So, you want to hit the streets with your camera, but you’re still not sure which lens should be your go-to choice for street photography. Should you get a wide-angle prime and get close to the people? Or perhaps stay further away with a telephoto lens? Or maybe something in between? Decisions, decisions… In his latest video, Tim Northey, aka TKNORTH, helps you make the choice by sharing his experience, knowledge, and photos taken in the streets with different lenses.
There’s no one-size-fits-all lens
Tim emphasizes that there’s no single “correct” lens for street photography. The choice largely depends on your preferred shooting style and the kind of images you want to create. But use this guide to discover the strengths and weaknesses of different focal lengths to help you find your perfect match.
The wide primes (24mm to 35mm)
Spacious scenes: Wide primes like 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm are fantastic for capturing wider scenes and including the environment in your frame. They’re ideal for establishing shots that showcase the location and its atmosphere.
Composition challenge: The tricky part with wide lenses is that, with more elements in the frame, composing an image is more difficult. Busy scenes can be overwhelming, so consider shooting during quieter times.
Candid interactions: While 24mm allows you to capture candid moments while keeping some distance, Tim admits he doesn’t use it often for this purpose.
The 50mm prime
Balancing act: Tim considers 50mm a “transitional” focal length, offering a comfortable balance between capturing the environment and focusing on subjects. You can create establishing shots or zoom in for tighter portraits and details.
Subject engagement: This focal length is great for interacting with your subjects without getting uncomfortably close. You can show them in more detail while still including some context.
Abstract potential: While primarily used for capturing moments with subjects, 50mm can also be used for creative, abstract compositions.
The telephoto zoom (70-200mm)
Selective focus: Telephoto lenses like 70-200mm allow you to isolate subjects and zoom in on details. This can be useful for capturing candid moments from a distance.
Abstract explorations: Tim highlights the potential of telephoto lenses for abstract street photography. By isolating textures and colors, you can create a unique perspective on everyday elements.
Potential pitfalls: Tim acknowledges that telephoto lenses can lead to “one-dimensional” shots if you overuse them. They might not capture the essence of the street scene as effectively as wider lenses.
Learning from review and experimentation
As a bonus tip, Tim mentioned finding inspiration from Saul Leiter, a master of using color and texture in his street photography. Explore his work to see how he utilized telephoto lenses for creative compositions.
Tim notes how important it is to review your photos to see which focal lengths worked best for you and the idea you have. This self-analysis will help you understand your preferences and guide your lens choices for future outings.
But it all comes down to experimentation, there’s no substitute for it. Grab your camera, hit the streets, and try out different focal lengths. Analyze the results, identify what resonates with you, and discover the lens that best complements your street photography style.
[How To Choose Lenses for Street Photography | TKNORTH]
