10 SNEAKY Street Photography Techniques

[@bitcoiner7]

1 more tip: use a noiseless mirrorless. not a 1200D like me, the shutter sounds loud like a gun 🤣

[@hhanonymous]

4:43 Is an amazing shot, especially with the contrast and the reflective lighting hitting the man's face on the right.

[@DentargPL]

Exactly ... the best in the whole video. Masterpiece.

[@tylerdurden2832]

I think 5:12 was the best

[@JerryAdam]

One of the most common ones: + Pretend to be a simple-minded tourist 🤭

[@SamuelStreetlife]

A classic :)

[@youngalwyn1124]

But Jerry . . . what if I *am* a simple minded tourist? 🤥

[@NextScamdemic]

When I have my Yashica Electro 35 rangefinder around my neck people people randomly ask "where are you from?" assuming I'm a tourist lol

[@DailyStreetPhotography]

Go-to move

[@adventleymann8119]

Can't do it cuz I'm asian in an asian country. But still usable when I'm out of the country

[@emrehatipoglu5856]

When I get caught, I pretend to shoot something behind them, then I pull a Bruce Gilden and yell at the subjects for "ruining" my shot. Then they run away.

[@kirkh666joejoe]

:D

[@alex_jermaine]

This is brilliant!

[@theodorenguyen3269]

Stealing this

[@muhammadzazulirizki1000]

I used to live in Japan and have a story about taking stranger's picture. I lived in a small city (about 25 minutes ride from Nagoya). One day in a morning on my way to the train station, I saw Japanese students (maybe 1st graders) lining up and crossing the intersection with their teachers. Imagine The Beatles cover, but the cuter version of it. I mean, they're wearing JAPANESE school uniform while holding umbrellas (it's raining that day, by the way). I can't help to freeze the moment with my phone camera. I took a few pictures and RUN. BECAUSE, my train soon will arrive and I want to sit in a good spot! No one likes to spend two hours ride while standing, right? Unfortunately, the teachers saw me, they approached me with angry faces. and asked : "NAN NO TAMENI?! NAN NO TAMENI?! NAN NO TAMENI?!" or, "WHAT'S THAT FOR?!" in English. I was shocked, didn't see that coming. I'm bowing deeply and repetitively, asking for apologies. With my limited Japanese language I told them that I didn't have any bad intentions. I told them all about me, including where I live and where I work so they would trust me and wouldn't bring me to the Police. It seems like finally they have forgiven me, but they asked me to delete the pictures. After that, one of them hit me gently on the shoulder and said "Dame yo." (which means, it's forbidden). And then they left. While contemplating what I have done and asked myself what's wrong with me, the train arrived and I saw the reflection of myself from the glass windows. I just realized I'm wearing glasses with photochromic lenses that automatically turn dark under sunlight, ....and Flat cap, ....plus long black coat, ...with hoody (that was on when I took the pictures). That's why teacher got freak out. I definitely look like kid predator from foreign country. So, my dear sneaky photographer friends, if you want to take pictures, be mindful about your outfit. Especially in Japan.

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Haha what a story! Thanks for sharing. It was probably because of your outfit and appearance. Japanese people are so afraid of henna hito (weird people) or perverts that they always assume you have bad intentions. If you look like them and smile they are usually not so aggresive. But they all think that photographing kids or school kids is a big no no. But if I see a nice scene I photograph it. Doesn't matter if schoolkids or not. Hope you will have more positive experiences in japan :)

[@muhammadzazulirizki1000]

@@SamuelStreetlife Yup, definitely it's my appearance that day. Plus, if it was a tourist site with lot of people there holding cameras, most of the time they will ignore you. But the city I used to live in was a small city with no tourist attractions at all. So it'd be odd and creepy if you see someone suddenly is taking pictures of you in there. But anyway, if you ask politely, there's a good chance you can take group selfie with the school kids. At least one my friend has proved that. Haha

[@hotjazzbaby]

