One of the truly unique and amazing parts of portrait photography is how we as the photographer get to and must build an instant rapport with the subject. Often we get only a split second where all the strings of a complex narrative come together into a single image. This is why I love portrait photography. It requires not only a great understanding of your gear, but also a willingness to get to know the story of the person you are photographing. With pre-scheduled photo sessions, you often get a chance to sit down with the subject before the shoot. However, it is not possible to get to know everything you need from that meeting. Often, I find myself adapting to the client on the shoot - needing to modify plans to truly capture their stories.
I have discovered doing street photography is incredibly helpful in developing this. Street photography requires you to see a story and capture it in the same instance.
So, here it is. Five ways doing street photography will help you make better portraits. After the break...
Street Photography:
1.
Helps you see the story.
When you shoot on the street, the story is the environment the person is in. Learning how to show your subject in his pre-existing environment will help you to expand your imagination in crafting your environments for structured sessions or studio shoots.
Here, I used this cobbler's sewing machine and the multiple colored clothes in the background to show the reason for the focus in the man's face. The slight motion blur in the hammer gives context to the grey hair and rough hands.
2.
Helps you be decisive.
In street photography, you have an instant - mere milliseconds - to grab a shot before it disappears. In a crowd, you have to survey a scene, pick your subject, compose, correctly expose, and release the shutter almost simultaneously. Learning to read a situation and decide on your photo quickly helps with envisioning how you want to construct your portrait shoot.
Here, I was in a crowd that was being pushed back by the policeman in the background. The consternation on this monk's face caught my attention, but the crowd was more intriguing. I brought up the camera to capture this, but something was missing. All of a sudden, a rival group of monks passed through the opening created by the police and a look of anger crossed his countenance. I knew this was my shot, recomposed from the crowd, and released the shutter.
3.
Requires improvisation.
Memorable scenes occur on the street often without any warning and in unexpected ways. In many cases, you must shoot on the fly, because the scene that unfolds does not conform to your carefully planned settings and ideal compositions. Maybe you don't have the right lens. Or the body you are using doesn't have the ISO capability. Or you are in the wrong place. You must be willing to let go of the rules - to make modifications as you go. In short, you are not in control of the scene and must respond to what occurs. By learning to be spontaneous in your photography, you open up infinite possibilities and your are forced to grow in your photography. This will improve the way you see your portrait photography and is likely to influence the way you approach the creativity, composition, and interaction with your clients.
For this shot, I was walking down a dark street on Christmas Eve with very little ambient light. A group holding a candlelight vigil stepped out of a church. I didn't have a wide lens. So, instead of doing my normal composition, I found the story to be this young girl among the adults.
4.
Requires patience.
Nothing is more daunting as a photographer than waiting for something to happen on the street. You go to a location you enjoy shooting and wait. People come and go, but the shot never materializes. An hour or two go by - still nothing. Then, a group walks through in the perfect light, in just the right location. Or you have been working with a group, but nothing is really happening. Then suddenly and inside joke happens and someone cracks up. Voila! You have your image. Your patience pays off. While you have control of the setting and location of your portrait photography, you do not have control over your models. You can pose them and suggest or entertain or critique to get just the right expression, but ultimately that comes from them. You must be patient in waiting for just the right frame.
For this shot, I was watching the two men. One would look at the scroll while the other looked away. I wanted them to both be looking at the scroll. So I waited. When it finally happened, this was the result - better than I had hoped for.
5.
Gives you practice.
Just like anything else, the best way to get better is to practice, practice, practice. What better way to do so than by grabbing your camera and capturing the world around you. Get out there and shoot!
How have you found street photography to be helpful in growing you as a photographer? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Want to get better at street photography? Here's a guide to
focusing for candid shots over at the
Digital Photography School.
Author's note: Street photography is not an excuse to exploit individuals. Be courteous in your photography. Respect a person if he asks you to not take his picture. Do not be intrusive.
