#Basic Photography, #Amateur Photography 

14 Best Camera Phones in 2023

by Ingrid Paola Miranda Marin

A camera phone is a mobile phone that has an integrated digital camera. The first camera phones were marketed in Japan in late 2001. Early models were very basic, featuring no more than a VGA resolution sensor, although later ones featured more advanced sensors and features.

  

What is the Best Camera Phone?

When choosing the best camera phone, you need to keep in mind several important features. The size of the sensor, resolution, the phone’s display, and focal lengths are the key factors to help decide which is the best smartphone camera for you.

1. iPhone 12 Pro Max

  

• Rear cameras: 12MP (ultra-wide, f/2.4), 12MP (wide, f/1.6), 12MP (telephoto, f/2.2)
• Front camera: 12MP (TrueDepth camera, f/2.2)
• Dimensions: 78.1 x 160.8 x 7.4 mm
• Weight: 228 g
• Price: $1,340.00

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is our pick for the best phone camera for photography. This offering from Apple has multiple innovative camera features that put it above its competitors.

The primary camera of the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a massive sensor that can capture crisp, bright shots. This new sensor also helps to capture fine details in landscape photography and macro images. 

Moreover, the main lens can let in more light due to its new f/1.6 aperture. This feature, together with the larger sensor, allows taking great shots in low-light conditions.

The main camera also has an ultra-wide lens with an f/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max also holds a 2.5x telephoto zoom lens, an upgrade from its previous 2x optical zoom.

It also offers a night mode enabled by a LiDAR Scanner and a portrait mode with advanced bokeh and depth control. These features are great for those who enjoy shooting portraits.

The camera includes a sensor-shift image stabilization system. This system was previously only available on DSLR cameras. This technology improves photo quality and also brings some great results when filming.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a versatile and high-end option if you’re looking for the best phone camera on the market.

2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

 

• Rear cameras: 108MP (wide, f/1.8), 10MP (f/2.4), 10MP (f/4.9), 12MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2)
• Front camera: 40MP
• Dimensions: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
• Weight: 227 g
• Price: $999.99

For those who look for an Android alternative to iOS, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a great option. Of all Samsung phones, this one has the best camera quality.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with five cameras powered by a high-resolution sensor. Two of them telephoto cameras and one 12MP ultra-wide camera.

This Samsung Galaxy has a 10x optical zoom and a 30x digital zoom which goes up to 100x. So if you like taking photos of athletes on the field or animals in the wild from a distance, this is the right phone for you!

The 6.8-inch HD screen is one of the best smartphone displays you can buy.

This smartphone also supports the S Pen, which is a nice gadget and offers creative potential.

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with a great 40MP front-facing camera with two zoom modes. This is one of the best phone cameras for selfie enthusiasts.

3. OnePlus 9 Pro 

• Rear cameras: 48MP (f/1.8), 8MP (telephoto, f/2.4), 50MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2), 2MP (depth, f/2.4)
• Front camera: 16MP
• Dimensions: 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm
• Weight: 197 g
• Price: $954.49

Our next recommendation for the best camera phone is the OnePlus 9 Pro. This phone is one of the best Android smartphones due to its features and quality.

The main 48MP camera on the OnePlus 9 Pro produces sharp images with bright colors. It also tends to brighten shadows. This automatically helps to make brightness corrections when shooting. 

The camera features 12-bit RAW, compared to 10-bit RAW used on most smartphones. This feature allows smoother exposure and color adjustments. This is a great option if you like processing your pictures and want maximum control when adjusting.

In addition, the OnePlus 9 Pro includes a 50MP ultra-wide camera, a telephoto camera with 3.3x zoom, and a monochrome camera.

The OnePlus 9 Pro comes in third after the Apple and Samsung flagship models.

4. iPhone 12 Pro

• Rear cameras: 12MP (ultra-wide, f/2.4), 12MP (wide, f/1.6), 12MP (telephoto, f/2)
• Front camera: 12MP (TrueDepth camera, f/2.2)
• Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm
• Weight: 189 g
• Price: $989.00

Packing much of the punch of the iPhone 12 Pro Max without the price tag! This iPhone features a triple camera system with 12MP sensors in every lens.

This camera also comes with a night mode which performs well in low-light situations.

The iPhone 12 Pro comes with some other great features, such as the Apple ProRAW format. This feature allows users to work with photography effects on RAW files, maintaining the quality of the photo.

Another great feature you will find in the iPhone 12 Pro is LiDAR depth sensing. This new sensor adds depth scanning to the photos and helps to improve the night portrait mode.

If you don’t mind a smaller screen and a lower optical and digital zoom range than the Pro Max model, the iPhone 12 Pro is a great option.

5. Google Pixel 5

 

• Rear cameras: 12.2MP (wide angle, f/1.7), 16MP (ultra-wide angle, f/2.2)
• Front camera: 8MP (f/2, 24mm)
• Dimensions: 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm
• Weight: 151 g
• Price: $699.00

The Google Pixel 5 has one of the best cameras on an Android phone. It only comes with two rear cameras, but their quality and performance are impressive.

This phone is great for portrait shots. Google’s software is designed to easily make brightness and color adjustments or add special background effects.

It’s hard to take a bad picture with the Pixel 5! This smartphone is one of the best camera phones you can buy if you like to shoot once and immediately share the picture. Pixel cameras are highly adaptable and will deliver good results at the first shot.

This camera also features 4K video recording at 60fps.

The Google Pixel 5 also comes with a 6-inch screen, water resistance, and wireless charging.

6. Xiaomi Mi Note 10

 

• Rear cameras: 108MP (wide, f/1.7), 12MP (telephoto, f/2.0), 5MP (telephoto, f/2.0) 20MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2), 2MP (macro, f/2.4)
• Front camera: 13MP
• Dimensions: 157.8 x 74.2 x 9.7 mm
• Weight: 208 g
• Price: $640.00

The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 features a main 108MP sensor, which is huge! You will struggle to find a resolution like this on other smartphones and even in DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. 

The Mi Note 10 uses quad-pixel technology, which combines four pixels into one. This innovative technology helps to create better photos in the night or low light conditions. As a result, the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 main camera delivers full frame images with great color balance and exposure.

The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 keeps colors true to life. But it also comes with an AI option that can make colors pop and sharpen an image.

7. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

• Rear cameras: 108MP (f/1.8), 12MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2), 12MP (telephoto, f/3)
• Front camera: 10MP
• Dimensions: 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm
• Weight: 208 g
• Price: $949.99 

If you are into telephoto photography, this is the perfect camera phone for you.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has an excellent zoom lens. Its 12MP cameras offer 5x optical zoom and 50x digital zooms.

This camera phone features a laser auto-focus sensor. This feature enables faster and more accurate autofocusing.

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is also a good option for those who are looking to shoot video. The Pro Video mode lets you shoot in 8K resolution, easily crop any frame from a video, and save it as a high-resolution image.

8. iPhone 12 mini

 

• Rear cameras: 12MP (ultra-wide, f/2.4), 12MP (wide, f/1.6)
• Front camera: 12MP (TrueDepth camera, f/2.2)
• Dimensions: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4 mm
• Weight: 135 g
• Price: $699.00  

9. Sony Xperia 1 II

 

• Rear cameras: 12MP (wide, f/1.7), 12MP (telephoto, f/2.4), 12MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2)
• Front camera: 8MP (f/2)
• Dimensions:166 × 72 × 7,9 mm
• Weight: 181 g
• Price: $808.79

The Sony Xperia 1 II is a great phone for videographers or users who enjoy shooting high-resolution videos.

This new camera phone can shoot at an extremely high 4K resolution and up to a 21:9 cinema-like aspect ratio.

The Xperia offers total manual control and shoots at up to 60 fps. Moreover, it delivers excellent results thanks to its optical and electronic stabilization features. It also has an innovative 3D sensor for focus and low light shooting.

For those looking for minimalist aesthetics and Android customisation, this is the phone for you.

10. Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus

 

• Rear cameras: 12MP (wide, f/1.5), 16MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2), 12MP (telephoto, f/2.4)
• Front camera: 10MP, 8MP (ToF depth-sensing camera)
• Dimensions: 74.1 x 157.6 x 7.8 mm
• Weight: 198 g
• Price: $229.99

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a good choice if you are looking for an affordable smartphone with solid features. 

