a PRO Tokyo Street Photographer's Advice

Lukasz Palka shares his TIMELESS tips on Urban & Street Photography!
Follow IG @lkazphoto | YT @EYExplore | WEB www.eyexplore.com
Lukasz's Street Photography Kit
28mm f/1.4
Amazon geni.us/NMwgA | BH geni.us/LuJS
40mm f/2
Amazon geni.us/HuOoABY | BH geni.us/TTGcA
Ricoh GRIII
Amazon geni.us/yzHUylw | BH geni.us/yA6u
Music from Epidemic Sound (Free 30-Day Trial!)
share.epidemicsound.com/qcLCB
On-Location Rain Street Photography was in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Thanks to Storyblocks for sponsoring this video! Check how they can help you out for your next project! www.storyblocks.com/jasonvong

[@JasonVong]

So who else is overthinking their photography? Let me know what resonated with you in this video and how you're going to take action!! Lukasz Palka @lkazphoto KZbin: @eyexplore www.eyexplore.com

[@rolandrickphotography]

Missing link to his YT channel (if he has one) 😉

[@MrPatriickzz]

@@rolandrickphotography He does. but he doesn't use it. He does have a playlist featuring videos where he's in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZDXoXuXnKplfrc

[@andreeadobre3190]

I'm only just starting the video but photography is one of the few occasions when I stay fully present in the moment and don't overthink :)

[@nancyk9475]

Great video! Love your channel, even though I’m a Nikon shooter, love Lukasz and Professor Hines. I just need to shoot more and slow down - sometimes I rush a photo.

[@PochinskiM93]

What resonates most with me is the acceptance of failure and breaking the rules. What has really held me back with my photography is trying to remember and adhere to all the rules to create a “professional” image and my own overthinking. I think Lukasz is right, and you need to set them on the back burner and let you’re own creativity take over. Don’t be afraid of failure. Rules were meant to be broken. My goal for 2022 is to finally upgrade to a full frame a7iii, grab an 85mm prime and just hit the streets one night and shoot. I’ll let the photos come to me rather than me trying to pursue them.

[@milosilic6128]

Even beginner can make pro photos in Tokyo. Don't waste money on equipment, by a plane ticket to Tokyo :)

[@megansalt]

fully agree

[@MasterVycen]

I feel like this guy is my new favorite photographer and just overall human being in general.

[@RealJamesArcher]

I like to take notes. 😄 Tip #1: Photography is about mindfulness. Don't be thinking about other stuff. Don't be distracted by your phone, etc. Just be in the moment. Don't be distracted by your camera. Set it up beforehand. He uses aperture priority for simplicity. 6400/Auto ISO, min shutter of 1/250. Those settings let him focus on shooting. Gear: Nikon D4 with 28mm f/1.4 and 40mm f/2. Tip #2: Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to break the rules. Don't over-worry about rule of thirds, straight horizons, blown-out highlights, etc. Go ahead and try things. "You never discover new oceans if you don't move away from the shore." Tip #3: Work the scene. Creativity is the product of curiosity & rigor" (Chuck Close) "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." (Chuck Close) Look around for different angles, different textures, different ways to take the same shot. Don't just roll up and take the first photo you see. Tip #4: Have your own vision. Borrow ideas and concepts from others, but maintain your own vision. Learn what you can by copying the masters, but then put your own spin on it. Go your own direction. Don't over-emulate someone else's style. Tip #5. Smile! Being positive will help you connect with the people you photograph (even if you photograph them before you talk to them.) Bonus Tip #6. Don't overthink! Just go out and have fun and do it consistently. Don't worry about not being good enough. If you're consistent, you'll get good.

[@mekahughes2276]

Thank you for the notes!

[@subarnakhorshed6075]

Thanks ♥

[@Project_2501]

Lukasz must be the most humble and down to earth guy in photography you are ver going to meet. The web is full of arrogant hipsters and pseudo-professionals that act as if they reinvented the wheel and therefor celebrate themselves in this narcissistic, over-articulate way of showing off their verbal capabilities and what they think to know is right but mostly never even produce anything of real value. Luksz instead is like this super normal guy who is not too confident, even shy about what he is doing despite his masterful skill and body of work I have deep respect for him and even feel very envious about his work - because I never produced something like this, nor does Street photography suit me - and I tried hard, thinking it is what I needed to do, but then had to realize that my photography would eventually go a total different direction. He in my opinion is maybe even THE street photographer of the modern age when it comes to original and artistically valuable images. Most inspiring body of work I have ever seen.

