Photographing strangers on the street can be a difficult task for many photographers. It requires some level of courage and getting out of your comfort zone. Many photographers have a traumatic experience with it and just give up, or they try to shoot unnoticed, and that results in un-engaging photographs, photos where you can smell the fear of the photographer.
Getting close is mostly a matter of courage, and courage can be trained. I made a whole video about exactly this
In this article I will do my best to help you deal with these fears, in both technical and psychological ways.
When it comes to photographing people on the street, there are two ways of doing it. One is intrusive, and the other non-intrusive.
THE NON-INTRUSIVE APPROACH
Non-intrusive photography involves capturing images of people in public spaces without drawing attention to yourself or disrupting their activities.
Photographers using non-intrusive techniques may opt for longer lenses to capture candid shots without getting close, or use a wide lens to include people as part of the scene, with the subjects unaware they are being photographed.
In most cases, non-intrusive people photography results in the subject being unaware of the photographer, giving the photograph a calm sense of observation from a distance.
Overall, non-intrusive photography is often considered the more respectful and ethical approach. I hold a different opinion on this matter.
The use of a telephoto lens makes the person completely unaware of your actions.
It's almost like you are spying on them, similar to a safari, but instead of zebras, you are photographing people.
While it may help you avoid uncomfortable situations and potential confrontations, I don't necessarily see it as more ethical.
CAMERA AND GEAR TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE WITHOUT BEING NOTICED
- Use silent mode: disable all the sounds your camera makes.
- Shoot from the hip: bringing the camera to your eye immediately attracts attention. Most modern cameras have articulated screens; use them to shoot from lower angles that are less noticeable. Compose your image and look the other way while taking photos of your subject.
- Use a telephoto lens and shoot from a distance: the safari approach.
- Use a wide lens (35mm or 28mm): capture a broader view without getting too close and arousing suspicion
- Use a smaller camera: small cameras are popular among street photographers because they don't draw attention.
- Use zone focusing: pre-focus your camera to a specific distance so you don't need to adjust focus when taking the shot. You react faster and capture the moment in a split second.
5 examples of non-intrusive people photography
THE ART OF BECOMING INVISIBLE: MY 7 RULES
In my travels to Africa, I found that many people don't like to be photographed, so I had to improvise. I had to find a way to become invisible. It took me years to polish my street attitude, and through trial and error I came up with a set of rules that have helped me many times. Here are my top 7 tips for becoming invisible while photographing people (and no, we're not counting shooting from the hip).
- Observe first: take some time to observe your surroundings and the people in them before taking out your camera. This helps you find a good spot to shoot from and assess the scene before taking any pictures.
- Find the rhythm: every place has its rhythm; a bustling morning market is significantly faster than a shopping mall. You cannot run around when everyone else is slower. Move at the speed of the street.
- No sudden movements: an addition to the rhythm rule. Don't stand out in the way you move. Think harmony; you need to be harmonious with the environment around you.
- Be patient: wait for the right moment rather than rushing. Keep your camera down and observe; when you see something about to happen, only then raise your camera.
- Outfit: avoid clothing that is bright, flashy, or attention-grabbing. Neutral colors and comfortable clothes that blend with the environment make you less noticeable. I was shooting with a friend recently, and he told me later he kept losing sight of me even when I was three meters away. That's the level to aim for.
- Avoid eye contact: eye contact draws attention and makes people aware of your presence.
- Shoot when your subject is occupied: when their attention is focused on something else, they are less likely to notice you.
And if all of that didn't work for you, just use a telephoto and shoot from a distance.
THE INTRUSIVE APPROACH
Intrusive photography involves getting close to people and actively engaging with them to capture the shot. It usually means a shorter focal length, and the subject is aware of your presence. This approach creates a more assertive feeling, a sense of participation rather than observation. Personally, I find intrusive photography significantly more impactful, and it is my preferred method.
When you approach with a short lens, you are typically 1-2 meters from your subject, with nowhere to hide. If you are noticed and the person doesn't want to be photographed, they will let you know, so your conscience remains clear. Of course, if you intrude by pushing the camera in someone's face, you might encounter confrontation, but in my experience this happens very rarely.
HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH PEOPLE UP CLOSE AND GET AWAY WITH IT
- Have the right attitude: your most important skill is your own attitude and body language. Be soft-spoken and genuinely nice.
- Fear is your biggest enemy: you should not appear scared; people can sense fear.
- Behave as if you belong: your behavior should convey that you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing. Camera on full display, approach with confidence, like a news reporter. Confidence prevents objections.
- Blend in: no shiny jewelry, no branded outfits. When people look at you, they should see "one of us."
- Stand out (yes, the opposite): when traveling abroad, the reverse works. Put on a distinctive hat and look like a typical tourist; people tend to be friendly to tourists. As an Israeli shooting in Jerusalem, I wear hiking pants, hiking shoes, a hat, and a daypack. It makes me read as a tourist, and it often gets me access I wouldn't otherwise have.
- Learn the rhythm: a busy market moves differently than a lazy beachfront. Move the way the locals move.
- Stand in a quiet spot: in a busy area, take a step back and let the flow pass around you. Shoot from there and nobody approaches you.
- Know your crowd: observe how people in this particular place respond to photography.
- Choose less-visited places: people in locations frequented by photographers respond less positively to yet another camera. In less popular places, the welcome is warmer.
- Learn to say "I'm sorry": when you encounter objections, say it as many times as needed.
- Learn to smile: a smile takes you a long way in street photography. Don't underestimate it.
- Don't argue: your ego and who's right don't matter. What matters is staying in a good mood to photograph, and people forgetting you as soon as possible. If someone says you can't photograph here, arguing only escalates, even if you're legally right. Say sorry, smile, and delete the photo if asked.
- Ask for permission: sometimes you can simply ask, and it will be granted.
Here are 5 examples of intrusive people photography.
CLOSING
Photographing strangers is always a challenge, especially for a beginner. Both approaches are legitimate; my heart is with the close, participatory one, but the skills of invisibility serve you either way. What's your approach? How do you prefer to photograph people on the street? Tell me in the comments.