The S10 Plus comes with three cameras on the back and two on the front.

The main 12 MP camera takes sharp and colorful shots, delivering good lighting and an excellent focusing system.

The ultrawide sensor in the second camera is a new addition. Samsung has also implemented a zoom-out feature that enables create a fisheye effect.

The S10 Plus lacks night mode, but it automatically widens the aperture to f/1.5 in low-light conditions.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is a great Android phone if you want versatility and sharp images without breaking the bank.

11. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G

 

• Rear cameras: 64MP (wide, f/1.8), 12MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2), 5MP (macro, f/2.4), 5MP (depth sensor, f/2.4)
• Front camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
• Dimensions: 159.90 x 75.10 x 8.40 mm
• Weight: 189 g
• Price: $389.95    

12. Huawei Mate 40 Pro

 

Rear cameras: 50MP (wide, f/1.9), 12MP (periscope telephoto, f/3.4), 20MP (ultra-wide, f/1.8)

• Front camera: 13MP (ultra-wide, f/2.4), ToF camera sensor
• Dimensions: 162.9 x 75.5 x 9.1 mm
• Weight: 212 g
• Price: $1,150.00

While it has excellent cameras, the Huawei Mate 40 Pro suffers from a hefty price tag. There are much more affordable Android options that are much kinder on the wallet.

You can be sure that you can take any type of shots with this camera phone. From landscapes, telephoto, and portraits, to low-light conditions and close up images.

Creatives would love this camera phone, as it offers plenty of photography modes from monochrome to portrait or light painting. But in our opinion, you can choose other phones that have more bang for your buck.

13. Google Pixel 4a 5G

 

• Rear cameras: 12.2MP (wide, f/1.7), 16MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2)
• Front camera: 8MP (f/2)
• Dimensions: 144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm
• Weight: 143 g
• Price: $579.00

The Google Pixel 4a comes with good cameras and editing tools. It only features two rear cameras, but the results are impressive.

The main camera is capable of capturing vivid colors and clear images. It delivers great results even in low-light situations, thanks to its Night Sight feature.

The Google Pixel 4a is also good at shooting video. It uses optical stabilization and specialised software to deliver stable and smooth footage. 

This phone is a good option for those who don’t want to spend too much but still have good results.

14. Nokia 5.3

• Rear cameras: 13MP (wide, f/1.8), 5MP (ultra-wide), 2MP (depth), 2MP (macro)
• Front camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
• Dimensions: 164.3 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm
• Weight: 185 g
• Price: $211.48  

If you are looking for a good camera phone at a low price, the Nokia 5.3 is the phone for you.

Despite the low price, this camera phone comes with four lenses. The ultra-wide lens is perfect to fit a large group of people or a wider landscape into a scene.

The Nokia 5.3 comes with creative tools like night mode and portrait mode. It also features a spacious 6.55-inch display and works with the Android-10 operating system.

It features HDR and scene recognition. The first one helps to maintain detail in highlight and shadow areas.

This camera phone is functional and is good for the price. But it can’t compete with the resolution of other phones on this list.

There are thousands of different smartphones in the market. Try to pick a phone that fits your lifestyle and budget.

We hope this list has helped you figure out which smartphone has the best camera for you! 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photographing Children Creatively and Successfully – Free Quick Guide

Download Your Free Guide Now →

Photographing children is both fun and rewarding. It is also quite challenging because the little buggers have minds of their own.

Kent DuFault photographed children professionally and almost exclusively for fifteen years, and he learned a thing or two about achieving the best results in child photography.

Here is what you will learn:

• Make it fun
• Explore the angles and environment
• Try alternative media
• Choose the time of day carefully
• Become invisible and show relationships
• Get down to their level
• Use anticipation and timing
• Be alert to interesting details or activity
• Think outside the box when dealing with an uncooperative subject

Get Your Exclusive Copy Below.

