How to take Street Portraits

In this video I run through my top tips for street photographers wanting to try out street portraiture.
Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton - www.humansofnewyork.com
#streetphotography #streetportrait #portraiture
*****
I'm the Founder and Course Leader at StreetSnappers, an organisation which provides street photography workshops and courses in London, Liverpool, Venice, Lisbon and Paris. Whilst I'm an Official Fujifilm X-Photographer (ambassador), this channel is for everyone, irrespective of what sort of gear you use - including film users!
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[@paranoidbeing1191]

Thank you for mentioning the homelessness bit, not that there’s no room for photographing the homeless but it can very easily come off as exploitation.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks - I agree :-)

[@dianeschuller]

Thank you for all these tips; I really appreciate your stance on homeless people. I really appreciate this.

[@StreetSnappers]

Many thanks Diane - glad you agree!

[@hypnoraythompson5824]

well said. totally agree.

[@neilmclaughlin5656]

great words and I think your opinion on photographing the less fortunate is spot on ... we shouldn't ever exploit the vunerabal

[@michaelschmitt5413]

I'm an introvert, so in the 7 years I have shot street, I seldom ask to shoot a posed portrait. The few times that I've asked, I have only been turned down about 5% of the time. But I don't do it enough to build confidence. BTW, I like your tip about posing people. I think you're right that it helps people feel less awkward. And moving them to good light is best too. I have a fellow photog that asks people to pose for him, and he will move them to make sure he gets the light he wants.

[@StreetSnappers]

You're right - if someone says 'yes', you're now in control and you have a real opportunity to get everything just right. Do keep at it - the more you do it, the easier it gets!

[@dickie83]

That B&W shot off the man in the alley with raindrops on his suit shoulders is sublime!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much Richard! It's not always easy getting people to pose in the rain but I'm glad I persevered :-)

[@hmuz8388]

As a 6’4 bearded guy in Japan, approaching people in any manner seems to make them “run away” pretty quickly haha...useful tips nonetheless

[@StreetSnappers]

Sounds like you’ve got the tight look for this!!

[@carlmcneill1139]

I just recently started doing street photography. I bought the 40mm f/2 lens for my z6 II. It's a good compromise between the 35mn and 50mm. And it's a sharp lens. Last week I was visiting my mom. She lives 2 states away from me here in the U.S. I went into town to do some street photography. There was a dress shop that had a mannequin with a wedding dress on it in the window. I thought it would be cool to find someone to take a picture of at the window. Finally a young girl (22) and her mom came up looking for the door. I asked the girl if she would pose for me and she agreed. I had her stand in front of the dress with her hand on the glass looking at the dress as if she was dreaming of her wedding day. It turned out really well. I sent her a copy of the picture. It was the first time I've asked someone to do something like that. One other tip I can give. Have your camera settings already set. You're already holding this person up and they are graciously showing you to take their picture. Don't waste time having to stop and change everything. Have your camera ready to go so you can take their picture.

[@paulhickey6896]

Depending on the situation if I get a rejection I'll sometimes try to change their mind. It often works and the resulting shot trends to be pretty decent. I do it in a light hearted way and regardless of the outcome I'll always make sure my interaction with the person ends in a positive way. It's a really fun genre to get into. Great video!

[@michellestone8907]

Just come across your channel and really liking the tips, it’s so nice to find someone that explains things in easy to understand terms. I am just starting out on my street photography course which is taking me out of my comfort zone. I usually take macro flowers, birds, insects… people I very really do. I have just purchased my 35mm lens for my Nikon also have a 50mm.

[@PitNeex]

Very very useful tips and ideas. I loved the photo printing on the spot. It really adds to the experience ❤ I would have loved it and I'm sure everyone would appreciate it !

[@dianeschuller]

very useful tips. I'm one who, out of nervousness, tends to rush. I will definitely make a point to slow myself down. Thank you.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Diane - I hope it works for you!

