Street Photography Flashcards
7 cards from real Photography practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Street Photography flashcards as text
Robert Frank's landmark book 'The Americans' (1958) was groundbreaking primarily because of its:
Answer: Raw, candid portrayal of American society with unconventional compositions
'The Americans' was revolutionary for its honest, often unflattering depiction of American life using a spontaneous, unpolished visual style that broke conventional rules.
What shutter speed range is generally recommended to freeze typical pedestrian motion in street photography?
Answer: 1/125 to 1/500 second
Shutter speeds of 1/125 to 1/500 second are fast enough to freeze normal walking or moderate movement without motion blur.
What does 'working a scene' mean in street photography?
Answer: Staying in one location and photographing multiple moments as the scene evolves
Working a scene means staying at or returning to a promising location to capture different moments, changing light, and varied subjects over time.
For rapidly changing lighting conditions on the street, which metering mode is generally most reliable?
Answer: Evaluative or matrix metering
Evaluative or matrix metering analyzes the entire frame to produce a balanced exposure, making it reliable when lighting conditions shift quickly.
The 'Sunny 16 rule' is useful for street photographers because it:
Answer: Allows manual exposure settings in bright sunlight without checking a meter
The Sunny 16 rule states that in bright sun, correct exposure at f/16 uses a shutter speed equal to 1/ISO, letting photographers set manual exposure without a meter.
What technique involves holding the camera at waist level and pressing the shutter without using the viewfinder to remain inconspicuous?
Answer: Hip shooting
Hip shooting involves holding the camera at waist level and firing without looking through the viewfinder, allowing candid captures without making obvious eye contact.
The 'golden hour' lighting condition is preferred by many street photographers primarily because it:
Answer: Creates warm, soft, directional light with long shadows that add mood and depth
The golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—provides warm, low-angle light that enhances mood, creates long shadows, and adds dimensionality to street scenes.