Street Photography Must Haves – A Checklist

With the right gear, you can be a pro street photographer, capturing real-life moments as they unfold. Some of you are under the notion that street photography needs a huge gear setup, but that’s not true. What matters is how skilled you are and whether you have eyes for raw moments.

Creative street photography is all about simplicity. All you need is a small, lightweight camera, and a sharp lens, and you are ready to capture some great snaps. In case, you are a beginner, we have listed the essentials you will need to get started.

• Camera

Go for a lightweight and unobtrusive camera. You can use a compact mirrorless camera because it is perfect for this style of photography as they are less intimidating to subjects and also easy to carry.

• Lens

A prime lens with a fixed focal length like a 35mm or 50mm is great for street photography. These lenses are sharp, and offer a natural field of view that resembles human vision.

• Camera Bag

Choose a simple camera bag and make sure it is big enough to hold your essentials and keep your equipment protected from bumps or weather changes.

• Memory Cards

When going out for street photography, always carry at least one or two spare memory cards because you will need them to store your photos. In street photography, you often take a lot of shots in quick bursts, so running out of storage is common.

• Spare Batteries

Mirrorless cameras tend to drain batteries faster than DSLRs, especially if you use the LCD screen a lot. Therefore, carrying at least one fully charged backup is a good idea.

• Cleaning Kit

When you are out on the street, it can be dusty or wet. A basic lens cleaning kit can help keep your shots clear and gear in good condition.

• Flash

Carrying an off-camera flash can come in handy in low-light situations or if you want to add dramatic lighting. While it is not essential, it is nice to have creative shots.

Great street photography isn’t about having the most stuff, but about being ready for the moment. Carry these basic items and you are good to go.