Street Photography

What is Street Photography?

Street photography is an art of taking candid photography in public places. Its a type of documentary photography. Its a medium of showcasing actual face of life.
Street photography can get a bit tricky affair if certain things are not taken into consideration. 

Street Vendor at Marina Beach, Chennai, India

• Although you don't carry huge gear in most of the cases to take those candid shots you have to depend on capabilities that your camera provides.
• Go out when there is enough light so that you don't have to depend on tripod, monopod or any other alternative. 
• You must be ready to face dramatic change in weather and different lighting conditions. 
• Carry good backpack / camera bag that will allow you to mover around freely. 
• Take permission of people whom you are clicking if possible else don't make it obvious that you are taking them in the frame.  
• If someone refuses you to take their picture, be sensitive to their request. Apologize if you have already clicked. 
• A good smile on your face will help you in most of the cases, You wouldn't want to smile when in tense situations when it inappropriate.
• Wide angle lenses help. You can go very close to the subject and point the camera away from them and still have them in the frame. This help avoid that awkward feeling which may develop otherwise.
• If available use live view option of your camera to frame the subject this way you can avoid making them feel awkward and it may not appear that you are actually taking a picture unless you use a flash. Also if your camera allows you to tilt the screen you can try shooting from different angles.

Initially you may feel tentative with street photography, but once you have your experiences you may start liking it!