If you got hired tomorrow to be a photographer for a newspaper, and told to go out and shoot photos on the street, you'd feel empowered to do so because it would now be your job; your responsibility. Treat your photography like it was a job. Your time has value; the work you create has value, even if it's only to you. This is serious business. Wanna have fun? Go play a video game. Wanna document life and the human condition? OK then, let's treat the job with the respect it deserves.
I think, the most important part is to embrace it. Fear will always be there. I guess, the more you do it the least it will win. Thanks a lot for watching Chris!
Your work is amazing 🔥. It's a source of inspiration to see your pictures, and I am not even a street photographer. Never thought of embracing my fear, good point! I don't do street photigraphy, I usually hide in the forest 😂😂😂. Starting a photography project last year by photographing the local open air museum was a really massive step into the public for me, and I am determined to continue this year.
I can't blame you! Forests are beautiful! Being mainly a street photographer I miss the touch with nature sometimes. I need to pursue it more! What type of open air museums? Sounds interesting! Thanks so much for checking out the video!
This is very true. Fear is a normal reaction to things that get us out of our comfort zone and for most people, including me, talking to someone for the first time can make me feel uncomfortable. But if you embrace and manage fear you can achieve a lot. Thanks a lot for your comment Tungsten!
Fine take on frequent theme, Aris. For direct shoot, a smile, a compliment, and a nod when holding up the camera with a “may I” for street portraits - continue a few after saying “ok, we’re done” as they relax. Taking notice of people who look like they want to be noticed also works. Hip shooting takes more practice to get good framing. Don’t stand out w/lots of gear. BTW, are you in the UK now?
Thanks Paul! That is a good point. I think learning to read people is a hard but also an important skill for street photographers. Indeed, hip shooting is a tough one to tackle but it can help a lot once you master it. Yes, I am UK based. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Good advice Aris, and from a seasoned expert like yourself on this particular subject. However, I think I shall skip on street photography. When I attempted it in the past I was met with hostility and a few clashes. I think I told you once about the boatman in the Canary islands who got very angry and threatened me when i photographed him. I wasn't even planning on photographing him and he happened to be in the area.I'll stick to people I know, landscapes, architecture and holidays
By any means Sat. Photography must be an activity you enjoy and relax. If street photography makes you uncomfortable altogether there is no point in pushing it further. But I am very sad you had such a bad experience with it as it usually is not like that.
Discussions of street photography inevitably lead me to compare & contrast it with Hitchcock‘s Rear Window. Maybe that’s due to my people-phobia. Does it still count as street photography if I use a telephoto lens?
I get what you mean, Keith. Using longer lenses can sometimes feel like you’re intruding on people’s space. That said, long lenses definitely have their place in street photography. I often use them when I want to isolate a subject and create that smooth, creamy background. They’re also great for capturing wider scenes-lens compression can make people appear smaller while emphasizing the scale of the background. There’s so much creative potential with long lenses if you experiment with them.
@ Then experiment with them I will! No more procrastinating. A good way to get started for a guy like me. And maybe someday you’ll even do a video on street zooming for introverts? 👍🏻Thanks for your videos. Great food for thought & action. Be well & happy in 2025.
