This Street Photography Habit Changes Everything

This street photography habit has changed everything for me.
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There’s one habit I’ve picked up over the last 12 months or so that has dramatically improved the success rate of my street photography. This habit or technique, whatever you want to call it has increased my chances of getting some keepers at the of a day rather than going home empty handed.
#streetphotography #photography #photographytips

[@snapsbyfox]

Wicked video mate!

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks Mate, thanks for the input!

[@Maine_Focus]

Your point at the end of working the scene is the perfect combo to triggers. It’s something I know I’m supposed to do but rarely find myself doing it. I really need to work on that. I get so into the act of street photography that I forget to act like a street photographer. I get some keepers and occasionally some that I’m proud of over time but if I could practice working the scene along with triggers I think I could do better. Some of what triggers me is smoke (or steam etc), abstract reflection and movement. The others mentioned are also good triggers. I think making your potential triggers into projects might be a good way to reinforce them if they aren’t already habit. You can always add to the list. I’m going to stop typing now and hit the streets. Thank you.

[@garyrobinson3]

Bro, that Nike / red and white photo is probably one of my favorite photos that I've ever seen. It is incredible for so many reasons and what are the chances that this moment takes place... Mind. Blown. !

[@justamanwithanopinion]

I've spent the past couple of months selling ALL my camera gear, having fallen in love with street photography thanks to the X100V. Gone are my DSLR and lenses, filters, tripod, big bags, straps, etc. Only the X100V remains, and it is with a heavy heart it is being sold on eBay right now to get me over the line for a Leica. It's a phenomenal camera and I will miss it so much. I will watch your videos with a twinge of nostalgia from now on, Mike.

[@MikeChudley]

Ahhh goodbye to the X100v and hello to which Leica? I’d love to get a m10 or q2 probably at some point. Just too much money haha

[@erinjoy8338]

I hope you’re selling it for a reasonable price, unlike a lot of the eBay listings I’ve seen.

[@denniscomia7166]

I agree with what you said my friend, sometimes the great photos/moments come unexpectedly, and you can only capture that if you're out there.

[@doughuras5407]

You have wisdom beyond your years. Thank you for this video.

[@MikeChudley]

That’s very kind of you!

[@oncleschultz]

Very wise and sensitive point of views.

[@robhunt2216]

I absolutely love this video, Mike. It's definitely given me food for thought and will make me think about things to look out for.

[@jamesmurray6825]

My biggest trigger is framing/frames. I always find that if I can't quite get the composition I want, I like to rely on something like the entrance of a building or through the shape of the object to help strengthen my composition.

[@continentalgin]

Excellent! Luck is essential, but readiness is vital. Moments come and go quickly and that means decision making must be almost instantaneous. To be honest, many days out don't yield much, but on other days, you catch something brilliant when you least expect it. Be ready!

[@MikeChudley]

I definitely agree. thanks for watching and for this comment.

[@soyhenryxyz]

you articulated what i was thinking so well and now i'm more aware of my triggers. thx!

[@martingreenberg870]

Very helpful video. This has caused me to think about what captures my interest, or what you call triggers. Some are: people hugging, people holding hands(close up on the holding of hands), juxtaposition ( I find an interesting advertisement or bit of graffiti and fish the scene), reflections (I shoot through windows), interesting looking people (not pretty women), children of all ages (a dangerous bit. I’m a 70 YO man so I’m a dirty old man), Today I purchased a Fuji XS10. Happy birthday in a month. Will start picking up video clips. Will look for a small shotgun mic and capture sound. I want to do 90”-2minute slide shows. Don’t have a slide show program, don’t know how to edit video or audio, or how to add content onto KZbin. More will be revealed. I’m handicapped. I live in Seattle. We don’t have the street action or array of characters I see in my old home New York. The street population in downtown has dramatically fallen off. In other words, slim pickings. I need to work within the parameters of what the street gives me. At least I have some urban to work with. I’ve lived in a village of ~4K. Never again. Way too small. Maybe when airfares come down I can take short trips to larger venues. Mask On Nurse Marty

[@T-Prime848]

Amazing video man I did enjoy listening to each street photographer talking about what triggers each one of them on the streets For me it’s the colors, shapes, reflections, stylish people , light and shadows ……. Thank You for this amazing video…

[@petejobson5036]

Really nice video. could be a favourite. Loved Matt's clip from his key note. I definitely had my triggers when out on the streets, made a lot of sense.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks man! Matts keynote really make my point clear.

