Navigating the Challenges of a New Photography Style
As a nature and wildlife photographer, I'm most comfortable capturing the beauty of the natural world—whether it’s the quiet stillness of a forest or the sudden flutter of a bird in flight. But recently, I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone and into the bustling streets of New York City. Trading in serene landscapes for skyscrapers and wildlife for city dwellers was a new challenge, one that pushed me to grow as a photographer. In this article, I want to share the challenges I faced during this transition, how I prepared for it, and what I learned from the experience.
The Challenges of Switching Styles
Transitioning from one photography style to another can be daunting. As a nature and wildlife photographer, I'm used to working in environments where patience and timing are key. Capturing a bird in mid-flight or waiting for the perfect light at sunrise requires a certain mindset and skill set. In contrast, street photography in a bustling city like New York demands quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to capture fleeting moments in a fast-paced environment.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the sheer pace of the city. Unlike nature, which offers moments of calm and stillness, the city is always moving. People, cars, and lights create a constantly changing scene that requires you to think on your feet. The unpredictability of urban environments meant I had to be ready to shoot at a moment’s notice, often without the luxury of time to compose the perfect shot.
Another challenge was adjusting to the different subjects. In nature, I’m used to photographing animals and landscapes, where the focus is often on capturing the essence of the subject in its natural habitat. In the city, I had to shift my focus to people, architecture, and the interaction between the two. This required me to rethink composition, lighting, and timing in ways I wasn’t accustomed to.
Preparing for a New Experience
Before my trip to New York, I knew I needed to prepare for the change in environment and subject matter. Here’s how I approached it:
Research and Inspiration: I spent time researching urban photography and studying the work of photographers who specialize in cityscapes and street photography. Understanding the techniques they use helped me to mentally prepare for the different challenges I would face.
Packing the Right Gear: Knowing that I’d be shooting in a fast-paced environment, I packed lighter than usual. I brought along my Nikon Z6II with the 50mm f/1.8 lens, which is perfect for street photography due to its versatility and ability to capture sharp images in low light. I also made sure to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as the city’s energy can lead to a lot of shooting in a short amount of time.
Setting Goals: To make the most of my experience, I set specific goals for what I wanted to capture. I knew I wanted to focus on the city’s architecture, candid street portraits, and the contrasts between old and new buildings. Having these goals in mind helped me stay focused while navigating the city’s chaos.
On-Site: Adapting to the Urban Jungle
Once I arrived in New York, I quickly realized that flexibility and adaptability were key. Here’s what worked for me on-site:
Embrace the Chaos: Unlike the controlled environment of nature photography, city photography is unpredictable. I learned to embrace the chaos and look for opportunities within it. Whether it was capturing the reflection of a skyscraper in a puddle or the candid expressions of people on the subway, I found that some of the best shots came from unexpected moments.
Stay Observant: In the city, everything moves fast, but there’s beauty in the details. I made a conscious effort to slow down and observe my surroundings, even in the midst of the hustle and bustle. This allowed me to notice interesting patterns, unique perspectives, and moments of stillness amidst the noise.
Be Respectful and Mindful: Street photography often involves photographing people in public spaces, so it’s important to be respectful and mindful of their privacy. I found that being polite, making eye contact, and sometimes asking for permission when taking portraits helped create a positive interaction with my subjects.
Experiment and Take Risks: Trying a new style of photography is all about pushing your boundaries. I experimented with different angles, perspectives, and even shooting techniques that I wouldn’t typically use in nature photography. Some shots didn’t work out, but others turned out to be some of my favorites from the trip.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Transitioning to a different style of photography was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to see the world in a new way. I learned to adapt quickly, think creatively, and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.
For photographers looking to try a new style, my advice is simple: prepare as much as you can, but be ready to embrace the unexpected. Whether you’re a portrait photographer trying your hand at landscapes or a studio photographer stepping into street photography, each new experience will teach you something valuable and expand your creative horizons.
As for me, this experience has inspired me to continue exploring different styles and subjects. While I’ll always have a deep love for nature and wildlife photography, I’m excited to see where my next adventure—urban or otherwise—will take me. Happy shooting!
