Johannesburg Street Photography Guide

Light Characteristics

• High altitude (1,753m) = stronger UV + sharper shadows.

• Dry air gives high clarity—great contrast, but little haze diffusion.

• Sun intensity peaks quickly; midday light is brutal, especially in summer.

• Seasonal tip: Winter (Jun–Aug) = crisp golden hours, short days, soft noon light.

When To Shoot Where

Golden Hour (6–7am / 5–6pm):

• Maboneng rooftops → long shadows, sun flare over murals.

• Westdene & Auckland Park → quiet, golden light on stoops + cafés.

Late Morning (9–11am):

• Newtown → lively streets, reflective metal signage, bustling vendors.

• Melville → angled light on old architecture + textured brick walls.

Midday (11am–2pm):

• Braamfontein alleyways → dramatic high-contrast shadows + reflections.

• Jeppestown graffiti walls → vibrant color pops with hard light.

Overcast or Late Afternoon:

• Hillbrow balconies, Bertrams backstreets → soft bounce from grey sky.

Mastering Joburg’s Harsh Light

• Use side light to create depth + define subjects.

• Embrace silhouettes, especially in doorways, under awnings.

• Dynamic range hack: Expose for shadows—Joburg skies blow out fast.

• Reflected fill: Use white walls, parked cars, signs as natural bouncers.

Local Elements As Light Tools

• Murals & graffiti → Color-punched backgrounds; side-light for texture.

• Corrugated metal & tin roofs → Gritty specular light bounce.

• Glass & mirrors → On buses, shop windows—great for framing + light tricks.

• Bright fabrics & street stalls → Light diffusers and color focal points.

On-The-Ground Challenges

• Fast-moving clouds → rapid light shifts—bracket when unsure.

• Shaded corners downtown → Cool color casts; adjust white balance.

• Overexposed skies → Compose lower, use buildings to cut glare.

• Unexpected reflections → From towers, cars—reposition to avoid blowouts.

Safety & Discretion

• Work in pairs in CBD, Hillbrow, Yeoville.

• Blend in → Neutral clothing, compact kit, no flashy straps.

• Stay alert → Know exit routes, avoid loitering with camera visible.

• Ask permission before photographing people—respect goes far.

• Avoid sensitive zones → Transport hubs, political rallies, government buildings.

Quick Checklist

◻️ What direction is the light coming from?

◻️ Are there natural reflectors nearby (walls, signs, cars)?

◻️ Will shadows enhance or obscure my subject?

◻️ Can color or texture catch or bounce the light?

◻️ Am I safe and situationally aware?

Shoot sharp. Stay humble. Let the light do the talking.

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