[@alanleitch3396]

Great advice, my friend - and you have a lovely manner... 👍

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks too kind, Alan, many thanks :-)

[@ricokowalsky898]

Thank you Sir, for past few days im watching all of your videos and I just wanted to say that they are very inspiring, motivating and a great learning experience! Thank you so much for doing this.

[@bcegerton]

Too many have an opinion on what is and what isn’t classed as Street Photography, Street Portraits are just another part of Street Photography, just like Waterfalls are another part of Landscape Photography. You’re right that most people, if approached in the right way, will gladly say yes to having their portraits taken, up until 17 months ago I’d never really taken any portraits, let alone Street Portraits, until myself and a friend who is a much more experienced photographer than me and used to actually take Portraits at home in a studio, asked if we should give it a try, we took a few that day with mixed results, mine very mixed. The next week we made a plan to try and get 20 portraits between us that day, about 4 hours in total. I was over the moon with the results I got, we managed around 17 which was much more than we expected, now it’s something we do regularly and give them a card showing where they can see them, with very few refusals too.

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Brian - I agree, labels are not always helpful. Glad to hear you're having some success with street portraits - I find it really rewarding.

[@bcegerton]

StreetSnappers me too, it’s been a while though, as with everything else

[@StreetSnappers]

Brian Egerton Yes, really looking forward to getting out there again.

[@richardwall2692]

Excellent point about not photographing homeless people. I feel the same way about taking pictures of children.

[@samwham1407]

Thank you for the lovely tips and insights much appreciated 🙂

[@PatKofahl]

All these tips are aces. Thanks so much Brian!

[@StreetSnappers]

John Patrick Kofahl Thanks for tuning in, Pat. Hope you’re all safe and well across the pond :-)

[@jamiewindsor]

In terms of lens choice, 50mm (or equivalent) I've found to be the sweet spot for street portraits. While I love the look of 85mm, I've found that it puts me slightly too far away from my subject and I lose a bit of connectivity with them. A wide maximum aperture is pretty essential for me too. Sometimes I spot a great subject somewhere where the background isn't that good. Being able to throw it out of focus helps.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Jamie. Very good point about the 50mm helping connect with your subject.

[@StreetSnappers]

PS. Always enjoy the insights on your own channel btw. I know you have strong views on street photography and I like the way you articulate them. Could you plunge me your contact info please? - I’m [e-mail]. Ta.

[@B_M]

Truly wonderful, and remarkably conscientious. 🙏🏼

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you!

[@Astro-Patriot]

Thank you Brian, i've been shooting street portraits in Toronto for about two weeks now with my Rolleiflex 3.5f. I have to say all your advice is completely true. My success rate is about 85% . Confidence and a smile does go a long way. I will keep at it. God speed my friend.

[@francap8015]

Subscribed immediately when I heard that last bit about not asking homeless people. Loved the whole vid though.

[@carlocarboni8880]

Useful advice as usual! Thanks Brian!

[@StreetSnappers]

Grazie Carlo!!!

[@dhedc]

Your videos are wonderful. Thank you.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks David - kind of you to say so :-) . Please let me know if there are any topics you would like me to cover in future videos - I'm always interested in what viewers think.

[@carlitodcreative]

beautiful lighting...

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you!

[@richardburn2171]

Another great video, Brian. Lots of good advice as always! 👍🏻

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Richard - appreciated, as always :-)

[@michaelyolch79]

So happy I found you today! I love your humility, calm, relaxing demeanor, knowledge, and experience. SUBBED! :)

[@vincentbrooker3062]

Thank you Brian, The tips will be useful when we can get back on the streets. It’s nice to hear that some of ideas I’ve had have been going in the right direction.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much Vince!

[@jazzoiler]

Thanks so much Brian, this was very helpful to get to another level on my street photography!

