What Makes A Good Street Photography Shot? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What Makes A Good Street Photography Shot?

Street photography: more than just a picture on the street.

1.3k
What Makes A Good Street Photography Shot?
Geovanny Guzman

Hey guys what's up?

Last time, I got to talk to you all about where to start in photography. This time I feel it would be great to follow up with the idea of street photography. Now, why street photography you might ask. Well, street photography has been a very popular theme and route many photographers take. Whether you are a seasoned professional, or just picked up a camera a few days ago. This area of photography has been very popular by many, and it's actually an area of photography where many people can start. Think about it, you just need a camera and the outdoors. Doesn't necessarily mean a high-end DSLR from a top brand. Your phone (under decent quality light) can bring extraordinary results when you're out and about.

So what makes it so hard to have a great street photograph, and make it stand out from the thousands created worldwide and shared on social media? Well, the answer might be both simple and complicated. Ready for the answer? Okay, here it goes. At the end of the day, did you really care? Sounds simple right? Well not really. You see when taking a street photo. It all starts at home you see ( or wherever you are before going out in the street taking photos) and that right there already will make you stand out from the majority. Reason being is that when you go out and just start taking random photos, you don't have a game plan. So any picture you take won't tell a story. Ever heard "a picture is worth a thousand words" If so, then one way of interpreting that, which is something I came to translate it like this. My photo is telling a story, the only difference from another type of storytelling method is that it's capturing something in time. Freezing it and capturing something that will never ever be recreated, this holds true especially when it comes to street photography.

So many things are always going on, especially if you live in New York City. That many things around happening at the same time. There are millions of stories happening all around you. From the ways cars move at a certain street, the way people are interacting with one another (or not, NYC people could relate) from where and what time. To the way flowers and insects coexist in this concrete jungle. You see by just picking one idea, you can take a photo and quickly take another. After taking a few you notice you feel inspired by the same idea you originally had. But now you move on to something a bit different, only this time there's a connection, if there's a change is with a purpose. From this specific time, you're no longer taking random pictures. You're an individual with a mission, that mission is to take a photo that is a bit different in them yet still inspired by the original idea you started with. It is at this point you are telling a story, not just a story. But a story with multiple other stories, stories that are connected somehow. In the end you will end up with a photo story that flows and since it had a purpose. Everything on the frame is there for a reason, and anything that didn't make the frame is also not there for a reason. Why because you had an idea. Because you had a purpose.

Of course, editing and time of sharing on social media with the appropriate hashtags are important. But without this fundamental idea, nothing else really matters. From the type of camera, your editing style, or the amount followers you have on social media. If you start with this idea, especially with street photography. The only way you can go is up and in time improve and make great positive leaps in your photography as a whole.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25987
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10860
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

8029
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments