Singapore is known the world over for its distinctive and regionally influential street art scene. Street art can be found everywhere in Singapore, from historic cultural districts like Little India and Chinatown to more contemporary Bohemian neighbourhoods like Holland Village and Tiong Bahru. What’s more, Singaporean businesses and government agencies have also recognised the aesthetic and cultural value of street art. Anyone who visits the Lion City will find vibrant graffiti-inspired pieces in shopping malls and public infrastructure throughout the country. 

Some things that set Singapore’s street art apart from the art you’ll find in galleries are the dynamic, resourceful, and temporal qualities of outdoor murals and installations. Singapore’s heat and humidity can be especially harsh on outdoor art, which causes pieces to deteriorate and take on a different character and new meanings over time. Many pieces are also painted over to make way for new pieces, as the space offered by property owners to street artists is rather limited. It’s no surprise, then, that photographing ephemeral street art pieces has become a favourite activity among Singaporean locals and tourists.

Thankfully, photography is now a far more democratic hobby than it used to be. The country’s tech obsession means that you can easily get affordable DSLR cameras and cheap mobile phones in Singapore with great specs for outdoor photography. If you’re interested in taking photos of local street art, here are ten tried-and-true tips that will put your photos above everyone else’s:

1) Maintain a Respectful Attitude While Photographing Street Art

With a few exceptions, any art piece that’s visible from a public street can be legally photographed. But just because you can take a picture of something, it doesn’t always mean that you should. Approach any art installation you want to capture with respect, and be mindful of the significance it may hold for the community. 

Refrain from damaging or altering the art in any way, and be considerate of the neighbourhood in which it’s situated. If you see the art on the wall of a private home, it’s also a good idea to ask the owner if it’s all right to take pictures.

2) The Best Camera is Whatever You Have on You

A lot of street art photographers make the mistake of putting the gear ahead of the photos. It may be true that expensive cameras, lenses, and lighting rigs tend to offer better performance or more fidelity to the subject. But the quality of the picture often depends on the skills and the perspective of the photographer. 

Moreover, having a camera—and any camera, for that matter—is better than having no camera at all. For that reason, avid street art photographers should also be comfortable using their smartphones, as their phone’s camera is more likely to be in their possession in everyday applications than their fancy high-performance DSLR.

3) Revisit Spots at Different Times of the Day

Street art can look dramatically different depending on the lighting conditions. For instance, a vibrantly coloured piece may seem more joyful in the noontime sun and appear more moody at sundown. 

If you see a piece that doesn’t speak to you, try revisiting it at a different time of the day. Once you understand the effects of natural lighting a bit better, you can begin using the soft hues of sunrise, the warm tones of the golden hour, and the intriguing shadows of the night to evoke specific feelings in your photos.

4) Pack Light

Opt for a lightweight camera bag or even just a camera strap to keep your gear secure and easily accessible. For a truly low-profile rig, consider just using a good mirrorless camera or a high-spec smartphone.

5) Learn to Shoot from the Hip

Sometimes the best shots come from unexpected angles. Shooting from the hip–or holding your camera at waist level and capturing scenes without looking through the viewfinder–can result in dynamic shots that give the otherwise static murals a living, organic quality. Mastering this technique can make taking good candid shots much easier and also lend an authentic feel to your photos.

6) Get Your Composition Basics Down

Composition plays a crucial role in photography. Pay attention to elements like leading lines, framing, symmetry, and the rule of thirds. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most engaging way to present street art pieces in their wider urban context.

7) Be Friendly, but Not Overly Familiar

If you encounter artists at work or locals around the art, engage with a friendly but respectful demeanour. Building a positive rapport can lead to valuable insights and connections that can inform how you’ll approach your succeeding shots.

8) Cities Are More Than People

The urban environment that frames outdoor art can also serve as a wonderful subject or counterpoint to specific pieces. Capture the juxtaposition of art against architectural elements, street signs, and people to tell a broader story.

9) Learn to Appreciate Motion

Incorporating motion into your street art photos can add dynamism and energy to an otherwise static display. Experiment with techniques like panning to capture the motion of people, vehicles, or even falling leaves affecting the artwork.

10) Use Your Imagination

Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with creative techniques. Play with perspectives, colours, and editing styles to give your street art photos a unique and artistic touch. You can even try using Adobe Express profile creator to craft eye-catching presentations of your work. Don’t be afraid to use post-processing tools to enhance your photos while staying true to the spirit of the art.

Capturing the essence of street art and putting your own spin on it requires a blend of technical skill, creative vision, and some basic communication skills. But even with these tips, the only way you can learn to take great street art photos is by grabbing your camera, hitting the streets, and letting your artistic eye guide you. As today’s street murals get painted over or fade away, you will be left with unique photos that not only capture another artist’s work, but also your own vision at a unique point in time.