Street Photography in Different Cultures: A Global Analysis
I’m fortunate enough to have explored several corners of the globe. It's allowed me to understand how different societies and cultures respond to street photography. The response not only changes from continent to continent, or country to country, it can flip simply by moving from one town to the next. Here’s what I’ve learned.
The best cities for street photography exist all around the world. However, this article isn’t about highlighting my favorites. Instead I’m going to give you an insight of how different parts of the world react to street photographers.
I will first break it down into continents and different zones within them. Then I will compare some of the more well known countries for street photography and share some hidden gems as well.
I’ll note, I can’t compare all continents, because I’m yet to visit them all. But I have a good data set across four of them. I have visited over 50 countries too so you’ll have enough to get an idea of how everything compares.
Street photography in different continents
We will begin by comparing four continents: Europe, North America, South America and Asia. I know some continents better than others, but I’ve spent at least three months in each of them. This has helped gain a deep understanding of different attitudes towards street photography.
There’s also a snapshot version if you prefer a more rapid overview. Personally I recommend reading the detailed version for better insights.
Europe
My home continent is where I cut my teeth in street photography. It’s also the continent I have experienced the most confrontation. Places like London tend to be fine, but other cities in the UK can have a more pessimistic attitude in comparison.
In my experience, Western Europe tends to be the most concerned about street photography. In Austria, Germany and France I have had at least one person become heated at the process of street photography.
Spain and Italy were my favorite spots. I seldom ran into trouble when shooting in the likes of Valencia and Naples.
Eastern Europe deals in extremes, they either don’t care at all, or chase you down the street - I know this from experience. That said, for the most part Eastern Europe is fine and the people are some of the most welcoming people I have had the honor to meet.
In closing Europe is overall a mixed bag. Many Europeans are hot on privacy, especially in the digital era. How they respond can be unpredictable, but overall I’ve had a positive experience when doing street photography in Europe.
Asia
The Asian continent is huge and I have only seen a small part of it. That said, I went to popular destinations: India, Thailand and Malaysia. In my experience this part of the world is the most welcoming of street photography.
In a country like India, where everything is done at a fast pace, people don’t have time to worry about a street photographer. In cities like New Delhi, the streets are so packed that it’s easy to blend in. The locals are curious too and India is great for street portrait photography, because everyone wants you to make their picture.
I went to Thailand because I found India too warm and intense (I’ll prepare better next time). However, Thailand also has a high octane energy. People are very friendly in Thailand and they seem trusting too - they would not assume a street photographer had bad intentions.
Malaysia felt more reserved in comparison to India and Thailand. There were a few more frowns, but for the most part people were more likely to smile at you if they caught you making their picture. I didn’t have as much fun in Kuala Lumpur as I did in New Delhi and Bangkok, but it was still a positive experience.
Overall, Asia seems to be the most open to street photography. My dream is to one day visit Japan and South Korea and see how things go there. But if you’re thinking about visiting Asia, I absolutely recommend you do, you’ll make so many awesome pictures.
North America
When referencing North America, I’m also including countries in the central part of the Americas. Like Europe, North America can be unpredictable. I have traveled to all the countries within this continent and my experience changed the further south I went.
When I’m in New York, I’m amongst so many other street photographers. It seems to me New Yorkers are so used to the art form that they’re desensitized to it. It’s just a thing that happens. In Mexico City, it’s like people understand the value of street photography in a city that is full of vibrancy and creative energy - I love it there.
Compare those places to somewhere like Gautama City, and there’s a huge difference. People in the city (and other parts of Guatemala) seemed to be more wary of candid photography. There wasn’t much smiling, and it had an energy that made it difficult for me to fully relax into making street images.
The United States and Mexico were the most welcoming of street photography. Panama was also another country within North America that had a warm and welcoming vibe. I felt free to roam and make images within a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The central nations were the most challenging.
South America
I’m currently in South America and even though I have only been to Colombia and Ecuador, it’s a continent where I spend a large amount of my time. I have spoken about Colombia a lot - you can see my Is Colombia Dangerous for Street Photography and Is Bogota Safe for Photography articles.
In terms of how the people respond to street photography, it depends. In Sabaneta where I currently am, I see a lot more face turning or face covering if people think I am making their photograph. In Medellin, people still have a cautious curiosity but won’t seem to mind if they make their way in front of your lens.
Bogota is huge and full of tourists. So it’s easy to blend in with other image makers and for the most part people are too busy to care about you. Colombians are friendly people in general so even if they are suspicious, they are less likely to begin a confrontation with you or send any negative comments your way.
I only spent a week in Ecuador so it’s hard to provide a fully informed perspective. I will say that people didn’t respond negatively to street photography and I got many “I will decide to wave in your street photo” types of photos.
Snapshot Summary
Europe
Experience: Most confrontation experienced.
Attitude Variance:
UK: London is fine, other cities more pessimistic.
Western Europe: High concern, with notable confrontations in Austria, Germany, and France.
Southern Europe: Positive experiences in Spain and Italy, minimal trouble in Valencia and Naples.
Eastern Europe: Mixed reactions, either indifferent or very confrontational.
Overall: Mixed bag; unpredictable responses, but generally positive.
Asia
Experience: Most welcoming to street photography.
Country-Specific Observations:
India: Fast-paced, easy to blend in, great for street portraits.
Thailand: Friendly and trusting, high energy.
Malaysia: More reserved but still positive; fewer frowns and more smiles.
Overall: Highly recommended for street photography.
North America
Experience Level: Unpredictable, varying by region.
Country-Specific Observations:
USA: Desensitized to street photography, many photographers.
Mexico: Vibrant, appreciates street photography.
Guatemala: Wary, less relaxed atmosphere. True for most of Central America.