Photo Credit: Kent DuFault

Download Your Free Guide Now → 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 Watch these great Photography videos on Rumble.com  You can access the site by clicking on the 

title of each video below or by copying and pasting this link into your browser and clicking ENTER.

https://rumble.com/account/content?type=all

Nikon 6006 Camera

 

  My Sunday Evening 

 

61 year old demonstrates Nunchukas 

10 Photography ideas at home 

Inexpensive 35mm Film Camera

 

  Photography Contest 

  Best Portrait Camera Settings 

 

 

 

 

 #Basic Photography, Amateur Photography

Famous Portrait Photographers You Should Know

by Christopher Bryan-Smith 

Portrait photography is one of the oldest forms of photography. And nearly 200 years on, portraiture remains one of the most popular pursuits within the art form.

This is the history of portrait photography told through the lens of great portrait photographers. We’ll look at the best past and present portrait photographers.

Our journey starts with the great portrait photographers of times past. Then we’ll look at the best portrait photographers of today before finishing with the rising stars of portrait photography. It’s a journey that’s sure to inspire your own portrait photography.

Martin Luther King Jr. by Yousuf Karsh

Portrait photographers have been at the vanguard of the photography craft. They’ve documented some of history’s most famous and infamous individuals. And they brought photography into the mainstream.

Portrait photography has given us the protagonists of our shared history. They’ve connected us to presidents, prime ministers, and stars on the stage and screen. Their portraits are hung in prominent galleries all over the world. And they’ve graced the covers of Time, Vogue, and Rolling Stone. These faces have become part of public consciousness.

But portrait photography isn’t just about the big names. Portraits are about people. And portrait photographers use their cameras to tell personal stories. They capture the spirit of the people they encounter, from farmers to fishermen and businessmen to bandits.

As well as being a discipline in its own right, portrait photography is a feature in many types of photography. Portraits play a significant role in fashion and editorial photography. And you’ll find portraits everywhere, from photojournalism to wedding photography.

Portrait photography endures because we love characters. We want to know the players in the stories humans tell. And the best portrait photographers let us look at hearts and souls laid bare on celluloid. Portrait photography allows us to connect with people we may never know.

“Afghan Girl with Green Shawl” by Steve McCurry 

1. Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879)

Sir John Herschel by Julia Margaret Cameron

Julia Margaret Cameron was a true trailblazer of portrait photography. Not only was she a woman thriving in a man’s world, but she also developed her own style of portrait photography. Her style wasn’t appreciated in her own time, and many criticized her work. 

But over the years, her portraits have been praised for their genuine intimacy. Her portrait photos are softly focused with a natural feel. They were at odds with the stale and static portraits of the Victorian era.

Her subjects were the great and the good of upper-class Victorian society. Her most prominent subjects were Charles Darwin, Henry Taylor, and Sir John Herschel.

See more of Julia Margaret Cameron’s work here.

“Lago” by Julia Margaret Cameron 

2. Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952)

“Qahatika Girl” by Edward S. Curtis

Edward S. Curtis is one of the most important names in American photography. He was a photographer working in the American West near the turn of the century. His portrait collection is an important historical archive.

Curtis photographed hundreds of indigenous people from various tribal groups across America. They include the Hopi tribes in the southwest and the Inuit peoples in the north.

His subjects include names eternally linked to the myth of the Wild West. The portraits of Geronimo, Red Cloud, and Chief Joseph are particularly special. 

Check out Edward S Curtis’s masterworks here.

Geronimo by Edward S. Curtis

3. James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) 

James Van Der Zee was an essential part of the Harlem Renaissance of the ’20s and ’30s. His portraits are stylish and well-crafted. But his work also serves as a historical document for a significant moment in African-American history.

Van Der Zee used his camera to document the fashions and figures of a black culture revival in New York. His portraits show a middle-class African-American society. It’s a self-confident community that was thriving culturally.

Some of his notable subjects are dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and civil rights leader Marcus Garvey. He worked mainly in a studio, using lavish props and set dressings.

This James Van Der Zee collection is the best way to see Harlem in its heyday.“Lady in Chair” by James Van Der Zee 

4. George Hurrell (1904-1992)

George Hurrell is a portrait photographer from the golden age of cinema. As the official photographer of MGM Studio, his portraits captured some of Hollywood’s most iconic actors and actresses.

Hurrell’s celebrated list of subjects includes everyone from Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart to Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe.

The archetypal celebrity photographer, his portraits are intensely glamorous. His collection strengthens the legend and mystique of this timeless Hollywood era. His style is dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and dark.