[@StreetSnappers]

Great - I'm glad it helped. Good luck with your street photography :-)

[@MrBillboeing]

Thanks for sharing the tips, especially the Instax one .

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much - my pleasure!

[@martinsalmon7373]

Excellent - A really useful video for aspiring street photographers. My Photo students at Long Road Sixth Form College found this invaluable along with the other other videos - superb

[@StreetSnappers]

Many thanks Martin - and I'm really pleased your students found it useful :-)

[@cjimenez2787]

Discovered your channel today, and I love it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure - thanks for your support :-)

[@edgarthemangomez123]

Thank you for the great tips!

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure - thanks for watching :-)

[@DJFoucher]

Thanks for sharing these gold nuggets for street photography. Looking to go out for my second attempt this weekend.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure - I hope it went well for you!

[@clauskunckel]

This is really interesting! I've been searching for help and inspiration in this genre. Especially because I started a project a few years ago about street portraits that I post on Facebook and Instagram AND further more, I plan to publish a book with the best portraits. That makes it a bit more complicated. I then need a photo consent. To ask for all this have made me nervous and I often back out before I even approach a person on the street. So far I've only made 6 in all! The advice with a business card is good AND the planned presentation speech. Thanks a lot 🙂

[@carlitodcreative]

Awesome video, THANK YOU!

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure - thanks or watching!

[@tobywoolgar9517]

Great information can't wait to start using my new canon 85mm lens on my film camera for Street portraits.

[@dicksanders8206]

Excellent tips, Brian. I wish I would have had this advice 25 years ago when I first set out to do street portraits. I put a link to your video in the description of my video. And you're right, it's fun, and addictive, too! All the best...

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Dick - thanks for tuning in and for your comments. I find street portraits a great way to meet interesting folk and I've had some really interesting conversations (including some strange ones). Cheers, Brian

[@carpelucemphotography5467]

Great content again 📸 thank you!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much - glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@illius85]

true wisdom 👍

[@StreetSnappers]

Thank you!

[@pascalfourcade6036]

thank you Brian.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, Pascal :-). Happy New Year!

[@beltstreet]

Respect for that last point! I've taken couple portraits of homeless folks and I've never felt great about it. If someone were doing a project to help bring about awareness of a situation and improve conditions, and they had the consent of the people they were photographing -- this could be a very positive thing. But otherwise, it feels like taking advantage. At least to me.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Perry - glad you agree :-)

[@jaywalkinguk1437]

Great video! I definitely need to take more time to speak to my subjects after ive photographed them, I usually spend around a minute with someone before I say bye

[@photechvideo]

Hi Brian. I loved the video. Great tips for street portraits! You have inspired me to give street portraiture a try. I will let you know how it goes. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Keep up the excellent content creation. Best wishes, Andy

[@bernhardebner3105]

Thank you Brian for this great, very helpful and encouraging video. Haven`t done any street portraits yet but now I feel alot more encouraged to give it a try. Great work. Greetings from Munich, Bernhard

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Bernhard! Greetings and Happy New Year from London :-)

[@GarethDanks]

Excellent Brian definitely my favourite video of yours! fantastic tips and I couldn’t agree more on them. The only tip I would add is to be sure to know your camera. It’s never good to faff around with the camera settings and look nervous and uncertain in front of a model. Brilliant video though I must do street portraits more. 👏🏻😊

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Gareth. Good tip about knowing your camera :-)

[@LocutorBritanico]

Thanks... some interesting tips. With regards to amount of time spent and not rushing the shot, I have on occasions rushed it but it was because I sensed that the person being photographed didn't want to spend too much time.

