Advice for the Shy Street Photographer (The story of an image) 

When I was starting , I had to try different type of photography, and for "street" photography I've been in a train station here in switzerland (luzern) with trains that only comes from one direction so all passengers had to walk the entire platform to switch for a different one or to reach the city: so all I had to do is to look at train arrival and then find a good spot on that platform with architecture light shapes, lines etc etc... I put my backpack on the floor, sit on it, setup my camera and wait for the train to come. I got all the characters of my image that were comming to me and not paying attention cause I was just looking like a random guy looking at the pics he just took, even better is the fact that all people are lost in they thoughts, in a hurry to switch for a different train or whatever. so they look very natural on the camera. I stayed in the train station for 5hours that day and tooks some great images, especially one of a young military men walking so fast that he was not even touching the ground in the picture, like a dancer. that video reminded me of that, loved it, thanks sean !

Always a pleasure to see your work. I had no idea I was was 'fisherman'. I started my street photography journey when Covid-19 changed the world, spending seven days a week documenting my area. I found inspiration on social, IG primarily. Then, I cased my city at golden hour and sought out shadow play, waiting for my trout. What a journey it's been, from publishing a book to getting exhibition work from Tucson to Rome. Simply, thanks for the insight and motivation. Until next time-gone fishing.

Great video. I am neither shy nor worried about the legal aspect (I am in Australia). i am a 6'1" and 250 pounds arab in a western country :). i stand out no matter how I try and I am self conscious about intimidating people or making them uncomfortable and that's something I struggle with a lot

I am not just learning photography. I also learned a new english word. Reticence. ❤

Wow, thanks for this tip, I love street photography but I'm always anxious when doing it, this has made me look at things very differently. Gary

Excellent video, this to me ranks as one of your best, a truly enlightening watch. Your explanation of this style is very refreshing, the light, the scene, are the shot, any interaction with people in this only add to its appeal in what it brings to the viewers mind ……… thank you for sharing

Superb advice for me

Thank you Sean appreciated :)

Not exactly the video I was looking for, but interesting nonetheless. I want to go up to people and ask them if I can photograph them precisely because I am shy, as a sort of exposure therapy. I've been avoiding so many social situations because of social anxiety, I don't need another avoidance strategy 😉

Going out of instagram makes me forget how good are your photos.

It's like fishing sometime :) You just have to wait.

Yep. That's me too 😔

Taking pictures of strangers? I'm uncomfortable taking ordinary pictures of objects with people around me even in a tourist spot where everyone has a camera out. I still do it, but I'm delighted when I decided I had enough and the phone is back in the holster 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

That is great advice.

I find it strange that countries with some of the most surveillance would restrict street photography.

Sean, you will be amazed at how easy it was to ask someone to allow one to photograph them before Twitter, Facebook, etc. The internet plus Photoshop has made people very suspicious of street photographers, and rightfully so. I am now 66 years old have been photographing since accidentally saw a book on Cartier Bresson late 70s. My reaction was, I didn't know you could do this with a camera. Now old & gray I am viewed as a creepy old man, even if I have been married for 40 years. The subjects don't know that. I am going to say something dumb but many of the masters will not have achieved the level of success they did in today's world.

Great video Sean, I've always felt that a majority of the "hunted" street images are quite mediocre. Shocking people by jamming a camera in their face or skewed shots from the hip is just not that interesting. There's a ton of "hunters" out there that should maybe spend some time studying composition and discovering how a camera can help them capture their perspective of the world.

How come some people feel the need to protect terms like “street photography”? Why are they defensive about it?

When we walk in the street we do not walk up straight into peoples faces, we tend to look at others from a distance, that's what I think street photography should be.

What are your thoughts on using a telephoto lens?