[@megansalt]

I agree with you. This and Prof. Hines' video are the two best photo videos I've seen on KZbin in the past 5 years or so

[@aquilifergroup]

Well stated. I too admire him.

[@Project_2501]

@@damianwojcikiewicz3951 I agree that Instagram changed from a platform for photographers to a hub for narcissists and soft pawn thots who prostitute themselves for the money and instant gratification. So I can relate to your frustration. Photography has become an inflationary good and as a result it's value has dropped to a thing we consume in masses but nothing longer than a few seconds. It used to be very different. It is good that everybody is enabled to take photos these days, but what comes of it? But there is light at the end of the tunnel, with new very skilled photographers like Willem Verbeek, Grainydays, Vuhlandes. Serr or Feizal Wescott who produce incredible art in the streets with a often very minimalistic approach. Lucasz was and is a great inspiration for me, although I think his style and quality changed - so I am more a fan of his early work, seen in the famous video from 2014, which I don't know how many times I have seen and drawn inspiration from. The landscape changes very drastically and street photography becomes more and more an almost main stream thing in photography and I have not yet made up my mind if that is a good thing or not. And yes, I do agree that spending too much time with social media is reducing your life experience and very detatching from reality in a very negative way.

[@EYExplore]

Wow, I just saw this comment by chance. Holy shit, I feel humbled that someone would think so highly of me. I hope I can always live up to your image of me! :)

[@adr1052]

Personally I also use the smile tip a lot. It's interesting how after you lose the fear of getting caught taking a shot you realize that most people don't care. And if you approach them happily they will also respond happily. Have fun shooting!

[@simplehead513]

also giving a universal big thumbs up sign with the cheesy smile after the candid shot really helps especially when they're caught off guard with that simultaneous deer in the headlights look which are great looks...then just move on to next subject...also if u ask them for posed pic and they say no then no biggie just smile and move on don't take it personally.

[@styler0745]

Andrew 星光 Rodrick I am very nervous when shooting street. But I love the vibe

[@artasymmetry767]

This is one thing I am scared of, people reacting to them being photographed. Any tips guys on how to shoot without offending people?

[@mr.broccoli3776]

This guy is what would you call a basic explaining the professional, i like him ❤️💪

[@StarrysLostandFound]

I've been Lukasz for year. Great choice.

[@MrJoesquarepants]

“Don’t overthink” Oh my god, just what I needed. Thanks a lot! Love his photos!

[@rananapier8424]

Love that you’re sharing your platform so that we can learn more! Amazing work

[@AdrianW_photo]

Jason, these interviews are truly interesting and inspiring to watch. It's wonderful to hear first hand the journey and wisdom of other professionals.

[@EvanNakagawa]

Absolutely LOVED this video! As I did with the one with Professor Hines. It's truly inspiring to hear these different photographers talk, and makes me want to go out and just shoot!

[@chrisrock340]

I love this series! Keep it coming Jason! I really like his reminder to just get out and shoot, and shoot, and shoot. I get too caught up in looking for the perfect shot.

[@josephlongshore6013]

I already really enjoyed your channel, but this photographer interview style of video series really hits the sweet spot for me. I can’t wait to see more!

[@___yakineko]

The girl with the blue umbrella was so nice~

[@anthonyhofgren9981]

Absolutely love these street photography tips interview style! Keep them coming.

[@styler0745]

Love you Jason! Thank you for introducing me to people that truly inspire me. ❤️❤️

[@weeklyfascination]

Living in Tokyo, I recognize many of the locations in Lukasz's photos. Will keep my eyes open as I'm out almost every night photographing Tokyo as well. It really is an awesome place to photograph. You can run out of memory cards and batteries before you run out of places to photograph.

[@priyeshabsolute]

It's great to see Lukasz getting around on the Internet.

[@rehman24fps]

Thanks Jason for introducing such an amazing street photographer. His words are gold!

[@andykrupp3220]

Jason - Couldn't be more happy with your videos...I love your fun approach to having interesting and intelligent conversations about photography. Bringing other fantastic photographers into your videos is only and extra bonus! Thanks again!

