Jan 31, 2023

[Photography] 13 Tips to Improve Your Street Photography Compositions

The post 13 Tips to Improve Your Street Photography Compositions appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

Tips for stunning street photography compositions

Street photography composition is challenging because the scenes you’re photographing often change (and at a very rapid pace, too!). As you hunt for the perfect light, you may encounter dozens of locations and subjects, and with each new opportunity, you must think about how to create an effective image arrangement.

Composing compelling street photos is both challenging and rewarding. It often demands a strong sense of timing to capture that elusive decisive moment, but once you understand the basics, taking great street photos will come naturally.

In this article, I share 13 practical tips to help improve your street compositions, starting with:

1. Use foreground elements to add depth and context

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/7.1 | 1/250s | ISO 400

Most street photographers just focus on the main subject – but if you can include something relevant to the story in the foreground, it’ll help draw the viewer’s eye into the shot. Aim to frame this element so it’s not the main subject but instead helps draw attention to the most important part of the shot.

This technique is most effective when there’s a lot of depth to the scene. Landscape photographers love this style of composition, but it can also be very effective for street photography. The wider your lens’s focal length, the more dramatically the foreground element will appear.

2. Use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye

Another great street photography composition technique? Leading lines. These are strong lines in your composition that help draw the viewer’s eye through the photo toward the main subject.


Positioning yourself to make use of strong lines that run diagonally through your frame is particularly effective. When a line appears to emerge from a corner – or close to a corner – it will have the most impact and effectiveness.

Once you’ve identified a line or two in your street scene, take your time determining how to position your camera. Ask yourself: Which focal length will make the most of these lines?

3. Experiment with different perspectives

It’s easy to get in a habit of shooting from a standing height, but if you want to capture unique images, try to change it up. Look for opportunities to get up high above the action or down low so you’re looking up at your subject.

For instance, you can use a footbridge overlooking a street or market area to capture life as it carries on below you. In an ideal location, you’ll be able to shoot for as long as you like without being interrupted. Take your time to watch the activity below, and wait for the decisive moments to occur.

And look for places you can get down below the action. This is often more challenging but can produce some dramatic street compositions. (I am noticing, too, that the older I get, it’s not so much the getting down to take the photo that’s challenging – it’s getting back up!)

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 85mm | f/5.6 | 1/1000s | ISO 400

4. Look for patterns and repetition to add visual interest

Patterns and repetition often provide wonderful backgrounds to interesting action. And when the patterns are especially interesting, they make wonderful compositions on their own.

When you find a nice pattern, move around and look at it. Watch how your perception of the pattern changes from different angles. Does the light alter the way the pattern appears as you move about? Aim to take your photos from a position that makes the most of the repetition.

5. Pay attention to the background

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/11 | 1/250s | ISO 400

How often have you seen an interesting subject in a street photo, only to realize that it’s disrupted by a distracting element in the background? All too often, photographers notice a cool thing to photograph and fail to check the background.

Often all you need to do to create a more interesting composition is to change your position (sometimes very slightly). As you move, the relationship between your subject and the background changes, which can provide you with an interesting subject that is suddenly isolated from the background.

Sometimes, however, you’re in a good spot – you just need to wait for traffic or people passing behind your subject to move on. Then you can capture a more compelling, simpler street shot.

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/8 | 1/500s | ISO 400

6. Use negative space to simplify the scene

Negative space refers to areas of emptiness or uniformity within an image – and when used carefully, it’s a great street photo composition tool.

It can help balance your shots and draw attention to your subject, though it’s important that you pay careful attention to how much negative space you include in each shot. Excessive negative space can significantly change the mood of your shot to give you a very minimalistic, tranquil result, which isn’t always ideal.

7. Experiment with a variety of focal lengths

When you find an interesting street subject, don’t just take a single shot and move on. Instead, spend some time experimenting! Photograph using different focal lengths and different lenses. Look carefully at the relationship between your subject and the background. How does the relationship change as you zoom from a wider to a narrower field of view?

I prefer using my 35mm lens for street photography. But I also carry my 105mm lens because I sometimes want to capture less of the surroundings and focus more on the main subject. Having a short telephoto lens on hand helps me create more diversity in my compositions.

8. Use the light to create mood and drama

As you walk the streets, always be aware of the light and how it’s changing. Light is the essence of street photography (and photography more broadly), so no matter what you’re taking picture of or where you are in the world, the light you use is key to capturing a good photo.

