individual’s unique personalities, emotions, and stories. Street portraits can range from candid shots (see Figure 2) taken without the subject’s awareness to posed images (see Figure 3), where the photographer interacts with and sometimes directs the subject. Overall, street portrait photography emphasises authentic moments and raw emotions. It provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of urban life.

What’s the Difference Between Candid and Posed Street Portraits?

Candid street portraits (see Figure 4) are captured spontaneously without the subject’s knowledge. It aims to portray people in their natural state, often conveying raw emotions and authenticity through genuine moments and expressions. In contrast, posed street portraits (see Figure 5) involve interaction between the photographer and the subject. It allows for more control over composition and aesthetics, as the photographer directs the subject’s pose and expression. This interaction results in polished and deliberate images that may still convey authenticity (depending on the rapport). Ultimately, both approaches offer unique merits in capturing compelling photos of people in public spaces.

Black & White vs. Colour for Better Street Portraits?

You may have asked yourself whether black & white (see Figure 6) or colour photography (see Figure 7) is best for street portraits. Ultimately, it depends on your artistic vision, the story you want to convey, and the mood you aim to evoke:

Black & White Photography:

• Timelessness: Black & white images have a timeless quality that can evoke a sense of nostalgia, making them suitable for capturing the essence of a moment or scene.
• Emphasis on Emotion: Removing colour distractions can highlight the raw emotions and expressions of subjects, allowing viewers to focus on the mood and atmosphere of the photograph.
• Simplification: Black & white photography simplifies the visual elements of a scene, emphasising composition, light, and shadow, which can lead to more dramatic and impactful images.
• Artistic Expression: Black & white photos offer a wide range of creative possibilities, allowing photographers to experiment with contrast, texture, and tonality to create visually striking portraits.

Colour Photography:

• Realism and Vibrancy: Colour photography captures the world as we see it, conveying the vibrancy and diversity of street scenes with all their colourful details.
• Context and Atmosphere: Colour adds depth and context to street portraits, providing viewers with additional information about the environment, culture, and atmosphere of the scene.
• Emotional Impact: Certain emotions and moods are best expressed through colour, whether the warmth of golden hour light or the coolness of a rainy day, adding complexity to the storytelling.
• Personal Preference: Some photographers prefer colour photography for its ability to capture the richness and diversity of the world. However, others gravitate towards black & white for its simplicity and timeless appeal.

In brief, both approaches have their merits, and experimenting with both can lead to a deeper understanding of how different visual elements contribute to the overall impact of street portraits.

Street Portrait Photography: Essential Equipment

Before you take to the streets, here’s a list of essential equipment you’ll need for capturing better street portraits:

• Camera: While you can use any camera for street portrait photography, a lightweight and inconspicuous camera is preferable. Mirrorless (e.g., Fujifilm X100) or compact (e.g., Ricoh GR) cameras are popular.
• Lenses: If you’re using a camera with interchangeable lenses (e.g., Olympus Pen), a prime lens with a wide aperture (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) is ideal for capturing sharp portraits with beautiful bokeh (i.e., the out-of-focus parts of an image). Alternatively, a versatile zoom lens like a 24-70mm can offer flexibility in framing and is typically more affordable.
• Extras: Consider carrying spare batteries, memory cards, and lens cleaning supplies in a discreet camera bag.

With a deeper appreciation for street portrait photography, let’s delve into the essential techniques and considerations for taking better street portraits.

Take Better Street Portraits – Top Tips

With 20 years of experience as a documentary photographer, below is my list of top tips to help you take better street portraits:

1. Blend In

Firstly, blending seamlessly into your environment will help you capture more authentic street portraits without disrupting the scene. Therefore, opt for inconspicuous clothing and a small, discreet camera to minimise attention. Additionally, spend time observing your surroundings, anticipating moments without startling people. Develop swift technical skills to capture spontaneous moments effortlessly (see Figure 8). More importantly, embrace patience; the best shots often require waiting for the perfect moment. By employing these strategies, you can capture better street portraits.

2. Engage with Subjects

Engaging with subjects is essential for capturing compelling street portraits (see Figure 9). So, approach them respectfully, showing genuine interest and empathy for their experiences. Start a conversation to establish rapport, asking about their lives or the surroundings to create a comfortable atmosphere. Always seek permission before taking posed portraits, and be transparent about your intentions. Afterwards, thank them for their participation. In addition, be open to spontaneous moments because candid shots often make the best pictures. By engaging with subjects respectfully and empathetically, you improve the quality of your street portraits, enriching your experience as a photographer through meaningful connections.

