What's the best default camera setting for street photography?

Aperture priority with a capped auto ISO is a common, forgiving choice — it reacts to changing light automatically while you focus on composition and timing rather than exposure math.

Do I need permission to photograph people in public?

It depends entirely on your country's laws — some places allow candid public photography freely, others restrict publishing recognisable faces without consent. Check local rules specifically, not general assumptions.

How do I choose camera settings before heading out?

The Lens & Settings Recommender gives a quick baseline for the lighting and subject motion you expect, which you can then leave mostly untouched for the walk.

Street Photography Checklist — Free Prep List

How to use this

What it does

A street photography checklist is less about specialised gear and more about being fast, unobtrusive and ready — most street photography is won or lost in how quickly you can react to a moment, not in what's in your bag.

What you'll need

Nothing required — just check items off as you prepare.

Steps

Work through the list as you pack and plan — add your own items, and hide the ones you never need.
Check items off as you complete them.
Download it as a PDF or copy it to print or share; tap "Reset" before your next shoot of this kind.

Reading the result

A checked, struck-through item means you've confirmed it. Your ticks and your own items are saved privately in your browser, so they're still there if you close the tab and come back before the shoot. The PDF prints the ticks too.

Tips

Use the related tools above to plan the technical details this genre depends on, alongside the checklist itself.

Learn more

What does a street photography checklist cover?

Why photographers use it

Street moments don't wait for you to change a setting or dig for a battery — a camera set up wrong at the start of a session means missed shots for the whole walk, not just one frame.

Common mistakes

Overthinking the gear instead of the settings. a single reliable prime lens and a fast, pre-set exposure mode matter more here than carrying multiple lenses you won't have time to swap between.
Not knowing local rules around photographing people. publishing rights around street photography vary significantly by country — check local law and etiquette before you're relying on memory in an awkward moment.
Carrying too much gear for a walking session. a heavy bag slows you down and makes you less approachable and less able to react quickly — street photography rewards being light and ready.

FAQ

What's the best default camera setting for street photography?: Aperture priority with a capped auto ISO is a common, forgiving choice — it reacts to changing light automatically while you focus on composition and timing rather than exposure math.
Do I need permission to photograph people in public?: It depends entirely on your country's laws — some places allow candid public photography freely, others restrict publishing recognisable faces without consent. Check local rules specifically, not general assumptions.
How do I choose camera settings before heading out?: The Lens & Settings Recommender gives a quick baseline for the lighting and subject motion you expect, which you can then leave mostly untouched for the walk.