Pause every now and then to take stock of the light. Think about what the light is doing, and consider how it can bring more drama to your photos. Alternatively, think about the mood the light creates and choose a subject that suits the atmosphere.

9. Look for contrast in the scene

Many street photographers love to create compositions based entirely on contrasts. They’ll find a spot where the light and shadows play nicely together to create strong shapes or interesting patterns. Then they’ll wait for the right moment – when a person, a cyclist, or a dog moves through the scene.

When you find such a location, position yourself in a convenient spot. Then, with your camera to your eye, move around until you create a pleasing composition based primarily on contrast. Ask yourself: How can I make use of the rules of composition? Does the rule of thirds work in this scenario? Are there strong leading lines? Can I create a frame within a frame?

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 105mm | f/3.5 | 1/800s | ISO 200

10. Capture motion to add a sense of energy

Including motion in your street photos is a great way to add interest and plenty of dynamism. People walking or running, cars whizzing by, or crowds flowing past the camera can all make great subjects.

But whenever there’s motion within your composition, think of the most effective way to capture it. Don’t just fire that shutter without careful consideration. Should you use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion? Or could you use a slow shutter speed and create motion blur instead?

(If you’re not sure how to approach the scene, go ahead and try several shutter speeds. That way, you don’t have to worry about missing the shot, and you’ll have plenty of time to evaluate the images down the line.)

11. Use reflections to add depth and interest

Reflections, when used carefully, can add lots of extra depth and dimension. A reflection can duplicate a subject, or it can introduce other elements that may not be otherwise visible in your compositions (such as a person sitting nearby or a beautiful sky).

When including a reflection in your street shot, think about where you should focus. If you’re using a wider aperture (and hence creating a shallow depth of field) when you focus on the reflective surface, the subject itself might be out of focus. Notice how, in this next shot, the vehicle itself isn’t sharp, but the reflection is:

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/8 | 1/200s | ISO 400

There’s no right way to handle this, but it’s important that you carefully choose your aperture and your point of focus so you get the result you’re after.

12. Capture the feeling and atmosphere of the place

What you include and what you exclude from your frame can dramatically impact the atmosphere of your photos. Always look to see what is filling your frame, then do what you can to make the most of it (or to exclude it entirely).

Think about each element of the composition and how they interact with other elements. How does the mood of the photo change in response? Do what you can to create an image that encapsulates the feeling of the environment!

13. Be patient and wait for the right moment

Timing is a key part of any good street photography composition (assuming the scene includes movement). For instance, when people or vehicles are passing by, it’s essential that you choose your moment. Press your shutter button at the wrong time, and you’ll end up with a weak composition; press your shutter button at right time, and the result can be breathtaking.

Learn to be more patient. Carefully watch the activity you’re wanting to photograph. Look for patterns of movement. Once you can predict the action in advance, you’ll be able to create much stronger compositions.

street photography compositions
Nikon D800 | 35mm | f/9 | 1/320s | ISO 400

Street photography composition tips: final words

Understanding the basics of street photography composition takes time, effort, and – most of all – practice. The more you practice, the more you’ll understand what works and what doesn’t.

As you spend time in the street with your camera in your hands, you’ll become more confident and capable. Use the tips in this article to level up your shots, and make sure you have plenty of fun along the way!

The post 13 Tips to Improve Your Street Photography Compositions appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.



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Jan 29, 2023

[Photography] 6 Ideas for Stunning City Photography (+ Examples)

The post 6 Ideas for Stunning City Photography (+ Examples) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jeremy Flint.

Ideas for gorgeous city photography

Towns and cities may be noisy, busy, stressful, and congested – yet they provide amazing opportunities for photos. You can capture gorgeous skyline shots, amazing snaps featuring architectural landmarks, images of passersby dwarfed by giant skyscrapers, and so much more.

However, if you’re new to the city or you’re an urban photo veteran in a creative rut, you might be looking for a few helpful ideas; that’s where this article comes into play.

Below, I share six easy ideas for city photography. Whether you live in a bustling metropolis or a sleepy seaside town, you’re bound to find something on this list. So without further ado, let’s dive right in, starting with:

1. City skyscrapers

City photography ideas

While not every city offers skyscrapers, if you’re lucky enough to live in a busy area, you’re bound to have access to a tall building or two – and these can make for amazing city photo subjects.