🤣🤣🤣🕵🏾‍♂️📸🎏

[@genghis2510]

"When in Rome do what the Romans do" applies in racist Japan. Or in any part of the world. The era of "smile - your on candid camera" is over. Nowadays, pointing a camera is like pointing a gun. Respect for privacy has already gained moral and legal grounds. There was that Japanese tourist in Mexico who went missing from his tour group. He said he was forced into a car backseat by burly tattooed Mexicans. With a pistol pointed at his head, he was asked to open his cellphone. The guy reportedly scanned his phone photo gallery. Shouting expletives at him, the Mexican smashed the phone with his gun to pieces. He was pushed out of the car without his cellphone. Apparently, the Japanese tourist took a photos of a drug-related transaction or some drug czar without knowing it.

You cant take cihildren pictures or videos in Finland too.

[@Nicolas.Duchemin]

As an introvert, I'm definitely using some of these sneaky techniques when on the street! I'm shooting a lot from the hip, looking at the tilt screen or playing dumb with the settings stuff.

[@v4led]

but please wear normal outfits that dont look like a child predator

[@Nicolas.Duchemin]

@@v4led LOL yeah, I'm just wearing regular cloth... and I'm not acting creepy.

[@aperez4198]

I loved the "fiddling with the camera", using the tilt-screen, and shooting from the hip techniques.

[@bcegerton]

Love it, “Blending in with your environment” Camo top- Bright Red Cap

[@Ben01tM]

I already use most of those. They really come to you naturally if u shoot a lot.

[@ihunte1337]

I have to say, there was a time when I was stoked when Kai and Lok did new DPReview stuff, but that got replaced by your videos. Great work Samuel, please keep making new videos!

[@yoginwidhi6676]

For me they wont be replaced, but Sam indeed add another interest video to watch, not replacing other video to watch

[@joshbarsphotogrpahy5044]

I really miss those guys, First photography vids I watched ever, That’s how I picked my first digital camera, I owe a lot to kai and lok,

[@reldies5364]

@@joshbarsphotogrpahy5044 They have their own channels now.

[@DailyStreetPhotography]

Agree with you!

[@remytron83]

Did you mean Digital Rev?

[@DarioCruzII]

Loved that shot of the old lady twins. So random. Bill Cunningham style.

[@tommynobaka]

Camping until no one cares is my absolute number 1

[@canturgan]

I give people the thumbs up and smile when they catch me taking their picture. They think I'm a simpleton and smile back.

[@DailyStreetPhotography]

Good tip!

[@longstare]

This made me laugh! Great idea though.

[@notkyoko2545]

Exactly what i do helps being 16 no one gives a second thought

[@emilyberes6134]

Being a teen girl also helps with the creep factor:)

[@gerardnederland4006]

Thanks, i will try that :-)

[@adventleymann8119]

A powerful tip. Thanks!

[@glu-glu243]

You know I wish it was true, but one day I went for a walk to take pictures in my neighborhood and one policeman saw me and told me it was illegal to take pictures and they could kick me out. I came home sad that day ´cause I was just enjoying taking pictures, walking and listening to music. So some times being a teenager doesn't really work :(

[@redkangaroo5306]

@@glu-glu243 never let that discourage you take rejection as just part of life

[@pamelaadam9207]

@@glu-glu243 depends where in the world you are in Scotland you can take photos in a non restricted public place but must delete if asked by anyone in shot.

[@phsyckomantis]

Aaaaaah! Sale Ernesto 💓💓💓💓💓

[@StrangelyIronic]

I'm a bit of an introvert, so I just shoot with a longer lens. Usually, I go with an f1.4 Sigma 30/56mm or a Pana Leica f2.8-4 12-60. Since I shoot mainly with an Olympus E-M1 Mark ii or Pana GX85 those lenses give me an equivalent view of a 60mm/112mm and 24-200mm. You have to look for different style shots, but that's also a challenge I like. I have a Pana Pancake 20mm f1.7 ii that is about as wide as I go for a prime. 40mm is convertible, you get a lot of information without being up too close for comfort personally. I also have a Pana 42.5mm f1.7 that's a fun relatively compact lens with good quality. The Sigmas are mint for the price, but being APS-C designs that are adapted they are a bit big/heavy compared to native quality MFT glass.

