There was a time when I would not have considered doing street photography. Walking up to random strangers and attempting to take their picture? That’s bold and brave, but isn’t it strange, weird or at least, illegal? Why would you even do that?

But eventually of course, my love for all things photography and interest in capturing different subjects took over, and before long I was taking street portraits. Then I realized something: in a way, I had been a street photographer all along, I just hadn’t realized it before.

In a way, we’ve all taken street photographs, if even accidentally. You know the kind; you’re exploring some city – London, or some place, trying to get a good shot of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and then a random person steps right in front of your lens.

Then later, looking back through your shots of the day, you see someone’s portrait that just happened to show up. On second glance some of these pictures are more than what they seem.

Real street photography, and all of its pros and cons, adventures and discouragements is an up and coming art form unlike any other. One that has the power to capture a single moment, distill it to its basic essence, and in turn send out a powerful message. Some of the photographs won’t turn out, but don’t be discouraged, that photo of a random passerby may just turn into the next special image that you will have to be proud of. Or it may at least be one you will look back on and smile – or laugh.

These tips are based on my adventures in China. My family and I traveled there in July, 2011. We encountered many opportunities for candid shots. Of course, the people we met there were more than happy to have their pictures taken, taking out my camera there caused people to swarm around, pointing to the camera and then to themselves asking for us to take their pictures.

While Western cultures are more reserved when it comes to cameras, the concepts are the same. Friendliness and a smile can go along way towards making your subjects feel at ease. But a disinterested scowl or suspicious ‘trying to not look guilty‘ look will instantly convince people think you are possibly an escaped criminal, or at least someone with something to hide.

1. Stay in the Know

You don’t have to go to China to get some candid shots, you only have to step outside your door to find street portraits waiting to happen.

While street photographs are a perfectly fun and legitimate from of art, make sure you don’t come across as a suspicious creepy type. Just dress normally, nothing too dressy or scruffy. You want to blend in and seem normal. People will always act on instinct and if you are dressed oddly and sneaking around with a foot long lens pointed at some unsuspecting person, someone’s probably going to call the cops.

But, keep in mind that photographing anything in public is completely legal. I wouldn’t take pictures of people in their own yards though. And obviously places where people have a certain expectation to privacy e.g. public restrooms, etc, are off limits. But most of us avoid those places anyways.

Don’t worry about acting a certain way or trying to be a certain type of person. Just go with the confidence that you are taking part in what is fast becoming a very popular modern form of art, and have fun!

2. Getting Technical

The best setting to have your camera on is the one that you feel most comfortable with. Trying to shoot in a mode you aren’t comfortable with, not only intimidates you, but your potential subjects as well. Shooting mode is a strict matter of preference; some people prefer manual, allowing them to have complete control over the settings, while others swear by automatic as it lets them focus more on the composition itself.

Aperture Priority Mode is one option to use, as it helps you better capture subjects that are moving, just practice adjusting the depth of field first, so you can be ready to capture the moment.

For the best lighting, the golden hours of just after sunrise and just before sunset are best, but those are hours most of us are rarely out and about in. Shooting in black and white is one solution to bad lighting, and this adds definite contrast and brings out the basic point of the image you’re trying to convey.

Nighttime may be more tricky, as you can more easily blow your cover, and no one likes to be blinded in the night with a flash. Just remember to adjust your settings accordingly, and be creative.

3. Eye Contact or No?

This one is entirely a preference. My dad is great at starting conversations with people and making them happy about the idea of someone taking their picture. If you’re an outgoing conversationalist…that’s great, talk to people if they wonder what you’re doing.

If you’re feeling less social, well, that’s okay too, just look straight past the person you are photographing, to a monument or group of people standing behind them and make it seem like you’re photographing that instead.

People will usually assume they are not the ones being photographed. How many times have you suddenly realized you ended up in front of someone’s camera? It happens all the time, and it doesn’t usually bother you too much, does it?

4. Get Involved

Make sure you are a part of the action… not just a side-liner. It’s okay to sit on a bench and observe and snap; sometimes you will get a great shot that way, however I’ve found that if you make an effort to become involved with the crowd, it is then a lot easier to step back and capture real photos with an insider perspective.

Is there a fun fair happening in your town? Or a winter festival of some kind? You don’t have to go with the sole purpose of taking pictures, instead go to enjoy the festivities and just have your camera handy to capture your perspective of the day. Walk around, play a ring toss game -those are harder than they look! Buy some coffee, or fresh doughnuts. Just loosen up and have some fun, and your photo opportunities will start coming.

5. Snap Happy

Don’t head out hungry or tired; make sure have enough energy. Exhaustion will show through into your photographs, so will a bad case of the too-many-late-nights.

6. Social or Alone?

I find that being with friends or family is my favorite way to get out and get shooting. It’s more fun and relaxed, and I feel I’m less intimidating when there’s someone with me. Plus you can always have one of your friends pose in front of you, allowing you to shoot what’s behind them without fear of being noticed. Of course, some people like to go it alone, it’s all about what works for you.

7. Ask “Why?”

“Why do I want to shoot street photography?” It’s important to ask “Why?” rather than simply “How?” or “What equipment?“.

The “Why?” is the reason behind what you are doing. The reasons will show through and carry into your photograph. Sometimes the reason may be that you want to capture a moment to remember it. Other times you may wish to make a certain point, for example; contrasting the deplorable conditions of a place with the generosity of the people there. Or maybe for you, photography is a bit like a treasure hunt, like searching for that hidden gem. What do you hope to capture? In China, I wanted to capture a look into a culture different from anything I’d ever known.

8. Keep it Fresh

I think that sometimes by looking at a photograph, you can learn more about the photographer than the subject itself. The photographer’s perspective, though hidden and disguised a bit through the lens, still shows through in the resulting image.

Are you tired, stressed, bored of your surroundings? The resulting images will be unclear, forced, and well, boring. If you’re tired of your surroundings, get out of town. Or at least go to a different part of town and photograph something entirely new. One of the best things about street photography is that it forces you out of your comfort zone, and puts you right on the front lines where all the action is happening. It lets you even sometimes meet new people, and helps you see the world a little differently.

9. And Finally, Have Fun

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Not all your pictures are going to turn out, but with a little luck, and the right attitude, you will have some real winners, and many special photographs to remind you of your adventures.