100 Street Photography Tips

There’s no shortcuts to improving your street photography, but there certainly are some simple heuristics to live by. Street photography is like basketball. The more you hit the court and practice your shot, the more shots you will make.

Shoot daily
Consistency is key. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve. Aim to shoot every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Use one camera, one lens
Simplify your gear. Sticking to one setup helps you learn its nuances and focus more on the moment.
Walk the same route for a month
Familiarity with a location allows you to notice subtle changes and moments. The mundane can become extraordinary.
Practice chatting with people
Get comfortable interacting with strangers. It helps when people become aware of your presence.
Wear a smile
A smile is disarming and puts people at ease when you’re photographing near them.
Avoid hesitation
Trust your instincts. Some of the best shots come from snapping without second-guessing.
Master technical settings
Whether you shoot in automatic or manual mode, know your settings well enough that you don’t think about them.
Learn layering
Master the art of combining foreground, middle ground, and background to create depth.
Wait at a promising corner
Find a spot with potential, observe people, and wait for a moment to unfold.
Observe feet
Watch how people’s feet move. It helps you time shots better.
Shoot with less intention
Let go of perfection and embrace spontaneity. Sometimes, the best moments come when you least expect them.
Always carry your camera
You never know when a perfect moment will present itself. Be prepared.
Visit bus stops
Bus stops are great places for layered shots. People gather, interact, and wait, creating natural scenes.
Get closer
Don’t be afraid to step into the action. The best moments are often up close.
Say thank you
If someone acknowledges your presence, a simple thank you goes a long way in maintaining positive vibes.
Shoot flash in NYC
If you want to shoot flash, try it in a bustling place like New York City, where people are used to the energy.
The longer you walk, the more you see
Walking gives you time to explore and find unexpected moments.
Street photography takes time
You might only get a few keepers a year. Patience is crucial.
Don’t get burnt out
The motivation is in your legs. Just keep moving, and the inspiration will come.
Street photography is physical
It’s a blend of physical effort and visual problem-solving.
Treat each composition as a puzzle
Think about where you need to stand to make the shot work.
Stay curious
Curiosity is your guide. Always be open to exploring new angles and moments.
Don’t take yourself too seriously
Keep a light-hearted approach, and don’t stress about getting the perfect shot.
Shoot more than you think you should
It’s better to have too many photos than not enough.
Shoot first, ask questions later
Don’t wait for permission from yourself. Capture the moment.
Overcome anxiety
If you feel nervous, it means you’re pushing your boundaries. Learn to work through it.
Organize your photos immediately
When you come home, import and sort your photos right away. This keeps your archive manageable.
Ask yourself, “What will reality manifest?”
This helps you stay focused on seeing what’s around you as potential photographs.
Walk slower than you think
Move at half the speed of everyone else. This gives you time to observe the unfolding moments.
Buy books, not gear
Photographic inspiration often comes from books, not the latest camera.
Stick to one focal length for a year
Master a single focal length before switching. This forces you to see the world in a consistent way.
Don’t watch YouTube for tips
Experience is the best teacher. The more you shoot, the better you get.
Pattern recognition is key
With time, you’ll start seeing patterns in people’s behavior and how moments develop.
Watch the edges of the frame
Pay attention to what’s creeping in. Clean edges make a stronger photo.
Embrace the mundane
Ordinary moments often make the most interesting photos.
Repetition is essential
Shooting the same scene repeatedly can yield something new each time.
Don’t worry about “good” or “bad” photos
Follow your intuition and shoot what feels right to you.
God is in your gut
Trust your instincts. A fasted mind can sharpen your connection to the streets.
Drink espresso
It’s fuel for those long walks and keeps you sharp.
Stay in new places for at least two weeks
A few days won’t reveal the depth of a new place. Give yourself time to understand it.
Photography takes a decade
It takes around 10 years to really understand what you’re doing.
Patience is everything
Great street photography is the result of patience.
Stay off your phone
Don’t get distracted. Stay in the moment and keep your focus on the streets.
Look for gestures
Body language and hand movements tell stories.