[@bamsemh1]

"Pretend to shoot video". (forgets to turn off shutter sounds) 🤣😂

[@OttosTheName]

Yeah that won't work for me using an A6000. It's not super loud, but with these quiet streets during a pandemic people definitely hear it lol

[@GajanBalan]

Man, I loved this video. It was something I was tempted to make myself, but your styling and sound design are SOOO well done. Great work brother! Loved it.

[@Bearhawk58]

Finally, a photo vdeo with something new and useful!!

[@ChrisBrogan]

I'm watching this five years later, but how fun! I do a few of these. Pretending to shoot something else. Fiddling with the camera (Garry Winogrand is my spirit animal), the fake phone call was a good idea, as was the pretending you're shooting video. I'm stealing those. Thank you!

[@psychomami4415]

The turning around give the best results for me

[@aqiiiiiiiil]

I get the reference on number 10, Winogrand !!!

[@SamuelHeinrich]

I usually do the 1st and 5th. Mainly I try to analyze the direction in which people are walking, and then point my camera ahead of them. That way, it's more like "they walked into my shot" rather than me directly aiming at them.

[@Cipher81]

@Tengu (Yaaaaaaay)

[@FaizalWestcott]

This is the best video you've made on this channel to date so far!! love it.

[@Propaganda_Films]

Sam, you forgot to mention your 11th disguise technique - mustache.

[@pranji108]

Loved the video and the pics, great work guys!

[@harrylew]

Really helpful video! That "fiddling with camera" technique was Garry Winogrand's modus operandi. He fiddled so much, people couldn't tell whether or what he was shooting or if he was just a. mechanical idiot! There are some great videos online of him doing this.

[@theblackmanarmedwithacamera]

SO ENTERTAINED, I'M WATCHING IT AGAIN!!!😭🤣🤣🤣

[@elrafaga]

thasnk you. I use some of those moves but some are new to me....everybody has their own way and little tricks

[@markuskernbach6760]

i every video from u ,,,i find it that u a great fan of garry winogrand. u doing his technik so nice !!!!!!!!

[@unmecvrai]

Thanks Samuel, you made my day

[@jonneville2287]

One technique I have used is to set the camera to hyperfocal distance, set the self timer to 4-5 secs, then put the camera down, either on the ground, or any flat surface, then step out of the way and pretend you are just staring at a building, or whatever. Make sure you stand very close to the camera. I would time it to coincide with an unusual or interesting looking person walking towards me. Another thing - cover up the brand name of the camera with black tape, especially the high end stuff. This sort of street photography is much better done with a small, inexpensive point and shoot, so it attracts less attention.

[@firstnamelastname9955]

I shoot with an Olympus XA-2 with tape blacking-out the logo and set it to medium focus. It takes all of the work of using the exposure triangle out of the equation AND doesn't require focusing - I couldn't agree more with you. If you can find a simple point-and-shoot with a reliable meter (doesn't even have to be a good meter, just predictable), fixed-lens, and no-brainer focus/pre-focus modes - you will get so many more candid and impromptu shots than you would with a DSLR or similar rig.

[@chronicfish]

4 is GENIUS!

[@NachoKai]

4:50 garry winogrand style haha

[@DailyStreetPhotography]

Hahaha

[@paprhat]

Every time you came on screen and started to smirk I was laughing way too hard! I usually play dumb and mumble to myself lol

[@crypticwintermoon6284]

Bello looks like a total badass in this. Great content.

[@hendrixg]

Number 10 Winogrand!

[@Ra1276]

Street Photography is very fun...I always meet new people when I do it...

