Let's talk about street photography: it's one of the most thrilling ways to capture life as it happens. Walking around with a camera can feel pretty intimidating at first. Trust me, I've been there: dealing with the voice in the back of your head about what people might think, worrying about awkward confrontations, or just feeling like you stick out like a sore thumb. But here's the thing: those fears? They're completely normal, and more importantly, they're conquerable. In fact, pushing through that discomfort can lead to some of your most incredible shots. In this blog, I'm going to share some real-world tips that have helped me get past those mental blocks and start embracing the vibrant world of street photography.

Understanding the source of fear

So what makes us nervous when taking photos on the street? You know that feeling when your heart starts racing and your palms get sweaty (the temptation to make an Eminem reference is strong here)? That's totally normal. Whether it's worrying about what others think, feeling like you're invading someone's space, or remembering that one awkward moment; we've all been there. The thing is, once you understand what's making you nervous, you're already halfway to conquering those fears.

Fear of judgment

Here's the thing about being judged by others: it's probably the biggest mental hurdle we face as street photographers. You know that feeling when you're out there with your camera, wondering if people are thinking "what's this person doing?" or "are they some kind of weirdo?" These thoughts can freeze you up, and before you know it, you've missed that perfect shot that was right in front of you.

But let me share something that really helped me get over this: everyone's way too caught up in their own world to care about what you're doing. I’m not kidding. While you're worrying about how you come off taking photos, most people are probably thinking about what they’re going to eat or are preoccupied on doing whatever it is you thought was interesting anyway. You know what? The few who do notice are often more curious than judgmental. Sometimes this is actually a strategy to get more compelling images: if they do ask you what you are doing (assuming they are asking in a friendly way, of course), this is an opening for you to move in and get more intimate photos!

Starting out wide

Coming in once he noticed me

Lining up to get the shot once I started talking to him (this wasn’t the final shot, you can see that in my “Work” page.

Fear of confrontation

Another big fear: the fear of confrontation. You know that nervous feeling when you're about to take a candid shot of a stranger? Your heart races a bit, wondering if they might get upset or confront you. I understand, it can be scary!

As I mentioned before, here's something that helped me once I drilled it into my head: most people are actually pretty cool about it. They're often curious and friendly rather than angry. The key is building up your confidence gradually. Start with simple, polite interactions and always respect people's space. Don’t start by trying to take intimate photos, but start wide and work your way in.

I've found that learning about the local culture and customs wherever you're shooting makes a huge difference too. When you understand how people react in different areas, it becomes much easier to approach them in a way that feels natural and respectful. Plus, these little cultural insights often lead to some amazing stories behind the photos you take!

Another effective strategy is to just become a regular. When you consistently return to the same district, shop, or street corner, people in the area gradually become comfortable with your presence as a photographer. This can become an effective way to reliably photograph street vendors. I do this myself and have also noticed other photographers doing the same—there's one photographer I see at the same intersection every weekend and holiday without fail, and his presence has become so routine that it’s become “normal” for him to be there even to me!

Building confidence through preparation

Getting prepared is another huge part of building up your confidence. When you've got your tools and game plan sorted out, those nervous butterflies start to settle down. Let me share some strategies that have made a real difference to me.

Know Your gear

Getting familiar with your camera is a huge confidence booster. Think about it: when you know your gear inside and out, you're not messing around with settings or getting flustered. You're just there, in the moment, ready to capture what's happening. Take some time to practice in different situations - it'll pay off!

Here's something that made a big difference for me: find a kit you like and stick with it. Using your gear will then become second nature. Once you really get to know your equipment, you'll feel that shift from uncertainty to "I've got this!" But hey, don't forget the basics - keep your gear clean (this is an example of do as I say, not do as I do) and check your settings regularly. Nothing kills your groove like realising your lens is smudged or you’ve been shooting with the wrong shutter speed for half a day! Don’t ask me what the best settings for candid street photography are, though - that depends on the situation.

Plan where you’re going

Before heading out, it can be beneficial to have a think about your route. Having an idea of where you’re going can give you ideas on what to look out for, lighting conditions, and potential challenges. Knowing where to go can ease anxiety and help you feel more in control.

Think about when the light is best, and consider the flow of people in the area. This preparation will not only boost your confidence but also increase your chances of capturing compelling images. Engaging with locals or fellow photographers can also provide insights into hidden gems that are worth exploring, further enhancing your street photography journey.

Embracing the moment

When you're out exploring with your camera, it's all about getting into that sweet spot - you know, where the fear just melts away and you're completely tuned into what's happening around you. I've found that being totally present in the moment, taking in all the sights and energy of the street, helps push those nervous thoughts to the back of my mind.

Practice mindfulness

Here's something I've found super helpful: mindfulness. It's not just a buzzword - it's about being completely present and soaking in what's happening around you. When I'm out shooting, this means letting go of all those "what if" thoughts and just experiencing the street as it is. The cool thing is, once you start focusing on the bustling life around you - the colours, the movement, the little moments - those anxious thoughts naturally fade into the background.

Let yourself become part of the scene. Take it all in. When you're truly connected to what's happening around you, that's when the magic happens - you'll start catching those real, authentic moments that make people stop and say "wow" when they see your photos.

Some people say listening to music while shooting is detrimental. I disagree: I think it depends on the person. Photography is a visual medium, and if music helps you get into the zone, go for it! On the other hand, if you are someone who wants to approach people or doesn’t want to miss audio cues (think people yelling or singing), then you probably don’t want to have headphones in. Me? It depends entirely on my mood.

