Stop Using Your Viewfinder for Street Photography!
The Viewfinder: Overrated and Limiting
In street photography, the viewfinder is one of the most overrated pieces of camera technology. Whether it’s an optical viewfinder on a Leica, an EVF on a Fuji, or even a high-end DSLR, the viewfinder locks you into a narrow, restrictive way of seeing the world.
“The viewfinder limits your compositional freedom to eye level. Why restrict yourself to one perspective?”
Why You Should Ditch the Viewfinder
1. Increased Flexibility
Using the LCD screen frees you to shoot from more dynamic angles.
- Low angles: Capture ground-level perspectives without lying on the pavement.
- High angles: Hold the camera above your head for a bird’s-eye view.
- Creative compositions: Extend the camera in any direction and still compose your shot effectively.
2. Less Intrusive
The viewfinder signals to everyone that you’re taking a photo. In contrast, shooting with the LCD screen is more discreet.
- People are less likely to notice you.
- You blend into the environment, allowing for more candid moments.
“With an LCD screen, you don’t have to play games holding the camera to your face. Just point, compose, and shoot.”
3. Freedom to Experiment
By ditching the viewfinder, you open yourself up to new techniques and compositions.
- Adjust-your-sleeve technique: Pretend to adjust your sleeve while holding the camera at an angle for a quick overhead shot.
- Tilt and twist: Experiment with unconventional perspectives by tilting the camera in different directions.
The LCD Advantage
Even on cameras designed for viewfinder use, like the Fuji X-Pro series, I find myself gravitating toward the LCD screen. The tilting or fixed LCD on compact cameras like the Ricoh GRIII offers unparalleled ease and versatility.
“Using the LCD screen allows you to react faster and more creatively, unburdened by outdated norms.”
But What About Glare?
Sure, LCD screens can suffer from glare, but that’s a minor inconvenience compared to the creative freedom they provide. You’ll quickly learn to adapt, finding angles that work even in bright conditions.
Join the New School of Street Photography
Street photography evolves, and so should your approach. Stop clinging to old-school notions of what it means to be a photographer. The viewfinder may have its place in certain contexts, but for street photography, the LCD screen reigns supreme.
“Stop following outdated rules. Embrace the freedom of the LCD and start photographing the new way.”
The streets are alive, dynamic, and unpredictable—your photography should be too.