I want to ride a bike but I’m not comfortable peddling peddles…

1 minute in and im already missing London haha. Love that spot

I have shared this video immediately with a group of photography students interested in street photography. Fresh and important information with precious experience side notes, very well done as always Sean! Love from Sri Lanka! 🇱🇰

As a Jamaican it is no longer about being shy but being completely fearful of the hostility of the people that has any suspicion of you photographing them.

As the couple on the ramp walked closer and closer to you, I felt my heart beat faster and faster. When they split to walk around you and your friend, I thought for sure the man was going to holler at you. I really am a shy street photographer, but didn't realize how much until seeing it in motion. I'm going to have to work on that. GREAT photo, love the anonymity.

Honestly I live in NYC so nobody complained about me taking photos of them. Nobody has time and they don't care lmao

I like to "Like" and comment on video's from my favorite RU-vid photographer because I want to see them reach their maximum audience, and help them with the monetization of their channel. BUT -- this might just be the reason I will stop hitting "Like" and comment ... spammers trying to scam your fans. I received this note "from you" (obviously NOT you) it read as follows ... "You have been shortlisted among the lucky winners text me right away to claim your package 📦 🔝🔝🔝" ... obviously I did not respond. Best wishes Sean, your videos are awesome and inspirational.

I'm def more comfortable being the FISHER - on the rare occasion a Hunter for an in treating Character....

Very practical tips 👍🏻👍🏻 🙏🏻 and awesome work 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

I’m not sure what I appreciate more… The composition of your photographs or the composition and support of your argument. Regardless, i always learn so much from your videos. Thanks for the effort you put into this channel!

This is a good approach for Spain, where the laws governing public photography are much more restrictive. Solid advice, Sean 👏🏼

Great video 👌 my problem is that I’m completely the opposite of being shy and I get told off from my fellow street photography friends for approaching people and taking a portrait!! But after I’ve got the great shot my friends say ‘how did they let you take that photo’ and I say if you don’t ask you don’t get🤪

Thank You very much for this thoughtful discussion.

That picture at the start has a classic timeless quality to it that I love. There is nothing in that photograph that 'dates' it to any particular time. If you told me this was a candid moment captured of Winston Churchill I would believe it because the Barbican Estate (where this picture was taken) was around when Churchill was alive!

Very interesting! Good advice for streetphotography.

I like your approach to street photography Sean. It’s thoughtful and it avoids the cringy parasitic quality sometime found in more solipsistic street photography.

This is really interesting and helpful, thank you. I am a fisher! Recently I was photographing an empty staircase at Tate Modern and a man appeared at the top, saw me and hesitated. I called up to him to carry on. I photographed him halfway down without him realising. As he passed me he said 'sorry, that was bad timing'. I replied 'actually, it was perfect timing'. He laughed as he realised I'd taken the shot with him in it. A nice little interaction with no problem for either of us.

Puriste are dangerous, Their definition of street photography is their definition. When I saw the first picture I don't ask myself if it's a street photography I just enjoy the mystery of the photography , the strong shadows, the light curve etc. I'm a fisherman, to shy to interact, I'm not natural enough so people feel it and I feel that they feel it and i ask myself what I'm doing here? and go back home thinking that I will never go back again into street photographyy. 😀, Thanks Sean.

I love street photography and it is relieving and comforting to finally have a name for feelings I've had. I am a "fisher". Thank you 🙏

Your videos never cease to amaze me Sean, always so informative and beautiful.

Why didn't you post this 10 years ago when I needed it 🤣🤣🤣. Excellent advice! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Awesome video post.

I shoot film for creative photography. I'm not technical when shooting and developing. The cameras, unlike digital ones, don't have steady shot mode. Most people are still wearing a mask. I'm pretty sure faces appearing on my works are beyond recognizable. XD

Thanks for helping me learn something new today. Subscribed to your channel.

It exists. A photography channel with good images of the host. Very rare on youtube. Nice job !

I like street photography but I begin to wonder, what's the point taking pictures of unknown people! How can you enter their world without knowing them? Maybe it's better to photograph people you keep in touch with.