[@helencogan2187]

Jason....you have taken your channel to another level.....YOU ROCK!!!

[@brettnfk]

Would definitely love more videos like this that focus on photographers whose work includes other genres, like landscape, portrait, fine art etc.

[@aceymeppy]

Ughh the motivation, thank you!

[@tomm4352]

Proud to be Polish.

[@DragonEye1911]

Possibly the best street photography video I’ve watched so far in YT.

[@diamonddogs6037]

I like these kinds of videos, it's great learning from other photographers and understanding their views.

[@gcnphilly]

I really loved this video. It was nice to see something besides another tech review. Jason, i enjoyed hearing from an artist that you admire and he did a great job of summarizing some essential tips. Loved this. Wish I had seen this before I went to Tokyo!! 😳 I especially like the reminders about the settings - get them dialed in as soon as you can, and don’t forget to smile. A smile goes a long way even when you don’t speak the language!! Look forward to more vids like this.

[@kylieknight8847]

Really enjoyed this video Jason :) excellent work and so cool that you interviewed Lukaz. Love his work 🙂

[@LeDebutDeLaSuite]

Thank you for these videos, they're invaluable and touching

[@bopiyeff]

Great interview! Jason, thank you!

[@thenewtuber_]

Man thanks alot!! You got really good content!! Love it! Thanks again!

[@alejandroalcantara7739]

85mm is my new favorite! Makes me so creative!

[@paulkhanna5665]

Fantastic video and full of practical tips. Thank you for bringing this to us. I also agree that experimenting is not failing. Take the shot, review, adjust, repeat.

[@paulanthony30]

I so needed this video today. Thanks.

[@louweesee]

Another great video! This is inspiring

[@rjacob06]

These tips are so helpful. They will be useful for my street photography efforts in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Thank you so much for uploading this.

[@Thoth06]

I was able to talk to professor hines at the imaging conference in Nashville .... he made me look at street photography in a whole new light. He is an AMAZING TALENT one of my new favs...

[@JasonVong]

Haha yes!! Glad you got to meet him!

[@zgle]

Had an opportunity to shoot with Lukasz this past December. He has impressive knowledge and is a great teacher as well. Something that is hard to find. Great video as always and thanks for creating.

[@Bryson_Rider]

This was an excellent video and so helpful. Thank you!

[@gabelopez4664]

that video made me subscribe! defiantly good to have notification on!

[@lifeat35mm]

Keep these up. Great information.

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

Bravo!! As I again venture into NYC for a day of street photography I’ll keep these tips in the forefront of my mind. Thank you for a great video!😀👍

[@IanvanderVelde]

Great tips Jason! Keep doing this

[@nine_nine]

This was helpful, thank you Jason

[@lonnieclemens5131]

Excellent video! Enjoyed listening to Lukasz Palka.

[@ayman.s]

I've taken many classes with Lukasz at @Eyexplore in Tokyo, his photography and influence is super helpful.

[@todoguahan2896]

Good to see videos about the other side of photography. Thanks Jason,. In this day and age of self promotion, I applaud you for leading aspiring creators to other artists who will share the craft and lend advice. Hopefully after this COVID-19 event I can take a trip to Japan and attend one of Lukasz' workshops.

[@veniero2010]

Lover this series. Keep them coming, please!

[@JasonVong]

will do!

[@goodlifecookin]

Love this work bro!

[@lawrencehorowitz9291]

Smile and have fun are great pieces of advice.

[@perrycoon1815]

Such a great video! Thank you so much!!

[@robertmcdaniel7707]

Outstanding. Thank you for sharing.

[@WayaWolf]

The shop picture has to be my favorite!!!!!!

[@marianogarciabarraza9938]

This man is awesome

[@mikaelg.1517]

Thanks for the ideas..It really helps to me a lot!

[@rgarciamainou]

Hey Jason, this series is great. Keep at it please. 😄👍🏻

[@michaelmano7261]

consistency is key!

[@borapora]

Awesome tips! Thanks!

[@mrdre1019]

amazing video. thank you for this

[@NickL0VIN]

Excellent stuff, I really like this guy!

[@italogiardina8183]

The social dimension of lived experience with the subject is a tonic.

[@identity15081985]

He's one of my fave photographers! Thanks!

