Practicing Street Photography at Parades and Events
What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Today, we’re diving into practicing street photography at parades and events. Just yesterday, I was out shooting during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and I’ve got some thoughts on this.
Why Shoot at Parades and Events?
The first question we should ask ourselves: Why even shoot at parades and events?
As street photographers, we’re not necessarily interested in telling the story of the parade itself. Instead, our selfish interest is in the moments in between—before the parade starts, after it ends, or the hidden interactions that don’t scream parade shot.
A great example: During the Thanksgiving Day Parade, I made a photograph that captures the energy of the event without actually depicting the parade itself.
“I try to photograph the energy of the parade, but not necessarily the parade.”
I get there early—before the floats go up, before the flags are raised—and I look around the periphery. That’s where the hidden gems are.
Looking for Moments Beyond the Main Event
For example, during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, I found myself seeking those same peripheral moments.
I once captured a child playing on the Logan Square fountain sculpture here in Philadelphia. His hand was outstretched, mirroring the gesture of the sculpture. It’s a strong image because:
- It focuses on gesture and form.
- It feels natural, almost like a daily moment.
- You wouldn’t even know it was taken during a parade.
That’s the key. A moment like this doesn’t happen on a regular day in the city. Kids don’t usually climb sculptures unless there’s an event happening.
“I look for moments that don’t necessarily depict the event itself, but instead, the people observing the event.”
The Power of the Peripheral
One of my favorite approaches is photographing flag-raising ceremonies at City Hall.
- We have a flag raising for nearly every country.
- There’s traditional music, speakers, and dancing.
- The best moments happen after the flag is raised—when people disperse.
This is when I start wandering. I avoid the obvious shots of people standing still, watching the flag. Instead, I catch them as they leave—that moment of transition.
Example:
At the Kosovo flag-raising ceremony, I photographed a simple interaction:
- A man in traditional clothing.
- A child playing with the flag.
It’s a wonky composition, a bit more street, if you will. The moment is subtle, yet it tells a deeper story.
How I Approach Events Differently
I was once assigned to photograph the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2016. Politicians were on stage, speeches were happening—so boring to shoot. The standard event photography is:
- Zoom in.
- Make sure the speaker isn’t swallowing the mic.
- Get the standard event shot.
But the best photo I made that day?
Not of the politicians. Instead, I captured kids climbing a tree at Penn’s Landing.
“I came home with a much more interesting photo than anything happening on stage.”
This is why I never treat myself as an event photographer. I’m always looking for my own curiosities—the moments happening outside the main stage.
Strategies for Shooting at Parades and Events
1. Linger on the Outskirts
Instead of fighting the chaos, I look for:
- Quiet interactions on the edges.
- People watching from a distance—in alleyways, windows, or side streets.
- Isolated subjects away from the crowd.
Example:
During the Italian Festival in South Philly, I found a great moment of a boy high-fiving a giant hand. This wasn’t during the parade itself—it was a tiny interaction on the sidelines.
2. Capture the Crowd’s Reaction
The best way to tell a parade’s story?
Don’t shoot the parade—shoot the people watching it.
During the Mummers Parade, I found an incredible shot not in the parade, but where the performers were unloading from buses.
- A man stepping out of a limousine (a rare sight to capture).
- His eye peeking out from the tinted glass—mysterious, intimate, cinematic.
The moment before or after the parade is often more interesting than the event itself.
3. Focus on Playfulness and Small Gestures
Parades are full of energy, but capturing that energy is tricky.
- Most people are standing still, watching.
- The crowd is often too chaotic to isolate a subject.
I find kids at parades the best source of spontaneous energy. Climbing, playing, reacting—these moments add a human touch.
“To find the moments of joy, energy, and dynamics at an event is actually tricky.”
4. Find a Clean Stage
The hardest part of shooting parades?
Separating subjects from the chaos.
- Look for clean backgrounds.
- Use light and shadow to create contrast.
- Let the details speak.
Example:
During Chinese New Year, there’s so much happening—dancing, confetti, smoke. I used that smoke as a backdrop, placing a hat in the foreground to create contrast.
Another time, I noticed Shabbat dancers celebrating. Instead of a direct shot, I used a puddle reflection—a more abstract way to capture the energy.
Breaking the Rules: Getting Into the Action
Sometimes, you gotta break the rules to get the shot.
During the Chinese New Year parade, I pushed my way into the crowd to capture the Dragon Dance. You’re technically not supposed to, but I had to get that shot.
“Is it worth it? I don’t know. But I had to get it.”
Why You Should Shoot Parades (Even If You Don’t Like Them)
If you’re new to street photography, parades are the best training ground because:
- People are used to cameras. No one will question you.
- You can get close without confrontation.
- It’s a great place to experiment with new gear or techniques.
I don’t typically plan to shoot parades—I just run into them. Sometimes my mom will tell me about one coming up (she knows I love street photography). But usually, I stumble upon them.
My Favorite Parade to Shoot
If you want a truly unique street photography experience, come to Philadelphia on January 1st for the Mummers Parade.
- You can literally walk in the parade and shoot from within.
- It’s chaotic, lively, and full of energy.
- One of the best events to photograph, hands down.
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in practicing street photography at events, my advice:
- Look beyond the main action.
- Photograph the outskirts.
- Capture the crowd’s reactions.
- Find clean backgrounds and isolate moments.
- Experiment—parades are the perfect place to push yourself.
Hopefully, these ideas help when you’re out there shooting. Get out, explore, and look for the moments that happen in between.
See you in the next one. Peace.