[@kungfubeatsbysifufilter9431]

Brillant and fun. I personally avoid looking at my subjects in the eyes before and after the shot.

[@NapoleonSuarez]

Love the idea of acting like you're showing your friend the screen then capturing a scene....thank you!

[@piketubeman]

Yeah that only works if you have friends.

[@ayanparui1344]

First tip is really helpful. Helps in clicking candids and street without making the subject photo conscious and hence getting the most natural shot.

[@rickbiessman6084]

No 3 is the best one, hands down.

[@pilarcasas1199]

I use all of them except for the one you take your friend to help you, I m going to try that one next time! In my opinion the sneaky technics are really good to capture candid moments on the street! thanks for your videos X

[@swintintiki4052]

The last one is the best 😁😁

[@stuartriley4976]

I've had my best results shooting from the chest with my camera hanging from the strap, and my thumb on the shutter button.

[@peskymacaw9033]

Yeah, that works well; even better with a tilt screen.

[@jackoneil3933]

Low camera angle elevates subjects and adds presence.

[@boris.dupont]

@@jackoneil3933 it pretty much depends on how low 🤣

[@jaredwinslow7036]

This video hits right at home. I can't even tell you how many times I've used #10 😂 another good technique I've used - coughing while shooting so nobody hears your shutter go off....it works.

[@Larpy1933]

Nicely done: the shutter sounds inserted into the soundtrack!

[@nickschulman986]

I like the pretending to shoot video one!

[@AlexZafer]

Playing dumb and fiddling with the camera, the good old Garry Winogrand way, is a trick that works well for me. That and pretending to shoot something else :-) Mind you, using a GR and you can almost get away with anything. But I completely agree, don't hide it. Smile, do, and be. You're not doing anything wrong. This was a very well done, and humorous video. You are getting really good at producing these vids. Entertaining. Edutainment.

[@salmo6263]

Loads of amazing photos. Love all of them and cool advice. I use the 'pretending I'm filming' one, but I will try the 'talking on the phone' one next time!

[@gringo19860]

Haha that was a funny ending Sammy. Caught me by surprise! So you like as wide as possible with minimal distortion. 28mm = perfect!😂👍Thanks.

[@tilerman]

Pretending to shoot video is very clever! good tip.

[@eduard2654]

amazing way of presenting the tips in a fun way! and also great music choice!

[@AngeloHinojosa]

Holy shit that remote view tip is genius

[@CruzDeLaLoma]

Gary Winogrand's technique is the best.

[@adcommit]

Thank you for these tips I been using number 9 a lot lately and find that it helps

[@MySpellMadeOfGold]

Mega Video. Danke für die Tipps und Inspiration.

[@orlandoasson]

5:04 is a fuji xh1 but with a GR logo on the front...

[@revilo76]

2:20 was hilarious! Thanks for the tips.

[@Drobek6]

I am def. number 1. awesome tricks and great results! Thank you :)

[@alexfinchevsky4358]

The optical viewfinder also helps me feel more comfortable with street photography. It reminds me of a good old days of photography. Besides, people don't see your face and this is another obstacle for them on the way to any kind of violence against you. And I think taking photos in a crowd is much easier because most of the time no one cares about you and you do not need to hide. It is much more difficult to take a photo of a person in deserted places where sneaky techniques can be useful.

[@99streetstylez]

Excellent video Samuel! Enjoyed it so much. Beneath the humorous ones, there are some great techniques showed.

[@bill3117]

I've sat in Union Square in San Francisco with my camera in my lap, and captured people/made like I'm taking pictures of buildings. I do not get in people's faces. Thanks for the video!

[@eljin00]

BRILLIANT !!

[@photomorti]

These videos are an absolute joy to watch ,!

[@everyday_bw790]

Explained very well. Nice shots!

[@VietnamDronePilot]

It’s nice and funny. Thanks for sharing.

