For all photographers, budding or experienced, major cities hold infinite opportunities for exploration and fun with your camera. Sometimes even spending weeks in a city is still not enough to satisy a photographers hunger! No matter what appeals to your eye, cities are sure to have some element that gets that shutter-happy hand going.
For amateur photographers though, the wealth of photographic opportunity that cities are home to can be quite overwhelming. I know from experience that this can often lead to you going home with a ton of ‘okay’ shots and not enough shots that stand out, having truly challenged your photographic eye.
I find that the best way to overcome this is to shoot cities with a theme, or themes, in mind. Even if you are not yet confident with your ability, or you feel that you camera is not equipped to take those kodak shots (which is not true), choosing a theme will help to narrow your eye towards shooting what you want to portray, instead of letting the city dictate what kind of shots you are getting. This way, you’ll be more satisfied with the shots you get.
Here are some helpful tips I follow when identifying themes in cities:
1. Spend a day without your camera: exploring the city without your camera will give you a better idea of what parts of the city appeal to you and that you would like to come back to and photograph. Feeling the vibe of the city without photographing it will give you a clearer idea of the shots you want. Often a day is not enough, so spend as much time as you feel is good and if it’s safe, do it on foot.
2. Speak to the locals: Besides for knowing secret spots for great photos, speaking to locals can often clue you in as to what makes the city tick. Speak to as many locals of different ages and backgrounds as you can, to give yourself a better idea of what might be out there to photograph. And they can also give you handy tips as to how to get there …
3. Pick a time of day: Different times of day hold different appeals in cities, but generally a specific time of day will appeal to you most. Time of day becomes important when you decide what you want to photograph.
Remember, being an amateur photographer, the message behind your photos doesn’t have to change the world just yet. Choosing a theme is just a fun way to make a more personal collection of memories of your visit.
Ideas to keep it interesting:
1. Don’t stick to just one theme. Identify as many themes as you can and try to photograph all of them.
2. Shoot the same theme by day and by night. Even if you already have a feeling of what time of day works, sometimes the contrast betwen day and night can become the theme itself.
3. Less is more. Skyline shots are great for personal collections, but don’t go a long way towards contributing to a theme. Try to find little moments and situations to photograph in places that speak to you in the city. I find that parks are great places to shoot in cities because you can relax for the day while looking out for the shots you want.
The photos displayed above are all taken in the wonderful city of San Francisco. I felt that my memories of this city would best be kept in timeless fashion, as the city itself is brimming with timeless bits of history and life.
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