7 street photography tips for beginners

1. Choose the right light

More than in almost any other kind of street photography, light is the best friend you can have. Shooting at just any time of day? Not quite. Try taking photos during the best moments of the day, such as the golden hour just before sunset or the blue hour, the minutes right after the sun goes down.

The special combination of these times gives you long shadows and warm colours that make every urban scene feel more magical. And if you happen to shoot in backlight, don’t worry: you can make the most of it to create truly unique shots!

2. Play with composition

Since we want to give the human eye exactly what it loves, pay close attention to composition. First of all, use the rule of thirds to create balanced, dynamic photos, placing your main subject along one of the imaginary lines that divide the image into nine parts.

On top of that, include a detail that stands out to give the viewer’s eye one more reason to be amazed.

3. Expect the unexpected

The magic of street photography lies in its unplanned moments, and here, for better or worse, there are no strict rules to follow.

To make the most of it, keep your smartphone ready to shoot at all times: after all, the best scenes are often the ones that happen without warning. Whether it’s a distracted passer-by, a reflection in a shop window, or a particular interaction between people, spontaneity makes an image feel more alive and interesting. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

4. Say yes to silhouettes and reflections

A creative way to add drama to your photos is to look for silhouettes and reflections. Play with light and objects to create dark figures against bright backgrounds, or look for reflective surfaces such as puddles or shop windows to add an artistic touch.

5. The importance of the little things

Don’t limit yourself to photographing the big urban scene alone. Every street photography book will tell you that it is the small details that tell the bigger story. Learn to notice them.

From a bicycle leaning against a wall, to a hidden piece of graffiti or a hand reaching out to hail a taxi, every detail helps create an image that speaks. That is exactly what street photography is all about: capturing the essence of things, even the simplest ones.

6. Long live black and white

Street photography and black and white are a winning combination. Removing colour helps you focus on shapes, light, and shadows, and it can turn an ordinary scene into a powerful, evocative image.

7. Never stop looking for inspiration

Never stop learning! Read books and explore galleries dedicated to street photography to find inspiration. From classics such as “Vivian Maier: A Photographer’s Life and Afterlife” to the work of contemporary street photographers, there is always something new to discover. And if you live in a big city, look around — you might find an interesting exhibition to visit! Now that you’ve made these tips your own, it’s time to open the door to creativity! And once you’ve taken the perfect photo, why not turn it into a personalised sticker album? Take a look at our albums to print your images in a unique and original way!