You have all sorts of options. For instance, you can travel to the base of a skyscraper and shoot upward. If the city features a handful of skyscrapers across a small area, try getting into position beneath several of the buildings, then shoot a beautiful multi-skyscraper composition. (Even better: Wait until the weather is foggy, then capture your favorite skyscrapers receding into the clouds.)

Another approach is to find a vantage point off in the distance and shoot toward the skyscraper using a wide-angle (or even a telephoto) lens. If the city includes a lookout deck, you might try getting into position just before sunset to capture the buildings from above. Another solid alternative is to find a parking garage with public access; these often afford great views of skyscrapers! Of course, you can also try to find a place outside the main business district to shoot from:

City photography ideas

Pay careful attention to the lighting. Sunrise and sunset can provide dramatic front light, backlighting, and side lighting, though you might also come during the middle of the day when the sun casts harsh shadows and turns skyscrapers into abstract geometric elements. Don’t be afraid to experiment, either. Some of your shots may not work out, but the ones that do will make it all worth it!

2. The nocturnal cityscape

City photography ideas

Cities look amazing at sunrise, sunset, and even during the day – but have you considered shooting your favorite cityscape locations at night?

Thanks to the bright lights of the city skyline, it’s possible to create all sorts of gorgeous images after dark, including stunning long-exposure shots that combine artificial lighting with dark alleys, eerie parks, and even moving water.

You can shoot from smack-dab in the middle of the city or from afar; the key is to bring a tripod and a remote release so you can use lengthy shutter speeds without issue. It can also help to bracket your images and blend the files together using HDR techniques during post-processing.

A great time to shoot nocturnal cityscapes is just after dark. The light from the sky won’t have completely faded, giving you a bit more illumination (and color) to work with, and the building lights will generally provide a gorgeous golden glow.

City photography ideas

Also, be sure you think carefully about safety. Don’t linger too long in any one place, make sure you’re always aware of your surroundings, and whatever you do, don’t leave your equipment unattended.

Pro tip: Even if your goal is to shoot after the sun sets, set yourself up a half-hour or so in advance. That way, you have plenty of time to find a composition before the conditions are right (and you can even experiment with the changing light as it shifts from light to dark).

3. City reflections

If you live in a touristy city, certain buildings and city landmarks may feel so over-photographed that you’re reluctant to point your camera in their direction.

One way to capture more original images of these locations is to change up your angle or perspective – in particular, I recommend finding some water, then shooting with a wide-angle lens so as to include the buildings, any interesting landmarks, and their reflections.

Not all cities sit along bays, lakes, or rivers, of course, but that’s no reason to give up on reflection shots. You can use puddles or fountains to capture interesting water reflections, or you can use shiny glass or metal to get the result you’re looking for.

City photography ideas

For the best results, use a tripod and narrow your aperture until the entire scene is in focus. That way, the city and its reflection will turn out crisp and beautiful.

4. Street scenes at night

One of my city photography ideas (suggested above) is to photograph cityscapes at night, but I’d also encourage you to capture street scenes after dark – in other words, look for opportunities to combine buildings and people for amazing results.

You can take a few approaches here. One option is to use a tripod and tackle the street scenes like a cityscape shooter. Set up a composition, wait for the right person to walk through, and when the moment is right, press that shutter button. (You’ll want to keep an eye on your shutter speed, but even if the person is slightly blurry, that’s okay; it’s really more about the feeling of the entire scene.)

City photography ideas

You might also consider shooting in busier areas with an ultra-long shutter speed; a 10-second exposure will capture the flow of traffic or people as they move across the scene and make for a breathtaking photo.

Alternatively, you can crank up your camera’s ISO, make sure you have a reasonably fast shutter speed, and work handheld. That way, you can react more quickly to events on the street, and while the higher ISO will degrade image quality, the noise can actually give your shots an interesting grungy look.

5. The city from above

Aerial images give viewers a completely new perspective, even if the shots depict buildings and city landmarks they’ve seen hundreds or even thousands of times.

That’s why, if you have the opportunity, I really encourage you to grab a wide-angle lens, get up high, and see what you can create.

