One of the most fundamental tips in digital street photography: When we see a street scene, click our camera shutter first and then decide (think) later whether we want to keep the images or just delete them.
Do not let ourself think hard to decide whether we should take a shoot or not. When we see a scene, and we think it is probably good to shoot (even slight), then just shoot it without think twice. Anyway, nothing is 100% sure in street photography, because even half seconds different can ruin great photo into a boring one or vice versa.
Like in the photo above, I was inside a bookstore in shopping mall. I have no plan at all to take street shots because I was looking around for any good novel. Then I realize strong light came from window, and there was this girl, stand right in front of me. My feeling said perhaps she could become a great silhouette figure, although I doubt it my self at that moment. Without thinking further, I just took out my camera and click the shutter.
Fortunately, this one become my most favourite image that I took recently. No plan to shoot, no need to wait for an hour, no need to check any angles, no need to hunting unique subject. “Only” a snapshot based on my gut that turn into a photo that I really like.
My point is always shoot based on our feeling. Trust our senses to pick up even a slight attractive scene from many many random scenes that happen in front of us everyday. That is why I always encourage people to start do snapshot everyday. Snapshot may sounds casual, but it is all about shoot based on what we feel instead of what we think. (Read here about Do Snapshot as What You Feel).
In photo above, I shot it at around 11.00 pm when I was about to going home. I just walked right at the side of bus, when I realize she sat near window and I think it could be interesting to frame her face with bus’ window. I do not even sure if I can make a shot because condition was quite dark at that time. However, I just think that better to take a lucky shot than do nothing at all. I believe that always better to delete my bad photos later, rather than I missed a great shot.
A little extra tips: Do not delete our photos right away after we took it, instead, wait till we back home and able to see our images in relax time. Shoot with our feeling, and decide whether our photo good or not with our mind. My experience showed me that sometimes I felt that I did not like what I just shot, but later when I checked in front of my laptop at night, it turns out become a shot that I love (also happen vice versa!).
When in doubt, click your camera shutter and make a photo. Better to delete your bad photos later than miss a great shot in decisive moment – My Personal Street Photography Notes.
Also, always remember that we can shoot “street” literally everywhere (Read here about Shooting street is not always on the street) and expect great moment can happen anytime too, so always have a camera ready with us (Read here about Bring Your Camera Everyday).
Stay sharp and keep shooting,
Nico Harold