I always bring my camera with me on walks, or on holidays. Looking for moments or things of interest to photograph. With no particularly aim. Just to do it when I feel for it and when the moment is there. On travels it might be specifically to take time out for street photography, but it also can be pictures that have a theme of the town I visit.
There are many ways to approach photography and Travel Photography can learn a lot from Street Photography. Both share some similarities and then, of course, have some different objectives.

Watch video at the end of this post.

Street Photography focuses much on candid moments in urban environments. But also have other approaches like urban sceneries and more artistic expressions, which is the part where I see travel photographers can gain a lot of inspiration from the street genre.

Capturing the essence of everyday life, often highlighting the interactions, emotions, and stories of people within the cityscape can add more storytelling to the travel photography genre.

Something I add to my photo workshops because it’s often overlooked and may be seen as less arty than “real street photography”. I include it in the lectures when asked for as many photographers will get better travel photos merging the techniques and approach from street photography. You can level up the quality of travel photography by adding something from the street photo toolbox, and get more joy with it. If it is a holiday documentation or more focused travel photography, there is a lot to learn and be inspired by.

Travel Photography encompasses a broader range of subjects, including landscapes, architecture, cultural events, food, still life and portraits. It aims to document the experience of a place and its unique characteristics. Like street photography but with a slightly different approach.

Street Photographers typically work spontaneously, capturing unplanned and fleeting moments. They often blend into the environment to avoid altering the scene.

Travel Photographers may plan their shots more meticulously, considering the best times for lighting and the most iconic locations. They often have a narrative or theme in mind to convey the essence of their travels. Spontaneity taken from the street photographers approach can add tension and interest beyond the classic travel photo traditions levelling up the game of travel photography.

Why not blend the skills?

Street Photography often requires lightweight and discreet equipment, carried around most of the day, where compact cameras are the best choice. Travel Photography might involve a wider range of gear, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and various lenses to capture different aspects of the journey, but it doesn’t need to. That’s where the workshop comes in. I’ll teach you to create stunning travel (and street) photos with a simple setup.

While street and travel photography have unique aspects, they share a common goal: to capture and convey the beauty, complexity, and diversity of the world around us. Whether you’re wandering through city streets or exploring distant lands, both genres offer endless opportunities for creative expression and storytelling. Let’s walk together.