Those who shoot street photography need inspiration from time to time. You just need to know where to find it.
Street photography can be a lonely game. Much time spent alone roaming the streets, hoping something of interest comes your way. Because of the isolation, and the fact that there’s no guarantee of getting a great shot, it’s easy to become deflated. You find yourself in a rut, and your camera starts to collect dust. While there are ways of getting out of a creative rut, sometimes you need a little more: you need to be inspired by those around you. Below are some top sources of inspiration.
1. Hardcore Street Photography (HCSP)
HCSP has been around for 14 years. It’s a Flickr group dedicated to raw, candid photography. It has a reputation for being ruthless when it comes to critiquing. But that’s a good thing, as you always know where you stand. Members of the group submit their best photos, and the moderators decide whether or not they are up to scratch. Only the best images are accepted and then published in the group. Because of this strict selection process, users can expect to see only the best kinds of street photography. Spending some time viewing the group will undoubtedly make you want to push yourself further the next time you shoot the streets.
2. Valerie Jardin: Hit The Streets (Podcast)
When she’s not out creating street photography with her trusted Fujifilm camera, Valerie Jardin is creating her popular podcast. The podcast covers anything from ethics to the creative vision. Jardin also invites guests from the street photography scene onto the show. The topics and knowledge the show delivers are enough to inspire anyone who shoots street photography. You’re also encouraged to check out the work of the guests, who are of the highest calibers when it comes to the street.
3. Street Photography Magazine
Street Photography Magazine is a digital magazine dedicated to – wait for it – street photography! It’s very much a community-based project, with Bob Patterson leading the way. The goal is to bring street photographers together so they can all share, learn, and develop at the same time. Monthly photo submissions sent to the site are made into a digital magazine and the community can then celebrate how well everyone is doing. It’s a cool place to see good work, and if you’re feeling confident, to see if you can get your own work featured.
4. Sean Tucker (YouTube Channel)
Sean Tucker is a street photographer who knows how to produce quality video content. His channel has over 300,000 subscribers, and his videos are very popular. Sean’s biggest strength is his speaking. Clearly passionate about the craft, he’s able to transfer his energy to the people who support him. While he knows a thing or two about a good street photograph, it’s his enthusiasm that will give you a new dose of energy to go out and shoot. For the newbie street photographer feeling a little lost, Sean has many tutorials that will get you on the right path.
5. Street Photography International (SPi)
Whether you love or hate Instagram, it’s here to stay and remains a leading source of photographic content. The team at SPi recognized this and created a page fully dedicated to the candid craft. At present, they have over one million followers: that’s huge for a street photography account. On their feed, you’re going to see work from all around the world. You can enjoy different cultures, different climates, and different approaches to shooting.
Where Do You Get Your Inspiration?
Feeling inspired? Great! Now let’s inspire everyone even more. Share your top places for street photography inspiration in the comments below. If you’re feeling super confident, share your own work if you feel it can inspire others in the community.