[@zethiel]

This video is absolute gold. Instantly felt obligated to subscribe. Great work mate!

[@Danman4u2]

I very much find the Astia tweak on the highlights very pleasing

[@User-jekqocofowowowpeoro]

Such an inspiring video! I truly appreciate it. Thank you!

[@deepouterspace]

Super helpful video, thanks! It's like a psychological effect: when you think about something to be very important, you'll be noticing it around more often. For example if you decide to capture everything red, you'll find much more red things than you could imagine.

[@retropixer]

Thanks for this. Just as I was thinking that I finished off KZbin and its photography tips, among a sea of the same 10 hacks and their variations, your video and point about triggers is a breath of fresh air. Subbed.

[@MikeChudley]

Ahh this has made my day, Thank you!

[@MisterG48]

Brilliant great to hear from fellow photographers too about triggers - thanks

[@Name-ot3xw]

It's good to hear someone else say that I don't need to try so hard to 'make' a shot happen.

[@streetfoxes]

Knew this video was going to be a banger and you certainly delivered. Also having you and Roman in one video is all kinds of amazing! Great advice from everyone and definitely one of my favourite quotes from the book that you showed. For me my triggers at the moment are also hats (who doesn’t love a cool hat!), out-of-the ordinary clothing and bright vibrant colours that stand out!

[@lneleven1708]

This was a superb video Mike and one that will be of huge benefit to many like myself! Thank you

[@BGTuyau]

One of the better, more cogent such videos I've seen: an interesting point proposed and illustrated, with a minimum of the wordy narcissism that often typifies this genre.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for this comment, that's very kind of you. Glad you liked it.

[@PhilippMeiners]

Great and so true! Since I have my triggers it's easier to walk around. And the triggers get more and more

[@ImagesbyAsh]

Game changing video, Mike Thanks for making this. It’s given me so much to think about next time I’m out with my camera.

[@thekeywitness]

One of my favorite triggers is juxtaposition. It can be a figure against or in close proximity to an expressive background/element (such as street art or advertising) that provides a visual commentary or ironic context for the figure (like a bum in front of an outdoor ad for men's cologne). Often, I'll "camp out" at such a location and wait for someone to come by.

[@MikeChudley]

I love those types of images too. 2 of my all time favourite street photos I've capture include a billboard/poster and something interesting happening in front of it.

[@johnrichardson3753]

An interesting trigger for me is to work with doors that open, and people emerge. One of my favorites is the doors on trains. I often walk around when Amtrak trains come in. The Amtrak conductors wear retro themed uniforms and people who take the longer destination trips often have interesting luggage, handbags and backpacks. These are great in subdued cinematic colors or black and white.

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Excellent video - food for thought, Thanks - Peter

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you! Glad you liked it 👊🏻

[@SnowBran]

Thank you Mike. Watching from Philippines

[@timblass4811]

Great watch. Thanks Mike! As a keen street and wildlife/landscape photographer my interests are varied, so am super excited to dig more into triggers and see if there's any commonality here across these different genres! TY for this great food for thought!

[@metalbirder]

Love it. My triggers are light for sure, unusual dress and interesting people.

[@MikeChudley]

Clothing definitely! Helps spot those interesting characters.

[@MatthewTovar0]

Thank you for the lesson 🙏🏼

[@danbrockettDOP]

Excellent video Mike! I'm not really much of a street photographer, I prefer portraits but watching this video got me excited about going out on the street again, there are lots of excellent visual stories out there. And finding my triggers is an interesting process.

[@jazzyjpg]

i watch alot of photography videos, but this topic is really fantastic, super well done.. something i can actually think about and use to take into further sessions

[@MarkCas89]

this is wonderful Mike, thanks for sharing!

[@GingerPhotographyGuy]

This is brilliant! It's amazing seeing everyone's thoughts on what they look for and how they spot it. I'm having a look through some of my favourite photos now to see if there's anything particular that I do!

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks man! There will be some subtle consistencies in your photos you might not even be aware of.

[@swimmingaddict1290]

That's funny... I already have been doing that without relising. My triggers are colors, light and isolation so it is interesting to see that other photographers have the same triggers as me and have been doing that as well.

