How to Conquer Fear in Street Photography

Street photography is a tricky genre because of its candid nature—photographing strangers can be intimidating, especially for beginners. The fear of confrontation or rejection can hold you back from pressing that shutter button. But street photography doesn’t have to be something that scares you away. With some simple tips, I hope to encourage you to keep pushing forward in your street photography journey.

Your Photography Matters

“Firstly, I believe it’s important to recognize that there is nothing wrong with what you are doing.”

Street photography is about documenting the human experience, capturing moments that preserve a piece of history for future generations. It’s essential to remind yourself that what you’re doing is valuable. Understanding the importance of your work will empower you to continue photographing with confidence. Every time you press the shutter, you’re contributing to a visual record of the world as you see it.

Make Self-Portraits

“To get more comfortable on the streets, perhaps it’s a good idea to get more comfortable with yourself in front of the camera.”

One way to boost your confidence is to make self-portraits. By putting yourself in front of the lens, you’ll understand what it feels like to be photographed. This self-awareness can translate into greater empathy when photographing others, helping you approach strangers more comfortably. It’s also a reminder that you’re beautiful—which can be inspiring in itself!

Benefits of Self-Portraits:

Build confidence in front of the camera.
Gain empathy for your subjects.
Practice the art of posing and seeing yourself through the lens.

Confrontation and Street Portraits

“I believe that making street portraits is a great way to get started with street photography.”

Street portraits are a fantastic way to ease into street photography. By engaging directly with people on the street, you’ll learn how to handle confrontation and rejection. You might be surprised by how many people are willing to have their portrait taken! My suggestion? Bring an Instax camera during your first few weeks on the street. This way, you can give prints to your subjects immediately after making their portrait. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in building trust and confidence.

Why Street Portraits Help:

Learn to handle rejection gracefully.
Build social skills and courage.
Gain experience in approaching strangers.

Be a Tourist in Your Hometown

“One practical suggestion I have for making candid photographs is to play the role of a tourist in your hometown.”

Once you’re comfortable with photographing yourself and others, it’s time to embrace the candid nature of street photography. A great way to do this is by acting like a tourist in your hometown. Approach the streets with a sense of wonder and curiosity—wear a smile and enjoy your surroundings as if you’re seeing them for the first time. This mindset helps you relax, allowing you to blend into the scene naturally and make candid images without drawing too much attention.

How to Be Stealthy on the Street

“Act as if you’re photographing whatever is in the background of people on the street.”

Stealthiness is an art in street photography. A simple way to appear less intrusive is to use the LCD screen on the back of your camera. Walk around while looking through the screen, making it seem like you’re shooting video or figuring out your settings. This can help you get closer to your subjects without raising suspicion. And by now, with your newfound social skills, you’ll be ready to handle any conversations that might come your way.

Tips for Stealthy Shooting:

Use the LCD screen instead of the viewfinder.
Act as if you’re focused on something in the background.
Avoid direct eye contact with your subjects.

How to Deal with Confrontation

“Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I’ve been confronted since using the Ricoh GRIII and strictly an LCD screen.”

Confrontation in street photography can be intimidating, but it’s usually rare, especially with a compact, stealthy camera like the Ricoh GRIII. If someone does approach you, keep calm and have a quick, friendly conversation. The best approach is to be honest and polite—let them know you’re just taking photos as a student or hobbyist, and offer to delete the picture if it makes them uncomfortable. The goal is to diffuse the situation quickly without causing any issues.

Handling Confrontation:

Stay calm and engage in a brief conversation.
Offer to delete the photo if it helps resolve the issue.
Use the excuse of being a student to keep things casual.

Street Photography is All About Courage

“The more courage you display on the streets, the more interesting your photos will become.”

At its core, street photography requires courage. The most compelling images often come from moments when you push yourself beyond your comfort zone. The notion that “the closer, the better” holds true—proximity helps to evoke a deeper sense of the human experience. Walk the streets with your head held high, chest open, and shoulders back. Carry yourself with confidence and curiosity, and you’ll find that the images you create will reflect this boldness.

Final Thoughts:

Courage leads to better, more intimate photographs.
Confidence and positivity help you engage with your environment.
Stay curious and embrace each new encounter on the street.

I wish you much success on your street photography journey and hope that these tips help you overcome any fears or anxieties you might have about getting started. Happy shooting!