If you’re into street photography - or you’re trying to get into it without feeling awkward about it - this video is a solid starting point. I share my top ten street photography tips, but I’m not just listing them out. I explain each one properly, with the thinking behind it, plus real examples and a few personal experiences that show how these ideas play out in the real world.

We start with understanding your environment, because street photography is as much about reading the scene as it is about reacting quickly. From there we talk about being respectful and discreet, which isn’t about being sneaky, it’s about not turning your camera into a loud interruption. I also come back to the basics I bang on about all the time: light, moment, composition. If you get those three working together, everything gets easier.

I’m also pretty honest about gear. It matters far less than most people think, and obsessing over it usually delays the thing that actually improves your work, which is shooting more and paying attention. We talk about post-processing too, because the edit is part of your voice, but it shouldn’t become a crutch.

Other tips include embracing spontaneity while still having patience (a weird combo, but it’s true), using light and shadow properly, working with themes and projects so you don’t feel directionless, learning from the masters without copying them, and finally building narratives so your photographs start to say something rather than just “look nice”.

If you’re after a practical, confidence-boosting set of street photography principles you can use straight away, this video will get you moving.