Overview

This is where theory meets action. In this second course, taught by Troy Baird, we’ll head to the streets—equipped with knowledge, confidence, and the right gear. Whether you’re using a DSLR, film camera, or just your phone, we’ll explore how to make the most of it and begin developing a personal style that fits you. You’ll learn practical techniques like shooting from the hip, framing on the fly, reading the light, and navigating real-world challenges like nerves, distractions, and people. We’ll also cover gear setups, shooting modes, and the secrets to problem-solving in fast-moving environments. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: * Choose the right camera, lens, and setup for your approach * Develop your own shooting style with intention and consistency * Handle real-life street photography scenarios with confidence Who’s this for? Creators ready to hit the street with intention. To succeed here, you should have a basic understanding of your camera or phone settings and be eager to experiment. Instructor bio: Troy Baird is an Australian film director and documentary filmmaker with over a decade of global experience. Alongside his documentary work, Troy has pursued his passion for street photography, traveling extensively to dynamic locations including Cuba, India, Nepal, Japan, Morocco, New York, and across Europe and Southeast Asia. His creative journey has taught him to adapt, pivot, and continually refine his approach, culminating in a 9-hour Skillshare Staff Pick class that distills insights from over 200 books, countless films, podcasts, online resources, and ten years of hands-on street photography experience. Troy’s mission is to help creatives discover their own artistic voice and express themselves through street photography.

Syllabus

Mastering Your Gear for the Streets

This module lays the groundwork for understanding how your equipment affects your results in street photography. You'll learn the technical and creative implications of lenses, camera bodies, and add-ons like filters or tripods. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing setup, this module ensures you’ll make informed, intentional choices about your gear.

Personal Preferences in Gear & Workflow

This module moves beyond specs and into strategy—how what you wear, carry, and choose to shoot with influences your success on the street. From color decisions to camera type, the module helps you think practically and personally about gear as a tool for artistic expression.

Minimalism, Mindset & the Gear Mentality

Street photography is about movement, awareness, and reacting to your surroundings—not fussing with a bag full of lenses. This short but essential module reframes your relationship with gear, advocating for simplicity, spontaneity, and real-world experiences over endless upgrades.

Defining Your Visual Style

What separates a decent photo from a powerful one? In this module, you'll uncover the building blocks of photographic style, from framing to post-processing. Discover how your personal lens—both literal and figurative—shapes the way you see the world, and learn how to fine-tune it for consistency and impact.

Real-World Street Challenges & Ethical Choices

Street photography often comes with unpredictability, rejection, and moral dilemmas. This module helps you build thick skin and thoughtful perspective. You'll explore how to approach strangers, how to recover from failures, and how to navigate the ethical lines of public space photography.

Navigating Human Moments on the Street

To create compelling street images, you need more than a quick shutter finger—you need time, patience, and connection. This final module teaches you how to wait for the right moment, interact with your subjects meaningfully, and elevate your work beyond clichés by diving deeper into your surroundings.