Street Photography Tips
Hey everyone, this is a solid, no-nonsense street photography video where I break down the core ideas that have worked for me over years of shooting on the streets and during travels around the world. No fancy gear talk, no trends, just timeless tips on seeing better, composing smarter, and capturing moments that matter. I share real examples from places like Tanzania, Istanbul, Bangkok, Seattle, and Amsterdam to show how these concepts play out in actual photos. It's about being present, patient, and decisive rather than chasing every shot
SOME Bullet Points FROM THE VIDEO
Introduction Hi, I'm Terry Divyak, a travel and street photographer with years of experience shooting in cities and remote spots worldwide. Today, I'm sharing about 10 core street photography ideas that work for me, simple, timeless principles, plus a couple of bonus tips at the end to really level up your work.
1. See the Photo Before You Take It Before lifting the camera, visualize the composition in your mind's eye. Ask yourself: What am I photographing here? How would the scene look if a subject walks through? Pre-frame using the rule of thirds or other elements. Once you see it clearly, the camera just finishes the job.
2. Never Wish a Photo Away Don't drive or walk past a moment thinking, "I wish I'd stopped." Act on it immediately
Example: Driving from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti in Tanzania, I spotted Maasai boys by the road. I asked the guide to stop, got an initial shot, then asked them to climb a tree. The "evolution" moment, boys walking up the branch—became the stronger photo. Stopping turned a missed opportunity into keepers.
3. Use the Rule of Thirds (It's Not Outdated!) Place subjects along the intersecting grid lines for balanced, dynamic composition.
For motion (right to left): Position on the right vertical line with negative space ahead.
For gaze direction: Leave space where the subject is looking.
90% of my shots use this—it's simple but powerful.
Example: In Istanbul market, spotted a merchant eating lunch. In 2–3 seconds: Pre-framed with rule of thirds (body facing left, negative space right, coffee pot adding flow), raised camera, shot, and walked on. He never noticed.
4. Watch Your Backgrounds Messy or distracting backgrounds can ruin a shot, check them every time.
If cluttered (wires, garbage in foreign spots): Step left/right, lower angle, or raise camera high to exclude junk.
Use wider aperture to blur distractions if needed.
5. Work the Scene Don't take 1–2 shots and leave—stay longer to observe and capture variations.
Example: In Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat Road), spent 30–45 minutes at one intersection. Focused on slow-shutter scooter motion (1/125s) for blur effects, plus windows on old red Isuzu buses.
One favorite: A woman in red shirt looking out, took ~50 shots, but this direct gaze became the keeper.
Bonus: Lingering makes you blend in, people stop noticing the camera.
6. Get Closer Than Feels Comfortable Zooming from afar often feels safer, but proximity creates impact.
Use standard lenses (24–120mm or 85mm for portraits).
Only one angry reaction in years, showed him the funny shot, he laughed, all good.
Technique: Shoot while walking past, keep camera to eye, don't chimp (review) immediately.
7. Anticipate, Don't Chase Watch patterns and rhythms—position yourself, wait for elements to align.
Example: Tattooed couple on sidewalk, waited as an elderly woman with phone hurried past. Side glances and interactions created the magic moment.
8. Take an Iconic Photo and Make It Yours Avoid the obvious tourist shot—find a fresh angle or story.
“Changing Form” at Kerry Park in Seattle
Kerry Park (Seattle): Framed Space Needle with modern art sculpture and people instead of standard skyline.
Gum Wall (Pike Place): Captured friends hoisting one up to stick gum high, fun, unique energy.
I Amsterdam sign: Shot from behind at golden hour, woman outstretched arms with sun starburst (f/22).
I Amsterdam sign: Shot from behind at golden hour, woman outstretched arms with sun starburst (f/22).
9. Edit Ruthlessly Cull hard, keep only photos worth lingering on (3+ seconds).
Ask: Would this stop me if I hadn't taken it? Does it raise questions or tell a story?
Fewer keepers make the strong ones stand out more.
Bonus: Create a Sense of Place + Tell a Story
Use signs, architecture, language for location (e.g., Thai script in Bangkok).
Add people, vehicles, food, activity for narrative.
Examples: Street vendor with colorful dishes; monk in golden robe amid Buddha statues—place + human element = story.
Closing Street photography isn't about speed, it's about presence. Learn to see first, and the photos find you. Check the show notes for linked POV street videos from Thailand and Vietnam. Happy Shooting