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

Going out on the streets to take photos can be inspiring, relaxing, and creative all at once. But what if you cannot find the time to go out?

In a busy life, finding time in your schedule to capture street scenes can be challenging. Sometimes the opportunities are already there; we just need to learn how to see them. Here are my favorite tips to help you make time for street photography, no matter how packed your calendar is.

Have a camera you can take with you anywhere 

The best way to shoot more is to always be ready. Get a small camera like a Ricoh GRIII, or just use one that fits easily in your everyday bag. It does not really matter what gear you use, as long as you bring it with you. Even your smartphone could work for street photography.

Make sure your camera is primed to go at any time. Keep the batteries charged, ensure there is plenty of room on your memory cards, and have your settings dialed in just how you like them. This way, you can start shooting the second you see a photo happening.

Want to hear how other photographers balance it all?
Finding time to shoot is a universal struggle. In episode 28 of Slices of Time, Michael Eugster and I share our favorite strategies for fitting street photography into a busy daily routine. Listen to the episode here!

What is the best time for street photography? 

Many people wonder about the best time for street photography. The truth is, the best time is simply the time you have available. However, if you are trying to squeeze photography into a busy schedule, certain times of day work perfectly.

Morning street photography is a beautiful way to start your day. If you can leave for your commute just fifteen minutes earlier, you will be rewarded with soft morning light and a city that is just waking up. 

Alternatively, the lunchtime rush offers a completely different, energetic vibe. You do not need an entire afternoon to get great shots; you just need to use the pockets of time already built into your day.

How to shoot busy street photography when you are short on time 

When you only have ten minutes to spare, you might feel like it is not worth getting your camera out. But ten minutes is plenty of time, especially in crowded areas.

Busy street photography is highly dynamic and perfect for tight schedules. You do not need to spend hours scouting a quiet, minimalist location. Simply stand near a bustling intersection, a train station, or a busy market. 

The sheer volume of people passing by means you will get dozens of compositional opportunities in a very short amount of time. Capturing a busy street picture is an excellent way to practice your timing and observation skills without needing hours of free time.

You can try to recreate Jamie Keith’s 10-minute one-roll challenge:

Embrace rain and dark street photography 

Do not let bad conditions keep your camera in your bag. It really does not matter if it is dark, rainy, or freezing outside. In fact, these challenging conditions will give you a refreshing look at the city around you.

Street photography in the rain is incredibly rewarding. People interact with their environment differently when the weather turns bad. You get rushing figures, colorful umbrellas, and beautiful reflections in puddles. 

Similarly, dark street photography allows you to experiment with cinematic shadows, glowing neon shop windows, and passing car lights. Bad weather is not an excuse to stay inside; it is a brand new creative opportunity.

Build photography into your daily commute and social life

You do not always need to schedule a dedicated photo walk. Instead, merge your photography with things you are already doing:

• Go to places earlier: When meeting with friends or clients, I often leave early. As soon as I can leave home, I will go. My friends will not be there yet, but it gives me half an hour to explore the neighborhood and do some street photography. It forces me to make do with the location I get, which always makes things more interesting.
• Hop off the metro a stop too soon: Whether you take the bus, tram, or metro, add an extra 10 minutes to your trip. Hop off one stop before your destination and walk the rest of the way. During that walk, look around and take photographs.
• Take your lunch outside: Often, we eat our lunch at work or, even worse, at our desks. Go outside and use that walk to search for food while holding your camera. The midday lunch rush in your city might become your favorite new photo topic.

Beginner tips for street photography 

If you are just figuring out how to do street photography and you are struggling to balance it with a busy job, my biggest advice is to keep it simple. Do not overcomplicate your gear or your locations. Growth as an artist is a constant struggle, but it comes from trying new things and refining what you are good at.

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