How to Street Photography in the Park

What’s popping people, it’s Dante. Today, I’m at Rittenhouse Square to share some practical tips on photographing people in a park setting without disturbing the peace. Parks are perfect for low-key street photography, and with the right technique, you can capture intimate moments discreetly.

Approach: Capture Without Disturbance

When photographing people sitting on benches or lounging in the grass, your goal is to blend in and avoid disrupting the scene. The Ricoh GRIII is ideal for this—it’s small, quiet, and versatile.

“With the Ricoh, you can get close and personal without anyone even noticing.”

Vertical and Horizontal Shots

Depending on your subject and scene, you’ll want to switch between vertical and horizontal compositions:

Vertical for single subjects, like someone sitting alone on a bench.
Horizontal to capture more context, such as their surroundings or the park’s landscape.

Technique for Vertical Shots

Hold the camera vertically on your wrist.
Use your ring finger on the shutter button for a steady grip.
Position the camera low, slightly to the side, and glance at the LCD to frame the shot.

Technique for Horizontal Shots

Flip the camera upside down for low-angle horizontal shots.
Hold it discreetly to your side.
Frame from the corner of your eye and let the LCD guide you.

“Upside-down compositions can add a unique perspective, especially when photographing subjects with interesting backgrounds like grass or trees.”

Observing and Composing

When you’re in a quieter space, like a park:

Look for contrasts: shadows, light, and the textures of grass or benches.
Embrace minimalist compositions: simplicity is key in these serene environments.

“Parks are filled with opportunities for minimalist frames—like someone lying in the grass, surrounded by open space and soft shadows.”

The T-Rex Technique

If you’ve seen my previous video on the T-Rex Technique, you know how effective it can be. Here’s a quick recap:

Keep your arms close to your body.
Shoot discreetly to the side, holding the camera low and steady.
Perfect for horizontal shots when you want to stay unnoticed.

Practice and Play

The key to mastering park photography is practice:

Experiment with different grips and angles.
Get closer with each attempt.
Have fun discovering what works best for your style.

So next time you’re in the park, try these techniques. The combination of a small camera, smart positioning, and stealthy movements will elevate your street photography game. Stay curious, stay stealthy, and keep shooting.