Lessons from a Year of Street Photography in NYC

I don’t consider myself a dedicated street photographer. Instead, I enjoy exploring various environments—landscapes, cityscapes, small towns, and, of course, the bustling streets of New York City. This September marks one year since I started focusing on street photography in NYC. As I look back at the photos I've taken, I see a noticeable improvement in my work, especially when viewed chronologically.

Over this year, I've picked up specific street photography techniques that have significantly enhanced my photos. These tips may also help you, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills.

Quick Note: I've shot street photography in other cities before, so this isn't my first rodeo. However, it's the first time I've devoted a full year to this genre. I'm not an expert, but I love the craft, and I'm constantly looking for ways to improve. This blog is written in that spirit, hoping you'll find something useful for your own street photography journey.

Have a Reason for Every Photo

Picture this: you're on the street, you take a photo of someone, and they notice. They approach you, asking why you took their picture. For many, this is a daunting situation. After spending a year in NYC, I've had this happen multiple times. And I'm still here, unharmed, because I always have a clear, communicable reason for each photo I take, especially when it involves people.

Knowing why you're taking a photo makes it easier to manage any interactions and explain yourself. Let’s take a look at this photo here - I got a photo of a man feeding pigeons at Washington Square Park. If he had asked, I could easily explain that his unique action drew me to the scene, making it worthy of a photograph.

Let’s take a look at another example - I photographed a family silhouetted against a bright, colorful screen in Times Square back in February. The aesthetic appeal of their silhouettes against the brightly lit sign was my reason for taking the shot. If they ask, I’d simply explain that to them, or even just show my them screen, since I’m shooting with digital cameras.

Being able to articulate the 'why' behind your photos not only helps in potentially awkward situations but also adds a layer of intentionality to your work. If you're shooting film, be even more prepared to explain, as you can't show them the image immediately.

Commit to One Focal Length

While I still use a zoom lens occasionally, I've found that sticking to a single prime lens for photography, especially street photography, has significantly improved my work and made the process a whole lot easier.

There are a couple reasons why using a prime lens for street photography has helped me:

Consistency: Focal lengths greatly impact the look and feel of your images. By committing to one, you can build a consistent style across your portfolio.
Creativity: The constraint of using just one lens forces you to think creatively, and put in a little work to get the proper composition. Instead of relying on zoom, you move your body to get the perfect shot. This process has pushed me to explore different angles and perspectives, making my compositions stronger.
Mastery: The more you use one focal length, the closer you get to mastering it. For me, sticking to a 23mm lens has been a game-changer, and it might be worth trying for you as well.
Less gear = less weight: There’s nothing worse than carrying a giant camera bag around a city for a day. One of the best things about using a prime lens and sticking with it is… you don’t have to carry a bunch of other gear.

Photograph a Variety of Subjects

When people think of street photography, they often imagine candid shots of people. While capturing people is a significant part of the genre, street photography can encompass much more. I define it as capturing any element that reflects human presence or urban life. This includes everything from people to still life objects, shapes, shadows, and reflections.

I've enjoyed photographing restaurants, cafes, and bars, often catching them in interesting lighting or with unique setups. Some of my favorite street photos have come from this approach. I also keep an eye out for textures, reflections, and abstract elements, which keep the experience fresh and exciting. If you're not comfortable photographing people, these other elements can offer a fulfilling alternative.

Repetition and Practice

Let's face it: most days, you won't capture a perfect shot. My goal is usually to get just one "shareable" image per session—something good enough for Instagram or to share with friends. Many days, even that modest goal is tough to achieve.

That's why repetition is key. The more you go out and shoot, the more opportunities you have to capture something special. I've noticed that the more time I spend on the streets, the better my photos become. It’s all about putting in the miles and honing your skills.

This also helps you become more comfortable in your environment. The first few times I shot in NYC, I was a bit nervous. But as the days went by, I felt more and more at ease, like I belonged there. The more time you spend on street photography, the more confident and creative you'll become.

Conclusion

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