What are some tips to improve your composition and storytelling in street photography?

Furthermore, should you encounter any perplexed or confrontational individuals when taking photos, being able to clearly and concisely explain your motives for taking their photo can help allay any potential conflicts.

Agree with Benson Spiers. I see too much "street photography" created by sneaky methods. Hidden. Afraid. And it shows in the work. If you're not willing to engage your subject and learn about who they are, what they are then you shouldn't be pointing your camera. This is gonna make me sound old...but...in my day it was simply called documentary photography and it relied on wanting to tell stories. #mattlitphoto linktr.ee/fotomatt

Let go of the need to create so many perfect images. Take a breath, slow down, and watch what’s happening around you. Then capture the world as you uniquely perceive it!

Herein lies the classic street photographer dilemma: should you hunt or fish? Despite their bizarre description, the way you move and identify subjects will be somewhat defined by these two styles. A hunter is always on the move, scouring scenes as he comes across them, hoping to encounter amusing moments wherever he wanders; while a fisher finds his ideal spot, perfects his composition, and then waits for the right subjects to appear. Neither style is better than the other, it simply comes down to the individual. It is also highly likely that you will alternate from one style to the other depending on the location you find yourself in, the footfall, and how patient you happen to be feeling that day!

As with many photography rules, they are very helpful for optimising composition when starting out. Once you feel more comfortable with your style and setup, you can then use your discretion to discern which scenes merit from precise framing such as the rules of thirds, triangles, or even the golden ratio; and which scenes appeal to you more when placing your subject in the "wrong" spot!

I agree; many of my more acclaimed pictures make an almost-blatantly deliberate usage of the Rule of Thirds. Also, for all my phone photographers; the iPhone has a setting that activates rule of thirds in the camera app!!

Whenever you can give your viewer a unique perspective on an everyday scene, you add intrigue, even if the resulting image isn't pin sharp. In fact, blurry photos can provide nuanced perspectives on objects which we take for granted everyday, particularly when shooting through textured items such as frosted windows, railings, or anything which piques your interest!

Henri Cartier-Bresson was the master, in my opinion. He was a brilliant architectural photographer - though he used the architecture to create visual elements and backgrounds. Whether from high or low or eye-level he fit the choice to tell the best story. And of course, if you have not studied Vivian Maier's work, stop reading this and go now! #mattlitphoto.com linktr.ee/fotomatt

Showing more of the environment around your subject really improves the storytelling aspect. But be mindful of making it a meaningful inclusion. Is it textures and colors that bring more interest and mood, or more area and sky above give scale and emotion, or even isolation that increases emotions and feelings? A well included environment can tell your viewers of gritty depression, troubled times, sunny optimism, feelings of love and so much more in a single, impactful image.