Article by Desa Desiree Tayting / Photos by Eunick Nobe
A story is everywhere. Look around and see every element of the surrounding linked to each other in one way or another. Look around and find a story intentionally (or even unintentionally).
These were just a few of a lot of points to digest after attending ALI Creative Learning’s Photography and Film Workshop and Seminar Forum on December 9, 2017. Excitement rushed through our veins as that day’s lineup of activities and talks were perfect for photographers and videographers, including those who aspire to become one.
(READ: These Are Some Amazing Photos of Manila’s Streets)
The said event started with what was said to be one of a photographer’s foundations – street photography. It was discussed by Mr. Joel Mataro, one of the country’s veterans in the field. You can find anything interesting even with just walking along a street, waiting for a bus to arrive, looking through the windows of a coffee shop, or during random moments in a rush hour.
Enthusiasts of stories inside pictures sometimes find something to capture and make a story out of. During these times, we immediately bring out our phones or cameras to document them. Before you start shooting, though, here are some tips on how to achieve better photos on the streets and include a story along with it.
5 Tips on How to Become a Better Street Photographer
5. Know Your Purpose
Mr. Joel Mataro, the speaker, discusses how to be an artist as a street photographer
First of all, ask yourself why you shoot in the first place. Are you shooting because of the number of likes you’re aiming to get? Or is your heart just telling you to take that image and capture it in a photo? Knowing the answer as to why you are doing it will greatly help you in becoming a better photographer.
4. Avoid clichés.
Example of a unique composition- a good play of elements
Mataro emphasized that good photos are so unforgettable that every time a you see it, you will always recognize it and know the artist behind it. The kind of photo that never leaves a person’s mind is usually different, so how about shooting in a place you’ve never been to before? How about skipping everyone’s favorite place to shoot? You may have seen the same ideas on the Internet and on print, but try your best to achieve a unique idea.
3. Have a good vantage point.
Whether it’s a closeup shot, a detailed shot, a medium shot or a full shot; find a vantage point that will capture your story. Experiment with distances and check if it will suit your subject and subject matter each time. Also, never, ever forget the importance of composition.
2. Travel deep inside yourself.
Joel points out that people may have different perceptions, but you need to stand by your vision. How you see your picture may not be the same as how your audience will perceive it, so ask yourself first: how do you define what’s beautiful and what’s ugly? The answers can only be found within yourself.
1. Embrace discomfort and face your fears.
Joel shares that he has encountered a lot of comments and criticisms before, but the hack is to ignore them and not turn them into your fear. Trying harder next time. Use them as tools to grow. Challenge your norms. One member of the audience shared that she took some shots along a bridge and almost got mugged, but the result was pretty amazing. (Still, always stay safe, though!)
Also take note that beauty is sometimes found in what we first seem to think are the ugliest places.
The most important thing that we learned is to just be yourself and to define your own rules. Joel says that many definitions are being given to street photography nowadays, but the essence lies in how a photographer captures a street photo. As long as you keep its components in mind and keep learning, you’ll always grow as a photographer.
This talk was part of a line of seminars and workshops by ALI Creative Learning, an online educational platform that offers classes conducted by some of the country’s well-known photographers and videographers, including Jason Magbanua. Become a member of ALI Creative Learning to enjoy their perks and discounts to workshops like this. They also offer six online courses to enliven your passion for photography and videography.
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