I shoot street photography in New York City. I am trying to capture candid photos of people. Specifically I want to document the people in my community so that future generations can see who we were. So I can't really hide who the people are. Hiding people is artsy, which is not my aim. Thanks for the video.

Thank you so much for this video, especially for "the hunter" and "the fisher" techniques. Felt like this was what I needed to hear. Much appreciated.

I may be a fisher. Thank you. I will embrace it. 👋🏼🇨🇦

"Oh sorry, I walked into your shot." Not a street photographer (yet) but as a sometimes sketcher and someone who takes zoo/agricultural show snaps, I can relate to this. (I laugh when I've been sitting there for 40 minutes and someone thinks that taking two seconds to walk past is disturbing me) Helpful! "That's not street photography" Pfff. I started and continue with M4/3 cameras. I stopped listening to gatekeepers and naysayers years ago.

I'm interested in your physical book but I stay in Malaysia. Is there any additional payment I might need to pay apart from the shipping cost?

I'm interested in your physical book but I stay in Malaysia. Is there any additional payment I might need to pay apart from the shipping cost?

For the first time ever, today I came across a situation of coercive control. In a street market in a Northern England town, with few interesting characters, I approached a couple (30s/early 40s punk/goth style - very well presented). I paid them a compliment, said I was doing a photo project and would like to take their photo. The wife's eyes lit up and said "OK". The husband immediately said sternly "NO! No photos" The wife apologetically said "sorry, my husband doesn't like me to be photographed" I said "OK. No problem" and left them to it but it was very uncomfortable. Not because of the photograph lost but seeing coercive control so close up.

Hunting? Some people could consider that stalking. Why be purposely annoying?

Hi sean I’m from down under australia 🇦🇺 one question please do you shoot street photography in B/W setting on your ricon gr3 … ore you do everything in mobile app editing??

I always save your videos for when I want to really listen to something useful, Thanks for another thought & creativity-provoking video Shaun.

I am happy, that we have a clear legal position here in Germany. No good situation for so called streetphotographers, who are hunting (and fishing) for stolen portraits. No one should be shown in the internet without the persons permission.

GDPR rules don’t apply to street photography which has exceptions based on artistic creation

What really great advice, thank you, Sean. Your take some stunning images.

Thanks for your advice and channel, always learn something new from your channel

This is interesting I feel like a lot of photographers I see online are taking this kind of approach and honestly I'm seeing a lot less of the reportage documentary style street photography. A majority of the pics I see nowadays are the inky blacked out shadows with the random person walking through it with an obscured face. This, along with people shooting with 85mm or longer, seem to be the most popular style going nowadays.

truthful and authentic to the point where I feel you´re giving away "too much" of your artistic approach. Thank you! A question to mix up labels even further: Is the fisher not more of an (urban) landscape photographer? Regarding the need for patience and preparation.

Wow Sean! brilliant video, thankyou so so much!

In the US if you're out in public you can be photographed, videotaped, and voice recorded the voice recording can get a little tricky but if you're in a public place were anyone can hear you then you're in the clear.

Here in my country its not a matter of being shy or uncomfortable, its a matter of security.

I did some approaches in Germany. I believe here the ppl are different. They see a camera and it always gets a confrontation. You just touch the cam and someone comes and asks if I just did a picture

great tip! i added a bit more to it. while waiting for a subject to walk into the frame im holding my face to the viewfinder and *click click click*. do a short burst with the silent shutter and keep my eye on the viewfinder until the subjects moves out the frame and it makes them think that you took a photo after they walked by. 😉

I don't think the person needs to be identified in the images for Street Photography. Street is about daily life. The unidentified person, represents the people as a whole. Just like life, we walk by so many people, we know they're there, but we don't pay attention to who they are.

Great insight about being the first person "at the scene". I'd never really thought about that before, but makes perfect sense to think of it that way.