[@EYExplore]

Wow! Thank you!! :)

[@jeffersononetwo]

Indeed, that video was awesome!! I have discovered your channel and I really like it ... great job, Jason

[@luis333luis333]

Great stuff!! Very good tips and advices from an exceptional photographer!! Thank you very much. Greetings from Spain!

[@TomVestvik]

This was very motivating. Even made me reach out and grab my good old, big, and heavy Nikon.

[@chloesastry1252]

"Photography is about mindfulness" YES!

[@LukaszPalkaPhoto]

:)

[@megansalt]

right! too much post-processing/editing/over-saturation these days! let's talk basics!

[@lior2538]

Very nice photos !

[@CARLA19822]

Excellent tips and delivery of information, as if he was telling you all this stuff while conversing with you, personal and so informative. TY!

[@LukaszPalkaPhoto]

Thank you so much!! I've been doing workshops for 5 years now, so it helps that I have said many of these things in conversation before. :)

[@jonaswicker6188]

Thank you! Both of you!

[@diysy9431]

Thanks for the settings 👍🏽

[@MusicLee2012]

Thx so much!

[@theronsan]

Great tips! I really like Lukasz photos.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! :)

[@adprojects7278]

Thank you, Jason! I've learn a lot from your channel! 🙂

[@JasonVong]

Glad this helped!! :)

[@dianeschuller]

another really interesting interview -- thanks

[@hamsphotovlogs]

great tips. and great photos too. smile is the one I will try to use next time i do street photography :).

[@watchmecambodia]

Thank you for sharing this video and tips

[@MyTinyAtlas]

very wise words! thank you for sharing!

[@ninoliberatore1491]

awesome Jason thanks so much

[@seken2nun]

Good stuff👍🏾 I was also inspired

[@MauiTravelVideos]

Aloha. Love Street Photography. Keep it up!

[@lukemitchell1559]

Great video!

[@GuillaumeTANNEUX]

Very inspiring.

[@TalibanTvee]

Thank you for this ...

[@baotcreekdisco]

All the best mate .

[@yakamo]

i just discovered this video, thank you. im currently in Tokyo right now.

[@nancyk9475]

Great video! I’m always looking for tips to improve. I like street photography, especially night photography, but live in a smaller town, I tend to think of large cities for street photography. My favorite tip is “mindfulness”, I feel like I’m always in a rush and other things on my mind. I’m going to be more aware of this.

[@janzeddrieck5801]

Boy oh boy! 🤯 Give us anotha one tomorrow! 😁

[@tomn.9610]

Absolutely enjoy this very helpful video !!!! This guy is great !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! :)

[@gonzaloraez248]

Jason i love all your videos! Ive learned so much in just a few months of watching you. I have a question, i use a Sony A7 III and im gonna start touring with a friend taking pictures of all her music gigs. Which lens should i use or get considering that ill be shooting in bars, clubs or maybe big stages?? Thank you for the help!

[@leewatson1525]

great video great tips

[@rochiellebevans1783]

Excellent.

[@phorne96]

I'm heading to Tokyo next week, so I'll be sure to use these tips!

[@JasonVong]

have fun!

[@5m4llk1ng]

I love tips like this.. much more entertaining and knowledge compared to vloggers..

[@EverlastingEclipses]

*THIS IS WHAT IVE BEEN WAITING FOR JASON VONG GOD DAMN IT I LOVE YOU SIR*

[@JourneymanActor]

He is definitely putting in the work and he got some really good candids.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! :)

[@dlovisuals]

Great video Jason, Lukasz! This really resonated with because I’ve become so bored of cityscapes but this just made me look at it completely different. Can’t wait til it gets dark today so I can go shoot!

[@JasonVong]

I remember you mentioning that in your podcast! Let's go shoot!

[@dlovisuals]

Jason Vong dude I am so down!

[@simplehead513]

guys like Lukasz, Mark Kearney, Sean Tucker, etc etc etc shoot great street photos in their own different ways...but Lukasz resonates the most and I try to incorporate much of his philosophy and style...especially since we live part time Japan as well

[@EYExplore]

@@simplehead513 I'm glad to hear that! Thank you for including me in such esteemed company!! :)

[@EYExplore]

Glad to give you some ideas!

[@Guitarmfig]

Daido Moriyama has totally rocked my world

[@rf.photographs]

A Jason Vong & Eyexplore collab is a collab the world had to see.

[@EYExplore]

:)

[@seollenda]

Love #5