Types of Street Photography
Five Unique Styles of Street Photography
Street photography is a rich and varied genre, filled with unique sub-genres and styles. Today, we’ll explore five distinct types of street photography. I’ll break down each style and share examples of my own work, along with bonus tips to help you hone your skills and develop your own street photography voice. Let’s dive in!
1. Traditional Street Photography
Traditional street photography is all about capturing candid, unrepeatable moments. Personally, I prefer to walk and keep moving, rather than waiting at one spot for the perfect shot. This approach feels authentic and true to the spontaneity of life on the streets. I often shoot close-ups and tend to work with a mix of perspectives, aiming for a candid, unposed look.
Bonus Tip: Focus on storytelling. Aim to make stories, not just photographs. Some of the best shots convey emotions, narratives, and fleeting moments, even if the images aren’t traditionally “pretty.” Challenge yourself to create stories that resonate with you and reflect the vibrant life of the streets.
2. Instagram Street Photography
Let’s talk about a more modern trend: what I call Instagram street photography or the “camper” style. This approach involves setting up in a specific location and waiting for someone to walk into a carefully composed frame. While it works well with Instagram’s format, with clean compositions and striking colors, this style often feels less dynamic, missing the human connection that I believe makes street photography special.
Bonus Tip: If you love this style, take it further by mixing other techniques and adding your own creative spin. Try working closer to people and engaging with your subjects to bring more humanity into your images, while still maintaining the composed look.
3. Street Portraits
The street portrait is a classic style in street photography. Here, the photographer asks for permission and captures the person’s essence in a moment of connection. The best part of this style is the interaction—it’s a chance to connect with people, learn their stories, and capture their personality.
Bonus Tip: “Work the scene.” If the person has a few moments to spare, explore the shot! Change angles, suggest different poses, or adjust the lighting. A little extra time and creativity can turn a good portrait into a truly memorable one.
4. Absurdist or Humorous Street Photography
For those who enjoy a bit of whimsy, absurdist or humorous street photography might be your go-to. This style focuses on capturing unexpected, humorous moments on the street—often with a touch of irony or juxtaposition. While it’s a fun approach, it can be challenging as these moments are rare and often elusive.
Bonus Tip: Keep a playful mindset. Some days, head out with the intent to simply find what’s funny or odd around you. The more you practice seeing the world through a lighthearted lens, the more you’ll notice these unique and funny situations.
5. The Saul Leiter Style
Lastly, we have what I like to call the Saul Leiter style, inspired by the iconic street photographer Saul Leiter. His work, known for its simplicity, vibrant color, and creative use of negative space, has become popular on social media. Often, his compositions obscure the subject’s face, drawing the viewer’s attention to color, framing, and mood rather than to the individual alone.
Bonus Tip: Study Leiter’s work to understand his techniques. Explore his use of negative space, color blocking, and framing to inspire your own work. Rather than copying, use these elements to create your own unique interpretations.
What’s Your Style?
So, which street photography style resonates with you the most? Share your favorite in the comments, or let me know if there’s a style I missed! Don’t forget to subscribe for more street photography tips and to check out my Instagram for more inspiration. Until next time, happy shooting!