If you love Hollywood glamor, this George Hurrell collection is a must-see. 

5. Angus McBean (1904-1990)

Audrey Hepburn by Angus McBean

Angus McBean is often overlooked when it comes to lists of the most famous portrait photographers. But he shouldn’t be. His portraits were wholly original, blending a sharp style with surrealism and wit.

McBean’s style was less polished and more earthy than his contemporaries. His lighting was sharp and dramatic, which he used for a darker tone in his work. He wasn’t afraid to add surrealist elements or humor, even when working with Hollywood stars.

As a celebrity portrait photographer, he worked with A-listers like Audrey Hepburn, Vivian Leigh, and The Beatles.

This is the perfect book if you want more portraits from Angus McBean.

Hanae Mori by Angus McBean 

6. Philippe Halsman (1906-1979)

Muhammad Ali by Philippe Halsman

Philippe Halsman was one of the first great portrait photographers to inject a sense of fun into his work. He had close connections to surrealist artists and was a long-time collaborator with Salvador Dali.

His portraits are joyful and exuberant. His subjects are often snapped in mid-air as they jump and dance before the camera. But despite the humor, there’s always a personal warmth to his images. His portrait photos are uniquely personal.

As well as Salvador Dali, prominent subjects include Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, and Muhammad Ali. His skill behind the camera also led to a career as a fashion photographer.

Click here to see more of Halsman’s Jump collection. Or maybe you prefer his book of portraits.

Marilyn Monroe by Philippe Halsman

-------------------------------------------------------------

Camera Settings for Portrait Photography – Free Quick Guide

Download Your Free Guide Now →

Are you ready to take the next big step with your photography?

Virtually everyone begins their photography journey photographing static unliving objects. You know we’re talking about – landscapes, barns, and such.

However, almost all of us catch the bug at some point to start photographing people.

Portraits are challenging and very rewarding.

However, if you’ve never done it before, where do you start?

That’s where this guide comes in.

Jo Plumridge has over twenty years of experience photographing portraits. She is going to lay out the basics of getting started photographing people.

You’ll get some suggestions on the following:

• Equipment
• Camera settings
• Lighting
• Posing
• Backgrounds

If you are dreaming of photographing people, this is where you start!

Get it here.

Photo Credit: Fantastic B

Download Your Free Guide Now →

--------------------------------------------------------- 

(Shameless Plug:  Be sure to check out my videos near the bottom of this page.  If you like what you see You can visit my Photography video site on Rumble.com via this link: 

https://tinyurl.com/4hs6br2n 

While you're there, please smash the "follow" button so you'll be notified when I post new content.  Thanks for watching).  

 

 

 

 #Basic Photography, Amateur Photography 

by Christopher Bryan-Smith

 

1. Street Photography Ideas: Choosing a Theme

A theme will give your photos cohesion, which of course will make them work better as a set. The right theme will make each individual photograph stronger.
What kind of themes could you choose? Below are some photography project ideas you can easily be applied to the area where you live.   

• Transport – Transport is something we all use, so why not make this the theme of your street photography? Subways, buses, even bikes give you options you can explore photographically. Should you choose something like the subway, seek permission first from the relevant authorities.
• Markets – Many people congregate in markets, which makes them a great place to practice street photography. Will you concentrate on one specific market, or look to visit all the markets that happen in your area? Perhaps you will look at only one type of market, for example fish, and photograph fish markets in numerous locations.
• Location – The previously mentioned humans of New York project had its roots in a location. Why not look at a photography project similar to this, only from where you live? A study of your local area will be a rewarding way of really finding out about where you live, through the people who live there.

Locations like a fish market can be great for photography project ideas, and they’re full of 

personalities. 

2. Use Experimental Compositions

The use of a unique composition in every photo will make your work strong and recognisable. Projects are often about keeping one thing constant, and varying the rest of your content.
The use of a strong composition is one such project you can pursue, and once again here are some photography project ideas for this.

