Challenge – “Street Photography”

Wikipedia defines Street Photography as “photography conducted for art or enquiry that features unmediated chance encounters and random incidents.” Typically, street photography is about capturing life in public areas at random moments in unstaged environments.  Furthermore, and contrary to its name, and what some think, street photography does not have to be done on the streets. You can do street photography anywhere.

A few tips for consideration when taking photos of this type are:

• Know your camera settings (be sure to ensure that the lens and settings will give your a decent shot at the drop of a hat).
• Be prepared for the decisive moment.
• Shoot from a distance.
• When possible, shoot from behind glass.
• Shoot from behind people.
• Use contrasting light.
• Don’t be afraid to ask strangers to be subjects.

Note:  Without going into all the details, Portuguese law summarises Street Photography as follows:

• Street photographers can take photographs without consent when they are public figures, public events or the image appears framed in public places.
• They can broadcast (internet, exhibitions and books) images of people as long as they are in public spaces or for cultural purposes. It is only prohibited when it constitutes an offence to the honour, reputation or simple decorum of the person concerned. If the focus is on a particular person, it may not be displayed, published or commercially released without their consent.