Street photography is one of the most dynamic and life-filled forms of photography. Capturing the natural flow of life as lived by the millions and billions of people who go about their daily business requires a particular talent for observation, attention to detail, and a spirit of curiosity. It also requires a fair amount of experience and mastery of lens use.
Busy street corners are not always the easiest place to shoot—they can be unpredictable, chaotic, and even dangerous at times, but it’s all worth it for the perfect shot.
So, how do you capture that visceral sense of organic motion on your city’s busy streets? We’ve rounded up five professional-level tips for anyone who wants to upgrade their street photography and become the next Elliot Erwitt or Fred Herzog.
The Magic Of Motion In A Busy City: What Makes Street Photography So Special?
Street photography is different from other photography genres for several reasons. It aims to encapsulate a particular energy that you simply don’t see in more classical genres such as portraiture, cinematography, or nature photography.
It’s characterized by the vibrant energy that exudes from a city and the people that live, breathe, and move within it—each person weaving a tapestry of motion and life through their daily rituals and experiences.
There are many spontaneous moments, both positive and negative, that may occur throughout a daily cycle, and street photographers are there to bear witness to them all.
Knowing how to capture motion in busy city streets means being able to spot unique moments and potentialities as they unfold. This enables you to immortalize moments that would otherwise be swept away like raindrops or forgotten flyers in the wind. To enhance your street photography experience, C.R Kennedy Photo Imaging provides a variety of equipment designed to help you capture those fleeting moments beautifully.
Mastering the art of motion-focused street photography also involves very practical elements. The right aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and vantage point are all crucial for capturing those fleeting moments in an interesting and original way.
Tip #1: Set Up In Popular Bustling Spots
Great street photography starts with being in the right place. You could probably set up anywhere you like and encounter some interesting photo opportunities, but being intentional is key to maximizing your chances of great imagery.
Don’t just settle for the first busy spot you see.
Walk around for a bit and identify which spots in the city tend to attract the most movement. Some good examples of spots like this could include:
- Train and bus stations
- Libraries
- Malls
- Taxi stops
- Marketplaces
Once you’ve found your spot, plan out your compositions. If you’re using the rule of thirds, create an imaginary grid where you’ll need your subjects to fit in, or decide where your leading lines or negative space should fall. Look for symmetry, patterns, balance, and contrast to ensure your photographs reflect the motion you see in the most convincing way.
Tip #2: Use A Little Bit Of Blur
Blur is something that most photographers prefer to avoid. But that’s only because, most of the time, they aren’t trying to capture sweeping movements like those typically found on busy sidewalks.
As a street photographer, you’ll want to coax out some of that organic, tangible motion by leaving a little bit of room for blur in your lens settings. Without it, your images risk appearing too frozen or static, devoid of the very movement and dynamism you aim to capture.
To capture that energetic blur, you need to use a slow shutter speed (which may also be called the long shutter speed). When you use a slow or long shutter speed, more light reaches your camera sensor as the shutter stays open longer. This extended exposure time allows you to capture more visual information, including motion blur.
Tip #3: Remember That Patience Is A Virtue
Good street photography is a waiting man’s game. If you arrive in the city expecting to snap some iconic images immediately, you might feel frustrated and impatient when the city doesn’t play to your tune. Remember, good things take time.
Movement is playful, unpredictable, and sporadic. It’s its own creature. You’re just there as the quiet observer—someone waiting for the perfect moment to materialize.
However, don’t let that stop you from taking as many pictures as possible. Sometimes, the best moments only become known in hindsight. So be patient but active in your waiting game.
Tip #4: Find Alternative Vantage Points
It’s always a good idea to try to get a fresh perspective on your work. These days, people whip out their iPhone cameras at the drop of a hat, and you aren’t likely to be the only person in the city shooting your shot.
But not everyone has your eye, and you need to trust it. Allow your instincts and eyes to guide you when sussing out an unusual vantage point. Climb onto a ledge, crouch down on a step, sit in a window, or even lie down where it’s safe to do so to get a new perspective on the movement around you.
Trying different vantage points like this is also the perfect opportunity to create a series of images for your portfolio. By shooting from unique spots, you can encourage people to see the city from a whole new perspective—yours!
Tip #5: Experiment with tripods and handheld cameras
Both tripods and handheld cameras can be used in street photography, especially when capturing motion. The best option for you will depend on your compositional preferences and the creative vision you have in mind.
As a rule of thumb, you should use a tripod when your shutter speed is greater than your lens’s focal length. For example, when shooting at a speed of 1/50 with a 50mm lens or 1/250 with a 250mm lens, a tripod is a must-have. Tripods give the image more stability, and you may be able to capture more solid photographs that still pick up gentle movements.
If you prefer being quick on your feet and want to shoot in a super dense, crazy part of the city, it’s best to ditch the tripod and use a handheld camera. You’ll have a lot more control over your movements and may be able to snag more fluid frames.
Busy street photography is one of the most exciting and unique photography genres that pushes your boundaries and opens your eyes to a whole other way of life. With these pro tips, you can capture the spirit of any city and the motion behind it.