City photography ideas

Many aerial shots are taken using drones, but if you don’t already own one and don’t wish to fork over hundreds (or thousands) of dollars, you do have other options. Observation decks are great, and you can find a few in most major cities. If you want to shoot at sunset or after dark, call in advance to determine any rules about tripods, as not all decks allow them.

You can also look for rooftop restaurants and bars that allow public access, and depending on the size of the buildings, you may even manage to capture aerial-type shots from certain parking garages.

Of course, make sure you do your high-elevation shots safely. Never lean over railings, and if you do plan to hold your camera out over a ledge, secure your camera strap around your hand or neck to keep it safe.

6. The city and its environment

City photography ideas

Most city photographers capture images that focus on the buildings and their features, but if you’re after truly unique images, why not find a distant vantage point and see if you can contextualize the city?

By including the surrounding forests, plains, lakes, or suburbs, you can give viewers a sense of the city and its environment. You generally will need to find a vantage point of some sort – here, a drone can be helpful, though you can also shoot from a distant hill or structure.

A wide-angle lens generally gives great results, though I’d encourage you to work with a variety of focal lengths to achieve different effects!

City photography ideas: final words

Well, there you have it:

Six easy ideas for amazing shots of cities. Hopefully, you’re now feeling inspired – and you’re ready to head out with your camera and capture some gorgeous photos!

Now over to you:

What city do you plan to photograph? Do you have any specific shots in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post 6 Ideas for Stunning City Photography (+ Examples) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jeremy Flint.



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[Photography] 5 Tips for Portrait Photography in Busy Locations

The post 5 Tips for Portrait Photography in Busy Locations appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Lily Sawyer.

Tips for portraits in busy locations

I live in London; it’s a big city with an array of portrait photography location choices, but it’s a fast and busy place. Other cities are similar: New York, Paris, Tokyo, Berlin, Beijing, and more. Even smaller cities can get pretty busy in certain areas, which is why, no matter your location, it pays to understand exactly how to navigate the hustle and the bustle so you can capture gorgeous portrait shots.

In fact, with the right approach, you can not only create great images, but you can even improve your shots by using the hubbub and the constant activity to your advantage. In this article, I share five tips to capture amazing portraits in busy cities – and by the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be prepared to produce gorgeous shots in the world’s most frenetic locations.

Let’s dive right in.

1. Scout out the location and look for potential spots

It’s always a good idea to scout out portrait photoshoot locations in advance, but this is especially important for busy-city photographers. I’d recommend taking a walk around the same time you plan on having your portrait session (so that the activity levels mirror the activity levels you’ll experience during the actual shoot) and identifying areas of interest.

In particular, keep an eye out for locations that, despite the hubbub around them, manage to stay rather quiet and empty of people. Little corridors, nooks, and crannies can work great for this, such as this delightful little alley that leads toward a restaurant:

Portrait photography in busy locations

Once you’ve found some options, talk with your portrait clients. Give them some location ideas and options from which they can choose. While this isn’t particular to busy city photography, if you can get them involved in the process, they’re more likely to look forward to the photoshoot and really own it.

When discussing locations, you should also talk about outfits, as clothing is important to the overall look and feel of the images. It’s important that the clothing matches the feel of the location; otherwise, you’ll end up with a strange contrast between the background and the subjects.

For the example photoshoot depicted throughout this article, we had two different locations in mind, each with its own ambiance and style. Originally, the couple wanted to photograph outside an old ruined church, with its stunning walls, old architecture, and some greenery. The church offered a really cozy country feel, soft light, and an enchanting ambiance (in many ways, it offered the opposite of a busy city feeling).

But the couple had already decided on their outfits and had purchased them specifically for the photoshoot. In my opinion, the outfits worked far better in an urban environment than in a rural scene, so I encouraged them to go with a busy-city location instead.

Portrait photography in busy locations

One quick piece of advice:

As you scout out locations – and as you pitch different locations to your subjects – try to match their personality to the scene. If you’re photographing a somber, serious individual, you might want to choose a more monochromatic, quieter location. But if you’re photographing a bubbly couple, a colorful, bustling market backdrop will make far more sense.

2. Incorporate icons and landmarks

Portrait photography in busy locations

Every city – no matter how small – has its own landmarks. In major metropolises, you’ll come across world-famous icons such as Buckingham Palace and the Eye of London. But even little cities feature specific sculptures, buildings, and streets that are iconic in their own way.

