Street photograpy, by definition, means making images that are spontaneous, candid and storytelling. This kind of photography is sometimes used in newspapers and called "feature photography," and is often used without an accompanying story. It is meant to present a snippet of life, sometimes light-hearted.

Of course, street photography can also be a serious tool for social change.

Farm Security Administration photographers of the 1930s practiced street photography in the finest way, and many greats of photojournalism, including Henri Cartier-Bresson and Alfred Eisenstadt, excelled at it. Eisie's most enduring image, of a sailor kissing a nurse on V-J day in New York City in 1945, is one of history's best examples of street photography.

Street photograpy can be an enjoyable pursuit, but it takes great patience, energy and planning. Stake out a spot in a public park, or some other favorite place. It is important to have your equipment ready to go. Make sure you are loaded with the appropriate film. Pre-set your f-stop and shutter speed, and if possible, pre-focus. Make eye contact with people around you and offer a smile, so that you are not seen as a threat.

Remember, be ready at a moment's notice to shoot. Don't motor off many frames when a situation arises, but raise your camera to eye level, and wait for the perfect moment to shoot a frame.

Another method of making candid street photos is to use a waist-level finder on your camera. In the absence of this accessory for your particular camera, try a wide angle lens, prefocused at five or 10 feet, and shot blindly from the hip. The results are often surprisingly good.

If you are shooting for publication, remember to get names and other pertinent information. Street photography is a fun and meaningful pursuit, and one that is under-utilized today. Today's street photography is tomorrow's treasure. Is there anyone who doesn't enjoy looking at photos from another period and marveling at how things once were?

Photo Class is a series of lessons in photography by Billy Calzada for beginning and intermediate students. Visit Photo Class often, as new lessons will be posted periodically.