10 Traits Of A Good Street Photographer by IPA

extracted from IPA post on 10 Traits Of A Good Street Photographer

We were recently asked ‘what traits make a good street photographer?’ While there are no hard and fast rules, and there will always be exceptions, here are 10 traits we have noticed.

1. Life Experience

A good street photographer has life experience allowing him/her to connect to all walks of life, and empathize with their griefs and glory. Life experiences are unique to each individual so photographs drawn from them will be original.

2. Curiosity

A good street photographer has child-like curiosity because street photography is by nature voyeuristic. If you are bored with the world, you will be blind to her magic.

3. Hunger

Street photography is much like hunting. You must be hungry to go out there and hunt till you get that shot. Good hunters stalk their prey very patiently before sniping.

4. Good Taste

Understanding what makes a good image helps a good street photographer execute better photographs and tell better stories. It also helps with editing out ones that don’t make the cut.

5. Invisibility

Good street photographers have a certain calmness and quiet about them that helps them blend in. When they are invisible, their subjects and scene willingly disarm and reveal themselves.

6. Wit

A good sense of humor and wit goes a long way in spotting and opening opportunities. And good wit is universal.

7. Humility

Great street photographers are almost always humble, modest people. They brag about life, not themselves nor their work.

8. Lateral Vision

A good street photographer is a good observer with great lateral vision. Good observation and vision allow him/her to recognize and anticipate a potential street photograph unfolding.

9. Well Read

A good street photographer knows his/her stuff. Knowing what kind of photographs/art were made in the past and present, and by whom, allow a more informed approach to defining one’s own voice.

10. Great Shoes

Yes, great street photographers have great shoes. There’s a lot of aimless walking involved, and that occasional grab-your-camera-and-run from confrontations with unfriendly subjects.