Start small

A trick that helped me get started is to take baby steps. When I first picked up my camera, I started by shooting from a comfortable distance, catching those quiet moments without getting too close. Maybe you’ll want to use a longer focal length. The cool thing is, you're still getting interesting shots while building up your confidence.

Over time, you'll find yourself naturally getting closer, maybe using a wider angle lens and even chatting with your subjects. I remember the first time I worked up the courage to ask someone for a portrait - my hands were shaking! But each small victory makes the next one easier. Before you know it, you'll be wondering what you were so worried about in the first place.

Engaging with your subjects

The most rewarding shots I've captured have often come from conversations with my subjects. While these aren't necessarily my best photos, they’re some of my favourites. Of course, walking up to strangers is nerve-racking. The key is to approach people with respect: know what drew you to them and always be polite.

Approach with positivity

Here's something that helped me build confidence: approaching people with a smile and genuine warmth. I've found that when I'm friendly and authentic, people often respond positively. Quite often my method is to simply walk up to someone, smile and point to my camera. If they don’t know what’s going on, (usually there’s a language barrier), I’d point at what I thought was interesting and say “I like your …,” or “That’s really cool! Can I take a photo?”. The key is to simply project positivity and good intentions.

You'd be surprised how many people are actually flattered when you ask to take their photo! Even when someone says no (which happens to all of us), I try to remember it's just part of the learning process. Each interaction, whether it works out or not, helps me feel more comfortable for next time.

Listening and connecting

Sometimes language barriers can be an issue, but when you take time to listen to the stories behind the faces, that's when the real magic happens. I've found some of my favorite shots came from just chatting with people and hearing what makes them tick. Plus, there's something special about making that human connection - it helps those butterflies in your stomach settle down when you realize we're all just people sharing stories.

Don't be afraid to ask questions that get people talking. Something simple like "What brings you here today?" can lead to amazing conversations and even better photo opportunities. I've had five-minute chats turn into hour-long photo sessions just because I showed genuine interest in someone's story!

Photographing events

One tip I’ve mentioned in a previous blog is to photograph events, whether it’s a public event or a private event you’ve been given access to. These are by far the easiest way to ease yourself into getting familiar with shooting in public. For starters, there will probably be other photographers there, making it completely normal for you to be there too. Secondly, it’s an event! People will be expecting event photographers to be there anyway, so what’s one more person taking their photo? If alcohol’s involved, people will probably be even more open to having their photo taken.

Finding inspiration in fear

You know what's interesting about fear? When you're out there with your camera, embracing it instead of shunning it can actually push you to create some incredible work. Instead of letting that anxious feeling stop you from getting the shot, try to use it as fuel to capture something amazing.

Channeling fear into creativity

Here's something I've discovered: some of my strongest shots came when I was most nervous! It's funny how that works - those butterflies in your stomach can actually push you to see things differently and try new approaches. Instead of running from that nervous energy, try working with it.

Take approaching people, for example. It used to make me super anxious, and they still do. However, now I see them as opportunities for capturing all that amazing energy and movement. If I’m invested into getting the photo enough to overcome that fear, I think the photo shows that. Once you start embracing those challenging moments, you might be surprised at how your photography transforms.

Documenting your journey

Here's a tip that really helped me: document your journey. Whether it's simply keeping your photos organised in a way to easily look back or keeping a blog (this is pretty meta), tracking your experiences helps you see how far you've come. I still look back at my early photos sometimes and think "wow, I can't believe I was so nervous about that!"

Plus, sharing these stories with other photographers is awesome - it turns out we're all dealing with similar fears! Remember, every photographer you admire started somewhere, and they probably felt just as nervous as you do now.

Celebrating small wins

Remember those fears we talked about earlier? They won't disappear overnight, but that's totally okay. What matters is celebrating those little victories along the way. Maybe today you worked up the courage to take a photo of a bustling market, or perhaps you finally asked someone if you could take their portrait. These moments, as small as they might seem, are huge steps in your photography journey. Trust me, they add up!

Reflect on progress

Looking back at your photos and seeing how far you've come is super rewarding. Those moments when you pushed yourself - maybe walking up to someone interesting or catching that perfect street scene - they all add up! Every little win makes the next challenge a bit easier.

Like I mentioned above, I love keeping a folder of my favourite shots that show my progress. Not just the technically perfect ones, but the ones that remind me "hey, I was terrified to take this photo, but I did it anyway!" It's amazing to flip through these and see how those fears that seemed so huge at first have become totally manageable.

Set new goals

Now that you're getting more comfortable, it's time to challenge yourself! Try pushing your boundaries a bit - maybe experiment with a new photo style you've been wanting to try, explore a different district, or work up the courage to ask more people for portraits. Having these little goals gives you something exciting to work towards.

Keep the goals realistic though - no need to overwhelm yourself. What matters is that they help you grow as a photographer. Each time you tackle something that scares you, even just a little bit, you'll find those old fears starting to fade away. Before you know it, you'll be capturing moments you never thought possible!

Put in the reps

You only get out what you put in. To really overcome your anxiety, you need to be out there shooting! Not reading my blog!

Embracing the journey

Let's be real - like improving at anything, getting over your nerves in street photography takes time! Just like we talked about, it's all about taking those small steps, getting comfortable with your gear, and learning to work with (not against) your nerves. Once you start pushing through those uncomfortable moments, you'll find yourself creating some pretty amazing work.

So here's my challenge to you: get out there and start shooting! Every time you press that shutter button, you're not just taking a photo - you're building confidence and creating your own unique way of seeing the world. Trust me, future you will be so glad you started today.

Overcoming fear in street photography: when your camera’s braver than you