Successful street photographs should raise more questions than they answer, says award-winning street photographer Jesse Marlow. Photos that stop you in your tracks and force you to take a second look are the types of photos he strives to take, and enjoys viewing. Here he shares his five top tips for capturing great images on the streets.
01 KEEP IT SIMPLE I always try to keep things simple and be open to anything when shooting. Keep your kit simple and just carry your camera – no big lenses or camera bags that only make you stand out more.
Photo by Jesse Marlow. Leica Q, 28mm lens, 1/1000 @ f/8, ISO 400.
02 DON'T PLAN, REACT It’s all about capturing what you see in the moment. That’s why I never leave the house with any pre-conceived ideas about what I’m going to shoot.
Photo by Jesse Marlow. Leica Q, 28mm lens, 1/2000 @ f/9, ISO 400.
03 QUICK IS KEY Street style is a spontaneous form of photography, so being able to react quickly is fundamental. You need to trust, and be confident in, your own instincts. Shooting with a simple kit and knowing all the capabilities of my camera is also essential.
Photo by Jesse Marlow. Leica Q, 28mm lens, 1/1000 @ f/8, ISO 400.
04 BLEND IN Whenever I’m shooting I try my best to blend into the crowd. I like to capture people interacting with the urban environment in colourful, graphic and sometimes humorous situations. However, I rarely interact with anyone from the public when I’m out shooting, to ensure my photos are completely candid.
Photo by Jesse Marlow. Leica Q, 28mm lens, 1/1000 @ f/6.3, ISO 200.
05 LESS IS MORE Beautiful candid street style photos don’t have to be taken on busy, bustling city streets. Often the best photos are taken in quieter streets, at the beach, on a farm or at home.
Photo by Jesse Marlow. Leica Q, 28mm lens, 1/1000 @ f/8, ISO 400.