Panama: Warm and welcoming, relaxed for photography.
Overall: US and Mexico are the most welcoming.
South America
Experience Level: Limited to Colombia and Ecuador.
Country-Specific Observations:
Colombia: Mixed responses; cautious curiosity in Medellin, face covering in places like Sabaneta, easy blending in Bogota.
Ecuador: Limited experience, generally positive responses.
Overall: Friendly people, cautious but mostly positive.
Best Continent
Asia: I found that Asia is the most open and welcoming to street photography, offering the best overall experience. The locals are friendly, the environments are high energy, and there are great opportunities for capturing street portraits.
Street photography in Different Countries
I won’t dive into every country I have visited. Instead, I’ll cover my favorites and the ones I know people are most curious about visiting for street photography.
United States
As I say, New Yorkers felt somewhat numb to street photography. It’s been part of the culture for decades. That said, New Yorkers won’t hold back if they want to let you know you’re bothering them. Personally, I like that vibe. No BS. But, when it happens it can feel a little intimidating, however it’s nothing a calm approach can’t solve.
In Los Angeles, the vibe felt very vain. I liked the city but it seemed everyone was looking for their next photo opportunity and were very aware of how they would look in a photo. It wasn’t all like this, but it was difficult to create authentic images when in Los Angeles.
India
I mentioned I struggled in India. The reason is it’s so intense that on my first visit I struggled to adapt - and I’m someone who seldom has this issue. People are friendly and very curious. But, that curiosity can often be overwhelming and trying to “get work done” can be tricky because most people want to talk to you.
I love talking to new people. But, when you just want to get your head down and make images, it can be a challenge. Also, the locals love taking selfies with tourists and they will be more than happy to repay the favor and let you photograph them. This is good for street portrait photography, not so good for candid work.
Mexico
When it comes to exploring a single country, Mexico is the one I have explored the most. I still have so much more to see as well. Mexico City is the best place to do street photography, however the country in general is awesome.
Even in smaller Pueblo’s where people tend to be more reserved, locals love a good interaction with street photographers. San Cristobal is one of my favorite spots. It has a high amount of indigenous people and they’re more than welcoming of street photography. Overall, I’d say Mexico is very open to the craft.
Turkey
I’m yet to mention Turkey. It falls within both Europe and Asia, and really has its own vibe. I bring it up now because I know a lot of people are curious about Istanbul - my favorite city for street photography.
The people are welcoming of street photography. However, the police were amongst some of the most curious I have experienced. They were never aggressive but they did want to know my intentions. Each time I explained, they let me carry on doing my thing. I had no issues and they were always friendly.
Turkey is a Muslim nation. Those more who are more traditional tend to be a little more reserved and would prefer you not to photograph them. I try to respect this for the most part and if a woman is wearing a Burqa, I’ll tend not to photograph them.
England
I’m from England and, with bias, I think we're some of the most welcoming people on the planet. Especially in the North, where I am from — we love a good chat. But, despite being one of the most surveillanced countries in the world, people won’t always react well to street photography.
In parts of the North and smaller towns, people can view street photography as weird. I've been called a weirdo several times when doing street photography in England - I take it with a pinch of salt.
I’m unsure why people don’t take kindly to street photography in England. Perhaps it comes from the conservatism that’s deeply sewn into our culture. Or perhaps it’s due to being under so much surveillance, that people are sick and tired of images being taken of them without consent.
That’s why I love London. It’s so multicultural and open minded that it’s easier to do street photography. It also has plenty of street photographers too, so it’s easier to blend in.
I’m not saying England in general is a dead end in terms of street photography. Just the response can be a lot harsher from those that don’t approve of the practice.
Snapshot summary
United States
New York: Street photography is part of the culture; locals are direct about being bothered but a calm approach helps.
Los Angeles: Vain vibe; people are very aware of their appearance, making it hard to capture authentic images.
Overall: Depends on who you photograph, and where you are. For the most part people understand and accept street photography.
India
Experience: Intense environment, friendly and curious locals, but overwhelming for candid photography.
Challenges: Locals love interacting and taking selfies with tourists, which can disrupt candid street photography.
Overall: Very positive experience but be prepare for a high octane, intense atmosphere.
Mexico
Experience: Most explored country; Mexico City is the best for street photography.
Smaller Pueblos: Reserved but welcoming; San Cristobal has a high number of indigenous people who are open to photography.
Overall: Very open to street photography.
Turkey
Experience: Falls within Europe and Asia; Istanbul is the favorite city for street photography.
People: Welcoming, but police are curious (friendly and non-aggressive).
Cultural Sensitivity: Traditional Muslims may prefer not to be photographed, particularly women in Burqas.
England
North England: Friendly but views street photography as weird; mixed reactions, some negative.
London: Multicultural, open-minded, easier for street photography; many street photographers make it easier to blend in.
Overall: Mixed reactions; some harsh responses from those who disapprove of the practice.
Best Country
Mexico: I found that Mexico is a highly favorable location for street photography due to its openness and welcoming attitude. Mexico City stands out as a top spot, and smaller towns like San Cristobal also offer positive experiences.
Singing off
I’ll remind you that all that I’ve written comes from personal experience. Other street photographers may have totally different perspectives to share - they all have value.
I will say I am a slow traveler, meaning I usually spend at least one month in each destination I visit. I say that because slow travel allows me to really grasp what a place is about and the attitude people have towards street photography.
Despite their being some places better than others, or at least more welcoming, there isn't somewhere I would tell you to avoid (unless for safety reasons). So you can visit all the places I mentioned and still make great pictures - the atmosphere will just change depending on where you are.
What have been your most difficult places in the world to do street photography? Where felt most open and welcoming? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
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