Street photography is a fascinating style of photography that focuses on capturing everyday life. If you're interested in exploring this style, here are some beginner tips to help you begin your street photography journey, along with suggestions for the best Sony equipment to consider using.

Explore street photography with Sony cameras. Get tips on gear, composition and storytelling to capture inspiring urban scenes with ease.

1. Start With The Right Camera + Lens Combo

Choosing the right camera and lens can make a significant difference in your street photography experience. Sony offers a range of cameras that are excellent for this purpose, like the Sony Alpha 7C II or Sony Alpha 7CR. Street photographer and Sony Artisan Katrin Eismann chooses as her go-to for street photography. “In street photography, I rely on the Sony Alpha 7CR's AI-based autofocus to track moving subjects with real-time eye AF for humans, animals and birds, which I just love,” she explains. “The camera is smaller and lighter, but it also sports 5-axis optical image stabilization, which is great in low light, allowing me to photograph the morning dawn or evening dusk and darker interiors and alleys all without the risk of camera shake.” Read more about her street photography kit in What’s In My Bag: A Compact Sony Alpha 7CR Kit For Street & Travel Photography.

Photo by Katrin Eismann. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 55mm f/1.8. 1/160-sec., f/8, ISO 100

Another popular choice, and an APS-C option, is the Sony Alpha 6700 – just ask street photographer Lina Staudt. She says, “The Alpha 6700 is a godsend when it comes to street photography. Not only can I switch focus points quickly via the touchscreen, I also like shooting in the High+ feature from time to time to get a shot just right. Plus the movable screen makes it easy to still get a good shot of my subject, even if I’m crawling around on the ground. It’s a great hybrid for pictures and video, excellent to bring along on longer trips. It’s also really lightweight, which is a must in gear for me!” See more on her street photography kit in What’s In My Bag: A Sony APS-C Kit For Travel & Street Photography.

Photo by Lina Staudt. Sony Alpha 6700. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/250-sec., f/2, ISO 160

You can pair your Sony Alpha camera for street photography with a compact and versatile zoom like the Sony 16-25mm f/2.8 G or Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 G. With these two lenses you can easily cover a broad range of what you might encounter while walking the streets of a city.

You can also pair your camera with a small and sharp prime like the Sony 35mm f/1.8. This lens is perfect for street photography due to its wide aperture, allowing for beautiful bokeh and excellent performance in low light, while its 35mm focal length provides a natural perspective that’s ideal for capturing street scenes.

Photo by Peter Kalnbach. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 35mm f/1.8. 1/125-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100

After shooting with the Sony 50mm f/1.8 for a long time (which by the way, is another excellent option), street photographer Peter Kalnbach added the Sony 35mm f/1.8 lens to his kit. “The focal length is just right to convey filmic scenes and stories,” he says. “I love the focal length so much I decided to upgrade to the Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master.” See the other gear he uses in What’s In My Bag: 3 Prime Lenses & A Camera For Neo-Noir Street Photography.

Ultimately, the gear you choose will be the foundation for your street photography and help you master the remaining tips below.

2. Observe And Be Patient

Street photography is as much about observation as it is about shooting. Spend time in your chosen location without your camera in hand, allowing yourself to absorb the atmosphere and anticipate potential photo opportunities. Patience is key – some of the best shots come from waiting for the right moment when the elements align perfectly.

3. Blend In

To capture authentic moments, try to blend into your environment. Avoid drawing attention to yourself by dressing inconspicuously and using a small camera setup. This approach helps you capture candid moments without disrupting the scene or making subjects feel self-conscious. Again, the gear you choose will play into this, and that’s why one of Sony’s smaller cameras with big features is an excellent option. “I can carry the Sony Alpha 7CR with a wrist strap all day long without feeling exhausted by a heavy camera body and backpack that screams tourist," says Sony Artisan Katrin Eismann.

Photo by Katrin Eismann. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 24mm f/2.8 G. 1/100-sec., f/5.6, ISO 500

4. Focus On Composition

Composition is crucial in street photography. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines and framing to create visually appealing images. Look for patterns, reflections and interesting juxtapositions to add depth and interest to your shots. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most compelling composition. Learn more about the rules of composition in our article, See How These Creators Use The Rules Of Composition As Creative Guides.

5. Practice Ethical Photography

Respect your subjects and be mindful of their privacy, especially when photographing people. If someone seems uncomfortable with being photographed, it’s best to move on. In some cases, asking for permission after capturing a moment can lead to an interesting conversation and provide you with valuable insight into the story behind your shot.

Photo by Monaris. Sony Alpha 7R III. Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master.

6. Experiment With Settings

Familiarize yourself with your camera settings to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Use aperture priority mode to control depth of field, setting a wide aperture for blurred backgrounds or a narrower one for more detail. Ensure your shutter speed is fast enough to capture movement without blur, and adjust your ISO to maintain a good exposure in different lighting conditions.

7. Tell A Story

Every photo should tell a story or convey a feeling. Focus on capturing emotions, interactions, and the unique character of your location. Look for elements that add context, such as signs, graffiti, or architecture, to enrich the narrative of your images.

Photo by Lina Staudt. Sony Alpha 6700. Sony 18-105mm f/4 G. 1/400-sec., f/4, ISO 100