Very nice and interesting subject Aristeidi. Fear is part of street photography but this is what I like the most. Because after crossing the line of fear then comes the interaction with people. Some are offended, some are interested in what you do and some don’t even notice you. As you said it is important to know the law at your area and always be nice to people. What I have found is that the busiest the area the easiest for the photographer (more subjects and nobody notices you). Another interesting thing about that is how our approach may change depending on the city we are. Last month I visited Canary Wharf, before that Copenhagen and now I am back in Athens. I can tell you for sure that nobody noticed me photographing at Canary Wharf. Some saw me in Copenhagen and everyone was looking me in Athens 😂. But that is what makes it great and dynamic. You are not only learning photography, you are learning cultures, societies and human interaction. Great stuff Aristeidi and very beautiful photographs!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful comment George! You perfectly captured one of the most fascinating aspects of street photography-the blend of fear, human interaction, and cultural discovery. I agree with you. Different cities and environments shape our experience as photographers. I personally had a different experience while photographing in Athens. I felt that nobody cared. Having said that I was in some of the most touristic parts of the city. Regardless, as you said, that dynamic is part of the thrill and the learning process. It’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about understanding people, societies, and even ourselves through the lens. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for your kind words about the photographs! 😊
What concerns me the most, is "bruising" the areas I frequent in my town where I usually do street photography. If some people who live in these areas get irritated, that means I might have a problem going there again. I want to be unnoticeable, and avoid as much interaction as possible (although sometimes it is inevitable). I realized that this is what concerns me most, because when I do street photography outside of my hometown (other cities and foreign countries), I feel more confident and have less fear of being confronted. This concern got a lot more serious when I was hit on the face by a crazy totally random guy (didn't even point my camera at him) who frequents the area I usually do street photography. I try to find the strength and stand in front of people but it's still hard for me.
That's an interesting point. I usually photograph around my small city, but I never thought I’d become memorable to people. Even if I do, I don’t think I’d mind-it might actually make it easier to photograph people if they recognize me. I’m not sure, though; I guess it depends on how you feel about your street photography. I’m sorry to hear about the bad experience you had, Yianni. Unfortunately, there are people like that out there, and we have to be cautious when doing street photography. I hope you feel better soon-I know how tough it can be. It took me weeks to recover after someone shouted at me. I can’t imagine how much harder it must be to deal with being hit. Ugh...
@ thanks! To clarify, I wouldn’t mind if people get to know my face and recognize me as someone who takes street photos. My concern is mostly about hurting my own image due to some bad encounters. But, that’s just something in my head right now:) maybe I’m wrong.
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If you got hired tomorrow to be a photographer for a newspaper, and told to go out and shoot photos on the street, you'd feel empowered to do so because it would now be your job; your responsibility. Treat your photography like it was a job. Your time has value; the work you create has value, even if it's only to you. This is serious business. Wanna have fun? Go play a video game. Wanna document life and the human condition? OK then, let's treat the job with the respect it deserves.
That is very well said David. I agree a lot with what you say and I am sure many will find your words inspiring. Thanks a lot for your comment!
I love this comment, thank you for this.
Fear surely comes and goes for me. It's there more often than not, but sometimes, I win for a minute. Love this one.
I think, the most important part is to embrace it. Fear will always be there. I guess, the more you do it the least it will win. Thanks a lot for watching Chris!
Your work is amazing 🔥. It's a source of inspiration to see your pictures, and I am not even a street photographer.
Never thought of embracing my fear, good point!
I don't do street photigraphy, I usually hide in the forest 😂😂😂.
Starting a photography project last year by photographing the local open air museum was a really massive step into the public for me, and I am determined to continue this year.
I can't blame you! Forests are beautiful! Being mainly a street photographer I miss the touch with nature sometimes. I need to pursue it more! What type of open air museums? Sounds interesting! Thanks so much for checking out the video!
It is an open air museum of traditional farm houses of the Black Forest (Germany).
I love old things 😊.
You said it right, embrace it! Because fear is like the loneliness, it never goes away completely.
This is very true. Fear is a normal reaction to things that get us out of our comfort zone and for most people, including me, talking to someone for the first time can make me feel uncomfortable. But if you embrace and manage fear you can achieve a lot. Thanks a lot for your comment Tungsten!
Fine take on frequent theme, Aris. For direct shoot, a smile, a compliment, and a nod when holding up the camera with a “may I” for street portraits - continue a few after saying “ok, we’re done” as they relax. Taking notice of people who look like they want to be noticed also works. Hip shooting takes more practice to get good framing. Don’t stand out w/lots of gear.
BTW, are you in the UK now?
Thanks Paul! That is a good point. I think learning to read people is a hard but also an important skill for street photographers. Indeed, hip shooting is a tough one to tackle but it can help a lot once you master it. Yes, I am UK based. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Very interesting and inspiring video. Thanks
I am very glad you think so! Thank you so much for checking it out!
