Street photography is a game of chance. Being prepared for unexpected moments is crucial. Just as a hunter who goes out in the woods, preparation can enhance your chances of catching something truly special.
Usually, I have my photo bag ready to go. But that bag is made for my corporate work. It is heavy and full of equipment, which is exactly what I do not want when hitting the streets of Antwerp.
So, I make a smaller setup for when I am going out to do street photography. Over the years, I have developed a routine and refined my recommendations for street photography gear to make sure I am always ready to capture the moment.
Here is exactly how I prepare, along with the best gear I rely on for street photography.
Before we dive into the checklist, I want to quickly mention my podcast, Slices of Time Street Photography Podcast. If you enjoy diving deep into the art of street photography, hearing about different routines, and learning from other photographers, you can find all the episodes there.
5 things I do before a street photography walk
Before I leave the house, I grab my camera and go through a quick checklist.
1. Put in a full battery
I check the battery and see if it is still full. It usually is, but if necessary, I replace it. Depending on how long I plan on staying away, I add a second full battery to my small street photography backpack.
2. Put in an empty memory card
I also check if there is a memory card in the slot. Imagine going out, taking the photo of your life, only to discover you forgot a card.
Not only do I check if I have a card, but I also always put in an empty one. I only format my cards when I know I have exported the photos and have them safely backed up. So, at the start of each walk, I format my card to give myself a clean slate.
3. Choose just one lens
I pick one prime lens to take on the walk with me. Lately, it has been the 28mm by default. But I have been using the 40mm more too.
Limiting yourself to one focal length forces you to be creative and move your feet. The only exception is when I am shooting something dynamic. For example, during the Pride Parade, I bring a 24-70mm lens because it offers more flexibility in that fast-paced event.
4. Pick a starting point
My photo walks are often completely random. I just go somewhere and see where the streets and the light take me. To be honest, it is often the same places right here in Antwerp. The only thing set in stone is my starting point.
Often, while locking my front door, I am thinking about where to begin. Once there, I just see what I feel like and where my curiosity leads me.
5. Tell myself it is okay to come home with no keepers
I also tell myself it is okay to go home with no keepers. I do tell myself to snap anything I see. As Chris Harrison said to me during his workshop, “Everything is interesting”. I just want plenty of options to choose from when I review my files later.
My street photography gear recommendations
People often ask me what the best gear for street photography is. The truth is, the best camera is the one you have with you and feel comfortable using in public. Here is a breakdown of my current setup.
The camera body
I shoot with the Nikon Z7II. Earlier in my career, I used heavier DSLRs like the D850. While the D850 is a fantastic camera, the Nikon Z7II is lighter, smaller, and quieter. This helps me feel much more comfortable photographing in public without drawing too much attention to myself.
The lenses
As I mentioned above, my go-to lens for street photography right now is the 28mm. It offers a beautifully wide field of view that captures both the environment and the subject. If you are looking for street photography gear recommendations, a 28mm or 35mm prime lens is the absolute best place to start. They are compact and unobtrusive.
The street photography backpack
You do not need a massive trekking bag for a few hours in the city. A small, dedicated street photography backpack is helpful. You want something lightweight that does not scream “expensive camera gear” inside. It only needs to hold a spare battery, maybe one extra lens, and some personal items.
The essentials beyond the camera
The best gear for street photography is not just about cameras and lenses. You also need to take care of yourself. I always add my Camelbak water bottle to my backpack. It keeps my water cool, which is very handy to have during your extended photo walks.
Depending on the season, sunscreen and a pair of highly comfortable walking shoes are just as important as your memory cards.
Final thoughts on preparation
Having a pre-walk routine and trusting your gear takes the technical worry out of the equation. When you know your batteries are charged, your cards are empty, and your bag is light, you can focus completely on the light, the shadows, and the people around you.
What is your routine? Do you have any favorite street photography gear? Let me know in the comments below!
One thought on “My pre walk routine and best gear for street photography”