Top 7 Street Photography Tips

David Gibson is a street photographer who runs photo walks with Shoot Experience. For more information about David Gibson, visit his website.

Tip One

Get on the top deck of a bus and just watch the world go by down below – and if you see anything interesting get off the bus as soon as you can.
 

Tip Two

Find an interesting background because it can sometimes be half of a photograph – and then hope that one or more elements might move into the scene to make it more complete.
 

Tip Three

Or reversing this strategy follow somebody interesting who might perhaps be carrying something unusual and catch them against a background to make an interesting juxtaposition.
 

Tip Four

Shoot vertical more often because on the street you often have more control over the top and bottom of a scene.
 

Tip Five

Don’t crop! None of the best street photographers crop their images. Try to crop in the frame as you take the photograph.
 

Tip Six

Believe that you are half invisible on the street. Of course you are not but it is an important mindset.
 

Tip Seven

Don’t use a long lens. There’s a quote I heard recently that summed it up, something like: The best lens to use is your feet. It is so true, don’t be lazy, get closer… use your feet.

If you like street photography, check out the International Street Photography Awards.