Street photography

Ever wondered how street photographers capture those split-second moments of city life so effortlessly? This course will guide you through the art of street photography, building your confidence not only to photograph candidly and discreetly in public spaces, but also gain a deeper understanding of available light. You’ll work on location in some of London’s most dynamic and visually rich areas, learning how to tell powerful s...

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Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 02 Oct 2026
    End Date: 16 Oct 2026
    Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
    Course Code: VY947
    Tutors:  Michael Harding
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
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  • Start Date: 22 Jan 2027
    End Date: 05 Feb 2027
    Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
    Course Code: VY405
    Tutors:  Jad Oakes
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
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  • Start Date: 06 Jun 2027
    End Date: 20 Jun 2027
    Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
    Course Code: VY387
    Tutors:  Jad Oakes
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
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  • Start Date: 08 Jun 2027
    End Date: 22 Jun 2027
    Tue (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
    Course Code: VY957
    Tutors:  Michael Harding
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
    Add to Wish List

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
247175
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00

What is the course about?

This course will introduce you to the theory and practice of street photography - capturing contemporary urban life in a spontaneous, natural way, without interaction between photographer and subject. You will learn about the history of the genre and the work of its leading practitioners, as well as different creative approaches and technical skills from narrative and composition to lightning reflexes. By working on location in London's most vibrant areas, you’ll grow more confident photographing strangers, while developing your critical and visual awareness and a deeper understanding of photography as a form of communication.

What will we cover?

  • Traditional and contemporary approaches to street photography, in both colour and black & white.
  • The history of street photography and an overview of the work of influential contemporary practitioners.
  • Practical, ethical and legal considerations when photographing in public.
  • Specialist techniques for quick, reflexive picture-taking.
  • Narrative and composition, telling a story with a single image.
  • Online street photography collectives.
  • Working with light in uncontrolled environments (how to use shadows, reflections, silhouettes to best effect).

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Have a clearer understanding of how street photography has evolved over the past 100 years
  • Feel more confident taking candid photographs of people in public spaces
  • Have reflected on your own photographic techniques and style, identifying your own personal interests
  • Have a deeper understanding of reading available light
  • Have a better understanding of the legal framework for taking photographs in public
  • Create a small portfolio of street photography images

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Ideal for those who have completed our Photography for beginners course, or for anyone with a basic understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR, mirrorless or bridge camera (i.e. not a point-and-shoot). You must be able to use manual camera functions, including changing aperture and shutter speed.


You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussion. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Teaching takes place through a combination of location shoots, talks, demonstrations, handouts and practical exercises. You are encouraged to practise independently outside of class to help embed the skills and knowledge covered. The course uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group discussion. Instructions on how to log in are provided below.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring your camera and ideally a notebook. If you don't have your own camera, City Lit has digital SLR and mirrorless cameras (Canon, Fuji, Nikon & Sony), tripods and flash which you are welcome to borrow during the hours of the course. We are unable to lend equipment between the lessons.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit runs a wide range of photography courses, from portrait photography, studio lighting, documentary photography, analogue film processing and creative software. Browse the website to get inspired.

Michael Harding Tutor Website See more See less
Jad Oakes Tutor Website See more See less

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.