Whether you are taking a picture of a graffiti wall in Brooklyn or a dumpster rental in Fayetteville, here are a few pieces of advice to keep you safe and take the best shots.
There’s no doubt that cities are some of the most beautiful places on earth. Stunning architecture, hoards of people, and storied histories make these landscapes ever-changing playgrounds of inspiration for photographers. If you’re in a new city you may be tempted to stick to the classic tourist areas, but there are unfound treasures in forgotten side alleyways, residential buildings, and local pedestrians that are waiting to be discovered. This leads me to my first tip…
- Get the Lay of the Land
Talk to locals about which areas are safe and which are not, especially if you are a tourist. Also note that streets take on a different character at night, and a town square in the middle of the afternoon may suddenly turn unsafe when the sun goes down. Try not to attract too much attention to yourself by walking around with tons of equipment. Bring only what you need. If you insist on taking pictures at night, travel with at least one friend. This is also recommended for daytime photography as well.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing
Exploring a new city frequently involves many hours on your feet and in the sun. Make sure you’re outfitted in comfortable shoes and loose fitting clothing. If it’s going to be cold outside, dress in layers to keep in your body heat. You can also dress like a local and shop locally – local shops by default have clothing that works for their environment.
- Pay Attention to The Details
While it’s easy to spot a massive monument like the Arc de Triomphe, don’t forget about the little details such as cracks in buildings, interesting shop windows, and plants or trees.
- Bring a Tripod
Bringing a portable tripod will allow you to capture the city from a higher angle, allowing you to capture even more detail. Tripods also free your hands allowing you to get long exposure shots, stunning sunset photos, and panoramas with ease. Some cities have restrictions against tripods though, so be sure to check with local regulations.
- Take Photos of People, Carefully
People are just as big a part of a city as it’s buildings, and can be very interesting subjects to photograph. Remember that they are not inanimate objects, so treat them with respect when you photograph them. Avoid taking photos too close to them, and don’t take a photo with the intention of making fun of them. Instead, you’ll get a better photo if you aim to tell a story with your picture or try to convey a message. Using a smaller camera will help you go unnoticed, and you can try snapping the photo with your camera at your hip to be exta-undercover.
Cities are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and overwhelming places on the planet. Take your time and enjoy shooting the next time you’re there!