Actually, photography can be a lonely endeavor. As a woman(short, Chinese) carrying a large camera on the streets of the UK, especially without clients, you may encounter some unexpected situations.
Here, I'd like to share my experiences and tips with everyone.
My Principles: Safety First, Respect for Others
Oh well, before we begin, let me first explain something:
These are my tips and methods when doing STREET PHOTOGRAPHY without any client. If I’m working with a client, of course, my first and most important principle is: respect client opinion, and try to achieve something amazing together!
Where to Shoot:
When I'm out for street photography, I never wander aimlessly. I always choose a specific area on Google Maps beforehand. I also use Google Street View or ask friends to confirm if the area is safe. Every city in the UK has some unsafe neighborhoods. For my own safety, I avoid these places, even if they might offer great photo opportunities.
What to Avoid Photographing:
Avoid shooting private gardens, children’s faces, and anyone who might appear threatening.
This lesson came from experience⚠️
When I first arrived in the UK seven years ago, I didn't realize that private gardens were off-limits. I once took several pictures of a beautiful garden, only to have an elderly lady come out and confront me. Feeling very guilty, I showed her my student ID and apologized profusely. Since then, I've avoided similar scenarios.
Well, if you really really have to do so, don't point your camera directly to the private garden and avoid showing the 'identity' of the garden and the owner. Here's an example: I walked pass by this beautiful garden and took a picture from far away.

Stay low-key and Practical Tips for Staying Low-Key While Shooting
A. Choosing the Right Spot:
Crowded places like Briggate near Zara in Leeds aren't ideal for me. They're too chaotic and make you stand out with a camera. Completely deserted places aren't good either. The best spots are those with a moderate number of people, where you can observe quietly without drawing attention.
B. Using Natural Cover:
Shoot from behind trees or bushes. This not only helps you stay hidden but also adds some nice foreground elements to your photos.
Let's see some examples: I used the flowers to cover me and they made a great foreground.


C. Quick, Discreet Shots:
If I see a good scene, I quickly raise my camera, take the shot, and put it down immediately.
Immediately look away and pretend like nothing happened. This minimizes the chance of drawing attention.
Another example:

D. Patience is Key:
Sometimes, I hold my camera in one spot for several minutes like a statue. This way, people become unaware of the exact moment I press the shutter, and they eventually ignore me.
I really love this method and here's how I got these shots:



E. Decoy Technique:
If I know there’s a good shot at location A, I start by sweeping my camera from the sky down to B, then back to A and take the shot, and finally to C before lowering my camera. This way, people at A won't realize they were the subjects.
This is very practical, and here is my "moving camera a lot" shoot:

F. Avoiding Risky Situations:
If a scene or subject is dramatic but potentially dangerous (e.g., homeless people, drunk individuals, addicts), my strategy is simple: I don’t take the shot.
As a woman photographing alone, it’s necessary to sacrifice some good shots for the sake of personal safety.
Thanks for ready my first blog, and email me for more photography inquiries, I will be glad:)
I will start to post more of my photography thoughts, ideas and insights from now on. Welcome to subscribe!
Yandan
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