Click the shutter often
There’s no harm in overshooting. You can always edit later.
Shoot during golden hour
The light is softer, and the shadows are longer—perfect for dramatic photos.
Any time on the street is valuable
Whether it’s an hour or an entire day, it’s all practice.
The world is your canvas
Treat the street like a stage where life unfolds.
Everything is photographable
Don’t restrict yourself to what’s traditionally considered interesting.
Share work in person
Get feedback from real interactions, not just online likes.
Delete your Instagram
Focus on real-world connections and let your work speak for itself.
Less is more
Avoid clutter in your frame. Simplify your composition.
Weightlifting helps
Strength training can boost your confidence and stamina on long photo walks.
Minimize post-processing
Aim for natural photos. Less editing keeps you focused on shooting.
Limitations fuel creativity
Don’t give yourself too many options. Constraints help you think outside the box.
See the world like a child
Stay curious and explore everything with fresh eyes.
Go at your own pace
Avoid comparing your work to others. Focus on your journey.
Walk alone
Solitude allows for deeper observation and a stronger connection to the streets.
Fixed-lens cameras are ideal
A fixed lens forces you to adapt to your environment instead of the other way around.
P mode is for pros
Automatic settings can free you up to focus on the scene.
Focus on today’s photos
Don’t dwell on past shots. Always look forward to the next opportunity.
New photos are the goal
Keep pushing to create fresh work, not just to perfect old ideas.
Shoot what you love
Don’t worry about clichés. Follow your passion.
Give life meaning through photography
Let the practice of street photography enrich your daily life.
Don’t impress photographers
Focus on creating images that resonate with anyone, not just the photo community.
Snapshot your way through life
Capture what you see without overthinking.
Don’t be too serious
Keep a sense of playfulness. The streets are full of surprises.
Bad weather is a gift
Rain, snow, or fog can add character to your photos.
Study the masters
Learn from those who have come before you and then find your own path.
Street photography has no rules
It’s an ethos, not a formula.
Learn the rules, then break them
Understand what makes a photo work and then push the boundaries.
Find your voice
It can take years, so be patient with the process.
Music should be shared
If you listen to music, don’t use headphones. Let the sound be a part of the environment.
Shoot through the moment
Don’t stop at one shot—keep shooting as the scene develops.
Trust your intuition
If a scene feels right, capture it without hesitation.
Body language matters
Hold yourself with confidence—head up, shoulders back, eyes open.
Make your own luck
Dedication creates opportunities. Keep showing up.
Be honest about your practice
Transparency with yourself and others helps you grow.
Anticipate moments
Look ahead and imagine how life will unfold.
Use all your senses
Sight, sound, and even smell can guide you to the right moment.
Don’t fear interaction
Sometimes, a conversation can lead to an unexpected photo.
Explore new places
It’s good to break routine and find fresh inspiration.
Street photography isn’t just for streets
You can practice anywhere life happens.
Just go outside
Don’t overthink it. Step outside and see what’s happening.
Be loose and fluid
Move like water, adapting to the flow of the street.
Treat it like meditation
Focus on the moment and let everything else fade away.
Failure is normal
Most of your shots won’t work out, and that’s okay.
Avoid eye contact
This keeps interactions subtle and natural.
Love the process
Enjoy the act of walking and observing, not just the photos.
Forget themes
Don’t restrict yourself to projects. Let the streets guide you.
Play with composition
Don’t always center your subjects—experiment with placement.
Follow the light
Photography is painting with light. Seek it out.
Thrive in chaos
Embrace the unpredictability of the street.
Forget what you know
Approach each walk with a fresh perspective.
Study life on the street
Each new experience is a lesson.
Travel light
Carry only what you need: a camera, a spare battery, and an open mind.
Think long-term
Treat photography as a lifelong pursuit, not a sprint.
Trust your intuition
Courage and curiosity are your greatest tools.
Let the streets surprise you
Stay open to whatever happens, and let each walk be an adventure.
Enjoy the journey
At the end of the day, street photography is about enjoying the process and embracing the world around you.