Good advice Aris, and from a seasoned expert like yourself on this particular subject. However, I think I shall skip on street photography. When I attempted it in the past I was met with hostility and a few clashes. I think I told you once about the boatman in the Canary islands who got very angry and threatened me when i photographed him. I wasn't even planning on photographing him and he happened to be in the area.I'll stick to people I know, landscapes, architecture and holidays
By any means Sat. Photography must be an activity you enjoy and relax. If street photography makes you uncomfortable altogether there is no point in pushing it further. But I am very sad you had such a bad experience with it as it usually is not like that.
Well said.
Discussions of street photography inevitably lead me to compare & contrast it with Hitchcock‘s Rear Window. Maybe that’s due to my people-phobia. Does it still count as street photography if I use a telephoto lens?
I get what you mean, Keith. Using longer lenses can sometimes feel like you’re intruding on people’s space. That said, long lenses definitely have their place in street photography. I often use them when I want to isolate a subject and create that smooth, creamy background. They’re also great for capturing wider scenes-lens compression can make people appear smaller while emphasizing the scale of the background. There’s so much creative potential with long lenses if you experiment with them.
@ Then experiment with them I will! No more procrastinating. A good way to get started for a guy like me. And maybe someday you’ll even do a video on street zooming for introverts? 👍🏻Thanks for your videos. Great food for thought & action. Be well & happy in 2025.
Very nice and interesting subject Aristeidi. Fear is part of street photography but this is what I like the most. Because after crossing the line of fear then comes the interaction with people. Some are offended, some are interested in what you do and some don’t even notice you. As you said it is important to know the law at your area and always be nice to people. What I have found is that the busiest the area the easiest for the photographer (more subjects and nobody notices you). Another interesting thing about that is how our approach may change depending on the city we are. Last month I visited Canary Wharf, before that Copenhagen and now I am back in Athens. I can tell you for sure that nobody noticed me photographing at Canary Wharf. Some saw me in Copenhagen and everyone was looking me in Athens 😂. But that is what makes it great and dynamic. You are not only learning photography, you are learning cultures, societies and human interaction. Great stuff Aristeidi and very beautiful photographs!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful comment George! You perfectly captured one of the most fascinating aspects of street photography-the blend of fear, human interaction, and cultural discovery. I agree with you. Different cities and environments shape our experience as photographers. I personally had a different experience while photographing in Athens. I felt that nobody cared. Having said that I was in some of the most touristic parts of the city. Regardless, as you said, that dynamic is part of the thrill and the learning process. It’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about understanding people, societies, and even ourselves through the lens. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for your kind words about the photographs! 😊
What concerns me the most, is "bruising" the areas I frequent in my town where I usually do street photography. If some people who live in these areas get irritated, that means I might have a problem going there again. I want to be unnoticeable, and avoid as much interaction as possible (although sometimes it is inevitable). I realized that this is what concerns me most, because when I do street photography outside of my hometown (other cities and foreign countries), I feel more confident and have less fear of being confronted. This concern got a lot more serious when I was hit on the face by a crazy totally random guy (didn't even point my camera at him) who frequents the area I usually do street photography. I try to find the strength and stand in front of people but it's still hard for me.
That's an interesting point. I usually photograph around my small city, but I never thought I’d become memorable to people. Even if I do, I don’t think I’d mind-it might actually make it easier to photograph people if they recognize me. I’m not sure, though; I guess it depends on how you feel about your street photography.
I’m sorry to hear about the bad experience you had, Yianni. Unfortunately, there are people like that out there, and we have to be cautious when doing street photography. I hope you feel better soon-I know how tough it can be. It took me weeks to recover after someone shouted at me. I can’t imagine how much harder it must be to deal with being hit. Ugh...
@ thanks! To clarify, I wouldn’t mind if people get to know my face and recognize me as someone who takes street photos. My concern is mostly about hurting my own image due to some bad encounters. But, that’s just something in my head right now:) maybe I’m wrong.
I miss you man! I hope you're doing well
Miss you too brother!I hope you are doing well!