[@MikeChudley]

Yeaa it’s a nice realisation. I love scripting these videos as it makes me try put my thoughts into words that make sense haha. I never called it “triggers” until I saw that Matt Stuart talk, then it clicked that we all do that.

[@olivierparlephoto]

I didn't thought of triggers when I take photos. But now, I think this is a good word. When I go out shooting, I have a massive library of photo in my head. Or at least the one I like, but also dislike, and the one I like to try. With them in the back of my mind, I walk and look around for one of these image to reproduce. Not literally, but copying variations. It can be light, it can be structure, it can be colour or situations. But there is always a purpose of my walks. Also, a lot of my photos are often "by chance". It just happened. I didn't compose the scene, the light and angles, I just clicked. Then people don't believe me. And back to your word : it's because I certainly have these triggers in the back of my mind.

[@RealMattCook]

Fantastic video, very helpful.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks!!

[@jwalzer]

Fantastic video with such basic knowledge that we too often forget - thx for the reminder!

[@MikeChudley]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jztouch]

Excellent. Great observation at the end about how photos come together. I’m not mad you said it; it’s just how it works isn’t it? I have a few triggers and I’ll add a few more based on this video. 👍

[@itsowlmygod]

As im just starting to learn photography in general and street photography, this is great advice! Thanks!

[@AlejandroRamos-im4to]

Cool to see a young photographer who knows what he is talking about. Interesting video!!👍

[@MikeChudley]

Haha thanks for that! Appreciate it

[@AlejandroRamos-im4to]

@@MikeChudley You're welcome! Greetings from a Mexican follower in Canada!

[@SoStuffedUp]

Great video! I wonder how many images I've passed by wandering around aimlessly, and how many more I might make now that I'm building up this list of triggers in my mind.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks! It’s worth giving it ago at least. But I bet you have some triggers already without knowing it - that’s how you end up with the shots you have now 👌🏻

[@trevsphotos1996]

Awesome video and I’ll definitely be applying some of this to my street photography 👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks mate

[@MikeChudley]

Good to hear it! Thanks mate

[@lemonjoe8482]

stop being so inspirering ... just as i wanted to buy a 56mm = 85mm.... now i just wanna take pictures with good stories hahahaha

[@abchappell01]

That was a great video presentation. Thank you 😊

[@joelnormann]

Amazing video, and very true. For me I often jump on strong shadows, limited but bold colours (ie a strong red or orange but not much else), interesting geometry, and juxtaposition (e.g old/new, natural/man-made). If someone has a really bold stride that always catches my attention too.

[@robertfox5392]

Really good advice, great video.

[@-grey]

Idk if you know Lucasz from EyeExplore, but he uses something similar to triggers, he refers to as euristics. He's got a great channel that is far an away one of the best street photography resources on KZbin. ✌️

[@patrykgrymuza4752]

Very helpful for a begginer like myself. Cheers!

[@georgearmaos9811]

Such an amazing video and storytelling! You have really stepped up your game! Keep it up!

[@MikeChudley]

This comment made my day. Thank you!

[@CincyDude5]

This might be your most interesting video. I can't say for sure because I haven't watched them all.

[@JJ-fromDK]

very nice video, with an awesome takeaway instantly applied knowledge, thanks!!

[@chippy511]

Nice advice e here Mike simple,e tips but good ones to follow.

[@delcim]

My triggers are contradictions, love them.

[@MikeChudley]

Yeah that can come in many forms, great point.

[@huntercreatesthings]

Fantastic video - so much interesting insight to pull from!

[@MikeChudley]

Glad you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun making this one.

[@billycullen6832]

Thanks Mike. Good job.

[@sean_uk]

Cracking video! Never thought about it before, but I've definitely got a few

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for watching Sean!

[@PikPikkabbu]

Very interesting. Tks

[@spaktor]

it would be so cool for someone from these photos to find out a beautiful portrait of them made by you. i feel sorry for all the random strangers that never know that they could be art

[@mozambiquehere239]

Learn a lot! thx for your sharing.

