I recently discovered an amazing course on Skillshare that completely changed the way I approach street photography. The course, titled “Street Photography: Capture the Life of Your City” by Trashhand, provides a comprehensive guide on how to capture the essence of a city through candid and compelling photographs.
Throughout the 16 lessons of the course, Trashhand shares his expertise on a variety of topics, including how to capture authentic candids, utilizing blur to convey motion, find compelling angles for “look-up” shots, and even try these techniques at night. As someone who has always been interested in street photography but struggled to capture the right moments, I found this course to be incredibly helpful.
One of the things I appreciated most about the course was the emphasis on capturing the unique character of a city. Trashhand encourages students to explore their own city with fresh eyes and to seek out the hidden gems and interesting characters that make it special. By the end of the course, I felt more confident in my ability to capture the life and energy of my own city through my photographs.
Getting Started with Street Photography on Skillshare
Street photography is a fascinating genre that captures the essence of life in the city. Skillshare provides a wealth of resources for learning the art of street photography. In this section, I will guide you through the process of getting started with street photography on Skillshare.
Creating a Skillshare account
The first step in getting started with street photography on Skillshare is to create a Skillshare account. You can sign up for a free account or a premium account. The free account gives you access to a limited selection of classes, while the premium account gives you unlimited access to all classes on Skillshare.
To create a Skillshare account, go to the Skillshare website and click on the “Join” button. You can sign up using your email address or your Facebook or Google account.
Searching for street photography classes
Once you have created your Skillshare account, you can start searching for street photography classes. To do this, go to the Skillshare homepage and type “street photography” into the search bar. You will be presented with a list of street photography classes.
You can also filter your search results by skill level, class duration, and class type. This will help you find the right class for your needs.
Choosing the right class for your skill level
It is important to choose the right class for your skill level. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a basic street photography class that covers the fundamentals of the genre. If you are an intermediate or advanced photographer, you may want to choose a more specialized class that focuses on a particular aspect of street photography.
Read the class descriptions carefully to make sure you choose a class that is appropriate for your skill level. You can also read reviews from other students to get a better idea of what to expect from the class.
Overall, Skillshare is an excellent resource for learning street photography. With a wide selection of classes and a supportive community of photographers, you can improve your skills and capture the life of your city in a meaningful way.
Essential Street Photography Techniques
Candid Shots
One of the most important things to keep in mind when taking street photographs is to capture candid shots. This means that you should try to capture people in their natural state, without them being aware of the camera. This can be a bit challenging, but it’s important to be patient and wait for the right moment. One way to do this is to blend in with the crowd and wait for the right moment to snap the photo.
Composition and Framing
Another important aspect of street photography is composition and framing. This means that you should pay attention to the elements in the photo and how they are arranged. You want to create a visually interesting photo that draws the viewer’s attention. One way to do this is to use the rule of thirds, which means dividing the photo into thirds horizontally and vertically and placing the subject at the intersection points. You can also experiment with different angles and perspectives to create a unique photo.
Mastering Light and Shadow
Light and shadow play a crucial role in street photography. You want to use the available light to create interesting shadows and highlights in your photos. One way to do this is to shoot during the golden hour, which is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. During this time, the light is soft and warm, which can create a beautiful effect in your photos. You can also experiment with silhouettes and backlit shots to create a dramatic effect.
Building Your Street Photography Gear Kit
Cameras
When it comes to street photography, the camera you use is not as important as how you use it. However, having a camera that is easy to use and carry around can make all the difference in capturing those fleeting moments.
Personally, I prefer using a mirrorless camera for street photography because they are lightweight, compact, and offer great image quality. Some popular options include the Sony Alpha series, Fujifilm X series, and Olympus OM-D series. However, a good DSLR can also be a great choice.
Lenses
Choosing the right lens for street photography can be a bit tricky. A prime lens with a focal length between 35mm and 50mm is a popular choice because it allows you to capture a wider view of the scene while still being close enough to your subject.
Another option is a wider angle lens, such as a 28mm or 24mm, which can give you a unique perspective and allow you to capture more of the environment. However, keep in mind that wider angle lenses can also distort the image and make your subject appear farther away.
Accessories
While you don’t need a lot of accessories for street photography, there are a few items that can be helpful. A comfortable camera strap, such as a BlackRapid or Peak Design strap, can make carrying your camera around all day much easier.
A small tripod or monopod can also be useful for stabilizing your camera in low light situations or for capturing long exposures. Finally, a good camera bag or backpack can help protect your gear and make it easier to carry everything around.
In summary, building your street photography gear kit doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on finding a camera and lens that you feel comfortable with, and consider adding a few accessories to make your life easier. Remember, the most important thing is to get out there and start capturing the life of your city!
Developing Your Unique Style
Street photography is all about capturing the essence of your city and telling its story through your lens. But how do you develop a unique style that sets you apart from other photographers? Here are some tips:
Finding Inspiration
One of the best ways to develop your own style is by finding inspiration from other photographers. Look at the work of famous street photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, and Diane Arbus. Study their techniques, composition, and use of light. But don’t copy their work – use it as a starting point to develop your own style.
You can also find inspiration from other sources, such as movies, music, and art. Look for themes and ideas that resonate with you, and try to incorporate them into your photography.
Experimenting with Different Techniques
Another way to develop your style is by experimenting with different techniques. Try shooting from different angles, using different lenses, and playing with light and shadow. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and try new things – you never know what might work.
Experimenting with post-processing techniques can also help you develop a unique style. Try different editing styles, such as black and white, high contrast, or desaturated colors. Find what works best for your photos and stick with it.
