The dos and don’ts of street portraits
Street portraits are becoming increasingly popular. This is largely due to the influence of popular TikTokers and YouTube shorts stars. They show you how to make street portraits in one micro-length video. I also see several faux pas in this type of content, prompting me to create this guide to the dos and don'ts of street portrait photography.
Street portraits and rules
The rules and ethics of street portraits will never be set in stone. Everyone with the ability to think has their own opinion on the topic, and in this article I’m choosing to present mine. You can, of course, choose to ignore them. It’s also totally fine if you disagree with my ethics surrounding street portrait photography.
But, in the many years I have been creating street portraits, there are some best practices which I think are worth adhering to. From photographing in Colombia, to making candid portraits in India, these values have proven to show the highest level of respect to the subjects, and to the craft.
Now we have the housekeeping out of the way, let’s take a look at the dos and don’ts of street portraits.
Street portraits: Do send the photo
I recently watched an interview with street portrait photographer, Amy Horowitz. When asked if she sends her subjects the images, she said “it’s not part of my process”. Horowitz is a super talented photographer and she is one of my favorites in the street portrait genre. But, on the topic of sharing images with the subjects, I have a differing opinion.
I don’t think street portraiture should be a one way stream. If you ask someone to take time out of their day so you can do something you love, then at the very least I believe you should offer to send their photograph.
For most people, getting asked to pose for a photograph by a stranger is a rare occurrence. Let’s help them remember it like we do by sending the finished product. It will be a reminder of a nice moment for many years to come.
Street Portraits: Don’t over edit
On one of the many TikTok’s of the street portrait photography trend, I saw a photographer compliment a woman’s eyes before asking to make her portrait. Then, when the final photo came on my screen, what did I see? Overly processed eyes, that looked like the photographer had pumped up the vibrancy and saturation to 100.
How sincere must their compliment have been if the finished portrait looked nothing like the reality. Remember, the further you’re away from the subject’s natural look, the louder the message is that you think “they need work”. Honestly, it looked more like an AI image than an authentic candid portrait of a fellow human. Please, don’t do this.
Street Portraits: Do photograph children
I know many street photographers who avoid photographing children, especially male street photographers. I understand it, but at the same I find it very sad. Children make some of the best subjects and that’s because they are not as self conscious as adults.
Take this image for example…
I thought the kid looked cool with their shades on. I approached the mother and explained what I do, showed her my work and said I would like to make a nice photo of your daughter for you to have. Once the mother gave me the green light, I then asked the child if it was okay - it was like she had been waiting to be on the red carpet.
I appreciate it can feel awkward because of the bad actors in this world. But, if you know you’re not one of them, don’t be afraid to make images of some of the best subjects you’ll ever find.
Street Portraits: Don’t just photograph beautiful women
Have you noticed a common theme in these viral street portrait videos? All the women look like they’re fresh off the catwork or ready to do the next mega brand campaign. Don’t get me wrong, they deserve to have their portrait taken, but when that’s all the photographer shoots, it becomes a little disingenuous.
Plus, the best part of street portrait photography is the range of people you get to meet. From male to female, young to elderly, there are lots of stories you can listen to when you diversify your subjects. Don’t limit yourself just for the sake of social media clicks. Those clicks won’t paint the best picture when you're older, but the eclectic mix of people you meet certainly will.
Do keep trying
Asking a stranger to make their portrait is daunting, even for the most confident of people. When someone initially declines your request, it can be easy to give up right away and move on. However, it’s often the case that someone is so shocked by your request that they say no without thinking.
When this happens, there’s nothing wrong with a little gentle persuasion to try to get them on side. Perhaps explain again what you do and also be sure to follow the first “dos of street portraits”, offer to send the image. Don’t give up straight away and try again. And if you are lacking confidence in street portraiture, I have a guide for that.
Don’t overdo it
As a rule, if someone declines twice, I see it as a dead end. If you keep pushing and pushing this can make a person feel very uncomfortable. That’s the last thing you want to do as it's unfair and not cool.
It’s best to swallow your pride, nurse your ego and accept that some people will flat out refuse to let you make their street portrait. That’s fine. It’s life. Don’t be too pushy and risk needlessly escalating the matter further.
Do enjoy street portrait photography!
The main thing to do is enjoy being a street portrait photographer. It’s a fun spin on traditional portrait photography and it enriches your mind. You’ll love building your photography portfolio and you will be grateful for all those willing subjects that helped you build it. Go out, have fun and try to follow and create your personal set of street portrait photography ethics.
Do you agree with these dos and don'ts? What are your ethics for street photography and candid portraits? Where is your favorite place to make candid portraits? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
How to make a street portrait?
A 50mm lens is good for a street portrait. It allows you to get enough in the frame without distorting your subject. Look out for good lighting situations too, as light will make or break your portrait.
What is a street photo called?
There are several names for a street photo. They are street photography, candid photography, and even candid frames. Although slightly different, they all refer to the same type of photograph.
Is street photography an art?
Yes, street photography is art. It’s a form of creative expression and every street photographer has their own artistic voice.
Want your work featured on Them Frames? Pitch us.
Follow Them Frames
