If you want to capture challenging decisive moments with your DSLR when you go photo shooting the streets, you definitely need to learn specific skills and try to get the best equipment to help with that. Street photography is very different from a regular photoshoot. The elements in the photograph can be busy, chaotic, risky and, sometimes, empty, too. However, when you get to capture that decisive moment that links everything in the picture together, then you definitely captured a gem amidst the hustle and bustle of the streets.
But what exactly is that decisive moment, especially in street photography, where everyone is minding their own businesses and there is basically nothing that connects them? The decisive moment can be anywhere, from an old man crossing the street just as the red light comes on to the little girl stopping to look through the glass window of a store, not minding the hurried steps of her mother. These moments can be as different as the last one. In fact, as often cited as it is, no one can really tell when the decisive moment in street photography is. It is up to you to find and capture that.
However, in capturing that moment, you will need to develop some skills. The tips below are a great guideline to follow.
Set your camera right before going out on the streets. You will not have time to change settings when you are already on location. What if that decisive moment decides to pass you by just as you tinker with your camera settings? It will be a moment lost forever. So, go prepared. Experiment and find out which works and use those settings when you start your shoot.
- Be observant and instinctive. Look around and move from place to place. Be in the zone and feel your surroundings. When you do, you might just feel something interesting about to happen and spot that potential scene. It will surely help you capture those one-of-a-kind images that can be the decisive one on your camera roll.
- Be quick. In just about any kind of photography, quickness is an advantage. If you are slow or slack off during a shoot, you will definitely miss that decisive moment that can sometimes last for only a few seconds. Act fast so you can capture those candid scenes. If you lack in the speed department, the SpiderPro camera systems are your lifesavers. These carrying systems offer the quick draw feature that puts your camera from your hip to your hands in a flash. And in case you need to change lenses, you can do so quickly with the help of the SpiderPro lens pouch.
- Don’t get distracted. Anyone can be easily distracted on the streets. With a lot of things going on, you might just find yourself absorbed in some scenes and forget why you are there in the first place. Plus, you might have something on your mind that can get you out of your element. So, before you go on a shoot, make sure you have the right mindset and focus on your goals.
- Don’t be afraid to take pictures. As they say “no guts, no glory!” While the streets are nothing like a studio and can be quite intimidating in a scary way, you won’t be able to capture the best images if you don’t overcome your fear. There is nothing wrong with taking a stranger’s picture. If they don’t like it, they will ask you to delete it. And that’s that. You move on to the next picture when that happens. You can always ask permission first if you don’t feel comfortable. Try not to limit your creativity by being scared of people, their possessions, places and everything else on the streets.
- Be safe. Safety is always your priority, no matter what kind of photoshoot you are doing. So, be mindful of your surroundings and keep your equipment as safe as you are. With the best camera carry devices like the SpiderPro single or dual camera systems, you can easily secure your gear yet have it comfortably and conveniently accessible.
The decisive moment in every photoshoot is most often a spontaneous shot. So be sure to make good use of your reflexes and the tips above so you can capture it as quickly as it presents itself. With the help of the most convenient camera accessories, capturing these scenes will be much easier.
And with Spider Holster accessories, you will have a high chance of success in getting those elusive decisive moments on paper. So, choose the ones that will help you the most when you go on your next street photography shoot.