Wet weather street photography

It is spring in Australia, my favourite time of year especially when I can get out with my camera and go bush walking so I can take photos of wildflowers. But the sunny days are interspersed with rainy days, and the farmers certainly need the rain to finish off their summer grain crops. 

 When it is raining, don't think you have to hibernate inside. Think of it as a great opportunity to practice street photography. If the rain is just a drizzle, a city or town can be a great place to explore with your camera, especially if you can walk under over-hanging verandas. I find my small Canon G11, whilst it doesn't have all the latest features, is a great camera for street photography as it is unobtrusive, and I enjoy not having to carry around my heavy DSLR camera. But please remember to use a water proof camera bag and wipe down your camera with a cloth. 

Street photography is a whole genre of its own which is an absorbing topic, and which I need to spend more time exploring.  But before you begin you should find out the regulations pertaining to street photography where you live. From my research, in Australia, USA and UK, the street is a public place where you can take photos of people. But, I am not an expert, so please take the time to find out for yourself the laws in your area or where you are going to travel. 

I love candid black and white street photography of people. But in truth I am really not all that comfortable about taking photos of people I don't know in the street. I find it a little obtrusive into their privacy. I'm not sure if I would be happy with someone taking photos of me in the street! I know it is something I need to work on. If someone questions you because they have seen you take their photo. Smile, be polite, tell them that you didn't mean to make them feel uncomfortable, show them the photo, and offer to delete it. 

As long as the image is not posed, it is considered street photography. 
Some of the great things about street photography is that you don't need an expensive camera, lighting set ups or beautiful models.

I took this one in Sydney in February. I wasn't sure what was unfolding in the street below our hotel balcony.

 But of course, street photography doesn't have to include people. Buildings, windows, doorways, or the pavement itself present the opportunity for great abstract shapes, or small close ups. This is a great way to explore street photography, particularly when you are starting out, or if you are uncomfortable with taking candid photos of people you don't know in the street. 

Street photography is a lot about spontaneity and "seeing" an image - an instinctive feeling by the photographer of what is going to make a image. But, as with all things, it does take practice. 

  If you have street art in your town, these can also be a great source for close up photography.  Please scroll down to the links below where I've blogged about our local street art previously. 

And pockets of greenery

Don't forget to look where you are walking and don't overlook the little things.

 Reflections in windows, on surfaces, or in puddles are another great source for images

 If you are fortunate, as we are in our city, stop into a cafe at end of your walk or to escape the rain. Don't pass it up - they are another great place to find subjects.

Street photography is also a great way to capture culture when we travel. But I'll have to leave that for another post. This one was taken in a market in Mauritius in May. 

  There are lots of resources of the web about street photography - here are four which may be of interest -

10 things Henri Cartier Bresson can teach you about street photography 
Vivian Maier - Gallery - 1926-2009 
Masters of Street Photography 
Artsy.net - street photography 
Digital Photography School - Ultimate Guide to street photography - includes information on the more technical side of street photography and a list of eminent street photographers.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Do you enjoy street photography? Have you any tips for the newbie street photographer? Perhaps you would like to tell us about it in your comments. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week. 

 You might also like - 
Bunbury street art 2015 
Australia Day and Re-discover Street Art 2016 
Penang travel tips for the first timer
Lost your mojo? Try a photography project 
 

Don't overlook the little things

I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!

   
All Seasons
Mosaic Monday 

Our World Tuesday

Pictorial Tuesday 

Through My Lens 

Image-in-ing
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global
Travel Photo Thursday 

The Lovin' Life Team over at Deep Fried Fruit
Little Things Thursday 

Sky Watch Friday

Life in Reflection

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