You may agree or disagree, but I believe that street photography isn't difficult. It may not be the easiest but one thing is for sure. You can start at any time with the gear you currently have.

In this post I will describe why I think you should start with street photography. I will also present my story meaning how it started with me. Finally, I will add what has changed in my life with regard to the adventure that is street photography.

OK, How did I get started?

Intro to My Street Photography

I think I started at the perfect time. After a few unsuccessful months of product photography during the pandemic, I decided I would hit the streets. I didn't stress because I chose the moment when the streets were completely empty. Few people hiding in the narrow streets of the city and me in the middle with camera in hand.

At the time, I didn't yet realize that silhouettes would play a fairly significant part in my street photography. That's why I focused more on objects such as street lights or other elements of the city's design.

Street photography is simple. You walk through the city and take pictures. You don't have to have an exact plan or idea. Yet I know that having a specific plan or idea for a photo walk is quite a key element. But I learned that later.

How I started

It was a March evening. Winter with a light wind and about -10°C. I stopped on one of the main streets of Warsaw. I arrived by car so as not to waste time moving around. At that time I had no plan - let's remember that. I took out my backpack with gear and started preparations.

It was a really good backpack with many compartments.

I put the straps over my head with slight difficulty because I was wearing a winter jacket with a big hood. I hooked up the sports camera and put on the wrist strap.

Ready to go.

I added an extra task for myself. I decided that I would change my current YouTube channel to one about photography. And so I did.

My first photo walk took around 2 hours. I was freezing but I took a lot of photos and even recorded some video. That's how my first POV video was made. You can watch it here.

Street photography is easy

Why do I think so?

You can do whatever you want. You can go anywhere you want and create your content there. No one is chasing you. Well, unless you blow off something. The only thing that can chase you is time, which we often don't have enough of.

The city is my sandbox. I can play in it in any way I want. Even if you go out once again to the same place the situation will never be the same. And this creates additional opportunities. Just go out once during the day and once at night and you can take completely different pictures.

The street is the perfect place to test new ideas. Random situations somewhat force you to improvise and thanks to this you gain valuable experience.

You don't need special gear

Someone once said that the latest gear is a must. Well, there is some truth in that. But I don't agree that it has to be the latest. In the beginning, a phone is enough for you.

I started my adventure with photography with a Sony Alfa 200, a camera that was released in 2008. If I remember correctly I was putting money aside for my first camera and I bought this one back in 2009. So only a year after official release. I started my street adventures with the Sony A6500 a few years later. I specifically saved for it too.

You don't need perfect conditions

I'm a good example that the weather does not have to be perfect at all. I've taken photos in all kinds of weather conditions, and I'll be honest and say that sometimes the most unpredictable ones are the most interesting. I love weather surprises.

You can't afford such surprises in any other field of photography. Let's take a portrait session, for example. That's the kind of session you rather want to plan and get it right. Weather can make or break your photos.

Live inspiration

Let me end this post by saying that it's much easier to get inspired on the street. The street is a place where you can meet a lot of people. Sometimes even crowds. Imagine how many photographers you can meet who also enjoy the privileges. Each one represents a different style that you can take inspiration from. To have the opportunity to meet other photographers in a natural environment is priceless. Gaining experience together and exploring the city's hidden corners is also indescribable.

Good luck!