• Half face – Street photography is all about people. Why not go with an unusual composition of a half face? This type of photo has a detail element to it, and works well with a varied mixture of different faces.
• Minimal – Most street photography shows photos that have a lot of elements in them, in other words they are often busy. How about going in the other direction with street photography that has a minimalist tone? The use of photos against the sky, or against a wall are ways of getting this result.
• Body parts – Another photography project idea you could use is photographing a specific body part. The obvious thing for most people to photograph is the face, but how about a project where you only photograph hands?

Panning is a great way of creating a photo with a minimal feel, with the blurred out background. 

3. Use Light and Shadows

Using light and shadows is the hallmark of all good photography. When it comes to street photography both people and buildings can cast strong shadows, that can be used effectively for your work.
The photos you create will have strong light contrast, which will really make them pop.
How can you best achieve this? Read on and find out.

• A shard of light – This can be used as a type of spotlight on the face of your subject. Look for places that have a gap in the roofing, or an archway that the sun shines into. The background should not be lit up by the sun for this approach to work. Now set your exposure value to around -2 or even -3, and when someone walks into the sunlight take their photo. The result should create a low-key photo, with a black background, and a correctly exposed face.
• Cast a shadow – You don’t need to be a lord of light to cast a shadow! You just need to visit locations at the correct time of the day. The shadow will be longer just after sunrise, and before sunset, so factor this into your decision on when to photograph. Websites like suncalc can also help you plan when to visit a location, so you are getting the sun in the right direction. You can aim to photograph shadows of people, or perhaps use strong shadows on a wall to frame a person who is walking past that wall.

Sunlight reflecting off cobblestones can work very well for against the light photos with 

silhouettes. 

4. Striking Silhouettes

Once again using the light, silhouettes can look great in your photos. Photos like this are sometimes described as contre-jour, which is French for against the daylight.
This is exactly what these photographs are. To produce them you need to be photographing against a strong light, usually the sky. To get good results with this form of photography you will want to get strong silhouettes, with defined shapes.
When photographing against the sky this will almost certainly require you to photograph from a low angle, and up towards the sky.
The exception is a shiny surface, such as cobblestones when they reflect the light. In this case it’s an advantage to photograph from a higher angle.
Silhouettes will work very well for street photography, and you will get great subject isolation by doing this.

This photo shows a clear contrast in styles. There is also a story to this image, modern society is 

hypnotized by screens! 

5. Contrasting Styles

High contrast makes for great photos, but contrast is not simply restricted to the light. Look for other forms of contrast in the world around you, and you’ll have some great street photography.
How can you explore the concept of contrast with your photos? Take a look at the following and decide if you can make that happen where you live.

• Colors – The use of color combinations like red/blue or yellow/purple can lead to some stand out photography. Not every area will allow for this type of photography, but places like the blue city of Johdpurr are great for exploring this type of photography.
• Old vs New – Can you find people wearing old traditional clothes right next to people wearing modern ones? This can be an exciting photography project that you can use to explore the culture of your home area.

6. Photography Project Ideas With Numbers, the 365 or 52!

One of the greatest photography project ideas of recent times were the 365 and 52 projects. Those not familiar with them, these are projects where you take daily or weekly photos for one year.
Now of course this can be applied to any form of photography, so why not have some fun and use this for your street photography! 

• 365 days – This is intense, and not for everyone. Taking one photo per day sounds straightforward, yet it can be gruelling. The key is planning ahead, and saving the easy photos for when you’re busy or not feeling well.
• 52 weeks – The less demanding cousin of the 365 project, this is a fun one to play around with. You can make this slightly more interesting by choosing a weekly theme, or perhaps changing the theme once per month.

Life is a daily grind, so choose your year long project with care.

7. Lighten the Mood

Why so serious? Street photography is about all life, and there are fun moments to be had wherever you photograph.

Juxtaposing a background against your main subject can be one way of adding humour to your photo. The scene needn’t even be funny, capturing a scene that shows the warmth of a genuine smile isn’t easy but will be a great street photo.
A word of caution here though. Capturing a photo which is funny because it puts someone else in a bad light could lead to confrontation later on if that person sees the photo and is unhappy with the result. 

The smile brings a lot of warmth to this photo.

8. Experiment With Slower Shutter Speeds

Your camera is a creative tool, and the ability to control the shutter speed allows for some more dynamic photography project ideas. This entails the application of panning and motion blur to street photography, techniques that will bring your photos to life through movement.
Typically you’ll not want to use too long a shutter speed here, experiment with exposures between 1/10th and 1/2 a second in length. 

