How to make time to do street photography in a busy schedule

Going out on the streets and taking photos can be inspiring, relaxing, and creative at the same time. But what if you can’t find time to go out? Here are some tips to find the time to do street photography.

In a busy life, finding the time to go out and capture scenes on the street can be challenging. But sometimes, the opportunities are there, but we just need to see them.

Have a camera you can take with you anywhere

A small camera, or just one that fits your bag. It doesn’t matter, as long as you bring one with you. And have it primed to go at any time. Batteries are charged, there is plenty of room on your memory cards, and your settings are dialed in just how you like them.

This way, you can go anytime you have the time or see a photo happening.

Sometimes, 10 minutes can be plenty

Settle for short times. You can’t have hour or day-long walks out in the city. Sometimes, all you get is 10 minutes, but that could be plenty for a great photo. Use that 10 minutes, even if it’s just for one shot. But chances are you’d be amazed at what you can achieve in that time.

Go to places earlier

When meeting with friends, for example, I often go earlier. As soon as I can leave home, I go. None of my friends would be there, of course, but it gives me half an hour, maybe an hour, to do some street photography.

This way, I’m also challenged as I don’t get to pick the location or timing. I have to make do with what I get, which always makes it more interesting to me.

Hop off the metro a stop too soon

Or whatever else public transport you take. Calculate an extra 10-15 minutes or so. And hop off the metro at the stop before you should and then walk to where you need to go. During that walk, you can look around and take photographs.

Schedule time in your calendar

Like any activity that matters to you, you plan to do it in some time. This way, you know you will have the time and space to do it properly. It could be any time you can find. Somewhere between meetings, after work, before work, on the weekend, …

Take any opportunity 

It doesn’t matter if it’s dark, rainy, or super bright and hot; just go out when you can. The conditions might be challenging, but they will surely give you a refreshing look at the city around you.

Take lunch outside of your workplace

Often, we just eat our lunch at work. Or even worse, our desk. Go outside, use that walk in, search for food, or find a cozy place to eat also to photograph. Lunchtime in your city might become a very lovely photo topic.

What do you do to make time for your street photography? Let me know in the comments below!