Street photography is one of my favorite forms of not just photography, but art in general. What draws me to it is the humanity, capturing moments that most people overlook. In today’s world, everyone is chasing the next spectacle, trend, or big event. Hardly anyone slows down to notice the quiet details and stories unfolding right in front of them.

The Beauty and The Struggle

For me, street photography is a way of reminding myself to pause and appreciate what’s always around us: people. At a busy market, it’s easy to be distracted by an ice cream shop advertising its newest flavor, but look closer, and you might notice a shop owner working side by side with his son to make a living. Tourists flock to the Statue of Liberty, yet just around the corner, there might be a small café with only a few customers, each with their own story.

Of course, as beautiful as street photography is, it comes with challenges. Not everyone enjoys having their photo taken, and aiming a camera at the wrong person can spark tension. While it’s legal in the U.S. to photograph people in public, it’s always respectful to delete an image if someone asks. Outside the U.S., things can get trickier. European countries, for example, tend to have stricter privacy laws. For most casual hobbyists, it won’t lead to legal trouble, but it’s something worth keeping in mind.

Staying Invisible

So far, I’ve been lucky enough to avoid any negative encounters, but I’ve still picked up a few tricks for staying less noticeable.

First off, avoid going out with a huge gear bag and a big telephoto lens if your goal is to blend in. On more personal, close-up outings, I usually stick with my small sling bag and a compact prime lens. Smaller setups tend to draw less attention—but ironically, if someone does notice, a tiny camera can sometimes look more suspicious. It’s all about balance.

When it comes to actually taking the shot, subtlety is key. If you can’t capture the frame immediately, point your camera toward something nearby that makes sense to photograph until the right moment comes. Another trick I use: after taking the photo I want, I’ll shift my gaze past the subject, as if I were shooting something in the background. It makes the subject less likely to realize they were the real focus.

How to Make a Good Photo

I don't consider myself an amazing photographer quite yet, but even if I can't create a great photo, I understand how to.

One thing I’ve learned is patience. Street photography isn’t always about chasing the most exciting scene, it’s about waiting and watching. Sometimes I’ll plant myself on a corner or near a busy crosswalk and just observe. People’s natural interactions, expressions, and movements create moments you could never stage. It takes time, but when the right shot happens, it feels like catching lightning in a bottle.

Lighting is another huge factor, if not the most important. Harsh midday sun can make for unflattering shadows and blown-out highlights, but it can also create dramatic contrasts if you’re intentional about it. Personally, I much prefer shooting during golden hour, when the light is softer and warmer, or late at night when signs and streetlights paint the city in colors you’d never see during the day. Street photography doesn’t have a “perfect” time, it just depends on the mood you’re trying to capture and your personal style.

One phrase I always tell myself, and often share with fellow photographers, is to photograph the out-of-the-ordinary. On a busy sidewalk, you might see a dozen people in plain hoodies and another ten in blue jeans, but then there’s that one person in an extraordinary outfit, or wearing just the right colors to stand out against the background. That’s the shot worth taking. Street photography isn’t about capturing what everyone sees—it’s about noticing what most people would miss if they blinked or looked away.

Finally, the biggest tip I’d give is to shoot with intention, not expectation. If you walk outside thinking you have to or will get an amazing shot, you’ll probably be disappointed. More times than not, I come home with no photos worth keeping. If instead you approach it with open eyes and let the streets surprise you, you’ll end up with far more interesting shots.