For the past few months, I have developed a growing interest for street photography. It's a type of photography that puts you directly in the action and documents life as it is in the moment. There is so much to discover in this context: textures, colors, emotions... It's a huge playground! So here are my 3 tips to help you on your next outing.

People on vacation at the beach, by Kam Vachon

The Equipment

I strongly advise you to have a camera that goes unnoticed when doing street photography. The size of the camera can intimidate some people, so the smaller it is, the less likely it is to bother someone. Plus, it's much more fun to walk around for hours with a camera that isn't too heavy. 

Personally, I use the Yashica FX3 Super 2000 which is a film camera. I attach a 50mm prime lens and those two make a fairly small and light system. I often tried to do street photography with my mirrorless camera, the Sony a7 iii, but its size made things complex and I was much less comfortable taking pictures with it. 

I also had the chance to try the Fujifilm X100V that Gosselin lent me recently and I fell in love! It is so small and light and the quality of the pictures is incredible. In addition, the sound of the shutter release is very quiet. To me, this camera seems to be perfect for travel and street photography.

Man walking his dog, by Kam Vachon

The Location

My trick is to pick a specific area and stick to it for a few hours. For example, if I decide to go to Montreal, I would choose a neighborhood like the Mile End. I think it's important to take the time to explore a neighborhood. That's how you can find little treasures, observe the light and venture into lesser known streets.

The Human Approach

Street photography can be awkward and can also make us uncomfortable. Being comfortable behind the camera comes with practice, but I still have a few tricks that help me feel confident. I often listen to music that puts me in a zone of extreme concentration. It helps me disconnect from reality and think less about what people around me are thinking.


If I see someone very interesting on the street, I approach that person and ask if it is possible to take a portrait of them. The first few times, it can be awkward to do this, but over time, you quickly realize that most people are very happy to have their picture taken.

Man smoking a cigarette, by Kam Vachon
City of Light, by Kam Vachon

It's just a matter of approaching them with a smile and good intentions. It will show in your energy.

The important thing in all of this is to stay curious and on the lookout for action around you. 

I hope these tips help you on your next street photography outing!

Kam Vachon

Kam Vachon

Kam Vachon is a travel and lifestyle photographer and Gosselin ambassador. She believes that photography is a perfect marriage between her two passions: being completely free and experiencing new things every day. For Kam, it is a very important element that allows her to be happy while telling real stories that matter.

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