Week 4: How to Shoot in the Streets

Eric Kim

PART I: Getting over the fear of shooting Street Photography

Lecture Overview

1. Why is it so difficult to shoot strangers in the streets?

2. Why does it make us feel uncomfortable?3. How can we approach a stranger and take

his/her photo without permission?4. How do we stay “invisible” when shooting on

the streets?5. What are the laws of street photography?

“If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not

close enough.” - Robert Capa

Robert Capa

Bruce Gilden

Why is it so difficult to shoot strangers in public?

Street Photography Techniques

• Talking points:1. How do I overcome the psychological barriers to

shooting in the street?2. How can I take photos on the street without

being noticed?3. What settings should I use on my camera?

1. How to overcome the fear of shooting street photography

95% of people don’t do anything.

Based on my experiences:

Rewire your brain

Smile and say “Thank You”

Compliment people

Get close to your subjects

Be prepared how to react

Don’t always stereotype

2. Being invisible on the streets

How to blend in with your environment

How to be invisible

Smile

Don’t make eye contact

Pretend like you took a photo of “something else”

Walk calm and relaxed

Michael Martin

Use a wide-angle prime

Use a small camera

Greg Schmigel

LAWS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE US

Understanding the

What you can do legally

• Street photography is Legal in the US.• You can take photos of people in public.• You can take photos of private property from

public property.• You can take photographs of police and

vehicles.• Police can’t delete your photos.