[@jd3330]

Love this video! Seeing my other favorite creators too!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Brilliant video Mike I enjoyed that, liked and subbed for more. As a lifelong photographer I'd say without doubt my trigger would be emotion and gestures. Great light is a welcome bonus. I've definitely been drawn to a scene taken a few shots thinking that's got potential then when reviewing the Images there are things going on in the background which add to the overall Image but which at the time I was oblivious to. Luc plays a huge roll in Street work, but being there gives you an advantage. Cheers Paul

[@MikeChudley]

The more I shoot the luckier I get. Same as the old saying: "I’m a Great Believer in Luck. The Harder I Work, the More Luck I Have" by Coleman Cox I appreciate the comment here, thank you!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

@@MikeChudley the more I look the better my luck 👀 that’s about as profound bad I’ve ever been

[@JamesParsons1]

big fan of this 🙌🏻

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks James!

[@neilpiper9889]

I like low light using high Iso with black and white with gr digital camera. Faces of people and animals.

[@cyd85]

Such a great video, thank you

[@ManLikeMorrison]

I can’t help but feel like they’ve all missed the point here. The point of triggers is that it’s a specific thing that you always photograph. Jeff Mermelstien twirl and run, or Joel Meyerowitz wild flowers are good examples of work that respond to these specific triggers. Harsh light is fair enough but a little vague. “Separation” and “things I find interesting” are a lot more vague. For me, the advice of finding triggers is useful because it removes the vagueness of it all. If you say “I’m gonna take a photo of every dog I see”, then there’s no excuse not to. It takes photography down to its simplest most mechanical form. Don’t mean this to be rude, just an observation Edit - reading back I framed this negatively. I really enjoyed the video and will be thinking about my triggers today :)

[@MikeChudley]

I genuinely understand your point here. Maybe it's because I had to structure this idea into points that would be easy to understand but also make up a longer conversation for a healthy video. If I simply stated we should all go out and find our own unique triggers the video would have been much quicker and perhaps less interesting. I actually agree with your point though, the ideas in this video are probably is too vague but it being vague helps make the video easy to understand. Does this make any sense? haha - either way, thanks for the comment and your thoughts.

[@ManLikeMorrison]

@@MikeChudley sure thing :) I’m gonna go into London this week and I’ll be photographing dogs I think 🤔

[@jules_mac]

Great video, thank you 🙌

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Whoever it was that said something like, the more I practice the more luck I have.

[@MikeChudley]

Coleman Cox in 1920 - ‘I am a great believer in luck, the harder I work, the more of it i seem to have’

[@ThepPixel]

For me its moodiness. I like things that are cold or dark and gloomy.

[@Reinavera73]

Gracias Mike.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for watching!

[@writerman242]

Fascinating Well said on all points For the years I was doing street a favourite trigger I called Two Alone Kind of related to the separation one described It's where you have two people who are not together but the scene suggests they could be Or the opposite where two are together but the body language or position of each one suggests that they are alone or in some other way "apart" Like an old man and a young man on a bench each looking in different directions Father and son cranky with each other? Or just two random strangers God don't you just love life on the street 👏👏👏👍👍

[@MikeChudley]

Haha yeaaa I know exactly what you mean!

[@MikeChudley]

Haha yeaaa I know exactly what you mean!

[@writerman242]

@@MikeChudley thought you might 👍

[@rameshravihar6980]

sick video mate . love it . just wondering. I see many street photographers use fujifilm. I am using a canon 5d mark 4 as a beginner. is it worth changing the system and getting a fujifilm ? I am doing potraits and street photography. cheers

[@marat9463]

What lenses do you already have for your 5d?

[@lewisguapo]

"Asking what are my triggers, is actually one of my triggers bra"

[@MikeChudley]

😂😂

[@jamesbaber1748]

Your best yet, Mike. Loved it. Probably resonated more than anything I’ve watched, from anyone. I also love Roman’s work. Your videos are absolutely world class. Keep them coming….

[@dani_da_vision]

Such a good video !

[@MikeChudley]

Glad you liked it!!

[@toneyf]

great video!

[@Nazareth434]

2 points of interest, either connected or disconnected- doesn't really matter, but having 2 points that are both interesting, in and of themselves, gives the eye something more to do inside the photo, rahter than going directly to 1 poi and resting there, gives the photo greater weight or interest. For Instance, say you see a couple screa ing at one another, and notice a sign nearby that say announces couple's therapy, or efne a couple angrymwith one another and a other couple in the scene the direct opposite. Or a photo of tomatoes, and inmthe background scene of the tomatoe fights in the country where they spnser that event to celebrste the harves.t, or photo of a tiny dog standing next to just the legs of a giant dog (which is a famous example). Connections and/or contrasts. A block of ice next to molten lava, a soft feather with porcupine in the scene- whatever- look for 2 or more subjects in a scene to,give the scen more visual weight, more interest. Juxtaposition for interest. A gorilla looking at an ant, or butterfly on their finger, leg or whatever. The gorilla itself is interesting, as are butterflies or ants, but the two in a scene give it more interest, especially when there is a clear contrast ie size, color, weight, light, etc.