3. Choose the Right Background

An appropriate background is essential for enhancing your street portraits’ visual impact and storytelling potential (see Figure 10). Achieve this by considering the context of the environment, looking for backgrounds that complement your subject and convey the desired mood or story while keeping them uncluttered to avoid distractions. Additionally, incorporate elements that add depth and dimension to your composition, paying attention to how light interacts with the background and subject for a flattering effect. Furthermore, experiment with depth of field settings to selectively blur the background and draw focus to your subject, ultimately capturing captivating street portraits.

4. Experiment with Angles

Unexpected angles can enhance your street portraits’ dynamism and visual appeal (see Figure 11). Therefore, vary your perspective by shooting from different heights, whether crouching low or shooting from above, to offer unique viewpoints and compositions. Explore different distances, from close-up shots capturing intimate details to wider shots providing environmental context. Dare to tilt your camera or use unconventional angles to inject drama and intrigue into your street portraits. Moreover, use composition techniques like leading lines in the environment to guide the viewer’s eye towards your subject. Perhaps frame them creatively within doorways, windows, or natural elements for added depth. Remember, ensure the background complements your subject by avoiding distractions. By experimenting with angles, you can infuse creativity and originality into your street portraits, creating images that resonate with viewers.

5. Focus on Emotion

Prioritising genuine emotion and storytelling in your street portraits can create images that deeply resonate with viewers (see Figure 12). To do so, empathise with your subjects’ experiences by keenly observing their feelings. Moreover, establish rapport to foster trust and comfort, encouraging genuine expressions and emotions. Preferably, seek candid moments that reveal authentic emotions by allowing scenes to unfold naturally.

6. Stay Observant

Staying observant is essential for capturing compelling street portraits because it enhances mindfulness (see Figure 13). Here’s how to do it effectively. Keep yourself fully present and attentive to your surroundings, continuously scanning for potential subjects and scenes. Develop the ability to anticipate moments before they occur, utilising your direct and peripheral vision to detect photographic opportunities. Again, patience is crucial; be prepared to wait for the perfect moment. Moreover, stay adaptable and trust your instincts, remaining flexible to changing conditions and following your intuition when identifying potential shots. By incorporating mindfulness, you further enhance your observational skills, allowing you to capture authentic and compelling street portraits.

7. Keep it Candid

Lastly, take better street portraits with authenticity by keeping your shots candid (see Figure 14). Blend into the environment by dressing inconspicuously and using a discreet camera, allowing you to observe without interfering. Exercise patience and allow moments to unfold naturally, avoiding rushed interventions. Utilise a long lens or stealthy techniques to capture candid shots from a distance, minimising direct eye contact with subjects to maintain their natural behaviour. Additionally, embrace imperfections as part of the authenticity of street photography, focusing on capturing genuine moments and emotions that reflect the essence of life on the streets.

Ethical Considerations

Street photography involves capturing images of people in public spaces. For this reason, respect their dignity, privacy, and rights. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Consent: Obtain consent before taking posed street portraits. Respect their right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time. Note: candid street portraits (and documentary photography) do not lend themselves to obtaining consent or model releases.
• Be Transparent: If your subjects inquire about the purpose of your photograph, be honest and transparent about your intentions. Offer to share your images with them if they’re interested.
• Respect cultural norms: Lastly, be mindful of cultural norms and sensitivities when photographing people from different backgrounds. Avoid perpetuating stereotypes or exploiting vulnerable individuals.

By considering ethics when taking street portraits, you contribute positively to the social and cultural landscape.

Key Points – How to Take Better Street Portraits

1. Engage with Subjects: Approach subjects respectfully and ask permission before taking their photo (only applies when capturing posed street portraits). Build a rapport with them to capture genuine emotions, creating meaningful pictures.
2. Choose the Right Background: Select uncluttered backgrounds that complement your subject, enhancing the overall composition. Look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds that won’t distract from the main focus of your image.
3. Experiment with Angles: Don’t be afraid to break the rules and experiment with different angles and perspectives to add dynamism and visual interest.
4. Focus on Emotion: Capture authentic emotions by observing subjects and empathising with their experiences. Look for moments of laughter, contemplation, or connection that tell a story.
5. Stay Observant: Remain present and attentive to your surroundings. Look for characters, interactions, or unfolding scenes you find interesting.
6. Keep it Candid: While posed street portraits can be compelling, don’t overlook the power of candid shots. Blend in and embrace spontaneity and capture authentic moments as they unfold naturally.

Summary

Overall, street portrait photography offers a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of urban life. By mastering the techniques and considerations outlined in this guide, you can take better street portraits of strangers in public places that resonate deeply with viewers.

How to Take Better Street Portraits: Photos

Below is a small selection of street portraits of strangers I’ve captured in various urban settings.

If you found this blog post interesting and helpful, it would mean a lot if you could support me by liking and sharing it with your friends and family.

Thank you for joining me on my journey!