Developing a Personal Editing Style
Once you’ve experimented with different techniques, it’s important to develop a personal editing style that sets your photos apart. This can include things like color grading, contrast, and saturation levels.
When developing your editing style, keep in mind the mood and tone you want to convey in your photos. Do you want them to be bright and cheerful, or dark and moody? Your editing style should reflect your personal vision and style.
Remember, developing a unique style takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to find your voice. Keep experimenting and trying new things, and eventually, you’ll develop a style that’s uniquely yours.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Street photography is a unique art form that captures the essence of everyday life in a city. However, it is important to consider the legal and ethical implications of this genre of photography. As a street photographer, I must be aware of the laws and regulations governing public and private spaces, respect people’s privacy, and navigate local laws and regulations.
Understanding Public vs. Private Spaces
One of the most important legal considerations when doing street photography is understanding the difference between public and private spaces. Public spaces, such as parks, sidewalks, and streets, are generally open to the public and can be photographed without permission. However, private spaces, such as homes, businesses, and shopping malls, require permission from the owner before photographing.
It is important to note that some public spaces may have restrictions on photography. For example, government buildings, military installations, and airports may have specific rules about photography. As a street photographer, I must research and understand the laws and regulations governing the specific location I am photographing.
Respecting People’s Privacy
Respecting people’s privacy is an important ethical consideration when doing street photography. While it is legal to photograph people in public spaces without their permission, it is important to be respectful and considerate of their privacy. As a street photographer, I must be aware of the power dynamic between the photographer and the subject, and strive to capture images that do not exploit or harm the subject.
Some ways to respect people’s privacy when doing street photography include:
- Avoid photographing people in vulnerable or compromising situations
- Ask for permission before photographing children
- Avoid photographing people who appear uncomfortable or distressed
Navigating Local Laws and Regulations
Local laws and regulations can vary widely when it comes to street photography. As a street photographer, I must research and understand the laws and regulations governing the specific location I am photographing. Some things to consider include:
Laws and Regulations | Considerations |
---|---|
Privacy laws | Be aware of local privacy laws, which may restrict photography in certain situations |
Permits | Some locations may require permits for commercial photography or filming |
Property rights | Be aware of property rights, which may restrict photography on private property |
By understanding the legal and ethical considerations of street photography, I can capture the essence of everyday life in a city while respecting the privacy and dignity of the people I am photographing.
Building Your Street Photography Portfolio
As a street photographer, building a portfolio is essential to showcase your work and attract potential clients. Here are some tips on how to curate, organize, and share your best street photography shots.
Curating your best work
When selecting images for your portfolio, it’s important to choose only your best work. Focus on images that capture the essence of street photography, such as candid shots of people, interesting architecture, or urban landscapes. Consider the composition, lighting, and overall impact of each image.
It’s also important to have a cohesive theme or style throughout your portfolio. This will help potential clients understand your unique vision and style as a street photographer.
Organizing your portfolio
Once you have selected your best images, it’s time to organize them into a portfolio. Consider using a website builder or portfolio platform to create a professional-looking portfolio that showcases your work in the best possible way.
You can organize your portfolio by theme, location, or time period. Consider adding captions or descriptions to each image to give context and provide more information about your process and vision as a street photographer.
Sharing your work on social media and photography websites
Once your portfolio is complete, it’s time to share your work with the world. Consider sharing your images on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to reach a wider audience.
You can also share your work on photography websites like Flickr, 500px, or EyeEm to connect with other photographers and potential clients. Consider joining street photography groups or communities to get feedback and connect with other street photographers.
Remember to always credit your work and respect the privacy of your subjects. Building a strong street photography portfolio takes time and effort, but with the right approach, it can help you establish yourself as a professional street photographer and attract new clients.
Networking and Collaboration
Networking and collaborating with other photographers is an essential part of improving your street photography skills. Here are some ways to connect with other photographers and learn from their experiences:
Joining Skillshare groups and communities
Joining Skillshare groups and communities is a great way to connect with other photographers who share your interests. You can ask for feedback on your work, share your own tips and tricks, and learn from others who are more experienced than you. Skillshare also offers live events where you can meet other photographers in person and learn from them directly.
Attending local street photography events
Attending local street photography events is another great way to meet other photographers and learn from their experiences. Look for events in your area, such as photo walks or exhibitions, and attend them regularly. You can also join photography clubs and organizations in your area to connect with other photographers and learn from their experiences.
Collaborating with other photographers
Collaborating with other photographers is a great way to learn new techniques and improve your skills. You can work together on a project, share your ideas and tips, and learn from each other’s experiences. Collaborating with other photographers can also help you build your portfolio and gain exposure for your work.
Overall, networking and collaborating with other photographers is an important part of improving your street photography skills. By connecting with other photographers, you can learn from their experiences, get feedback on your work, and gain exposure for your photography.
Conclusion
The value of learning street photography on Skillshare
Through this Skillshare class, I have learned the importance of capturing the life of my city through street photography. Skillshare has provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve my photography skills and capture the essence of my city in a unique way. I highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in street photography and wants to learn from an industry leader like trashhand.
Embracing the creative journey
Learning street photography on Skillshare has taught me that the creative journey is just as important as the final product. It is important to embrace the process and experiment with different techniques and angles to find what works best for you. Through trial and error, I have discovered my own unique style and perspective on street photography.
Encouragement to continue honing your street photography skills
As I continue to practice and hone my street photography skills, I am excited to see where this journey will take me. I encourage anyone who is interested in street photography to continue to learn and grow through classes like this one on Skillshare. With dedication and practice, anyone can capture the life of their city in a meaningful and creative way.