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Go when the light is beautiful

Beautiful light is the key to atmospheric portraits that capture the spirit and atmosphere of a place. You increase your chances of taking beautiful photos exponentially when you go outside when the light is beautiful.

Of course, in candid photography, you can't always choose the light, cloud cover or time of day – but if possible, you should go outside at the end of the day during the golden hour. On days when the sun is at its highest, the light is often too harsh to capture beautiful images.

Dusk also offers many opportunities, especially with the mixture of artificial and natural light that you find in cities.

Ethics in street photography

I'll be honest: street photography can seem intrusive. You often photograph people without asking their permission first.

If you want to immerse yourself in the world of street photography, you have to accept this aspect. Every time you press the shutter button, there is a chance that your subject will approach you. Some people will take it in stride, while others may feel uncomfortable.

That's the moral balancing act of street photography. Many of us practise it because we have a passion for people, adventure and cultural exchange. The camera becomes a tool for capturing fleeting, precious moments that fascinate and move us.

The images we create have a special value – both in the present and from a historical perspective. Look at old photographs from the 1920s, 1950s or 1970s – or even from the more recent past, 15 years ago. Which images magically draw you in? Most of the time, it's the ones that capture people and culture. They spark interest, have cultural depth and transport the viewer to an ‘oh yes’ moment full of nostalgia.

Never forget: there are billions of people in this world. When you choose someone to photograph, you are making a statement. You are showing them that they are special, unique and worth capturing in a picture.

And remember: many of your subjects may feel lonely. By approaching them, striking up a conversation, listening to them and photographing them, you may be able to bring a small but significant moment of joy into their lives.