The Top 3 Elements That Take Your Street Photography To The Next Level

Street photograph by Polly Rusyn showing children playing, lovers looking into each others eyes and a rainbow in the fountain behind

What are the key elements that take a street photo to a new level?

Well, there are a few and I'm going to share 3 of them with you in this email (I share a lot more in my workshops BTW *wink):

 

Seeing the world through a new lens

And I don't mean buying that prime or zoom you've had your eye on!

One of the keys to creating extraordinary street photography is learning to see the world with curious eyes.

I went into detail about this in my last email.

 

>>> If you missed it you can also read it on the blog. 

 

It's about training your eye to spot the hidden gems that others might overlook – the best photos capture fleeting moments of humour, quirkiness, surreality, and original observation. Fleeting moments that can't be replicated.

So, next time you're out and about, try to see the world with fresh eyes and an open mind. I like to call this seeing like an Alien Baby!

 

Capturing emotion

Great street photography isn't just about snapping something on a street (BOOORRRRRRING!) – it's about capturing emotion. 

It's about showing the viewer something they can relate to. Show 'em an expression or a gesture! Something that tells a story.

So, when you're out on the streets, don't just look for interesting subjects – look for moments that make you feel something, and try to convey that emotion through your images.

 

Playing with light

Never underestimate the power of really understanding light in street photography. The more you understand it the more possibilities you will see to incorporate the aesthetic of it in your work.

The way light interacts with your subjects and environment can make all the difference between a good photo and a great one. 

So, pay attention to the quality of light, and think about what you can do WITH it and what you can do TO it! ;) (it's in the settings you choose).

 

"To me, photography is the art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them." - Elliot Erwitt

  

Join me on a street photography weekend workshop to learn more about how to NOT take boring photos ;) I will teach you The Curiosity Principle™️ and give you the Blueprint of what makes a great street photo! AND I'll help you train your observation filter... I will also share all the elements that make a street photo great! PLUS you'll hear me shouting "shadows are real!"

 

>>> All upcoming Weekenders are now listed on the website

 

And here are some reviews from past participants:

All levels of street photography experience are welcome on Weekenders! All assignments are created to be achieved by everyone wherever they are on their street photography journey. Some photographers who join me don't even need a workshop anymore - they just enjoy the experience!

 

>>> All upcoming Weekenders are now listed on the website

 

SAVE THE DATES!

Hope to see you soon...

 

— Polly

p.s. Registrations for Weekenders 2025 open on Saturday 03 August 2024

 

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