Why is it called street photography when it's people (person or public) photography?

Very good advice! :) Missed your videos, I think I have some catching up to do

I use old Pentax 6 megapixel cameras for my street photography most of the time they give me more interesting pictures do to less dynamic range.( more gritty) I was recently in Europe as a tourist people were everywhere I included them in my pictures no one ever said a word to me as I photographed them with my camera.

Once I was at an outdoor concert. There was a toddler dressed in a graphic t , one of the bands on it I think. Thought it would be a really funny photo of the kid very large in the foreground with the stage in the back. Wanted to send it to my daughter . Felt like a right weirdo when I asked mother can I take a photo of her son and she refused. I took some funny photos of the commercials displayed on a large screen next to the stage instead.

A big thank you Sean. You have open up my street photography world from being a very shy Hunter, to a confident Fisher.

I think it's the correct approach viewing people as a form which interacts with an image without identity which detracts from the image. People viewing an image automatically focus on facial detail before assessing the overall image. If I shoot an image with people I tend to avoid this. Also is less confrontational. 👌

When I go out and try to shoot street photography and drone photography I arrange to take an off duty police officer, a body guard and a lawyer with me. Am I being paranoid ?

me myself don't think confrontation not worth it so I tend to use the fishing technique or what I call urban photography, to me it's all street & all good

Again, another very helpful video, thanks Sean

Good video. Have been using fishing tecniqniue for a few years it's good if your a bit shy .

Great video Sean. You’re 100% right. There isn’t any rules to follow on the streets, do what makes you happy and capture life the way you see it. Gatekeepers, stand aside and worry about your own work.

One of the best RU-vidrs around so thoughtful and talented

Thank you for the pointers! And thanks for all of your videos!

Hello Sean, A very interesting video, thank you. Take care. Paul,,

Really interresting approch!! Thx

I make faces at street photographers, so there's a lower chance it produces a usable photo.

Interesting stuff! I’m definitely a fisher but go one level further - I zone focus and shoot “from the hip” - people are just oblivious that they’re being photographed, which means I get very natural candid images. I do tend to walk as I do this so background can be a bit of a lottery! 😂

A particularly helpful episode. Great examples of your work and the work of others. Thanks for including the video clip of you working and making the image of the anonymous couple.

Great advice. Thank you very much 🙏🏼

Thank you!! As a beginner street photographer this definitely provides me with a more comfortable approach.

1:41 Holy crap that's an awesome photo!

Thank you so much sean for this now time for me to take your advice to the streets

If you have not already bought Sean Tucker's download of 5 years worth of stunning images, don't just sit there, buy it NOW! It is brilliant, and a £20 for the set it has to be the best bargain on the internet - bar none!

You are the well of wisdom for me. Thank you!

I like your shhoting style! IMO, there is too much pigeon holing anyway. If someone wishes to define street photography as "candid in your face unnoticed" only then so be it. Let's call it something else then. Personally, that's the style I like least. For me it tends to be either 100% consensual, i.e smiling at people / gesturing and then taking a quick street portrait (if done correctly this an still be very spontaneous) or the anonomized approach you describe. Apart from the slightly confrontational aspect (and legal in my country), I find a lot of these candid hunter shots less interesting.

Amazing content as always, thank you for keep inspiring us!

Thank you soo much for your channel and in particular this one. My shy nature has made me reluctant and stunted my growth in photography. And even at times doubtful about ever growing in this skill and artform. This has given me hope!

Sean. Is it okay to print those digital collections?

Thanks for a great video, Sean! I appreciate the way that you are respectful of people's privacy and at the same time are clear about your own goals in photography. I like the metaphor of the Hunter and the Fisher and both usually end up with something good. Thanks again for your thought provoking content!

I am also an introvert so i appreciate these tips very much.

I take photos of street performers. For a small donation they never have problam with it.

Great video my friend. I had never thought about the Hunter/Fisher idea. Very nicely done.