[@TENGUJAPON]

Shooting this was funny but watching it is even funnier😂

[@craftycarmen1]

A falta de video en tu canal, es bueno ver video colaborativos que haces como invitado. Muy divertido video, y muy buenas fotos de tu colega (y tuyas, por supuesto)

[@alexissalazar9556]

En Nekojita bloooog

[@SUHABOUT]

GENIUS!

[@MaartenSFS]

Haha, great tips and photography. You really captured some nice, candid moments! I like to find a spot behind something, so that it’s too late when they see me!

[@anteadc9868]

#3 is definitely underrated !

[@mmatiasautio]

Amazing photos and a funny and useful video! Thanks.

[@iwanttodie1619]

that shutter sound is really taking you down :))

[@arbiantosetiawan]

These are funny but I think it will works! Thanks for the tips!!

[@ktor538]

Those are sneaky, but entertaining!

[@TRAVELWP]

Excellent ideas !!

[@DeyvsonMoutinhoCaliman]

Pretending to be shooting video is amazing in Christmas time, when people are usually holding their cellphones and taking pictures of Christmas lights. But what I like to do is to sit down and take pictures with the camera on my lap. I use a G7X II, which has good zoom capabilities, so pretending to shoot something else, like a big building, then zooming it on the subject works well too.

[@_rhapsodist]

i do the "camping at a spot till nobody cares about you" and it works every single time

[@Ali-fl5mb]

Yeah I like that technique too, it lets you find a good composition then you can just wait for something or someone cool to come into frame

[@arsenearteta3013]

Great video! love it. will keep watching! may I ask where I can buy your olive camera neck strap for Ricoh GR3?

[@patyol3138]

What's your settings for this technique? I mean how to set the shutter speed and how will the focus turn out nice?

[@vichethm5763]

Hahaha number 4 was good. I find pretending to shoot video with my Ricoh works the best and for some reason being in a video is less offensive than being in your photo. Sometimes I pretend my Ricoh is my phone and snap a portrait of people up close beside me.

[@zilaxera]

Wow thank you 😄 you’re very charismatic 😍

[@ualba99]

I believe someone has already comented but some "pro/advanced" cameras have the no shutter sound or silent mode and I think that should be perfect combining with your techniques. Great video btw!🔥

[@bwc1976]

I love the electronic shutter on my Panasonic mirrorless (unless there's a lot of horizontal motion which will cause rolling shutter artifacts).

[@jztouch]

Great tips. My camera has a flip up screen with touch focus and shoot so shooting from chest level is very easy and sometimes I’ll pretend to be scrolling through pictures I’ve already taken to get shots.

[@victorcarmelo8606]

Hilarious but works, great ideas, thanks.

[@chrisharrison9500]

Brilliant. I laughed all the way through as I do 9 of those techniques! I don't merge into the environment because as a huge fat bastard it's a bit difficult! Haha

[@yurialvetti2276]

Nice video. Thanks a lot. 🤘🏻🖤

[@Uciinnn]

Hahaha this is so much fun and great! With the music backsound also good

[@thepirateshoots]

4:12 ha ha :) 4:48 introducing Fujifilm "GR"-H1 :)

[@averymcdaniel423]

When you're moving swiftly like that, what shutter speed are you using?

[@ytkeebOo]

ok lintaro, after many videos I watched on your channel, I subscribed. :) you deserve it. keep going. :)

[@stevetru]

YES! I'm gonna practice this in the streets of San Francisco tomorrow! Thanks Samuel!

[@DailyStreetPhotography]

Good luck

[@AstroSquid]

Can a Ricoh gr III use a generic bluetooth or wifi trigger, or does that only work with the smart phone app?

[@abhishek-ob4sz]

Just done with your gr series. It was great. You are great 👌

[@saliwanpl1832]

Wow! Good job!

[@paulchristopher3920]

10 is actually really helpful thank u

[@reviercast]

Lovely shots with the GR III. 28 or 40mm??????????????

[@whazpoppin]

Duuuude...you‘re killing it 😀