[@StreetSnappers]

Yes, that sometimes happens, people are in a hurry. Not always though ;-)

[@Gmakamian]

I just found your channel, and I have to say you have some great tips! Really enjoy your style of relaxed videos with lots of knowledge! If you would allow me to say one thing, I would try to get a better sound of your voice. Maybe a different mic, or moving it closer? It would really make your videos even more engaging. Either way, I am happy to have stumbled on your channel and look forward to more videos. Have a great day!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much for the feedback, Greg. Good point about the mic - I will experiment with the positioning and the settings next time! All the best, Brian

[@keibro13]

Some great tips Brian. It’s interesting, but after our severe lockdown in Melbourne, my forays into the city have found largely empty streets. I am hoping that this will improve and people will return. I should also say that the long break has softened my skills more than somewhat, and I hope that I can get back into the groove again. Anyway, thanks for the inspiration.

[@StreetSnappers]

Best of luck over there Keith - I hope conditions improve for you soon :-)

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Great tips Brian, thank you.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much Rich! Do you do any street portraits?

[@richardrizzo_photography]

@@StreetSnappers Sadly I haven't as of yet Brian, that's why your tips are important to me.

[@StreetSnappers]

Rich Rizzo Give it a try Rich - it’s very rewarding ;-)

[@caulacau2318]

Another brilliant piece of advice Brian, many thanks. Will take a deep breath next time I come across someone interesting and see how I score. Also, great point about the homeless., very well said. Thanks again Caula

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks very much for the feedback, Caula. But why wait until you come across that person? Maybe think of it as a project, where you have a specific type of person or style of shooting in mind - then purposefully go out looking forward them? It’s very rewarding!

[@caulacau2318]

@@StreetSnappers You are absolutely right Brian. Your idea of defining projects is very good indeed, it creates a clear sense of direction and purpose. Will definitely adopt it. Thanks for replying. Much appreciated. Caula

[@swankychris]

I love your channel, and appreciate your work and clear and concise words. I was just wondering what your thoughts on shooting Buskers?

[@kostyafedot551]

Well explained! I like street portraits of people with interesting appearance. Just can't do by myself, due to been terrible with any sort of the portrait :) .

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks again :-)

[@heldersanches]

I love to recognize Lisbon in your photos.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Helier - Lisbon is my favourite city for street photography:-)

[@heldersanches]

@@StreetSnappers Next time you come around, let me know. It will be my pleasure to introduce you to some not so well known places. Thanks for replying.

[@StreetSnappers]

@@heldersanches Great - would love to - thank you!

[@foxdenham]

While I understand your reservations about taking photo’s of homeless people and you are generally correct. However, like any folk, if you treat them with respect, and your desire is to show their inherent dignity, then asking them for their portrait and in turn respecting their response, it is ok to do this. I have had some wonderful encounters with homeless people. We are all the same after all.

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Pip, sure, you must do what feels right for you. Personally, I prefer to leave them alone but I'm not saying it's right or wrong - it's just my personal approach. I think my point was about not taking exploitative pictures of homeless people.

[@foxdenham]

@@StreetSnappers I realise this and wholeheartedly agree with you. Just sticking my oar in! ☺️✌️

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Always shot street photography it’s always been my preferred style mostly in stealth mode get in get the shot get out unnoticed. I did get confronted once a couple of years ago the lad was aggressive as fek I explained what my game was offered him the photo the lot but he nutted off at me til I deleted it not long after I was shooting someone else when a local homeless bloke walked round a corner into the frame he did likewise nutted off big time at me I was pissed because I make a point of avoiding them and kids but it got me questioning why I bother these days everyone seems on edge and very protective of their privacy. I decided the other week to change tack approach strangers and ask permission I’m using and 40s 6x6 folder the subjects seem pretty happy to be photographed with this old thing I give them a card and send them their shot I get their ok to use their pic on my channel no one has said no to this yet I’m genuinely feeling happier doing this style at first it’s intimidating but so far not many knock backs. I’ve yet to decide which style photos I prefer tho at this point I’d go with the candid stuff I think. Great discussion enjoyed that cheers

[@JEHendrix]

Great one! I live in a small town and, at 79, I don;t get out much for genres that require a lot of stamina or travel. So, what to shoot? I finance my hobby with fine art prints of downtown Oxford, Mississippi and near by rural areas. But, after several years, I am running out of subjects. So, lately, despite my introverted personality, I am drawn to street portraiture...randomly done to date. Much of you philosophy is so sensible that I have fallen into it already. But, you have given me some really useful insights here and I think you for them. I appreciate your videos.

