Street Photography Guide

Base Camera Settings (Start Here)

• Mode: Aperture Priority (A/Av) or Manual (M)

• Aperture: f/4–f/8 (sharp, flexible DoF)

• ISO: Auto ISO (cap at 3200), or set manually in consistent light

• Shutter Speed: 1/250s+ to freeze action

• Focus Mode: Single-point AF (center), Continuous AF for motion

• Drive Mode: Continuous Low for moments

• Metering: Evaluative/Matrix

• EV Compensation: Use ± to control light balance on the fly

Light Situations & Quick Strategies

Direct Sun (Midday):

• Embrace high contrast and shadows

• Position subjects just inside shade for softer faces

• Use backlighting for rim-lit outlines

• Slight -EV comp to avoid blown highlights

Overcast Skies:

• Soft, flat light—ideal for skin tones & subtle moments

• Use color, gesture, and depth to build impact

• Boost contrast in post if image feels too flat

Deep Shadows:

• Look for light pockets or high-contrast edges

• Use shadows to frame, isolate, or conceal subjects

• Try silhouettes when background is bright

Golden Hour:

• Warm, directional light = dream time for texture & emotion

• Use rim light for mood

• Shoot toward the sun for flare or side light for depth

Reflections & Glass:

• Use shop windows, cars, puddles for layering

• Watch your own reflection! Shift position to reframe creatively

Backlight (Sun Behind Subject):

• Meter for face or midtones—use +EV if needed

• Use shadows or flare to enhance atmosphere

• Watch the edges: catch rim highlights for pop

Compositional Tactics w/ Natural Light

• Contrast: Bright vs. dark = instant subject isolation

• Silhouettes: Simplify scenes using strong backlight

• Rim Light: Wait for edge glow on hair, shoulders

• Shadow Play: Look for patterns, repetition, or mystery

• Layering: Light gradations add depth—use windows, alleys, reflections

Exposure Handling On the Fly

• Use Histogram: Avoid clipping—especially highlights

• Quick EV Adjustments: -0.3 to -1.0 for sun / +0.3 for shadows

• Highlight Priority Metering (if available): Prevents blowouts

Common Challenges & Pro Tactics

• Blown Highlights -> Expose for highlights, lift shadows later

• Deep Shadows -> Use them creatively or lift in post

• Mixed Lighting -> Pick your dominant source (sun/shade)

• High Contrast Scenes -> Embrace it—use it to isolate subjects

Tactical Street Tips

• Pre-Visualize Light: Where will light fall in 5 minutes?

• Scan for Transitions: Shadow edges, doorways, backlit zones

• Use Corners & Curves: For framing + directional light

• Stay Fluid: Move! One step = huge light change

• Shoot Through: Fences, glass, leaves = natural diffusion

• Be Patient: Wait for the right light-subject intersection

Quick Field Checklist

◻️ Mode: A or M | ISO set?

◻️ Focus: Single-point / Continuous?

◻️ Light Type: Sun / Cloud / Mixed?

◻️ Key Direction: Front / Side / Backlight?

◻️ EV Comp: Dialed in for current light?

◻️ Look for: Contrast, Layers, Shadows, Glow

◻️ Ready to React: Finger on shutter, eyes on light

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