The Art of Street Photography – With Frank Minghella
The class is full of inspirational photographs and explanations about the techniques used to capture each of them. Each module will introduce you to new ideas and methods to help you capture amazing street shots. I have included a fabulous assignment to allow you to join in and use the techniques featured in each module. Plus you will have the opportunity to upload and showcase your favourite photographs.
When you are out with your camera you are never in the wrong place and photo opportunities are all around you. Once you get tuned into your environment it is amazing how those shots start to reveal themselves. You need quick responses and have to react intuitively as street photography is completely spontaneous, documenting a tiny piece of social history.
To capture great street images all you need is a camera – and any camera will do. So whether you are using the latest mirrorless camera or a smart phone you have the tools to create amazing photographs.
So welcome to the class and I look forward to helping you become a confident street photographer.
Best wishes, Frank
- Module 1: Equipment & RetrospectiveLet’s talk equipment, but more importantly why the camera you use is not so important – as any camera is capable of capturing great street photographs. The module finishes with a retrospective look at some of my favourite street photographs to get you in the right zone and ready to move forward and discover methods and techniques to help you capture amazing street shots.
Module 2: Walk or Wait
In this module we will take a look at the physical act of capturing street photographs. You can choose to walk, wait or select a background to react with your subject. I will show you how I employ all three with example photographs and on street video footage showing actual photo capture.
Module 3: Use the Light
Harsh bright sunlight is often a photographers worst nightmare. However for a street photographer is can become a best friend. Bright sunlight creates areas of strong contrast with deep shadows and illuminated highlights which help to create really interesting photographs with a graphic quality. This module features example photographs and on street video footage showing actual photo capture.
Module 4: Look Up
Pointing your camera up in the city will take you into a completely new world full of interesting photo opportunities. Allowing you to capture stunning architecture where buildings react with the sky and much more. In this module we will take a look at some example photographs and on street video footage showing actual photo capture.
Module 5: Framing
Simply find something in the environment that was never intended to be used as a frame and wait for your subject to enter the frame. Framing create a bold statement and draws the attention of the viewer to your subject. Look for bridges, tunnels, doorways, alleyways etc. As always we will take a look at some example photographs and on street video footage showing actual photo capture.
Module 6: Reflections
Using reflections helps to create really unusual street photographs. Look for any reflective surface and wait for your subject to appear in the reflection. Any shiny surface will do, from a body of water to a pane of glass. Sample photographs and on street video footage showing actual photo capture will show you how it is done.
Module 7: Street Activities
Street activities create wonderful photo opportunities allowing you to capture the emotion and atmosphere of the event. Look for any place where people gather to watch or take part in a street activity. It could be street demonstration or street performance so check the listings in your local paper.
Module 8: Isolation
A subject in complete isolation makes a very atmospheric shot. Look for a quiet part of the city or perhaps venture out early in the morning when the streets are empty. In this module we will take a look at some example photographs and on street video footage showing actual photo capture.
Module 9: Collections
Photographs with a similar theme can produce a marvellous collection and look amazing when displayed together. Simply choose a theme and set about capturing shots that have a consistent look. Creating a collection also helps if you are struggling for inspiration. In this module we will look at three collections.
Module 10: The Assignment
Now it’s your turn to shine. I have set 10 photographic tasks that feature methods and techniques that have been shown throughout the class. You can choose to complete all 10 tasks or simply select a task that most interests you. Then upload and showcase your favourites. How marvellous.