[@StreetSnappers]

My pleasure, Jim. Street portraits can be great fun (even for introverts!) and you'll probably find your confidence grows a little after every shot. My advice would do do street portraits as a project, finding a common theme of a 'glue' that connects the images together.

[@karottenranger]

Thank you for this very informative video! Your channel is great. I just have one question. If you take a portrait with f/1.2 or f/1.4, only the tip of the nose will be super sharp but not the eyelashes or vice versa. I'd suggest not going unter f.2.2 on a more close up Portrait so all of the face and maybe also some parts of their clothes are sharp. What do you think, what's your experience?

[@michaelh.gerloff3659]

Thank you for your great tips, Bryan. I (shy and living in Germany where most people hate photographers) just wonder how to start this when you (as I) have no projects to refer to because it is your first "official" project. "I would like to take a photo of you, I am a photographer, but you will not find anything online or in the bookstores" - does not sound too convincing, does it? Maybe I should start shooting different photos and show a portfolio online?

[@dovkadmon7102]

Rey good advice! I appreciate your sensitivity and your comments about the homeless!

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Dov, glad you liked it :-)

[@tonydicasa9254]

Thanks for an informative post! Just wondering what to do about creating a book of street portraits in terms of legality and fair compensation in the highly unlikely event the book became commercially successful.

[@StreetSnappers]

Thanks Tony! The law depends on where you're based. In the UK for example, you can put images in your own book without any permission needed - but if you sell the pics to someone else for their book you'd need permission.

[@Lorak669]

What if I don't have any portfolio yet and people ask... Thanks for the video

[@StreetSnappers]

Don’t worry - many people don’t have a portfolio - maybe explain that you’re still learning or you’re a student of street photography.

[@AR-vf7vg]

"don't..., don't, don'ts. Because perhaps you just aren't who You are supposed to be, but things, and expectations, are as they are expected to be. Don't You get it? You are suppsed to get it though. Conform !

[@StreetSnappers]

thanks for commenting but I don't understand what any of that means!

[@NiChaThoKenn]

Thanks for sharing your experience here. I found your tips useful. As a fairly shy person I challenged myself to approach market vendors at counters and photograph them. I was amazed how easy and enjoyable this was. I called the series enCounters. You mention that you offer to send your subjects prints. Are people sensitive about giving their addresses? I ask for an email address and if they give it I send a digital image. And what about asking for permission to publish pictures on a web site or instagram or Flickr? How do you go about that?

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Nick, I usually just get an email address and send them a lo-res JPEG. I never ask for permission to publish - it's legally necessary and so long as the image doesn't ridicule them or could potentially distress them, I feel fine about that.

[@NiChaThoKenn]

@@StreetSnappers Thanks Brian, I guess permission to publish might be different from country to country. I live in Germany butI think the situation is the same as in the UK. You did mean 'legally unnecessary'?

[@michaelh.gerloff3659]

@@NiChaThoKennOh, my, Germany :) (I live there, too). There is a quite legal dark grey area when it comes to street photography. The good thing with portraits in my eyes is that you (normally) have contact with the other person, ask him or her to take a photo. With this you should be able to interpret this as a consent agreement. As long as he or she does not mention that they don't want that the photo to be published, and as long as you don't use it in an inappropriate way (as Bryan mentioned) it should be okay (But on the high seas and in court you never know ...) It is a different situation when you shoot "normal" street photos.

