Some ask me, “What is the best outfit for street photography?” For me, the worse, the better.
“But why? Isn’t it cool to wear some super clothes while strolling with a camera in one’s hand?” – Undoubtedly, you would ask me, my Dear Friend. It is much safer to wear the usual, inconspicuous outfit. During our photo walks, we can meet a lot of strange people. They could be drunk or on drugs. Some people, perhaps, would want to steal your camera. Thus, I believe that it is much better to try to avoid such situations through:
1) shunning such people;
2) wearing regular clothes so potential thieves will not want to steal anything.
Wearing ugly and old clothes possesses another advantage.
While walking through the streets of your city, you can get dirty. There are often some puddles or mud after the rain. I think it is much better to get a nasty old outfit dirty than a new, better one.
But, remember, my Dear Friend, that probably the best outfit is the one in which you will feel convenient and warm. If there is frost outside and you do not have gloves with you, undoubtedly, you will finish your photographic walk sooner than you expected. Remember also about shoes. Wearing a comfortable and warm pair of shoes is essential for a long wander.
If you do not possess comfortable and warm shoes, you will not make long kilometers with a camera in your hand.
Another crucial part of the outfit which you should remember is a raincoat. In Poland, rain can appear practically during the whole year. Thus, it is entirely reasonable that you will possess something which you will not get wet during your walk. A hood in your jacket or blouse can save your photo walk.
Umbrellas are inconvenient. Wearing both a camera and umbrella will fast discourage you from walking and taking pictures. Remember to wear a cap during hot summers so the warm, bursting sun will not be your worst enemy.
To summarize, my Dear Friend:
– Remember that it is much better to wear an old outfit during photo walks. You minimalize the chance of being robbed or getting dirty.
– Analyze the weather forecast and be prepared for frost, rain, or heatwave.
