A Guide to Juxtaposition in Street Photography

The best street photography often captures multiple unexpected elements together-a concept called juxtaposition. Here, Craig Whitehead shares how to make the kinds of mental notes that will help you find those serendipitous shots, whether you're noting temporary billboards or waiting for the right pedestrian to cross in front of your lens. For more composition tips, join Craig for his new Skillshare Original, Street Photography Composition: 5 Techniques for Standout Photos: skl.sh/2YtKrII
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STREET PHOTOGRAPHY QUICK JUMP MENU
00:00 What Is Juxtaposition?
01:07 The Balloon Head Shot
01:51 Making Mental Notes for the Right Shot
03:18 Paying Attention to Text
04:44 Imperfections and Temporary Environmental Elements
05:47 The Benefit of Time
06:55 Training Your Eye to See Juxtaposition
08:41 Next Steps: What Is Your Ideal Scene?
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ABOUT THE SKILLSHARE CLASS
Iconic street photos don't happen by accident. You need patience, a trained eye, and solid composition. Join photographer Craig Whitehead (@sixstreetunder) as he steps off the street and into the studio to reveal the techniques that have helped him elevate his photos from mere documentation to fine art. Drawing from years of his archives, Craig reverse engineers five critical concepts that will help you create standout photos with intention, instead of by chance.
Detailed examples and exercises will help you:
- Refine your eye for stronger compositions
- Recognize the right time and place to capture images
- Find lighting and color to improve your shots
- Predict and prepare for interesting scenes before they happen
Plus, learn why certain photos evoke emotion while others fall flat, and how to apply those techniques to next time you hit the pavement.
Whether you’re a first-time photographer with an iPhone or an experienced DSLR shooter looking to develop your signature style, Craig’s approach will open the door to a whole new world. Follow along and in 60 minutes you’ll hone your eye, unlock your imagination, and learn how to tell a story in every image.
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ABOUT SKILLSHARE
Skillshare is an online education platform with thousands of classes taught by the world’s best practitioners. Come take a class on illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, crafts, and more. To get started, sign up for a free trial here: www.skillshare.com/signup
Subscribe to Skillshare on RUclips: skl.sh/yt-subscribe​
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ABOUT CRAIG WHITEHEAD
Craig Whitehead, otherwise known as @sixstreetunder, is a photographer based in Cambridge, UK. Craig specializes in fine art street photography and workshops, with a focus on the use of color, composition, and attention to detail.
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MORE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY RESOURCES
Share the spirit of your home with the world through eye-catching and engaging images with tips from renowned photographer trashhand in Street Photography: Capture the Life of Your City, a Skillshare Original: skl.sh/3AnLirI
Join artist Zun Lee for Portrait Photography on the Street: Connecting with Strangers, a Skillshare Original, and learn how to use your camera to better connect with people on the street and share their perspectives with the world: skl.sh/3DmTKJY
Andre D. Wagner has made a career out of capturing the beauty and the pain of everyday life-and in his Skillshare Staff Pick, Street & Documentary Photography: The Ongoing Moment, he'll teach you to do the same: skl.sh/3Bp2n5Z