So before heading out for your photoshoot, determine a few fun landmarks to incorporate into your shots. (Your subjects’ input can be very helpful here – ask them in advance if they have a favorite building or attraction.) You don’t have to go landmark-crazy, and not every busy-city photoshoot needs to include an array of recognizable attractions. But if you’re looking to embrace the city feel while also capturing images that feel unique to that location, it can be a helpful approach.

Portrait photography in busy locations

For my example photoshoot, we chose boutique shops and food stops that were traditional and well-known in the area, and I elected to use their shop windows as backdrops. Again, it’s important that you know a little about your couple and what they like so you can keep your eyes peeled for anything that appeals to them. In this case, Tom is English and likes beer, so we stopped by a tavern:

Portrait photography in busy locations
Portrait photography in busy locations

You don’t have to restrict yourself to photographing outside, either. Plenty of locations won’t mind if you come inside for a few portrait shots, though it’s important that you always ask for permission, first. (Usually, the shopkeepers are helpful and allow you to grab your photos if you are quiet, non-disruptive, and quick. But some may refuse and that is perfectly fine. Don’t take it personally!)

3. Leverage the busyness

If you choose to photograph on crowded, busy streets, there’s just no getting away from people. Often, it’s a waiting and asking game. You either wait for people to walk past and clear your space, or you ask them to move away. (Do it very politely, and if they agree, thank them profusely.)

However, if you don’t want to wait or you’re looking to create something different, why not leverage the busyness by incorporating motion into your images? That’s how I got this photo:

Portrait photography in busy locations

Try slowing down your shutter speed, narrowing your aperture (for extra sharpness throughout the scene), and either mounting your camera on a tripod or using a setup with impressive image-stabilization capabilities. Also, make sure that your subjects stay very still while you shoot. Wait for a bus or car to drive by, then fire the shutter!

Note that it can take several attempts to get a good result as it’s a difficult setup with no planning ahead or anticipation of what is to come. Of course, if things don’t go quite right, you can always rely on a bit of Photoshop magic.

4. Do something fun and quirky

Busy locations offer all sorts of attractions, including colorful buildings, interesting parks, and public art. If you’re working with the right subjects, try to keep the photoshoot lighthearted and fun by finding some unusual spots and asking the subjects to do some quirky things. You may not end up using the images in the end, but it’s generally worth a shot and will help keep the photoshoot interesting!

For this next image, my subjects stood between huge exhaust installations with the BEL-AIR sign in the background, and they pretended to get blown away:

Portrait photography in busy locations

But to be safe, I also captured a few normal shots:

Portrait photography in busy locations

Then we found this old chapel with sculptures and thought it would be funny to copy the sculpture poses:

Portrait photography in busy locations

Remember: A photoshoot is more than just taking pictures! It’s an experience, so aim to make things both fun and easy. That way, your subjects head home with the feeling that it was time well spent.

5. End on a high note

As you’re shooting, don’t forget to include key indicators: How far you are into the photoshoot, other plans you may have in terms of locations, certain shots you want to try, etc. As you walk to new locations, explain to your subjects how far you are into your plan, and always make it clear when you’re nearing the end of the session.

Why is this so important? People appreciate knowing where they are in a photoshoot! Some people cannot handle more than half an hour of portrait posing and these markers help them get through it. Others like long photoshoots, so you need to keep tabs on your time to ensure you don’t run over. But whatever you do, don’t look at your watch.

Portrait photography in busy locations

As you reach the end of the shoot, do your best to end on a high note with lots of laughter. If you can achieve this, it greatly helps reinforce good photoshoot memories so that there will be another photoshoot down the line. You want your subjects to look back and remember good times (rather than the bad weather, the cold, the hassle of waiting for people to get out of the way, and so on).

Relatedly, when you show your couples their image gallery, end with happy photos, too!

Portrait photography in busy locations: final words

Now that you’ve finished this article, you’re ready to capture some amazing portrait shots – even if you live in hustling, bustling cities like London, NYC, or Tokyo.

So remember the tips I’ve shared. Do some location scouting, pay attention to your subjects’ personalities, and above all, have fun!

Now over to you:

Do you have any additional tips for shooting in busy locations? Where do you plan to photograph next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Table of contents

Portrait Photography

The post 5 Tips for Portrait Photography in Busy Locations appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Lily Sawyer.



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