[@harvgreenberg3031]

All things considered, when doing a street portrait project, would you opt for a better camera/lens combination (better skin tones, microcontrast, background bokeh) that has just one card slot vs a lesser quality camera/lens combo that has two card slots?

[@StreetSnappers]

Hi Harv, interesting question. If I wasn't doing it professionally (to make money, that is), I would probably go for the better camera/lens) and would take the risk with the memory card. If it were a paid commission, I would hate to take the risk of card failure, so would go for the 2 card option.

[@johncurry9835]

I would like some thoughts from others (and Brian!) about not taking photos of unhoused people. I agree w and follow this, as it feels exploitive and seems like a sort of "human suffering porn." I have made exceptions when dogs are involved - the handful of homeless people I have met who own dogs, have close relationships with their pets, and struggle with the challenges of keeping them while they are unhoused. This also allows me what feels like an empathy and ability to have a real personal connection about the role our pets play in our lives. All this is part of a project focuses on people in all walks of life and the role their pets play in their lives. Any thoughts on this? It is something I struggle with.

[@Jordan-ff6mc]

is it possible to take photos that look this good with a canon 90d and an rf 50mm 1.8?

[@springrollwang4441]

YES, i can even do better on a much shitter camera with nifty-fifty.

[@ahmedbebars6844]

I have a 18-135mm kit lens, would that work for street portraits, or would it look threatening?

[@StreetSnappers]

I think it’s fine - I’m guessing it’s not a huge lens so I don’t think it will look intimidating.

[@paulchoccyt1303]

If you have your camera setup for zone focus shooting, how do you get to change your camera for portrait, especially as it can be a lot of settings change?

[@StreetSnappers]

Just switch from MF to AF, take your portrait and then change back. I often do that!

[@paulchoccyt1303]

@@StreetSnappers Thank you 😊

[@theerium]

With all due respect, I disagree about homeless people, sometimes they are Happy to pose for money, but there are two more occasions in my point of view that are suitable: when you can't see the face, and when they don't see you. I reject the accuse to exploiting people, for the simple fact that I never heard anyone accusing Salgado or onyone who shooted in the 3rd, 4rt or even 2nd world, to exploiting poor people. Same issue with children, if I am famous or if I shoot in the third world it's ok, otherwise it's dodgie. Chronicle is chronicle: if a nice shot finds me I make it. I think my fav shot I've ever taken it's an homeless in Florence. Every time I watch that shot I think is a miracle.

[@Rajdeep_Pandit]

How do you deal with someone who asks for money after the picture is taken?

[@StreetSnappers]

Rajdeep Pandit I think it depends on where you are in the world. In some regions this is acceptable/ normal practice (perhaps SE Asia, foe example ) but it’s unlikely I would pay anyone in Europe - especially not in the UK.

[@dicksanders8206]

I shoot in downtown Los Angeles, and I routinely pay a few dollars per subject. And I always send a print if they want it. That's ja fair trade for their time. If someone asks for a larger sum, say $10 or $20, or even $50 as some demanded once, I decline.

[@kasulebaker8044]

I didn't understand the final part

[@StreetSnappers]

kasule baker what didn’t you understand? Please let me know and I’ll try to explain.

[@kasulebaker8044]

Something like don't ask people for portraits it was the last point

[@StreetSnappers]

kasule baker I think my point was don’t ask homeless people for portraits.

[@EarlyBornFilms]

The last tip is the most helpful one to be honest, I wish I heard it when I started doing street portraits, one time I asked a homeless man for a photograph, he started shouting and telling me some really weird stuff and he kept asking me for money, since then I never asked a homeless for picture.

[@davidwoods80]

Tip 11: Don't look like a thug, druggie, or homeless person, especially when approaching the vulnerable or elderly. Wear conservative clothes and be neatly groomed. Appear 'professional' and subjects are less likely to reject your request, as you don't appear to be a scammer or outright thief. (Being older helps too! :-) )

[@StreetSnappers]

Good tips, David, many thanks