[@Nazareth434]

Just noticed the pigeon and feet of people photo In The video- that is what I mean in my above post about contrasts for added visual weight. Th3 pigeon alone would be only semi interesting- the feet of people only semi-intereresting, but together, the photo is much better visually. It's hard to find 2 subjects in street photography on the go, but do keep an eye out for them. A man feeding pigeons? Meh- not real knteresting. A man feeding pigeons while a peregrine falcon sits on branch nearby and eyes the pigeons greedily? More interesting.

[@seb_steimel]

I LOVED this video! Totally agree with you. It's important to find your own triggers. Also this way it's easier to create an own photographic language.

[@BenSussmanpro]

Thanks, some good ideas about street photography. My only qualm is the color-matching photos concept. I think that type of photo is overdone & cliché at this point.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks! I personally think we could have that view on all types of street photography. In reality, nobody is doing anything new. But for me it makes it even more special when the colour matching image really works! If it’s a good image, It will always be a good image. Regardless of everyone else’s opinion. Thanks for the comment!

[@BenSussmanpro]

@@MikeChudley I respect that. Thanks for responding. Looking forward to your other videos when I get time. You young pros have a great grasp on this stuff. I’m an old events photog trying to keep up, 😆

[@blindeyezphotography]

My triggers are cigarettes, dads holding kids, holdind hands

[@kevinwelsh7490]

did you take a foe-oh may?

[@thekushinator]

Noice

[@gregderozier3846]

You’re just a child!?

[@MikeChudley]

Am I? 😂

[@colinclark3218]

Excellent. Lots of ideas and interesting aspects from different people. There is only one thing that spoiled it for me and that is your pronunciation of 'photo' ' pho-oh. Have you ever noticed that there is a 't' in there? Do you spell it without a t? Are you a street pho-ographer? This spoiled an otherwise very good video (for me). Keep up the good work, but please correct your pronunciation. You will gain more credibility.

[@MikeChudley]

That’s my accent 😂 but thank you!

[@toastwiz]

This is such an obnoxious comment… good on Mike for taking it in good spirit but seriously, do you realise how pedantic you sound? To return with an equally obnoxious comment, I recommend looking up the word “dialect”. This is not 1950 anymore we don’t scold people for “incorrect” pronunciation.

[@colinclark3218]

Listen to Karl Taylor in his KZbin videos. He has an 'accent' but he is careful about his 'pronunciation'. Accent and correct pronunciation are completely different. I think you'll agree that his presentations are very professional.

[@toastwiz]

@@colinclark3218 I don’t disagree that dialect and pronunciation are two separate entities, however 1) this is not an academic forum, it’s an entertainment channel, where Mike is speaking to his audience in a way which is most natural to him, likely paying no attention to how much his dialect is affecting his pronunciation, and 2) why should it bother you, so much to the point that you felt the need to let Mike know it “spoiled” the video for you? It’s beyond pedantic and has no relevance It most likely is an age thing, I feel linguistics have moved on a fair bit since your day. Colloquialisms are rife in the English language right now, probably has you absolutely seething

[@colinclark3218]

I guess I should have kept my mouth shut / fingers away from the keyboard, ToastWiz. I guess that I am getting too old to take in the sloppy way the youths of today speak. I did give him credit for good content, though. I think it's because I have lived and worked in the Middle East and in SE Asia for the last 42 years. People listen to you and learn from what you say, as English is generally not their first language. Correct pronunciation also gives you more credibility because you sound more professional. I am not an English teacher, by the way, and am not averse to making the odd mistake myself.

[@chingymofo1]

I pretty much try to react to most of these triggers but the HANDS one is something that I need to drum into my head! My biggest trigger right now is bikes and motorbikes, you can see the people riding them which gives me that human element to the photo and also can double as a panning shot (if I'm ready)