Panning – In this case you’re going to follow the movement of a person, or perhaps a cyclist. The idea is to blur out the background, while keeping the object you’re following sharp. Depending on how fast the person or object is moving you will set the shutter speed accordingly. Typically panning photos are around 1/20th second.

• Motion blur – The alternative way of adding motion to your scene is to keep the background steady, and capture the movement of people with a slower shutter speed. You’ll likely need a tripod for this, so you’ll have a hard time not standing out. However the results can be very interesting. Don’t use an overly long exposure, or the people in your photo won’t show up.

Adding some motion blur to your work can create a much more dynamic image.

9. Look for the Decisive Moment

Well this is the essence of good street photography isn’t it? Yes it’s possible to get good street photos without this magical x-factor, but the really great photos are about that decisive moment. This is not an easy skill to master, as a lot of it is instinctive.
That said putting yourself in the right position to get that photo will allow you to, and with it the instinct will develop. 

Fishing – One way to get the decisive moment is to wait for it to come to you. This is a lot like fishing, as you need to be patient. In fishing you could be waiting hours for one fish to bite, and well this could equally be the case for your decisive moment photo if you choose the location and wait for the action.

• Quick on the draw – Alternatively you can model yourself on those western movie shoot outs, where you need to be quick on the draw. Visiting places like markets where decisive moments are frequent is a good place to practice what needs to be a lightning quick reaction.

10. Make It a Portrait

A great project to try when doing street photography is a portrait based one. There are many personalities out there on the street.
You’re not really looking at decisive moment so much with this type of photo, but capturing the emotion on the person’s face will give you much better results. Should this be a project you want to try, the following are a few tips for making it more successful. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• The approach – This project is going to require you to ask permission to take a photo of your subject. Working out who to approach, and how to approach that person will improve your chances. The chances of success are higher with people who are alone. Be polite and professional. Having a business card and explaining your project is a great idea.
• Build rapport – Having gained permission your next objective is to get to know the person. Ask about their day, and what they’re doing there. The more you know the better your chances of composing a photo that really shows that person’s personality.
• Look for the light – Having an agreement to take a person’s photo means you can control the light, and make a much better portrait. Using the ambient light that’s in your scene, and attempting to get some light in the person’s eye are both desirable aims.

Taking portrait photos means you will have to ask permission, though you can choose some 

great faces! 

Which of These Photography Project Ideas Will You Use?

No doubt you’ve delved into some photography project ideas in the past. Have you ever tried one with a street photography angle? Now is the time to get out and put together a body of work on just one subject.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Free eBooks to Help You Unlock the Secrets of Street Photography 

1. The History of Street Photography

Download now → To become a street photographer in the truest sense requires skill, artistic intent, and a clear vision for the outcome. In this guide, author Jo Plumridge gives you the history of street photography so that you can better understand how to be a street photographer in the truest sense.

2. Photographing Strangers

Download now → A lot of people find photographing strangers unnerving for the fear of being confronted or being objected to while taking photos in such a situation. This guide by Karlo de Leon will teach you how to approach this situation with confidence.

3. Short Guide to Street Photography

Download now → Kent DuFault discusses two methods to capture street photos, with practical tips that you can follow. The last section summarizes some handy tips that you should keep in mind when doing street photography.

4. The Different Genres of Street Photography

Download now → In this guide, photographer Diane Wehr categorizes street photography into three major genres: classic or candid street photography; street portraits; and geometric street photography. Learn the differences between the three with some excellent examples to follow along.

5. Street Photography: Making the Invisible Visible

Download now → In this special feature, Kent DuFault interviews Portuguese street photographer Vasco Trancoso. Learn useful tips and get insight into Vasco’s thought process as he creates some of the world’s most dazzling street portraits being done today. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

(Shameless Plug:  Be sure to check out my videos near the bottom of this page.  If you like what you see You can visit my Photography video site on Rumble.com via this link: 

https://tinyurl.com/4hs6br2n 

While you're there, please smash the "follow" button so you'll be notified when I post new content.  Thanks for watching).